State: Closing 15 ABC Stores Will Save Money
The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board says it’s shutting down 15 state-owned liquor stores to save money. The agency announced the cuts late Thursday as a way to cope with a $5.5 million reduction in funding from the state operating budget.
All but two of the 15 stores being closed or consolidated are in south Alabama. Three are located in the state capital of Montgomery.
Officials say the 15 stores had combined total sales of about $11 million last year, but their total operating income was just $170,000.
The store closings are just one part of a reduction in state services based on the tight budget approved by legislators.The state is also closing 31 driver’s license offices, five state parks and as many as 19 National Guard armories.
Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
