Government
Fact-checking claims about a proposed hyperscale data center
The developer behind the $14.5 billion project in Bessemer has suggested residents’ concerns are based on misinformation. Here’s what we know about the project and its impacts.
Independent grocery stores have had a tough five years. SNAP cuts will make it harder
The bulk of sales for many independent grocers come from SNAP. Cuts to the program could leave some making hard decisions about their future.
Alabama officials worry about life-saving Narcan program’s future as CDC grants stall
OD2A funds helped Alabama make naloxone more widely available last year. Health experts say it's responsible for a promising downturn in overdose deaths.
Irondale police deny wrongdoing in death of Alabama man, dispute family’s account
Police employed no excessive force in the events leading up to the August 2024 arrest and death of Phillip Reeder, the City of Irondale and its police department said in a joint statement late Monday.
Alabama’s new utility commission president wants to hear from ‘all sides’
Cynthia Lee Almond spent four years in the Alabama Legislature and 16 years on the Tuscaloosa City Council before being appointed president of the state’s Public Service Commission.
Alabama man’s death is ruled a homicide after police kneeled on his neck
The death of an unarmed 52-year-old man who died after an Alabama police officer kneeled on his neck was ruled a homicide by a county coroner, according to an official autopsy reviewed by The Associated Press. The finding led lawyers representing Phillip Reeder's family on Monday to compare his death to that of George Floyd in 2020.
Lawyer says an Alabama teen who was killed by police was shot in the back
Authorities have not released police body camera video of the June 23 encounter or disclosed the name of the officer who shot 18-year-old Jabari Peoples in the parking lot of a soccer field in the affluent Birmingham suburb of Homewood. They also haven't released the findings of the county's official autopsy.
Judges to weigh request to put Alabama under preclearance for a future congressional map
Black voters and civil rights organizations, who successfully challenged Alabama’s congressional map, are asking a three-judge panel to require any new congressional maps drawn by state lawmakers to go through federal review before being implemented. The Alabama attorney general and the U.S. Department of Justice oppose the request.
Alabama utility commission allowed to hike prices behind closed doors, judge rules
The decision on Monday rejected a lawsuit filed by Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of Energy Alabama, a nonprofit that advocates for renewable energy sources.
Family seeks body camera footage from fatal police shooting of a Black teen in Homewood
Jabari Peoples, 18, was shot June 23 by a police officer in the parking lot of a soccer field in Homewood.
Caroleene Dobson to run for Alabama secretary of state
The secretary of state serves as Alabama’s chief elections official. The office also maintains business records and government records for the state.
The darter fish and the data center
A newly identified species is already in danger of extinction. A proposed massive data center in Bessemer would “nuke” its habitat, scientists say.
‘It’s pretty cool to see so many people who are all like me’: Birmingham celebrates Pride
Birmingham’s 47th annual Pridefest wrapped up this weekend, but not before a festive pride parade brought out revelers in colorful dress to the city’s Lakeview District Saturday night.
Crowds flood downtown Birmingham during ‘No Kings Day’ protest
Crowds stretched across multiple city blocks through downtown Birmingham on Saturday evening to protest President Donald Trump. It was part of a day of protests around the country dubbed “No Kings Day”.
On World Elder Abuse Day officials warn of financial scams targeting seniors
Sunday, June 15 is World Elder Abuse Day, a time officials raise awareness for seniors about potential scams they could come into contact with. According to FBI data, seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024.
Trump’s efforts to defund NPR and PBS playing out in Congress and the courts
Trump and other Republicans want to rescind more than $1 billion in federal funding already approved for NPR and PBS. The president also issued an executive order intended to prevent federal agencies from funding the two public broadcasting networks.
Looking into Alabama’s ‘Blood Money’: how taxpayers foot the bill for lawsuits by prisoners
The Alabama Department of Corrections settled more than 100 lawsuits against its corrections officers for excessive use of force since 2020. Inmates say officers left them with broken bones and brain damage. Beth Shelburne, a Birmingham-based independent investigative reporter, found that taxpayers are covering the cost in her four-part series for the Alabama Reflector called "Blood Money."
‘I don’t have no pity party’: Alabama execution set for Tuesday evening
Gregory Hunt is scheduled to be executed for the 1988 murder of Karen Lane in Walker County. It would be Alabama's fifth execution by nitrogen gas.
Court fees can pile up. An effort to make a more effective system stalls after Trump administration cuts
Court fines and fees are meant to hold people accountable. But for many, they lead to debt, arrest, and a cycle that’s hard to break. A project that started in Birmingham aimed to make the system better. But recently, the Trump Administration cancelled an effort to expand the research.
In vitro fertilization emerges as a central issue in the Alabama state Supreme Court race
An Alabama fertility lawyer announced her candidacy for the state Supreme Court, emphasizing her personal experience with in vitro fertilization and blasting a controversial 2024 decision that ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law.
Why did Alabama families drop their challenge to an anti-transgender law?
Alabama parents sued the state over a law banning gender-affirming care for minors, but they dropped the suit earlier this month.
Alabama AG Steve Marshall to run for U.S. Senate
Marshall, a Republican, announced his candidacy in a video that included multiple clips of him being introduced or praised by President Donald Trump.
US Sen. Tommy Tuberville announces 2026 bid for Alabama governor
His announcement on the Will Cain Show on Fox News followed weeks of speculation, and associates saying Tuberville planned to enter the race. The former coach is expected to be a formidable entry in the governor’s race.
GOP US Sen. Tommy Tuberville is expected to announce run for Alabama governor, associates say
Two people who have spoken with Tuberville about his plans said Thursday they expect him to announce a gubernatorial bid. They spoke on condition of anonymity because were not authorized to talk about a campaign.
Judge considers sanctions against attorneys in prison case for using AI in court filings
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco held a hearing in Birmingham to question attorneys with the Butler Snow firm about the filings. She said there were five false citations in two filings in federal court.
Ivey appoints first Black Republican on Alabama Supreme Court
Judge Bill Lewis replaces Justice Jay Mitchell, who resigned Monday. Lewis most recently served on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.
Bessemer residents want answers about a four-million-square-foot data center coming to their backyards
Residents in and around Bessemer are furious over Project Marvel, a plan to build a 4.5-million-square-foot data processing facility on 700 acres of wooded land. Public officials have been sworn to silence.
Legislative session ends with debate over police immunity bill
The Alabama legislative session wrapped up this week, but not before some contentious debate in the final hours on Wednesday night. The bill at hand was one that would expand legal immunity to police officers under certain circumstances. That's where we start our final legislative update of the session with Todd Stacy, host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television.
What was approved, and what failed, in the 2025 Alabama legislative session
Alabama lawmakers ended the 2025 legislative session on Wednesday. Here is a look at a few of the notable bills that passed, and some that failed, during the session.
Lawmakers pass bill to criminalize bringing immigrants in the US illegally across state lines
The legislation given final approval Wednesday protects “not only the citizens of Alabama but also the people that are immigrating here legally and doing everything the right way,” said the bill’s Republican sponsor.
Ivey signs a bill regulating the sale of hemp products
The law would allow gummies, drinks and other consumable products to continue to be sold, but limits the amount of psychoactive compounds in the products. It also puts restrictions on where the products can be sold.
Trump’s plan to bring shipbuilding back to the US? Port fees on Chinese vessels
Port fees on Chinese-built ships and operators will start in October, further raising the cost of trading with the United States.
