Alabama
Amid community opposition, Alabama hyperscale data center project hits a speed bump
A vote by City Council members in Bessemer to send the proposal back to its planning and zoning commission could delay its final consideration by weeks, if not months. Residents worry the pause is only delaying the inevitable.
Birmingham looks to write new chapter as a tech hub
Alabama’s “Magic City” often evokes images of heavy industry, or the nation’s difficult past. A coalition of businesses, political leaders and others are looking to turn it into a technology leader.
Federal judge removes attorneys from Alabama DOC lawsuit after AI fabricated citations
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco said a fine "would not rectify the egregious misconduct in this case."
Birmingham, Alabama ‘steadfast’ in Tech Hub commitment
The Magic City received a $44 million federal implementation grant in January, only to see it rescinded in May. Mayor Randall Woodfin said he is confident of final success, but otherwise will keep building the city as a tech leader.
Alabama officials demand stricter reporting on $400M broadband expansion progress
State officials demanded more detailed progress reports from internet providers building the state's broadband network using public funds.
Alabama governor to weigh cellphone ban bill
Gov. Kay Ivey in her 2025 State of the State endorsed legislation to ban cellphones in schools, saying that social media is negatively impacting students.
Bill requiring app stores to verify age for minors in Alabama stalls in House committee
A bill to require age verification when creating app store accounts in Alabama stalled in a House committee.
Alabama Senate passes bills requiring device filters, app store age checks for minors
Lawmakers are considering two bills aim to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content online.
Alabama House bills would limit social media access for minors
A House committee heard opposition and support for two bills that would limit access to social media for minors at a public hearing earlier this week.
Self-driving cars aren’t here yet, but states are getting the rules ready
New laws aim to address safety, liability concerns.
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Can chief heat officers protect US cities from extreme heat?
Appointed officials have the life-saving solutions the public needs to stay safe from rising temperatures. But they don’t have political power.
One state is pioneering paying for roof upgrades as storms boost insurance costs
The approach aims to make Alabama a more attractive place to do business. At least five other states are trying to duplicate its roof program.
Pretrial diversion programs are effective. And expensive for participants.
Courts often charge high fees for people to get into programs that allow them to avoid prison. Alabama's Jefferson County is trying a different approach.
Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery to honor victims of slavery
The park features sculptures and wall with 122,000 surnames of the 4.7 million people formerly enslaved recorded in the 1870 Census.
GOP attorneys general charge into battle over state election rules
If the 2024 election is contested, Republican AGs look well-placed to push conservative legal arguments that could directly influence court decisions and infiltrate the broader public debate, experts say.
More places install drop-off boxes for surrendered babies. Critics say they’re a gimmick.
States began passing so-called safe haven laws more than two decades ago. But critics argue that however well-intended, baby boxes don't address the real problems facing parents and newborns.
New voter roll system unveiled after ERIC withdrawal
Alabama debuted a new system to manage the state’s registered voter rolls, completing a goal to replace the Electronic Registration Information Center system. Observers said the state seemed to simply be creating a newer version of the system it left behind.
The Fee Trap: Why Alabama’s local governments can’t shake fines and charges
The state’s tax caps mean governments have to turn to charges to keep running. It may not be sustainable.
A Campaign to Counter Christian Nationalism in State Politics
At a time when many Republicans appear increasingly willing to blur the lines between church and state, the Freedom From Religion Foundation wants to convince politicians that secular voters constitute a large and growing bloc.
Alabama Senator Calls on ‘Sore Loser’ Coloradans to Give Up Space Command HQ
Colorado politicians, however, are not giving up.
