Data center fight reveals hard truth for rural Alabama: Counties have little say

Data cener opponents in Alabama are discovering that county governments have little power to regulate or halt such projects, fueling new debates over local control, zoning and home rule.

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‘Icon of Bay Minette’: Community, family rallies around Streets Seafood after fire

A food trailer will be placed at the Streets site on Tuesday and will serve food to customers starting at 4 p.m. The Overstreet family said their intention is to rebuild.

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Transparency or public shaming? Perp walks scrutinized after Prichard police chief’s arrest

The public arrest of Prichard Police Chief Walter Knight has ignited debate over whether perp walks serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose or unfairly humiliate suspects.

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‘Lame duck’ commission: PSC candidates question who should decide Alabama’s data center future

Candidates from both parties dispute over whether a soon-to-be-replaced Public Service Commission should be making decisions that could shape the state's energy future for decades.

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Halloween Returns: Take a Look Inside Alabama’s First Spirit Halloween Stores of 2026

Spirit Halloween has begun opening stores across Alabama, giving shoppers an early look at this year's costumes, animatronics and spooky décor weeks before many schools return to class.

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‘Save Mardi Gras’: Gulf Shores backs Saturday night parade, but some want Fat Tuesday tradition

Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said he is open to assisting organizers in maintaining a Fat Tuesday parade after the council unanimously voted to support a Saturday night parade in 2027.

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Orange Beach hotel project adds rooftop lounge, a first for Alabama’s beachfront

An Orange Beach hotel planned for completion in 2028 will feature Alabama's first public beachfront rooftop lounge, adding a new attraction to the Gulf Coast's lineup of iconic beach destinations.

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As $3.2 billion I-10 bridge project advances, Republicans and Democrats clash over credit

Alabama Democrats and Republicans are divided over whether the Biden administration’s funding or the Trump administration’s changes deserve more credit for making the project possible.

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‘We have no authority’: Mobile County commissioners say they can’t halt $6 billion data center

At issue is the proposed Calvert Infrastructure Hub by Canadian-based Beacon Data Centers.

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Baldwin County I-10 expansion: What to know about the project

In addition to the widening of I-10 and new $3.2 billion bridge project, other potential developments include a new 39-mile north-south corridor through the Eastern Shore connecting Barnwell near Fair...

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Stockton residents vote for zoning despite county exemption for proposed solar farm

Stockton voters approved zoning for the unincorporated community, but Baldwin County officials say the controversial Silicon Ranch solar farm will move forward under a grandfather exemption.

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Infirmary Health buys former Kohl’s in Spanish Fort for $7.1 million: Here’s the plan

The building at Town Center will be converted into a pharmaceutical facility servicing hospitals across Mobile and Baldwin counties, with operations expected to begin early 2027.

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Mobile approves $510,000 for security, furnishings at Regions Arena

Mobile officials approved more than $510,000 in purchases for furnishings and security equipment at Regions Arena as construction remains on schedule despite minor storm-related damage.

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Controversial 2,000-acre solar farm in Stockton may avoid new rules: Here’s why

Baldwin County officials say Silicon Ranch's solar farm could be exempt from new zoning rules if it secures a completed development permit before Stockton's June 30 zoning referendum.

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Pretty in pink? Gulf Shores pedestrian bridge lighting adds $408,000 to cost

Gulf Shores approved a $408,940 lighting upgrade for its new pedestrian bridge, raising the project’s total cost to $24.7 million.

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Pride banners, pastor’s challenge push Mobile to assess its display policy

Mobile is assessing its banner program after a local pastor’s request for a “traditional family” banner sparked a dispute over how the city handles privately funded messages on public property.

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New professional hockey franchise in Mobile may lean into city’s Mardi Gras roots

Mobile’s long-running push to brand itself as the true home of Mardi Gras is poised for a major boost as its new professional hockey team prepares to debut with a likely Carnival‑themed identity.

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Late‑night map change resets south Alabama’s congressional races — again

Alabama’s congressional races were reshaped again after the Supreme Court ruling reinstated a GOP‑drawn map, and reshaping the political landscape in South Alabama.

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Alabama congressional candidates voice frustration as election confusion deepens

Congressional races are mired in uncertainty amid shifting court rulings, new proclamations, and conflicting directives.

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Alabama lawmakers renew dark money disclosure push after bitter primary races

Alabama’s low-turnout primary triggered fierce backlash over dark money groups whose negative ads helped unseat several Republican incumbents and revived calls for stronger donor‑disclosure laws.

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Alabama state senator says he is ‘100% focused’ on primary amid congressional speculation

Alabama state Sen. Chris Elliott's opponent in Tuesday's election called out the senator via social media to see if he planned to qualify for a congressional run the day after the election.

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Alabama congressional candidates campaign in voided primary race

Five candidates in Alabama's former 1st congressional district gathered for a forum Tuesday despite the outcome of Tuesday's primary being voided. A new primary will take place on Aug. 11.

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Confusion swirls, but Alabama candidates and election officials say: Vote Tuesday

Congressional primary contests will be on the ballot Tuesday, but won't be counted. Still, officials say the public should vote on a host of other races on the primary ballot.

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Fast‑growing Alabama district unveiling $58 million in new arts and sports facilities

The Baldwin County School System is completing projects financed, in part, through the revenues from the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores school splits.

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Alabama voters face confusion as lawmakers debate new congressional map

Alabama voters are facing confusion as lawmakers consider new congressional maps that may not take effect unless the U.S. Supreme Court lifts an existing injunction, all while the May 19 primary proce...

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The brutal reality facing two Alabama hospitals — and the local fights that could shut them down

Local political battles and governance disputes are proving just as dangerous as Medicaid cuts for facilities that anchor entire communities economically.

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Fairhope woman seeks $2 million after acquittal in inflatable penis costume arrest

Renea Gamble, acquitted of criminal charges on April 15, is seeking damages and more from the City of Fairhope based on claim of false arrest, imprisonment and assault and battery by a police officer.

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Coffee shop with controversial name opens second Alabama beach location

The chain opened its Orange Beach location in Jan. 2023, despite some opposition from local officials.

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