Bessemer, Ala. — City officials in Bessemer have taken another step toward allowing construction of one of the largest data centers in the country, voting this week to recommend zoning changes that would clear the way for the controversial project. The Bessemer Planning and Zoning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend amending city law to allow…

FAIRFIELD, Ala. — The historic steel city of Fairfield is poised for a major boost as Nippon Steel, the new owner of U.S. Steel, prepares to invest up to $500 million in upgrades at the company’s local facility. The investment, part of an $11 billion national commitment by Nippon Steel, promises to modernize the Fairfield…

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The U.S. Army’s decision to restore the name “Fort Rucker” to its southeastern Alabama aviation base has sparked renewed debate over the appropriateness of honoring Confederate leaders at military installations, as the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of the Civil War. The base, which had been renamed Fort Novosel in…

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Urban Alchemy, a city-funded nonprofit tasked with addressing homelessness in Birmingham, is facing community backlash after displaying a profanity-laden banner at a recent farmers market event at East Lake United Methodist Church. The incident, which occurred June 7, has prompted criticism from residents and city officials, raising questions about the organization’s messaging…

BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. — A major cockfighting ring was dismantled June 14 in Blount County, where a joint task force of federal, state, and local law enforcement arrested 60 people and seized more than $100,000 in cash and two firearms. Among those arrested were 55 people identified as illegal aliens and five U.S. citizens. Five…

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A bill introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives would allow the state to contract with foreign nations to house its prisoners, drawing sharp criticism from advocates and raising new questions about the state’s ongoing prison crisis. House Bill 618, sponsored by Rep. Chris Sells, was introduced in April and is currently…