Read more here: www.al.com/business/202...

~50 Alabama-based businesses have received ICE contracts for work across the country: $124 million since 2008. You can zoom in to the map to learn more about these companies, purpose of the contract and how much cash:
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ICE is pouring millions into businesses in Alabama. Here’s why Alabama businesses have earned $124 million in ICE contracts since 2008.

NEW: We dug into ICE contracts with Alabama ties. Here's what we found: state matches national trends of a ballooning budget and a concentrated marketplace

A big thank you to @goodjobsfirst.org for their national report

www.al.com/business/202...

Judge rejects bid to force emergency action against Alabama’s largest water utility The next step in the federal lawsuit will be a hearing scheduled for May 28.

NEW: Here's where the latest federal lawsuit against Alabama officials including Gov. Kay Ivey involving legislative oversight of Central Alabama Water stands after today's hearing in Birmingham

www.al.com/news/birming...

Roads are economic lifelines. Alabama’s Black Belt struggles with access, report finds The expansion of U.S. 43 in west Alabama is one project intended to better connect the region.

NEW: Disproportionately, residents in Alabama's poorest and most rural region have to commute outside of their home counties for work. And they have to take long, winding routes to get there.

Why this matters: www.al.com/news/2026/04...

How much are Alabama gas prices surging amid Iran war? Regular gas prices in Alabama surged to $3.21 per gallon this week.

Gas prices are skyrocketing, including in Alabama.

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NEW: Saddle Creek Logistics Services announced the layoffs are slated for April.

www.al.com/business/202...

Alabama does, too.

Birmingham places hold on new data centers, for now The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the six-month moratorium.

www.al.com/news/birming...

Birmingham places hold on new data centers, for now The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the six-month moratorium.

NEW: The moratorium doesn’t apply to any data center applications that are complete or already under city review. www.al.com/news/birming...

Lol!!!

That project is already underway so it won't be impacted by the moratorium.

BREAKING: City of Birmingham passes temporary suspension on data centers. Story to come

NEW: Clean energy and industry leaders weigh in on Trump's pledge for tech companies handling their own data center power needs

www.al.com/politics/202...

Roughly 6,000 children are in foster care across Alabama. Here's what we know about where they're located and why it matters:

www.al.com/news/2026/02...

NEW: It's been "all things data center," says the mayor of Columbiana, a small town of less than 5,000 south of Birmingham. The debate there mirrors similar restrictions on future data centers that are being considered elsewhere in the state.

www.al.com/business/202...

Data center proposed for Bessemer will move sites, city announces Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley and other city officials announced a shift in Project Marvel's planned location.

NEW: It doesn’t look like Project Marvel will be moving far. Here's what we know:

www.al.com/business/202...

Birmingham leads charge in campaign donations for Alabama’s next governor Jones raised more money in December than Tuberville, though Tuberville had a six-month, $9 million head start.

NEW: In-state donations have fueled the campaigns for both U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R, and former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D.

www.al.com/politics/202...

Salon distributor to close Alabama facility, laying off 80 workers SalonCentric told Alabama officials that the facility will close by June.

NEW: A wholesale salon and beauty supply distributor located near Birmingham is planning to close its facility, laying off nearly 80 workers.

www.al.com/business/202...

ICE arrests, detains more children in Alabama under Trump administration The youngest child arrested in Alabama in the last few years was about two-years-old.

NEW: ICE agents are arresting and detaining more and more children in Alabama amid President Trump's crackdown. Here's what we know about them:

www.al.com/news/2026/01...

Ex-HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy loses push to reopen $3B fraud case Richard Scrushy lost his attempt to get his former attorneys ousted from a related case this week.

NEW: Richard Scrushy lost his attempt to get former law firm ousted from a related case this week. Here's where one of Alabama’s most powerful and controversial business leaders stands with his renewed legal battles:

www.al.com/business/202...

Audit blames water board for theft and waste, former leaders call it a political trick The state report details a lack of inventory tracking and other policy violations while former board members question the audit's legitimacy and timing.

Not so fast: Former Birmingham Water Works board members dispute new state audit findings of poor management, incorrect payments and lackluster compliance under their watch as a politically motivated PR stunt. The audit was requested by the new board after it took over.
www.al.com/news/birming...

Alabama’s arrests of undocumented immigrants are rising Roughly 3,300 immigrants from 55 countries have been detained this year, through mid-October.

NEW: It's no secret that ICE arrests and detentions of immigrants are surging across the country. In Alabama, monthly arrests have more than doubled in roughly the last year.

www.al.com/news/2025/12...

Alabama reports fewer job openings in August, new data shows The data was late to release because of the federal government shutdown.

NEW: Hiring in Alabama stayed consistent in August, while the number of job openings dipped. The data is late to release because of the government shutdown:
www.al.com/business/202...

These are Alabama’s top-ranked colleges, per Research.com The five most popular degrees to study are business administration, psychology, computer science, counseling and nursing.

NEW: The median alumni salary for graduates in Alabama is $42,905.

www.al.com/education/20...

Beloved radio duo ending after nearly 50 years "The John Boy and Billy Show" is syndicated for more than 30 radio stations across the country.

NEW: “The John Boy and Billy Show” is signing off at the end of 2025, after nearly five decades on air

www.al.com/business/202...

Wendy’s jumps on viral ‘6-7’ trend with discounted Frostys: How to get yours The deal extends through Dec. 7 with online ordering.

Didn't anticipate explaining 6-7 for AL.com's audience today, but that's why journalism teaches you to expect the unexpected

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McDonald’s launches special-edition food item this week The collectible toy line includes 70 toys total.

NEW: McDonald’s is launching a new Disney-themed Happy Meal to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort.

www.al.com/business/202...

Selma hotel experiences Thanksgiving sewage flooding, claims no help from county The hotel affected by the plumbing issues is in Selma.

NEW: A break in a sewage line resulted in Thanksgiving Day flooding at a Selma hotel, prompting an outcry over a lack of response from the county.

www.al.com/business/202...

OSHA reports: Which Alabama employers report most injuries, deaths? Walmart is among Alabama's employers reporting the highest number of injuries and deaths across most of the state's 67 counties.

NEW: These employers reported the highest combination of severe workplace injuries and deaths in the last decade.

www.al.com/business/202...