Alabama

U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM) has started intelligence operations at its nascent headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, following President Trump’s reversal of a Biden-era decision to keep the command in Colorado. About 50 employees are conducting space analysis and allied coordination via the Joint Intelligence Support element. The command plans to relocate 200 of 1,800 Colorado-based positions by year’s end, half by 2028, and fully complete the move by 2032. The transition follows years of political controversy and congressional scrutiny.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 21, 06:58 PM UTC

On July 18, 2026, TSA officers at Alabama's Gulf Shores International Airport discovered five inert Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger's checked luggage, wrapped in paper towels. Initially feared to be live explosives, an explosives specialist and the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office confirmed they posed no threat. The passenger claimed ignorance of the items, which were later determined to have been stolen from nearby Fort Morgan. The artifacts were returned to the historic site.

15 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 3, 05:49 PM UTC

Waverly Advisors, a Birmingham, Alabama-based registered investment advisor, has acquired InVista Advisors, a hybrid RIA previously affiliated with LPL Financial in Montgomery, Alabama. The eight-person team manages approximately $332 million in assets under management, marking Waverly's fifth location in the state. InVista's team, including partners Carl 'Brandt' McDonald Jr., Austin and Michael Barranco, and other wealth advisors, have joined Waverly and dropped their LPL affiliation. The acquisition is Waverly's 35th transaction since accepting an equity investment in December 2021 from Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC's Aspire Holdings platform. Waverly now has total assets of $35.6 billion, 52 offices across the U.S., and over 450 professionals. This follows Waverly's June acquisition of WealthPlans and Cooley & Associates, adding approximately $250 million in assets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:14 PM UTC

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius has pledged to shield the company's U.S. business from a potential sales ban, following U.S. Senate legislation targeting Chinese automakers. The bill, approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, could bar Mercedes from selling vehicles in the U.S. because its top two shareholders—Chinese carmaker BAIC Group and Geely's billionaire founder Li Shufu—hold nearly 20% of its listed shares. Kaellenius stated the company is monitoring the debate and is 'deeply involved' in talks with relevant parties. Facing plunging sales in China, Mercedes is expanding U.S. production, having pledged over $7 billion in investments, including $4 billion through 2030 to boost SUV production in Alabama. The CEO also indicated the company could set up engine production in the U.S. depending on trade pact negotiations. U.S. sales grew 15% in the first half of 2026, helping offset losses in China.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:18 PM UTC

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced a $46.5 million funding opportunity for 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers. The centers aim to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt advanced manufacturing technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and biotechnology. Funding amounts vary by state and territory, with California receiving the largest share at $15.6 million, followed by Pennsylvania and Ohio at approximately $6.1 million each. Awards will be made annually for up to five years, subject to performance reviews and funding availability. Selected applicants must provide at least 50% in non-federal matching funds. The MEP national network includes about 1,400 advisors, 475 service locations, and over 2,100 partners. The program was created in 1988 under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:11 AM UTC

At age 84, US soul singer and songwriter Jerry Williams, Jr., known as Swamp Dogg, releases a new album titled 'Swamp Dogg Contemplates The Afterlife.' The album explores themes of mortality, the afterlife, and life reflection. Swamp Dogg, who reinvented himself in 1970 after early career struggles, has a history of experimental and genre-defying music. The album cover features him in a monk's robe with symbols of philosophical and religious texts, including Nietzsche's 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra.' The article traces his career from his 1954 debut to recent collaborations with artists like Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and John Prine, highlighting his persistent non-commercial, conceptual approach to music.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 08:13 AM UTC

The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems a contract valued at up to $400 million to develop the ground segment for Tranche Three of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This ground infrastructure serves as mission control, enabling communication with satellites and providing near-instant missile launch warnings. General Dynamics, which previously built ground systems for Tranche One and Two under a $491.6 million contract, will extend its existing architecture. The sole-source award emphasizes technical continuity. Work will be performed in Arizona, Washington, North Dakota, Alabama, and Virginia, with completion expected by September 30, 2030. The SDA has obligated $60.7 million from fiscal year 2026 funds. The PWSA aims to deploy hundreds of smaller, cheaper satellites for resilient missile tracking, with Tranche Three satellites expected to launch no earlier than 2029.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:50 AM UTC

The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems a contract valued at up to $400 million to develop the ground segment for Tranche Three of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This ground segment serves as the mission control infrastructure that communicates with the satellite constellation, directing tracking and relaying data to commanders. General Dynamics, which previously built ground systems for Tranche One and Two under a separate $491.6 million award, received this contract as a sole source acquisition to maintain technical continuity. Work will be performed in Arizona, Washington, North Dakota, Alabama, and Virginia, with completion expected by September 30, 2030. The SDA has obligated $60.7 million from fiscal year 2026 funds. The PWSA Tracking Layer aims to provide near-instant missile launch detection and fire-control quality tracking, with Tranche Three satellites expected to launch no earlier than 2029.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:50 AM UTC

West Marine, the largest U.S. boating and marine supplies retailer, is closing a total of 91 stores as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. The company previously announced 59 store closures and has now confirmed an additional 32 locations will shut down. Factors driving the bankruptcy include supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, and shifts in consumer behavior amid discretionary spending cuts. The recreational boating market has been impacted by declining sales, with new boat retail unit sales dropping 8.8% year-over-year in 2025. West Marine aims to strengthen its balance sheet and reduce debt through the restructuring process. The closures span multiple states including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida, with 18 locations closing in Florida alone.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:17 PM UTC

Honda Motor confirmed on July 23, 2026, that a next-generation Ridgeline midsize pickup truck will be produced in the U.S. following a temporary production stoppage later this year at its Alabama plant. The future of the Ridgeline had been uncertain due to reports of a production pause linked to California emissions regulations. Assembly is expected to return to the facility within two years, likely in 2028. Honda's vice president of auto sales, Lance Woelfer, stated the goal is to serve loyal customers while increasing the vehicle's ruggedness and capability, though he declined to specify if it will shift to a body-on-frame design. Meanwhile, Honda's CR-V compact crossover led U.S. auto sales through the first half of 2026 for the first time ever, with sales up about 6% year-over-year, as competitors like the Ford F-Series and Toyota RAV4 faced production bottlenecks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:02 PM UTC

Honda Motor confirmed on July 23, 2026, that a next-generation Ridgeline midsize pickup truck will be produced in the U.S. following a temporary production stoppage later this year at its Alabama plant. The pause is due to the current model not meeting California emissions regulations, with assembly expected to resume within two years, likely in 2028. Honda's Lance Woelfer stated the goal is to serve loyal customers while increasing the vehicle's ruggedness and capability, though he declined to specify if it will shift to a traditional body-on-frame design. The announcement comes as Honda's CR-V compact crossover led U.S. auto sales in the first half of 2026 for the first time ever, with sales up 6% year-over-year, benefiting from production bottlenecks affecting rivals like the Ford F-Series and Toyota RAV4. Ridgeline sales were down about 3% in the same period, with annual sales ranging from 41,000 to 52,000 units since 2021, compared to over 270,000 for the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma in 2025.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 05:02 PM UTC

Honda Motor confirmed on July 23, 2026 that a next-generation Ridgeline pickup truck will be produced in the US following a temporary production stoppage later this year at its Alabama plant. The future of the midsize truck had been uncertain due to California emissions regulations. Production is expected to resume within two years, likely in 2028. Honda aims to increase the vehicle's ruggedness and capability, though executives declined to comment on whether it will shift to a traditional body-on-frame design. Ridgeline sales were down about 3% in the first half of 2026, with annual sales between 41,000 and 52,000 units since 2021, compared to over 270,000 Toyota Tacomas sold in 2025. Meanwhile, Honda's CR-V compact crossover led US auto sales for the first half of 2026 for the first time ever, with sales up roughly 6% year-over-year, as Ford F-Series and Toyota RAV4 faced production bottlenecks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:00 PM UTC

A new episode of the Academic Freedom Podcast, sponsored by the Academic Freedom Alliance and the Center for Academic Freedom and Free Speech at Yale Law School, has been released. The episode features Greg Greubel, a senior attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), who was a lead attorney in the case against Florida's Stop W.O.K.E. Act. The discussion focuses on the recent 11th Circuit opinion in Pernell v. Florida Board of Governors, one of the most consequential academic freedom cases in recent years. The podcast breaks down the First Amendment law surrounding academic freedom at public universities and considers implications for future cases, including ongoing litigation over 'divisive concepts' policies in Alabama and Texas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:20 PM UTC

A new episode of the Academic Freedom Podcast, sponsored by the Academic Freedom Alliance and the Center for Academic Freedom and Free Speech at Yale Law School, features a conversation with Greg Greubel, a senior attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Greubel was one of the lead attorneys who argued against Florida's Stop W.O.K.E. Act, which restricted faculty speech in public university classrooms. The episode focuses on the recent 11th Circuit opinion in Pernell v. Florida Board of Governors, described as one of the most consequential academic freedom cases in recent years. The discussion breaks down the First Amendment law surrounding academic freedom at public universities and considers implications for future cases, including ongoing litigation over 'divisive concepts' policies in Alabama and Texas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:20 PM UTC

Douglas County health officials have reported a rapid surge in Cyclospora infections, with Taco Bell identified as a primary exposure source. The outbreak is part of a larger national trend, with new cases also reported in Jefferson County, New York, and Alabama, which has confirmed 28 cases. In Wisconsin, a Milwaukee restaurant has reinstated COVID-era protocols to combat the spread. Health authorities are advising the public on how to lower infection risk, emphasizing proper food handling and hygiene. The outbreak has prompted multi-state investigations as cases continue to rise.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:24 AM UTC

This article from Business Insider identifies and describes the most iconic food for each U.S. state, based on regional or national recognition, historical or cultural ties, and enduring culinary identity. It highlights nationally famous dishes like Illinois' deep-dish pizza and Tennessee's Nashville hot chicken, as well as regional specialties such as Maine's cold lobster rolls and Colorado's Fool's Gold sandwich. The article also notes foods tied to major industries, including Alaska's salmon, Wisconsin's cheese, and Virginia's oysters. Specific examples include Alabama's chicken with white barbecue sauce, Arizona's chimichangas, Arkansas's fried pickles, California's avocado toast, Connecticut's warm lobster rolls, Delaware's peach pie, Florida's Cuban sandwiches, and Georgia's Brunswick stew. The piece provides historical origins and preparation details for each dish, offering a comprehensive overview of American culinary diversity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:23 PM UTC

Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) shares rose 3% on Monday after announcing a major expansion of its Huntsville, Alabama campus. The company will add 164,000 square feet to increase production of unmanned aircraft systems and space infrastructure technologies. Construction is underway, with completion expected in Q4 2027. The project is supported by approximately $8.5 million in state and local incentives and is expected to create about 150 new high-skilled jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration. The expanded facility will boost output of Stalker UAS, Octopus gimbal payloads, advanced energy technologies, and space systems for exploration, commercial, and national security missions. CEO Peter Cannito highlighted Huntsville's role as a growing technology hub at the intersection of space and defense industries. The expansion is a partnership with the State of Alabama and the City of Huntsville.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:35 PM UTC

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) added seven Democrat-held House seats to its 2026 target list on July 20, 2026, bringing the total to 36 districts. All new targets are in states that redrew congressional maps over the past year to favor Republicans, following a Supreme Court decision limiting the Voting Rights Act. The targeted seats include Alabama's 2nd (Rep. Shomari Figures), Florida's 14th (Rep. Kathy Castor) and 22nd (open), Louisiana's 6th (Rep. Cleo Fields), Missouri's 5th (Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II), Ohio's 1st (Rep. Greg Landsman), and Tennessee's 9th (open). Republicans could gain over a dozen seats under new lines in states like Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Democrats countered that the GOP's gerrymandering created opportunities for Democratic pickups elsewhere, such as California and Utah. The NRCC chairman framed the effort as holding vulnerable Democrats accountable for a 'radical socialist agenda.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:00 AM UTC

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) added seven Democrat-held House seats to its 2026 target list, bringing the total to 36 districts. All new targets are in states that redrew congressional maps to favor Republicans, following a Supreme Court decision limiting the Voting Rights Act. The targeted seats include Alabama's 2nd District (Rep. Shomari Figures), Florida's 14th (Rep. Kathy Castor) and 22nd (open), Louisiana's 6th (Rep. Cleo Fields), Missouri's 5th (Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II), Ohio's 1st (Rep. Greg Landsman), and Tennessee's 9th (open). Republicans aim to expand their House majority in the midterm elections, while Democrats may gain seats in California and Utah under new maps. Primaries are scheduled in several states, with Louisiana holding all-party primaries in November.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:00 AM UTC

U.S. Army soldier Ladarrion McCray, 23, and his girlfriend Emma Bradshaw, 22, face federal murder charges after allegedly starving their infant son and three dogs to death in on-base housing at Fort Benning, Georgia. The child died on January 28 after being deprived of food for about two weeks. Two malnourished dogs were found alive; a third was discarded in a trash can and confirmed starved. Both pleaded not guilty on June 11 and were released on bond. McCray faces discharge and a mental health evaluation. If convicted, they face life in prison.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 18, 03:06 PM UTC

The U.S. Army has reintroduced solo cross-country flights for helicopter pilot trainees at Fort Rucker, Alabama, for the first time in decades. Starting Wednesday, student pilots began conducting solo flights in civilian airspace, landing at 54 different airports across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The change addresses a training gap identified by commanders, who noted that flight school had become overly choreographed and drifted away from basic aviation skills during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars when the Army prioritized faster pilot production. Students receive two weeks of cross-country instruction before a culminating 'check ride' assessment. They must complete at least two solo flights to pass. The training exposes pilots to real-world aeronautical decision-making, including interacting with civilian air traffic control, weather assessment, and navigating mixed airspace with commercial and private aircraft. The program aims to produce more adaptable pilots better prepared for operational environments.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:22 PM UTC

The U.S. Army is reintroducing solo cross-country flights for helicopter pilot trainees at Fort Rucker, Alabama, for the first time in decades. Starting this week, student pilots will fly solo between civilian airports in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, a practice cut during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to speed up pilot production. The training includes two weeks of cross-country instruction, with students required to complete at least two solo flights to advance. Officials say the change restores basic aviation skills like aeronautical decision-making, weather assessment, and radio communication with civilian air traffic control. The program exposes students to a broader range of airports and airspace, including small fields used by private jets and crop sprayers. The Army Aviation Center of Excellence trains 1,300 students annually, and the solo flights are part of a three-phase curriculum culminating in a 'check ride' assessment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:22 PM UTC

The U.S. Army is reintroducing solo cross-country flights for student helicopter pilots at Fort Rucker, Alabama, for the first time in decades. The change, announced by the Army Aviation Center of Excellence, aims to restore basic aviation skills that had been cut during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to speed up pilot production. Students will now fly solo in civilian airspace, landing at 54 different airports across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The training includes two weeks of cross-country instruction, with at least two solo flights required to pass. Officials say the program exposes pilots to real-world decision-making, weather assessments, and communication with civilian air traffic control, moving beyond the 'choreographed' military-only environment. The shift reflects a broader overhaul of Army flight training to produce more adaptable aviators.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:22 PM UTC

Checkers & Rally's, the double drive-thru burger chain, announced that franchisee Spencer Marks has acquired 10 restaurants across the Gulf Coast, including six in Mobile, Alabama, and four in Biloxi, Mississippi. Marks, a multi-unit operator with nearly two decades of experience, plans to revitalize the markets and pursue future development. The acquisition reflects the brand's strategy of partnering with experienced franchisees to drive growth. Checkers & Rally's, formed by the 1999 merger of Checkers and Rally's, primarily operates through a franchise model and targets expansion in select U.S. markets including the Gulf Coast, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southern California, Las Vegas, Florida, and South Carolina.

1 reports · 1 sources

Senator Lindsey Graham died Saturday after experiencing chest pains, according to new details provided by Senator Tommy Tuberville. Graham called his scheduler, Taylor Stephens, who had previously worked for Tuberville, saying he was having chest pains and needed help. When asked if he had called 911, Graham replied that was why he called her. The scheduler, who was at a restaurant with a current Tuberville staffer, then contacted emergency services and went to Graham's residence, where emergency personnel had broken down the door and were performing CPR. Graham's office confirmed his death was due to 'aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.' The 911 call was made after 8 p.m. Saturday for cardiac arrest, with CPR being conducted about 25 minutes after the first dispatch.

1 reports · 1 sources

The top-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide softball team launched its 2026 NCAA Tournament campaign with a dominant 8-0 run-rule victory over USC Upstate in the Tuscaloosa Regional opener. Playing at Rhoads Stadium, Alabama secured its 50th win of the season, highlighted by home runs from Marlie Giles and Audrey Vandagriff, and a complete-game shutout by pitcher Kaitlyn Pallozzi. This decisive five-inning win advances the Crimson Tide to the winner’s bracket, where they are scheduled to face Belmont in the next round as they pursue a spot in the Women's College World Series.

14 reports · 1 sources · Updated May 17, 09:50 PM UTC

The US Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Alabama, allowing the state to implement a new congressional map that eliminates a majority-Black district. This decision, which overturns lower court injunctions citing racial discrimination, significantly advantages the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The ruling reflects a broader trend of weakened Voting Rights Act protections and intensifies national debates over gerrymandering and minority representation. While Democrats express concern over diluted voting power, experts note that demographic shifts may still impact the final electoral outcome despite the legal victory for Republicans.

18 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jun 3, 07:27 AM UTC

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has released the official brackets and schedules for the 2026 state baseball and softball tournaments, running from May 18 to May 22. The softball competition will be held entirely at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, featuring a double-elimination format across seven classifications. Conversely, the baseball championships utilize a split location strategy, with initial games at Choccolocco Park and subsequent matches at Jacksonville State University. Detailed matchups, ticket information, and daily timelines have been provided for fans and participating high school teams throughout Alabama.

5 reports · 1 sources · Updated May 15, 11:02 PM UTC

Tanner Ehmen, a highly-rated three-star tight end prospect from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, has officially committed to the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights. Ranked as the No. 46 tight end nationally and the No. 37 player in Alabama by Rivals.com, Ehmen selected UCF over other final contenders including Kentucky, Tulane, and South Florida. In explaining his decision, Ehmen cited strong relationships with the coaching staff, particularly lead recruiter and tight ends coach Cooper Bassett, as well as the welcoming atmosphere of the program. He expressed confidence in the team's offensive scheme, noting that it utilizes tight ends extensively and aligns well with his versatile playing style, which includes blocking and creating mismatches in the passing game. Ehmen described the commitment as a relief from the stresses of the recruiting process, allowing him to focus on finishing his senior year of high school strongly and preparing for collegiate football. This addition strengthens UCF's recruiting class with a talented prospect who values both personal connection and strategic fit within the team's structure.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Jefferson County Coroner and Medical Examiner’s Office has officially ruled the death of 22-year-old Whitney Robeson a homicide, determining her cause of death as a gunshot wound to the chest that injured her left lung, heart, and aorta. Robeson, a recent Auburn University graduate who had just begun a job as a trade consultant for Restoration Hardware, was found dead in a home in Trussville, Alabama, on March 7. Although the coroner classified the shooting as accidental, Jeffrey Scott Towers, the father of Robeson’s boyfriend, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the incident. Towers’ attorneys maintain his innocence, stating he has no criminal history and is an upstanding citizen. Details regarding how the alleged accidental shooting occurred remain unclear. This ruling marks a significant development in the two-month-old case, transitioning the investigation from a tragic accident to a criminal matter involving manslaughter charges against the 54-year-old defendant.

1 reports · 1 sources