By Anna Barrett | Staff Writer
“It's extremely frustrating for those of us who live in the area because we know what the impact is going to be, and it's going to continue to exacerbate population loss. It's going to continue to cause people to move outside the county and not drive people into the community.” - Adrian Johnson, future neighbor of Alabama’s largest planned data center
The commission approved a project proposal and 20-year $1.15 billion tax break for Alabama's largest planned data center on Tuesday amid pushback from residents. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
By Anna Barrett
The Lowndes County Commission on Tuesday approved a 20-year, $1.15 billion tax break for Alabama’s largest planned data center development. The meeting came after what residents describe as a “tense” question-and-answer session with the project’s developer. One future neighbor of the facility said the tax breaks “take your breath away.”
The Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees. (Photo by Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)
EDUCATION
By Andrea Tinker
The Alabama Community College System announced Wednesday that more than 100,000 students are enrolled in Alabama’s community colleges as of the final Fall headcount. The system reported a 3.5% enrollment increase over Fall 2025 as students continue to choose two-year community colleges over four-year colleges and universities.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., looks on during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 8, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
DC BUREAU
By Shauneen Miranda, Ariana Figueroa, Ashley Murray, Jonathan Shorman
Congressional Democrats plan to focus on accountability and affordability if they regain control of one or both chambers. They plan to reverse most of President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans’ actions with policies covering healthcare, immigration, voting rights, the war in Iran, oversight, education and more.
ICYMI
With fewer public defenders, indigent defendants pay the price | David Montgomery, Stateline
‘Labor guides’ can help dispel myths pregnant women find online | Sofia Resnick, Stateline
Trump administration appeals judge’s order blocking White House ban of 3 news outlets | Ashley Murray and Jane Norman, D.C. Bureau
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