By Brian Lyman | Editor
“It being in the middle of the county, that's the fastest-growing area in Lowndes County, or the only growing area in Lowndes County, and now it's gonna kill that. I guess they should have put it in a different place.” - Joseph Barganier, Lowndes County commissioner
Residents gather in the Charles Smith Annex for a special meeting of the Lowndes County Commission on Oct. 20, 2026, in Hayneville, Alabama. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Anna Barrett
Two residents of Lowndes County have filed a lawsuit against the local county commission, alleging that its approval of a 2,200-acre hyperscale data center last week violated the state’s Open Meetings Act. The suit came before a contentious meeting of the commission Tuesday morning, where members sparred over approval of minutes before a crowd of 125 people.
Toforest Johnson is seen in this undated photo. Gov. Kay Ivey Tuesday commuted Johnson's death sentence to life without parole. (Alabama Department of Corrections)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Ralph Chapoco
Gov. Kay Ivey Tuesday commuted the death sentence of Toforest Johnson, whose conviction for the murder of off-duty Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy William Hardy has faced years of questions over prosecutorial conduct and the reliability of witnesses. Ty Alper, an attorney for Johnson, praised Ivey’s move and said Johnson’s team would continue to fight for a new trial.
In Alabama’s 4th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville (left), who has held the seat since 1997, faces Democratic nominee Amanda Pusczek (right), a first-time candidate. (Photos courtesy of candidates; photo illustration by Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Ralph Chapoco
Alabama’s 4th Congressional District, stretching across much of north Alabama between Huntsville and Birmingham, is one of the most Republican in the nation. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, who has held the seat since 1997, faces Democratic challenger Amanda Pusczek, a nurse and first-time candidate. Both candidates say high prices are affecting the district but have different proposals to address them and different prioriites for Congress.
ICYMI
Jacksonville State University Board of Trustees approves board to replace faculty senate | Andrea Tinker, Alabama Reflector
How Nebraska helped turn 2026 into the year of the independent US Senate candidate | Jonathan Shorman, DC Bureau
Cheaper manufactured homes could be having a moment, if only states can catch up | Robbie Sequeira, Stateline
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