By Brian Lyman | Editor
Less than a week out to primaries in four of Alabama’s congressional districts, and data centers continue to be a major mover of the conversation.
The logo for Alabama Power, as seen on January 24, 2023. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
By Ralph Chapoco
The Alabama Public Service Commission Tuesday approved a 1,400-acre, 200 mW solar project in Macon and Barbour counties that will support a Meta-backed data center in Montgomery. It’s the second solar project supporting the center; another solar farm being built in Baldwin County sparked local opposition. Data centers have emerged as a major statewide issue in Alabama and divided the two major gubernatorial candidates.
Republican voters in the Wiregrass on Tuesday will choose between (clockwise) Hampton Harris, Christian Horn, Rhett Marques, James Richardson, Joshua McKee or David Matthews in a special primary election. (All photos by Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector except Christian Horn, courtesy of candidate; photo illustration by Anna Barrett)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
Five of the six candidates seeking the Republican nomination in next week’s special primary for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, located mainly in the Wiregrass, made their pitch to voters at a Eufala forum Tuesday evening. The candidates discussed several issues, from economic development to abortion restrictions to the war in Iran. The winner of next week’s race will face U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, in November.
A sign saying "Vote Here" is seen at the Dean Road Recreation Center in Auburn, Alabama, on May 19, 2026. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
A state commission Tuesday approved language for four constitutional amendments that will appear on November’s ballot. The measures include amendments mandating the broadcast of the National Anthem in public schools; allowing schools boards to adopt policies on school prayer; allowing school systems to merge and creating a way of filling a vacancy in the lieutenant governor’s office.
ICYMI
Alabama could lose $167 million in federal transportation funding | Jacob Fischler, DC Bureau
Blanche nomination for attorney general advanced by US Senate panel on party-line vote | Ashley Murray, DC Bureau
Orbin Mauricio Henriquez Serrano survived a violent arrest in Minnesota. It still haunts him. | Madison McVan, Minnesota Reformer
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