By Brian Lyman | Editor
The data center controversies have led to a new policy at the Public Service Commission, the state’s utility regulator. As Ralph Chapoco reports, the policy announced Tuesday is the end of a three-month process, but advocates say it should be the first step toward greater transparency in building these facilities.
Alabama Public Service Commission President Cynthia Almond (center), flanked by commissioners Jeremy Oden (left) and Chip Beeker (right), speaks during a meeting of the commission on Oct. 6, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
By Ralph Chapoco
The Alabama Public Service Commission Tuesday approved a new process for regulating large power contracts between Alabama Power and data centers. The new process will require public summaries of contracts for the public and the filing of redacted contracts with state agencies, while setting a timetable for the PSC to approve the contracts. Energy and consumer advocates expressed qualified approval for the change, but said it should been more expansive.
Voters head into a polling site at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
DC BUREAU
By Jonathan Shorman
Several voting rights groups Tuesday announced a new program called Vote Safe that will aim to put volunteers at polling places in areas where they say pressure on Black, Latino and Asian voters will be highest. The announcement comes as President Donald Trump, who has long peddled false claims about stolen elections and voter fraud, refuses to rule out extreme action in the midterm elections
An Applied Behavior Analysis center is seen in Danville, Indiana. (Jack Forrest/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
COMMENTARY
By Rachel Ashcraft
Rachel Ashcraft, an occupational therapist, worked for a clinic that was bought by a private-equity firm. The company began offering Applied Behavior Analysis, a controversial method of pediatric therapy that led Ashcraft to resign her job. In this commentary, Ashcraft writes about private equity’s growing presence in autism services and concerns that parents are pushed toward profitable services, not necessarily those best for the child.
ICYMI
Democrats could win majority of governors’ offices for first time in 16 years | Kevin Hardy, Stateline
Americans’ water bills are growing faster than groceries, overall inflation | Kevin Hardy, Stateline
With election pressure mounting, states move to suspend fuel taxes | Alex Brown, Stateline
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