Alabama Politics
Gov. Kay Ivey commutes death sentence of Toforest Johnson
Ivey commuted Johnson’s death sentence to life without parole, citing insufficient direct evidence in his 1998 conviction for the murder of an off-duty Jefferson County deputy — a case long questioned over an undisclosed $5,000 reward paid to a key witness. Source: Alabama Reflector
In Alabama congressional races, incumbents hold fundraising advantages
New federal filings show incumbents outraised challengers in six of Alabama’s seven U.S. House districts for the third quarter; in the most competitive 2nd District, Rep. Shomari Figures raised $1 million to Republican nominee Rhett Marques’s $316,800. Source: Alabama Reflector
Alabama GOP vows to end state grocery tax in 2027
Republican legislative leaders said eliminating the state’s remaining 2% grocery tax will be a “day-one priority” next session, with a bill to be filed as soon as the Legislature convenes; backers say it would save a family spending $1,000/month on groceries about $240 a year. Source: Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama Education
Jacksonville State University board approves board to replace faculty senate
JSU’s Board of Trustees voted to create a 13-member Presidential Faculty Academic Roundtable to replace the faculty senate it dissolved in August under state law HB 580; a history professor said the new body is less representative. Source: Alabama Reflector
Alabama superintendent warns schools could close as enrollment decline continues
State Superintendent Eric Mackey said record statewide enrollment losses — projected at 11,000–12,000 students this year — could force school closures, larger class sizes and reduced course offerings in coming years. Source: ABC 33/40
Economic Development
Gov. Ivey announces $60 million Nucor expansion in Decatur
Nucor Corp. will invest $60 million to expand utility-pole production at its Decatur facility, adding 60 jobs in Morgan County; the company had considered other states before choosing Alabama. Source: WAFF
Lowndes County Commission sued over approval of hyperscale data center
Two residents sued the commission, alleging its approval of a 2,200-acre data center project and a $1.15 billion tax break violated the state Open Meetings Act; a follow-up special meeting drew at least 125 residents. Source: Alabama Reflector
Alabama unemployment rate rises to 3.5%, highest since June 2021
September’s preliminary rate climbed from 3.4% in August and 2.8% a year ago, even as wage and salary jobs grew by 24,300 over the year, led by leisure and hospitality. Source: ABC 33/40
Rural Health
PARCA report: Alabama health care concerns rise as rural hospitals struggle
A new Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama report finds health care now ranks alongside education as Alabamians’ top concern for state government; at least seven rural hospitals have closed since 2010, and 37% of remaining rural hospitals were at immediate closure risk as of July. Source: Alabama Political Reporter
Compiled automatically from Alabama news sources for Bibb Voice. No Bibb County-specific coverage was found in other outlets’ reporting over the past 24–48 hours; this section will be updated as soon as local coverage appears.
