Preston Roberts’ passion for agriculture and political prowess has been an asset to the Alabama Farmers Federation for the past 11 years. He’ll continue providing steady leadership and serving farmers as the External Affairs Department assistant director, effective July 7. Roberts’ ability to build relationships with legislators, stakeholders, and farmers is invaluable, said Federation External […]

The Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market in Foley has once again drawn national recognition, this time being named one of the Top 10 Best Farmers Markets in the U.S. in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The year-round market, located at 781 Farmers Market Lane in Foley, has previously been honored as a USA Today […]

Last week, the Mobile Airport Authority (MAA) shared an update on the opening of the new terminal at Mobile International Airport (BFM). The facility is expected to open in fall 2026, with the first flight anticipated by November. The revised timeline allows the project team to maintain the airport’s critical $381 million budget while continuing […]

Raytheon recently received a $77.2 million contract for GPS production and sustainment for the Air Force, the Department of Defense announced. According to a news release, Raytheon was awarded a $77,204,209 requirements contract for Miniaturized Airborne Global Positioning System Receiver (MAGR) production and sustainment. RELATED: Raytheon awarded $1B contract by Missile Defense Agency The contract […]

Southeast small business owners, homeowners, and renters: hurricane season is in full swing, and will run through the end of November. At the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), we don’t ask if a storm’s coming; we ask when. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a busy Atlantic season — with 19 named storms and up […]

Montgomery Whitewater is adding a new way for guests to experience the power and excitement of its course with the launch of whitewater tubing, kicking off July 4 as part of its “Red, White, and Tube” celebration. The high-adventure activity combines the laid-back appeal of a single-person float with the movement and challenge of whitewater […]

When Airbus chose Mobile as the home for its first U.S.-based commercial aircraft assembly plant, it marked a transformative moment for the state’s aerospace industry. But behind the headlines and ribbon cuttings was another critical development: the establishment of the AIDT Aviation Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to build the skilled workforce Airbus needed to succeed in […]

Thinking about selling your home in Alabama? You might want to give summer a closer look. While spring usually gets all the attention in the real estate world, summer has its own unique perks—especially here in Alabama, where welcoming neighborhoods, top-notch schools, and a love for outdoor living make this season a sweet spot for […]

In recognition of National “Made in the USA” Day, Governor Kay Ivey today signed a formal proclamation celebrating Alabama’s manufacturing community and its critical role in driving economic growth across the state. “On this ‘Made in the USA’ Day, we proudly salute the hardworking Alabamians who make our state a true manufacturing powerhouse,” Governor Ivey […]

In an era where streaming and social media dominate, one small-town radio station is still turning the dial on tradition. WWIC Real Country 1050 AM in Scottsboro recently celebrated its 75th anniversary on June 13th, and for longtime operator Greg Bell, the station’s endurance is a testament to its unwavering focus on service, not just […]

The Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA) has announced a major leadership transition with the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Don Williamson. The AlaHA Board of Trustees has named Danne Howard as his successor as President and CEO of the organization. Williamson has led AlaHA since November 2015, steering the organization through a period of major […]

The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking the public to comment on a draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed Colbert County solar project. TVA’s Spring Valley Solar Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is posted for review at www.tva.com/nepa. TVA has entered into a power purchase agreement with Spring Valley, a wholly owned subsidiary of Urban Grid, to […]

The Opelika Industrial Development Authority has been awarded a SEEDS grant, part of Gov. Kay Ivey’s initiative to enhance industrial site readiness across Alabama. The funding is included in the $23.5 million in SEEDS grants allocated by the State Industrial Development Authority to boost economic growth and attract new businesses to the state. “This SEEDS grant represents a strategic investment […]

Christina Stimpson, Chief Officer of the Global Business Office at the Alabama Department of Commerce, has been appointed to the board of directors of the State International Development Organizations (SIDO), the leading national association dedicated to supporting the international trade and export programs of U.S. states and territories. Stimpson’s appointment places Alabama at the center of the […]

Troy University is positioning itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) education and implementation, not only for students but also for business and community leaders across Southeast Alabama. As part of its strategic push into emerging technology, the university has launched the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education within the Sorrell College of […]

With one of their own on board, Space Campers will take part in a Q&A next week with NASA astronauts on the International Space Station. At 11:40 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, astronauts Anne McClain, Jonny Kim, and Nichole Ayers will answer prerecorded questions from the campers. Ayers is a Space Camp alumna. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center will host […]

Two of Alabama’s most dynamic regions — Huntsville and the Auburn/Opelika area — have been named recipients of the 2025 Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence, a national honor presented annually by “Site Selection” magazine. Named for “Site Selection” founder McKinley “Mac” Conway, the award recognizes top-performing economic development organizations across the country based […]

The prevented planting crop deadline has been extended into July, a welcome relief for Alabama farmers who have alternately battled bouts of drought and excess rain this spring. Farmers now have until each crop’s acreage reporting deadline to claim prevented planting through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). July 15 is a […]

What began with a full schedule of 21 pre-arranged meetings quickly evolved into a whirlwind of opportunity for the Alabama Department of Commerce team at last week’s 2025 Paris Air Show, where the state team engaged with executives from more than 36 aerospace companies — surpassing expectations and setting the stage for future investment. Among the […]

With a strong defense-related and military background, Drew Hicks has been hired as Minerva Defense vice president for Test and Evaluation (T&E) Instrumentation Programs. Hicks will be responsible for leading the strategic development, management and technical oversight of all government and commercial T&E programs for the Huntsville-based, small business defense contractor. “Minerva is led by an impressive […]

When Floyd and Marcia Jackson moved back to Fort Payne in early 2024 to open a new location of Rib Shak in the city’s historic downtown, they didn’t expect one early job application to shape the heart of their new venture. Kendle Leigh Larson, who lives with Down Syndrome, was the first to apply when […]

While Alabama’s unemployment rate is 3.3%, 12 North Alabama counties are lower than the state. Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties are tied for the second-lowest jobless rate in the state at 2.3%; Shelby County has the lowest at 2.2%. Other region counties’ rates are: Blount, DeKalb, Lawrence, and Marshall counties, 2.4%; Cullman and Franklin counties, […]

Tucked along the fields of North Alabama, La Famiglia Vineyards and Winery is more than a vineyard, it’s a living tribute to family, tradition, and the art of growing something lasting. The name means “the family,” and for owners Tom Fitzgerald and Bev Massa, it’s the heart of everything they do. RELATED: Fitzgerald and Massa come from […]

Alabama’s housing market showed strong signs of growth in May, with increases in home sales, prices, and total sales volume compared to both the previous month and the same time last year, according to the latest Alabama Economic and Real Estate Report from the Alabama Association of REALTORS®. A total of 6,214 homes were sold […]