BW Recommends

BW Recommends | June 22, 2025

BW Recommends is a rundown of stories you might have missed this week. It offers insight into issues important to our area and sometimes tickles your curiosity.

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An Alabama City Recommends Changing Its Laws to Accommodate One of the Country’s Largest Proposed Data Centers (Inside Climate News)

Despite overwhelming public opposition, officials in Bessemer voted to recommend changes to city zoning ordinances to allow the massive development. Its operation could strain the state’s water and power supplies and leave an already imperiled fish species at risk of extinction.

US Steel-Nippon $14.9 Billion Merger Might Mean ‘Massive’ $500 Million Investment for Alabama (AL.com)

President Trump approved the sale of U.S. Steel, once the largest American company, to the Japanese company Nippon Steel. The sale could mean major investments in Alabama.

Labor Participation, Unemployment Rates Unchanged in May (Alabama Daily News)

Alabama’s unemployment rate remains at 3.3%, which is slightly higher than last year’s 2.9%. The state’s labor participation rate, 58%, was six-tenths of a percentage point above May 2024 but still below the national rate of 62.4%.

Excitement Builds as North Birmingham Neighbors Welcome Coca-Cola Amphitheater (WBRC)

What started as a sound check turned into a celebration Friday night as crowds from across Birmingham’s north side gathered at the brand-new Coca-Cola Amphitheater. For many residents in Druid Hills, Norwood, Fountain Heights, and Evergreen, it was more than just a concert test run—it was a moment of community pride.

New Valley Creek Rail-to-Trail Will Connect West Side of Birmingham to Red Mountain Park (Bham Now)

The new 4.5-mile Valley Creek Rail-to-Trail announced this week will connect west Birmingham residents to Red Mountain Park, the three-mile High Ore Line Greenway and the Birmingham CrossPlex. The $1.1 million acquisition of the rail line was made possible by a collaboration of government officials, conservancy and nonprofit groups and individuals along with federal planning money. The new trail brings the metro area one step closer to completing the proposed 36+ mile loop around the metro, connecting Birmingham, Fairfield, Homewood and Irondale via multi-use trails.

It May Be ‘Very Difficult’ to Find Fair Jury for Man Accused of Killing 18 People, Lawyer Says (Associated Press)

Damien McDaniel, accused of killing 18 people, including in two mass shootings, will go to trial in April, but his lawyers are questioning whether it’s even possible to select impartial jurors in a city still reeling from record levels of violence last year. McDaniel and another man are credited with more than 30% of last year’s murders, including the shootings at Hush Lounge in 5 Points and the slaying of a firefighter.