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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Memorable MLK Jr. Visits to Birmingham That Became a Part of His Legacy (Birmingham Times)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Birmingham have been intertwined ever since the Civil Rights leader helped dismantle segregation in a city once known as “Bombingham” for the frequent explosions at homes and Black churches during the 1950’s and 60’s. Many point to King’s efforts in Birmingham in the spring of 1963, when he helped direct thousands of demonstrators to fill up Birmingham jails, as legacy-defining. But King, whose birthday will be celebrated Monday, began his work in the Magic City before 1963 and returned to the city multiple time after that. Read a timeline of King’s most memorable visits to the city.

An Alabama Mayor Signed an NDA With a Data Center Developer. Read It Here. (Inside Climate News)

The now former mayor of Columbiana signed a secrecy agreement with DigiPowerX, which wanted to develop a data center, without consulting City Council members or the public. Despite his resounding defeat in last year’s election, the city now is stuck with decisions made during his administration, residents were told during a recent town hall.

New Collaborative Co-Working Space Opens in West End (BhamNow)

A new co-working hub, GreaterWorx, officially opened in West End on Friday with a ceremonial ribbon cutting hosted by Birmingham nonprofit Network Navigator. GreaterWorx was founded by Christopher and Robin Burrell, a husband-wife duo with a “shared vision for creating a space where professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs can work, grow and build together,” according to a press release.

What Passed in the Alabama Legislature: Jan. 13-15, 2026 (Alabama Reflector)

Read about early action in the Legislature, which kicked off its 2026 regular session last week.

Read the Full Text of Gov. Ivey’s Final State of the State Address (WSFA)

The governor praised robust economic development in the state while urging lawmakers to act on public safety, education and health care proposals during the legislative session.

‘One of the Most Influential Men in Alabama’ Politics Dead at 70 (AL.com)

John W. Giles, former president of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, died Saturday morning at home after having a procedure for aortic aneurysm. As Republicans gained stature and power in Alabama in the 1990s and early 2000’s, Giles oversaw some of the most important political endorsements for candidates. “He was one of the most influential men in the state of Alabama,” friend Jim Pinto said. “He was a kingmaker.”

Claudette Colvin, Who Refused To Move Seats on a Bus at Start of Civil Rights Movement, Dies at 86 (Associated Press)

Claudette Colvin, whose 1955 arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus helped spark the modern civil rights movement, has died. She was 86 when she died of natural causes in Texas. Colvin, at age 15, was arrested nine months before Rosa Parks gained international fame for also refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus.

Trump Reveals His Choice for Alabama’s Next US Senator (AL.com)

President Donald Trump last week endorsed U.S. Rep. Barry Moore in the race to replace Tommy Tuberville in the Senate. Trump noted that Moore was the first elected official to endorse him in the 2016 election. In the Republican primary, Moore is facing Attorney General Steve Marshall; Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL who ran for Jefferson County sheriff in 2022; Morgan Murphy, a captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve who has worked for the Trump administration; and Rodney Walker, a cattle farmer and businessman.