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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Gov. Ivey Deploys Alabama National Guard to Support Public Safety, Emergency Access During Weekend Winter Weather (WBRC)

The governor activated 350 members of the Alabama National Guard in response to warnings of wintry weather in north Alabama. Those warnings do not include the Birmingham area, although cold weather advisories are in effect overnight Sunday and Monday as temperatures dip into the teens.

Alabama Prison Documentary ‘The Alabama Solution’ Earns Oscar Nomination (WVTM13)

A documentary that puts Alabama prisons in the spotlight is now in the running for one of the most well-known, prestigious awards in Hollywood — an Oscar. “The Alabama Solution” was among the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards announced Thursday in the documentary feature film category. It looks at life behind bars in Alabama prisons, largely through video shot by inmates themselves.

Alabama Candidate Qualifying Ends; Dems Have Largest Slate Since 2018 (Alabama Reflector)

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl entered the race for lieutenant governor late Friday, after an unexpected endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Birmingham-Area Democrats in Turmoil: Chair, Vice Chair Ousted Day Before Candidates Qualify (AL.com)

Democrats in Alabama’s largest county are in disarray after state party bosses tossed out their chairman and vice chair.

This Small Alabama Town Was Part of the Manhattan Project. Now It May Host a Hyperscale Data Center. (Inside Climate News)

Members of the Childersburg City Council amended the city’s zoning ordinance last week to allow for a hyperscale data center operation on land where environmental concerns previously have been raised because of its history. The site was a munitions operation that manufactured millions of pounds of explosives during the World War II era and produced heavy water used in the U.S. nuclear program, codenamed the Manhattan Project.

What Passed in the Alabama Legislature: Jan. 20-22, 2026 (Alabama Reflector)

An update action in the Legislature last week.