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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Construction Could Start Soon at Demolished Ensley Building Site (WBRC)

A judge last week ordered that construction begin on the site of the old Ramsay-McCormack building in Ensley by about the end of August. The city razed the building in 2021 and contracted with Ensley District Developers to complete a $20 million redevelopment of the site, which has gotten about $10 million in incentives from the city. The developer expects to close on a construction loan by June 30, the court was told recently.

Nation’s First FIFA Arena Opens in Birmingham as Part of 2026 World Cup Initiative (Bham Now)

With 10 weeks to go before the 2026 Men’s World Cup kicks off, FIFA came to Birmingham last week to dedicate the nation’s first FIFA Arena. U.S. Soccer partnered with Birmingham native Chris Richards along with Birmingham Legion FC, Soccer Forward Foundation and Kulture City on the temporary small-sided FIFA pitch at the site of the former Powell Avenue Steam Plant building downtown.

Alabama’s Largest Mural Unveiled at New Community Food Bank HQ in Birmingham (Bham Now)

Community partners, donors and volunteers last week joined local muralists and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to help paint a massive mural along the side of the nonprofit’s new distribution facility on Lakeshore Parkway, which is set to open later this year.

Gov. Kay Ivey Signs Bill Giving Governor More Control Over PSC (Alabama Reflector)

Gov. Kay Ivey Thursday signed a bill that would give the governor significantly more power over the state’s utility regulator, ending a months-long battle over Alabama’s high electricity rates and what the state government would do about them.

Senate Changes Rules to Reduce Lieutenant Governor’s Role, Add New Committee (Alabama Political Reporter)

The rules changes reduce the influence of the lieutenant governor in the Senate by significantly increasing that of the president pro tempore.

What passed in the Alabama Legislature: March 31-April 2, 2026 (Alabama Reflector)

Recent actions in the Legislature.

Who’s up? Who’s down? Alabama ‘26 Candidates Report March Campaign Fundraising Numbers (Yellowhammer)

Tommy Tuberville’s war chest dwarves Doug Jones’ in the governor’s race; reports from more contests.