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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It’s Official. The U.S. Coast Guard Buys the Former BSC Campus (WBHM)

The sale of the former Birmingham-Southern College campus is now complete. The U.S. Coast Guard closed on the 192-acre property Thursday in a $126.5 million deal. The school on Birmingham’s west side closed its doors in May 2024 after years of financial struggles. WBHM’s Richard Banks spoke with Daniel Coleman, BSC’s final president, about the sale and his years at the college first trying to save it, then leading efforts to find a buyer. Read more about the sale from WBRC, Neighbors Hopeful as Birmingham-Southern Campus Sale Ushers in New Chapter for West Birmingham, and ABC 33/40, Birmingham-Southern College Says Sale of Campus to United States Coast Guard Finalized.

Gov. Kay Ivey Calls Special Legislative Session as Alabama Seeks Legal Permission to Redistrict (Alabama Reflector)

Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday called a special session of the Alabama Legislature to begin Monday, aiming to move the May 19 primary in at least a handful of districts and allow the Republican-controlled House and Senate to use congressional and legislative maps federal courts had previously rejected. The move came after the U.S. Supreme Court in a ruling on a Louisiana case (The Hill) weakened a key provision of the Voting Rights Act to limit the consideration of race in drawing voting maps. Alabama has since asked the high court to lift an injunction preventing the Alabama Legislature from redrawing the state’s congressional map before 2030. Reaction to the Supreme Court ruling was swift (WSFA), ranging from Democratic officials and groups saying it was a major blow to voting rights while Republicans said it restored the power of conservative voice. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for the Republican nomination as governor, in a joint opinion piece published on Fox News argued that Alabama should have an entirely Republican congressional delegation. Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, who is running for the Democratic nomination to governor, used an appearance at a civil rights celebration (AL.com) to express his frustration over the ruling and say it was another in a pattern of actions by the court to reduce the power of minorities. The New York Times explained the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision and issues involved in a The Morning briefing.

Where do Alabama governor candidates stand on key issues? What to know (Montgomery Advertiser)

From education and health care to economic development and public safety, Alabama’s governor candidates are approaching the campaign with distinct priorities shaped by their professional backgrounds and political experience, highlighting clear differences in their visions for Alabama’s future. Read about the issues each candidate has emphasized so far ahead of the May primary.

Birmingham Celebrates 63 Years Since Key Civil Rights Movement Moment (WVTM 13)

Hundreds of people gathered in Birmingham’s Historic 4^th Avenue Business District on Saturday to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Children’s Crusade, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, reflecting on progress made and encouraging younger generations to stay involved.

Huntsville Exploring Passenger Rail Service to Birmingham in New Study (Bham Now)

Huntsville is launching a study of inter-city passenger rail between Huntsville and the Magic City. In addition to examining a route to Birmingham, the $348,874 study funded by the Huntsville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization will also look at routes to Atlanta, Nashville and Chattanooga.

John Hamm Retires as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections (Alabama Reflector)

Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm announced his retirement Tuesday amid ongoing violence in state prisons and within days of the department suddenly canceling a $1 billion health care contract with a Tennessee company. Gov. Kay Ivey said in a news release that ADOC Deputy Commissioner Greg Lovelace will succeed Hamm and serve through the end of her term in January.

Birmingham Small Business Week Helps Local Entrepreneurs Find Their Community (Birmingham Times)

The lineup of events for Birmingham Small Business Week, hosted by Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, begins today and runs through Saturday. Centered on the theme “Build Big: Elevate Your Vision. Empower Your Journey,” the week features workshops and networking events for entrepreneurs at every stage as well as wellness events and a full day of workshops for nonprofits.