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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A multibillion-dollar AI data center is coming to Birmingham’s Oxmoor Valley, along with a tax incentive package projected to be worth more than $3 billion over 30 years. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin distanced the city from the decision, pointing out to the seven-member nonprofit Industrial Development Board as the responsible party.
Alabama Seeks Permit to Fill Wetlands, Streams for Controversial Highway Project (Inside Climate News)
The Alabama Department of Transportation is requesting a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fill 1.36 acres of wetlands and more than 10,000 linear feet of streams to build the next phase of the Northern Beltline, a 9.5-mile stretch of interstate highway north of Birmingham. Environmentalists are protesting that the road will disrupt pristine waterways that still host rare and endangered species.
Alabama Episcopalians Ordain New Bishop on Saturday (WBHM)
Episcopalians in Alabama were ordaining the Rev. Richard Lawson as the new bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama Saturday at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in downtown Birmingham. WBHM spoke with him about his history and his mission.
No Ceilings: Everette Taylor Challenges Innovators to Dream Bigger at Sloss Tech (Birmingham Times)
Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor headlined day two of Sloss Tech 2026, which brought leaders from across the technology, business and creative industries to downtown Birmingham last week to explore the future of innovation. Hosted annually in Birmingham’s historic theater district, Sloss Tech has become one of the Southeast’s premier technology conferences, connecting startup founders, venture capitalists, students, creators and established business leaders through keynote conversations, panel discussions, networking opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.
Public Universities Face Escalating Involvement From State Lawmakers (Alabama Reflector)
Auburn University faculty members were surprised when the board of trustees suddenly dissolved the school’s faculty Senate and gave itself ultimate authority over academic decisions. The move action by the Legislature to curtailed the power of faculty senates in the state, though Auburn and the University of Alabama were exempted. Since last year, officials in Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas and Utah also have enacted similar laws that give greater power to politically appointed boards and administrators while weakening tenure protections and faculty sway over curriculum and university leadership.
Woodfin Declares Birmingham ‘Turned the Corner’ but Faces Questions on Key Issues (WVTM 13)
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin sat down with WVTM 13 for an interview that touched on the city’s reducing violent crime and attracting new residents, while acknowledging ongoing concerns over infrastructure, neighborhood investment, the city jail and controversial data center developments.
New Alabama Catfish Trail Launches With 50+ Waterways, Experiences (Bama Buzz)
The Alabama Tourism Department launched a new initiative, the Alabama Catfish Trail, designed to celebrate the people, places and traditions of Alabama’s catfish culture. The trail features more than 50 spots for visitors, including lakes, rivers, restaurants and markets, along with experiences.
