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Alabama Seeks to Lower Gas Utility Profits for the First Time in 40 Years (Inside Climate News)
For the first time in more than 40 years, Alabama utility regulators last week convened formal hearings to potentially decrease profits for one of the state’s major monopoly utilities. The Alabama Public Service Commission held hearings to consider the allowed rate of return for Spire Alabama and Spire Gulf, subsidiaries of Spire Inc., which provides natural gas to nearly 2 million homes and businesses across Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. The hearings were triggered when the Alabama Attorney General’s Office could not reach an agreement with Spire on how much the company should be allowed to earn.
Jones Outraises Tuberville in July; Tuberville Retains Financial Edge in Governor’s Race (Alabama Reflector)
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones outraised Republican nominee Sen. Tommy Tuberville in June and July, according to recent campaign filings, but Tuberville retains a considerable edge in overall cash.
According to campaign finance reports filed on Tuesday, Jones raised $622,000 in July to Tuberville’s $290,000. However, Tuberville retains a major edge in cash on hand, ending July with $9.2 million to Jones’ $1.7 million.
FISE Puts Birmingham on an International Stage (ABC 33/40)
The FISE World Series began Friday at City Walk BHAM, bringing BMX riders, skateboarders, basketball players and spectators to downtown Birmingham for three days of competition, music and other events. Birmingham is the only U.S. stop on the 2026 FISE World Series tour, which also includes events in Asia and Europe.
‘I hear you, I see you:’ Alabama Democrats Elect Bobby Singleton as Chair (Alabama Reflector)
Alabama Democrats on Saturday elected Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton party chair amid calls for the organization to take advantage of the most promising electoral landscape for state Democrats in years. Singleton got 165 votes (72.7%) over current Chair Randy Kelley, who got 62 votes (27.3%).
Alabama Ethics Commission Commissioners Want Closer Look at ‘Revolving Door’ Issue (Alabama Reflector)
The Alabama Ethics Commission Wednesday delayed consideration of an advisory opinion that said the state’s ethics laws do not prevent a former state agency worker from establishing a business with clients seeking to contract with the same state agency. Several members expressed concerns that the opinion would clash with earlier guidance.
Forever Wild Votes to Protect 4,718 acres Near Birmingham, Including Key Drinking Water Source (Bham Now)
The Forever Wild board voted to acquire two tracts totaling 4,718 acres in the Birmingham-metro area that will protect its source of drinking water and enhance outdoor recreation. The purchases involve property near Inland Lake and in Shelby County.