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Birmingham and Alabama’s economic outlook rests in hands of Public Service Commission: op-ed

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Birmingham and Alabama’s economic outlook rests in hands of Public Service Commission: op-ed


This is a guest opinion column

We’re done with the days of Alabama being overlooked in discussions of national economic vitality.

It’s taken decades of regional cooperation, ingenuity and soft diplomacy, but a new era has emerged across the state as more and more industries are planting their flag in Alabama’s rich red soil.

We’re all aware of the stereotypes about our state. There’s nothing we haven’t heard. But now Alabama has carved out a role on the national stage when it comes to job growth, people relocating here, and major economic development projects.

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One of the most crucial facets of this growth falls under the purview of the Alabama Public Service Commission, a lean, quasi-executive body with quiet authority. Its three elected commissioners are tasked with the monthly tightrope act of striking the right balance of financial viability for massive utilities and the affordability for everyday citizens. It’s a tough job.

I’d like to publicly commend Governor Kay Ivey’s recent appointment of Cynthia Lee Almond to serve as president of the APSC following the departure of Twinkle Cavanaugh, who took a role in the Trump Administration overseeing Rural Development in Alabama for the USDA.

I believe this is the most important appointment that our current governor has made during her time in Montgomery. Having competent and experienced leadership serving in these positions is the only way we can continue to move the needle in the right direction when it comes to recruiting industries and job growth. The monthly decisions made by the APSC ultimately shape the very future of Alabama’s economic and domestic landscape whether people are aware of that or not.

Commissioner Almond has a respectable track record as both a member of the Alabama House of Representatives and as a practicing attorney. It’s critical for Alabama’s continued success that the APSC be comprised of public servants who are focused on protecting the interests of our residents while also helping to secure major development projects – not individuals focused on ideological culture wars, or without a background in finance or economic development.

For heavy industries, energy costs can be a top-tier expenditure, sometimes second only to labor. A small difference in kilowatt-hour rates can translate to millions of dollars in savings or additional costs annually.

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Data centers, which are popping up all over the country in recent years, are massive energy consumers. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that data centers consumed roughly 4.4 percent of the total U.S. electricity in 2023, and this number is projected to grow. With the proliferation of AI, some estimates have that number being as high as 12 percent by 2030. For these facilities, access to cheap and reliable power is non-negotiable when looking for new locations.

In Birmingham, we’ve positioned ourselves as a technology and research hub in the Southeast, both of which require massive amounts of power to operate. Same goes for our hospital systems, which are globally recognized and provide more jobs than any other employer in the state.

The information industry has also showed impressive growth here, with its GDP having grown 180 percent in the last decade. In 2024, economic development efforts secured $7 billion in new capital investment across 224 projects, generating more than 8,500 new career opportunities for Alabamians. All of this growth is inextricably tied to the decisions made by the APSC leadership.

And while this body is often operating outside the political spotlight, the APSC wields a huge amount of influence over the fundamental services that underpin modern life — electricity, natural gas, and water. These are not just commodities. They are the lifelines for every single resident and business in Alabama.

Without quality leadership and buy-in from every member of the APSC, the promise of Alabama’s future—its burgeoning industries, its thriving communities, and the well-being of our families—will continue to lag behind other states. Without mincing words, we cannot afford to build on a foundation that’s too weak to bear the weight of our lofty ambitions for Alabama’s future as a leader in economic development and quality of life for our residents.

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Hunter Williams represents District 2 on the Birmingham City Council.



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What is Alabama’s best burger? Foodie picks this local favorite

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What is Alabama’s best burger? Foodie picks this local favorite


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Every year, Americans devour an estimated 50 million burgers, a sizzling testament to the nation’s enduring passion for beef, buns and bold toppings.

From roadside diners to upscale gastropubs, the hamburger has become a culinary symbol, with each state offering its own unique twist.

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The team at Foodie has taken on the delicious challenge of finding the very best burger in every state. By combing through hundreds of customer reviews, spotlighting local award winners and even digging into regional news coverage, they’ve crafted a list that celebrates standout spots from coast to coast. 

And when it comes to Alabama, one burger rises above the rest.

What is the best burger in Alabama?

In Alabama, Vicki’s Lunch Van in Montgomery claims the top spot.

What sets it apart? According to Foodie, the small, no-frills spot is “darn-near flawless,” known for freshly made cheeseburgers that taste exactly how a classic burger should.

If there’s one dish that defines the experience, it’s the Gunter Pile. This decadent creation layers a juicy burger patty with gravy and a mixture of fried and crispy onions, all atop a bed of fries. It’s messy, indulgent and distinctly Southern.

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How to grab your burger at Vicki’s Lunch Van

If you want to try Vicki’s Lunch Van, note that this Montgomery favorite typically operates during limited lunch hours. Vicki’s is located at 106 Coliseum Blvd. 

A lasting legacy

According to posts shared on Facebook, the restaurant’s owner, Vicki Lammon, passed away in February 2026.

The news brought an outpouring of support and memories from devoted customers. Many spoke not just of the quality of the food, but also of the welcoming atmosphere and personal touch that made the place special.

Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.



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No. 16 Alabama Slugs Its Way To Series-Opening Win Over No. 11 Oklahoma

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No. 16 Alabama Slugs Its Way To Series-Opening Win Over No. 11 Oklahoma


The tone was set on the first pitch of the game.

Bryce Fowler sent a no-doubter over the left field wall, the first of four home runs that No. 16 Alabama would hit in the first two innings, as the Crimson Tide slugged its way to a 10-7 over No. 11 Oklahoma in the series opener.

Justin Lebron flew out immediately after Fowler’s leadoff blast, but Brady Neal then nearly went yard himself. The ball was about an inch from clearing the wall, and instead bounced off it for a triple. Neal would come in to score off a two-out John Lemm single, giving Alabama a 2-0 lead after the opening frame.

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The Sooners would get one back in the bottom of the inning, but Alabama flipped the game upside down in the second. Justin Osterhouse and Brennan Holt were plunked, bringing Fowler back up with two on and one out. Fowler then demolished a ball to right field for the first multi-home run game of his career.

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“He’s just a tough competitor, man. That’s Bryce Fowler in a nutshell,” head coach Rob Vaughn said. “The bigger the moment, the better he is. Not only the swings last weekend, but the defense in center last weekend, and then the unbelievable at-bats really set the tone today.”

Justin Lebron then drew a five-pitch walk and, per usual, stole second. He came about as close as he has all season to getting thrown out, but slid in safely for his 24th stolen base of the season, most in the SEC by a significant margin. The shortstop then came home on a single from Neal, which marked the end of starter LJ Mercurius’ evening.

Mercurius’ season ERA rose from 3.53 to 5.11 as Alabama scored seven off him. He was replaced by his brother, Xander, who did not fare much better in that second, as Jason Torres took his first pitch of the day deep, extending Alabama’s lead to seven runs.

After Lemm recorded another hit, Osterhouse added the exclamation point with the third home run of the inning. As Oklahoma finally left the field after a Luke Vaughn groundout, Alabama held a 10-1 lead.

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Tyler Fay settled in on the mound for Alabama, putting together 1-2-3 frames in the second, third and fourth innings. On the flip side, Xander Mercurius put together a very impressive relief appearance, giving up just one more hit and keeping Alabama off the board for the rest of his night as the freshman worked into the eighth.

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The Sooners added three runs in the fifth off a pair of home runs, but that was all the offense to speak of. Fay ended up going 6.0 innings, allowing seven hits and four runs in a performance that, while obviously not at the level of his last two dominant outings, was more than enough given the run support.

Oklahoma put three more on the board in the ninth, forcing reliever Sam Mitchell out of the game after a leadoff home run and then a two-out, two-RBI triple that cut the deficit to three. Oklahoma had the tying run on deck, but Matthew Heiberger came in and recorded a strikeout to end the game and give Alabama the opener.

Alabama will play for the series win earlier than expected, as Saturday’s game was moved up from 6:30 to 1 p.m. CT due to expected inclement weather. The contest will air on SEC Network+.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter/X, FacebookYouTubeInstagramThreads and Blue Sky for the latest news.

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Explosive Kentucky wide receiver earns Alabama offer, locks in official visit

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Explosive Kentucky wide receiver earns Alabama offer, locks in official visit




Cam Wade earned an Alabama football offer earlier this week and locked in a return visit date for an official.

Wade is a 2027 recruit, and he attends Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah, Kentucky. Alabama is the latest program to offer the junior, but he holds previous offers from Florida, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Maryland and others.

The Kentucky product said earning an Alabama offer means a lot to him.

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“As a kid growing up watching college football, you always dreamed about Alabama,” Wade said. “Just a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful.”

Wade was on campus for a visit when he earned his offer from the Tide, and the visit was a success.

“You can feel the intensity as soon as you walk in the door,” Wade told Touchdown Alabama. “I loved that, also how close the coaching staff was with each other was also great.”

Alabama will get Wade on campus on the weekend of May 29-31 for his official visit.

Wade is an explosive wide receiver with proven speed. He holds a PR of 10.6 in the 100-meter dash and a 21.6 in the 200-meter dash. This speed translates over to the field, and it makes him dangerous in different aspects of the game.

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Watch Cam Wade’s Highlights Below:







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