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Clay Scofield: Affordability depends on protecting Alabama’s energy backbone

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Clay Scofield: Affordability depends on protecting Alabama’s energy backbone


Affordability is often used as a political slogan, but in Alabama, it is a real, everyday concern for families, seniors, and businesses. And the truth is simple: affordability depends on stability: stable communities, stable jobs, and stable, reliable energy.

Energy is more than what comes through a power line. It is one of the most important economic engines in our state. It attracts industry, drives job creation, supports rural revitalization, and powers every sector of Alabama’s economy. When energy systems are strong, Alabama grows. When they are strained, everything becomes more expensive.

For decades, Alabama’s electric providers — PowerSouth, TVA, Alabama Power, cooperatives, and municipal systems — have invested in reliability, diversification, and long-term planning. That commitment has protected Alabama from the instability and price shocks seen in other states that rushed into politically driven energy policies without considering the consequences. Alabama’s balanced approach has been its competitive edge.

In recent years, state leaders have become essential partners in strengthening this foundation by passing major, forward-looking packages. In 2023, the Legislature passed The Game Plan to revitalize our economic incentives. They followed it in 2024 with Working for Alabama, a landmark initiative on workforce development. But the most important step for long-term affordability may be the 2025 Powering Growth package.

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Powering Growth is not about regulation. It is about partnership, modernization, and positioning Alabama for economic expansion. The package is designed to reduce borrowing costs for major energy infrastructure projects, which ultimately lowers long-term expenses that influence the cost of energy. It also streamlines the approval process for using highway rights-of-way, allowing utilities to expand electric, fiber, and gas infrastructure more quickly and efficiently. That means faster project timelines, better connectivity, and stronger support for both rural and industrial development.

These improvements are not abstract. They help attract new industry, support advanced manufacturing, create high-wage jobs, and prepare communities for future growth. They make Alabama more competitive today, and more prepared for tomorrow.

This state-led partnership aligns with efforts at the federal level as well. President Trump’s “Speed to Power” initiative is focused on accelerating the nation’s ability to build energy infrastructure, and Alabama is already ahead of the curve. That’s why the Energy Institute of Alabama joined by Governor Ivey, Speaker Ledbetter, and Pro Tem Gudger recently encouraged the U.S. Department of Energy to study Alabama’s Powering Growth model as an example of how federal and state governments can work together to strengthen the nation’s energy backbone.

The issue of affordability has also received attention from leaders like U.S. Senator Katie Britt. Her continued dedication to supporting constituents throughout Alabama is notable. Politics aside, we all agree this is an area where thoughtful, long-term solutions matter most for communities, businesses, and economic competitiveness.

As the global energy landscape evolves, Alabama must continue prioritizing what has always worked: balanced planning, reliable service, and public policy that supports, rather than hinders, economic growth. That is how we ensure affordability, protect competitiveness, and keep Alabama one of the strongest states in the Southeast.

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Affordability is not a partisan issue. It is a people issue. And protecting it means protecting the energy backbone, and the economic engine, that keeps Alabama strong.

Clay Scofield is the President and CEO of the Energy Institute of Alabama. He previously served as Majority Leader of the Alabama State Senate.



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Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

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Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine


As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

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Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a likeFollow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions



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Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

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Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran


Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

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“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

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“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

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“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”



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How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Feb. 28

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How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Feb. 28


Labaron Philon’s No. 18 Alabama Crimson Tide (21-7, 11-4 SEC) hit the road to match up with Ja’Kobi Gillespie and the No. 22 Tennessee Volunteers (20-8, 10-5 SEC) at Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET.

We have more details below, including how to watch this matchup on ESPN.

Prepare for this matchup with everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s college hoops action.

Tennessee vs. Alabama: How to watch on TV or live stream

  • Game day: Saturday, February 28, 2026
  • Game time: 6 p.m. ET
  • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Arena: Thompson-Boling Arena
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

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Tennessee vs. Alabama stats and trends

  • Tennessee ranks 78th in the nation with 80.5 points per game so far this year. At the other end, it ranks 62nd with 69.1 points allowed per contest.
  • The Volunteers are thriving when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (39.9 per game) and second-best in rebounds allowed (25.9 per contest).
  • So far this season, Tennessee ranks 30th in college basketball in assists, averaging 17.1 per game.
  • With 11.8 turnovers per game, the Volunteers are 257th in the country. They force 10.7 turnovers per contest, which ranks 224th in college basketball.
  • This season, Tennessee is making 6.9 threes per game (271st-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34.7% (139th-ranked) from three-point land.
  • With a 30.2% three-point percentage allowed this season, the Volunteers are 22nd-best in the country. They rank 182nd in college basketball by giving up 7.8 three-pointers per contest.
  • Tennessee has taken 67.3% two-pointers and 32.7% three-pointers this year. Of the team’s buckets, 75.8% are two-pointers and 24.2% are three-pointers.

Tennessee vs. Alabama Odds and Spread

  • Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-4.5)
  • Moneyline: Tennessee (-222), Alabama (+179)
  • Total: 164.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Saturday at 4:11 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.



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