Project Marvel (Bessemer)
No project stage is auto-generated. What follows is the
timeline of record — every entry dated, cited and linked to its source.
Timeline of record
- Oct 29NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 27PERMIT·Jefferson Co., ALQTS Datacenter Project Marvel in Bessemer is expected to take five to seven years to complete and generate over $1 billion in tax revenue over 20 years, according to company estimates. The project is not receiving local, county, or state incentives and could support approximately 5,000 construction jobs at peak activity.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL · also at WBMA
- Oct 25NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALThree central Alabama restaurants—Locanda Rosato, Austin Whereabouts in Bessemer, and Little Betty Steak Bar in Mountain Brook—have been recognized by the Michelin Guide, which announced the additions Wednesday. Locanda Rosato, which opened nine months ago, specializes in slow-cooked preparations.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 22NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 22VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALQTS provided permits to ABC 33/40's I-Team after Bessemer Mayor Louise Alexander requested the company halt construction at its planned data center development. The permits include a construction stormwater general permit and a mass-grading permit issued by the City of Bessemer's Inspection Services Department, which QTS says authorize ongoing work at the site.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 22NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer sent a cease letter to halt construction of a planned data center as the company behind it approaches homeowners about purchasing properties, with some residents reporting sales deadlines. Despite the letter, construction has continued, and the city has scheduled a meeting with QTS, the data center company, for Friday.Hoodline · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 22NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA 43-year-old Georgia woman died when her vehicle ran off Interstate 459 near Bessemer, hit a tree and caught fire Wednesday night. Bessemer Police are investigating the crash.WBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 21ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALQTS is continuing data center construction near Rock Mountain Lake under city-issued permits, rejecting Bessemer's request to pause work. The newly elected mayor's administration is reviewing the project's approval process while QTS disputes concerns about expansion and says home purchases near the site are voluntary.wvtm · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 21VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALQTS requested to postpone a scheduled October 23 meeting with Bessemer's mayor, stating it wants better understanding of discussion topics beforehand. The company also clarified it has no plans to expand the data center campus and said property purchases near the site are voluntary offers to residents.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL · also at WBMA
- Oct 21NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 20PERMIT·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer Mayor Louise Alexander issued a cease letter to data center developer QTS on Monday, though site clearing work continued despite the order. Residents from the nearby Rock Mountain Lake community expressed concerns about the project's impact on their area during a city council meeting.WVTM Channel 13 · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 20ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer Mayor Louise Alexander has requested a halt to the QTS data center development in Rock Mountain Lakes until city officials meet with developers. Alexander sent a cease-and-desist letter Monday, citing the need for city permits, and says the city received only a nondisclosure agreement from QTS, not a formal contract.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 20NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer's newly sworn-in mayor says the city sent a cease letter to halt construction activity at a planned data center development, as nearby homeowners report being approached about selling their properties. The city is consulting with its attorney and has scheduled a meeting with developers for later in the week.
- Oct 20UTILITIES·Jefferson Co., ALFairfield residents protested a proposed $150 million Patmos data center at the former Walmart site, citing concerns about water and power consumption and lack of transparent information. The city council tabled a vote on the C-PACE financing program and plans to hold a work session and town hall on the issue.Hoodline · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 20ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALLouise Alexander won Bessemer's mayoral election and was sworn in Oct. 5, defeating 16-year incumbent Kenneth Gulley partly due to voter opposition to Project Marvel, a $14.5 billion data center that would consume 90 times more electricity than the city. Alexander has ordered a review of all data center contracts and replaced the city attorney who signed a non-disclosure agreement with the developers.Word In Black · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 20NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA 63-year-old man serving a life sentence at William Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer was found unresponsive in his cell Saturday evening and pronounced dead at 7:13 p.m. The coroner found no evidence of trauma or foul play; the cause of death is pending laboratory studies.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 15NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyalabamas42.com · Jefferson Co., AL · also at Yahoo
- Oct 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALParents at Bessemer City Middle School are calling for removal of a school resource officer after alleging he touched students inappropriately during searches for a cellphone Monday. The Bessemer City School System and Police Department are investigating; the officer has been removed from school pending the investigation's outcome.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 10NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALJefferson County Sheriff's deputies seized nearly 60 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Bessemer on Oct. 5. Donnarius Thomas, 37, was arrested and charged with two counts of drug trafficking and second degree possession of marijuana.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 8LAWSUITA defeated candidate for state legislature has dropped her election interference case against Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard, who also serves as the county's chief elections official. The candidate had alleged impropriety at polling places in Birmingham and Midfield during the race won by incumbent Patrick Sellers.AL.com
- Oct 8NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALDuring a one-on-one interview in San Antonio, Trump said a Republican victory in November is necessary to protect the economy and preserve his administration's policies, while criticizing Democratic immigration approaches and citing stock market gains as evidence of economic success.WOAI · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 7NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA 20-year-old Fort Payne man and a 17-year-old have been arrested in connection with a Sept. 28 McDonald's shooting in Birmingham that killed Isaiah Hosanna and injured another man. Ernesto Gama Pablo faces capital murder, attempted murder and firearm charges.WBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 6NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA Bessemer police officer remained in stable condition at UAB Hospital following a head-on collision Monday night near Barclay Drive and Somerset Boulevard. The other driver involved was also hospitalized with believed minor injuries; the crash circumstances remain under investigation.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 5LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALA Jefferson County judge ordered Kenneth Gulley to immediately cease exercising powers as Bessemer mayor, ruling his term ended October 5 and newly elected Mayor Louise Alexander is entitled to take office. The ruling resolved a dispute over whether Alexander, who won a September 22 runoff election, could assume office on the first Monday in October or first Monday in November.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 5LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer faces a dispute over when newly elected Mayor Louise Alexander's term begins, with outgoing Mayor Kenneth Gulley refusing to vacate his office. Alexander claims state law mandates she takes office the first Monday in October, while Gulley argues a city resolution establishing November as the swearing-in date is legally valid, and the matter is now in court.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 2PERMIT·Jefferson Co., ALFourteen Jefferson County food establishments failed September health inspections by scoring below 85, with violations including improperly stored raw chicken, foods held at unsafe temperatures, missing food safety managers, and chemical storage near food items, according to the county health department.WBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 1LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer's mayor-elect Louise Alexander plans to take the oath of office Monday, citing Alabama state law requiring newly elected city officials to assume office the first Monday in October, despite city council pushback favoring the traditional early November swearing-in date used for the past 16 years.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 29NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA man was killed in a shooting at a McDonald's on Bessemer Road in Birmingham's Five Points West on Monday night at 8:56 p.m. The victim was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 29NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA 20-year-old Hoover man was identified as the victim of a shooting at a Birmingham McDonald's on Bessemer Road Monday night. Isaiah Earl Hosanna was transported to UAB Hospital where he died from his injuries.wbrc.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 28ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyalabamas42.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 25NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALFive food establishments in Jefferson County scored below 85 during inspections Sept. 11-23, failing health standards. American Deli in Homewood, Jimmy John's in Hoover, and Walmart Deli in Bessemer each scored 80, with violations including temperature control failures and unsanitized equipment.WBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 25HEARING·FloridaThe Suncoast Sierra Club released a citizen action toolkit on Aug. 13 to help Florida residents oppose large-scale AI data center proposals. The toolkit provides information on environmental impacts, talking points for politicians, and guidance on public meetings, as large data centers can consume millions of gallons of water daily.Creative Loafing Tampa Bay · Florida
- Sep 25NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALKenneth Gulley will end his 16-year tenure as Bessemer mayor after losing a runoff election Tuesday to former state legislator Louise Alexander, who will become the city's first woman mayor. During Gulley's leadership, Bessemer transformed from financial instability to budget surplus, created 7,000 jobs, and built new recreation and city hall facilities.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 25NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL · also at WBRC
- Sep 24VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer's mayor and other city leaders who supported a controversial data center project called "Project Marvel" were voted out of office after Tuesday's runoff election, according to the incoming mayor. Residents opposed the development over environmental concerns, infrastructure strain, and a non-disclosure agreement signed by officials.WBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 24ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALLouise Alexander defeated incumbent Kenneth Gulley in Bessemer's mayoral runoff Tuesday, with three new city councilors also elected. The election reflected voter frustration over transparency surrounding Project Marvel, a proposed data center that sparked debate among residents and city leaders.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 24NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL · also at WBRC
- Sep 23NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALLouise Alexander won a runoff election with 54.53% of votes to become Bessemer's first female mayor, ending Kenneth Gulley's 16-year tenure. Alexander plans to review data center contracts within her first five days and address transparency concerns at City Hall.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 23NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALLouise Alexander has been elected as Bessemer's first female mayor, defeating incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley in a runoff election. Alexander, a former state representative and city council member, will take office in November and has outlined priorities including street cleanup, contract review and a forensic audit.WVTM Channel 13 · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 23ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley lost his reelection bid Tuesday to former state legislator Louise Alexander, who garnered 54.5% of votes in a runoff election dominated by debate over a controversial $14.5 billion hyperscale data center project that Gulley had backed and signed non-disclosure agreements about.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 23LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALLouise Alexander defeated incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley in a Bessemer mayoral runoff Tuesday with 54.53% of the vote. The election was marked by significant turnover across city government, including three new City Council members and five new school board members.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 22VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer voters participated in a runoff between incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley, who has served 16 years, and challenger Louise Alexander after neither candidate secured enough votes last month. Voters cited desires for improved neighborhood conditions and greater civic engagement as motivations for participating in the election.WVTM Channel 13 · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 22ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer voters are deciding mayoral and runoff races for city council and school board today, with a planned $14.5 billion data center project dominating the campaign. Incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley faces challenger Louise Alexander, a former state legislator, in a close race following the August general election.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL · also at Yahoo
- Sep 21MORATORIUM·Jefferson Co., ALA Democratic grassroots billboard group called Bright Blue Dot has launched anti-data center signs in multiple Alabama cities, specifically criticizing Republican gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville's support for the industry. Tuberville backs data centers for tax revenue, while Democratic candidate Doug Jones has called for a moratorium.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 21LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALThe NAACP and Natural Resources Defense Council are demanding greater public records transparency from Bessemer, Alabama regarding the proposed Project Marvel data center, citing concerns about inadequate document production and records withheld under a non-disclosure agreement between city officials and project sponsors.NAACP · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 17LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALA judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley's residency before an upcoming mayoral runoff scheduled for Sept. 22. The dismissal was based on insufficient evidence and failure to establish a violation of state law, clearing the way for Gulley to face former legislator Louise Alexander.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 15NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 15MORATORIUM·Jefferson Co., ALHumans First, a conservative organization, held a news conference in Bessemer on Sunday opposing large-scale AI data center construction without community input. The group cited two planned projects—Project Marvel in Bessemer and Nebius in Birmingham's Oxmoor Valley—as examples of inadequate public consultation on major development.alreporter.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA nationwide "AI Data Center Revolt" bus tour stopped in Bessemer Sunday to raise awareness about large-scale data center projects in Alabama. The "Humans First" campaign organizers said they support technology but want transparency and community input before such infrastructure deals are finalized.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL · also at WBRC
- Sep 13LAWSUIT·AlabamaAlabama's contested divorce filings declined 37% from 2010 to 2025, falling from nearly 13,000 to just over 8,000. Madison County was the only significant exception, with about 43 more contested divorces in 2025 than 2010, attributed partly to Huntsville's rapid population growth of roughly 100,000 residents.AL.com · Alabama
- Sep 13LAWSUIT·AlabamaFayette County in northwest Alabama had the state's highest divorce rate in 2025 with 186 cases, equating to approximately 57 filings per 1,000 married-couple households, according to Alabama Administrative Office of Courts data. Marion County had the next highest rate at about 31 filings per 1,000 married households.AL.com · Alabama
- Sep 11NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA 44-year-old Birmingham man died at UAB Hospital after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday evening on 4th Avenue Southwest in Bessemer. The driver remained at the scene, authorities said.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 10VOTE·AlabamaApplied Digital Corporation, developer of a Brookwood data center, donated $25,000 to U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville's gubernatorial campaign in August. Democrat Doug Jones criticized Tuberville for accepting campaign funds from tech companies building data centers in Alabama while holding stocks in major tech firms.wvua23.com · Alabama
- Sep 7NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer City Schools closed Abrams Pre-K Center after mold was discovered, relocating students to their previously assigned schools. Superintendent Michael Turner has declined multiple interview requests and has not publicly addressed discrepancies in the district's timeline regarding when mold concerns were first reported.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 4NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 4NEWS·Montgomery Co., ALThree people—one man from Montgomery and two women from Huntsville—were arrested following a traffic stop near William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer on Thursday. A K-9 alerted during the probable-cause stop, leading officers to discover a taped package in the vehicle; the suspects were taken to Jefferson County Jail.WBRC 6 News · Montgomery Co., AL
- Sep 4NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALIn August, 40 food establishments in Jefferson County, Alabama scored below 85 on health inspections and failed to meet compliance standards. Violations included improper food temperatures, unsanitized equipment, pest contamination, and expired certifications; several reinspected locations achieved passing scores.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 1HEARING·AlabamaPresident Trump endorsed data center development across America, citing economic benefits, while Vice President Vance attributed opposition concerns to utility costs. A Brookwood town hall tonight will address three suspected local data center projects, with critics citing water impact, noise, and limited job creation concerns.tuscaloosathread.com · Alabama
- Sep 1LAWSUIT·Shelby Co., TNA data center owned by SpaceX in Mississippi is generating complaints from nearby residents over noise levels measured at 70 decibels and concerns about air and water quality. The facility is part of a cluster of four data centers around Memphis collectively valued at approximately $20 billion, with critics citing increased pollution from gas turbines and heavy water consumption averaging 1 million gallons daily.WBHM · Shelby Co., TN
- Sep 1LAWSUIT·Shelby Co., TNThe EPA is considering eliminating federal requirements that give communities advance notice and opportunity to comment on air pollution permits for data centers, potentially removing a key tool residents have used to oppose projects in their areas.Word In Black · Shelby Co., TN
- Aug 31NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALMore than a dozen data centers are proposed or under construction across Alabama, driven by growth in generative AI. Proponents cite job creation and tax revenue, while opponents raise concerns about environmental impacts, water and energy consumption, noise pollution, and whether benefits are equitably distributed across communities.WBHM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 31NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA 33-year-old Bessemer man died Friday night in a single-vehicle crash on Birmingport Road in Mulga. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 31ZONING·MississippiClarksdale, Mississippi has rezoned 648 acres to potentially attract a data center that could generate millions in tax revenue and create hundreds of jobs, but residents are challenging the project over concerns about water strain, pollution, and environmental impact on a predominantly Black community already experiencing poverty and limited economic growth.Capital B News · Mississippi · also at Capital B News
- Aug 31NEWS·Montgomery Co., ALU.S. Sen. Katie Britt advocates for a balanced approach to data center development, saying communities should assess whether tax revenue and economic benefits offset concerns about power consumption and environmental impacts. Britt emphasizes the need for American dominance in AI while allowing communities to decide what works best for them.1819 News · Montgomery Co., AL
- Aug 30
- Aug 28NEWS·AlabamaNine Jefferson County food establishments failed compliance inspections between Aug. 13 and Aug. 25, with violations including improper food temperatures, mold, pests, and missing safety procedures. Golden Corral in Hoover recorded the lowest score of 71.WBRC · Alabama
- Aug 28HEARING·Tuscaloosa Co., ALAbout 30 Tuscaloosa County residents attended a forum to discuss concerns about Flock surveillance cameras and data centers, with organizers noting privacy vulnerabilities and limited public information about approximately 100 cameras in the county. At least 12 data centers are proposed or under construction in Alabama, with attendees raising concerns about environmental impacts and potential government overreach.AL.com · Tuscaloosa Co., AL
- Aug 27LAWSUIT·Richland Parish, LALouisiana regulators voted to keep Meta's job creation and electricity usage figures confidential for its data center project in Richland Parish, rejecting a judge's recommendation for disclosure. The decision drew criticism from Democratic Commissioner Davante Lewis, who argued the secrecy prevents low-income and Black communities from verifying promised economic benefits.Capital B News · Richland Parish, LA · also at Yahoo, thelensnola.org
- Aug 27LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALA Bessemer election official said a poll worker from one precinct sealed a thumb drive containing voting machine data in an official box, delaying county certification until a court order led to its retrieval. Election results reported were accurate despite the confusion, though council incumbent Cleo King narrowly missed winning outright and will enter a runoff.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 27LAWSUIT·AlabamaYellowhammer News · Alabama
- Aug 27NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer City High School graduates from 2027 to 2030 will be eligible for minimum $10,000 scholarships to Miles College, Lawson State Community College, or Stillman College, funded by QTS, a data center operator planning a $14.5 billion facility in the area. The company committed $8 million to the scholarship program and additional workforce development initiatives.Alabama Daily News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 27LAWSUIT·AlabamaAn Alabama woman won a $20,000 judgment against a Church's Chicken location in Midfield after suffering second-degree burns from an excessively hot chicken pot pie purchased in January 2020.WBRC · Alabama · also at WTVY
- Aug 26LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer's complete municipal election results are delayed a week after a thumb drive containing data from one precinct was locked in the wrong box, requiring a court order to retrieve it, the Jefferson County Registrar said. Results from 11 of 12 precincts have been posted, with several races remaining competitive.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 26ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer's mayor faces a runoff after receiving 45% of votes Tuesday, challenged by former legislator Louise Alexander who garnered 41%. The election centered on backlash to a $14.5 billion data center project, with three of five city council members who voted for rezoning facing runoffs or defeats.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 26VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer municipal election results were delayed Tuesday due to an IT issue, with results expected Wednesday. Incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley faces a runoff—his first in 16 years—against challenger Louise Alexander, amid controversy over the Project Marvel data center development.WVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 26NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALAn IT issue delayed the release of Bessemer's municipal election results from Tuesday night until Wednesday. The city clerk did not immediately clarify whether the problem affected vote tabulation or only the ability to report results.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 26NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer election results remained unavailable hours after polls closed Tuesday, with city officials citing IT department unavailability and locked city hall doors. Only absentee voting results listing 313 ballots were posted, leaving candidates and press to gather their own tallies to determine runoff races for mayor, city council, and school board positions.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 25ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALQTS, the developer behind Bessemer's proposed Project Marvel data center campus, will fund at least $10,000 scholarships for every Bessemer City High graduate starting with the class of 2027 to attend Miles College, Lawson State Community College or Stillman College. The Bessemer Built Scholarship will also provide workforce training and additional four-year tuition scholarships through 2030.Yellowhammer News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 25MORATORIUM·Shelby Co., TNMemphis City Council members are considering a one-year moratorium on new data center construction after learning about Elon Musk's SpaceXAI fourth data center project after it was publicly announced. The pause would allow the city to develop regulations addressing environmental impact, noise pollution, and infrastructure strain before approving additional facilities.Word In Black · Shelby Co., TN
- Aug 25ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer voters will decide Tuesday whether to reshape city and school leadership, with all seven City Council seats, the mayor's office, and all seven School Board seats on the ballot. The election occurs amid debate over the proposed Project Marvel data center development and the state's intervention in Bessemer City Schools.WBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 25LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer voters are selecting a new mayor, city council members, and school board representatives today. The elections occur amid ongoing controversy over a proposed $14.5 billion data center and tensions within the city's school system.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 20NEWS·AlabamaAlabama's data center industry has surged to more than $63 billion in total investment across proposed, under-construction and operating facilities, driven by favorable business conditions and infrastructure. However, residents across the state are increasingly protesting the developments at public meetings and filing lawsuits, citing concerns about water usage, electricity consumption and environmental impacts.AL.com · Alabama
- Aug 19UTILITIES·AlabamaA new analysis found that proposed data center developments across Alabama would collectively consume more electricity than all homes in the state combined, raising questions about whether residential customers will face higher power bills. The state Public Service Commission is implementing a new law requiring it to consider whether data center contracts are in the public interest, but experts say meaningful consumer protections depend on how strictly regulators enforce the requirements.Inside Climate News · Alabama · also at Route Fifty, WBHM
- Aug 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALAn $8 million scholarship program funded by QTS for the planned Bessemer data center will benefit only students graduating from Bessemer City High School between 2027 and 2030, excluding nearby residents whose children attend Jefferson County Schools despite living closest to the development site.wvtm13.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 19LAWSUIT·AlabamaNew attorneys for suspended Jefferson County Probate Judge Yashiba Blanchard asked a court Tuesday to delay her trial by four months, citing the complexity of a 120-page complaint with over 70 witnesses. The Judicial Inquiry Commission charged Blanchard with seven ethics violations including delaying commitment hearings and improperly removing attorneys as conservators.WBRC · Alabama
- Aug 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 12MORATORIUM·Jefferson Co., ALHelena, an Alabama city near Birmingham, approved a six-month moratorium on new or expanding data centers, gas stations, auto parts shops, and vehicle dealerships. The temporary ban allows the city to study regulatory mechanisms and prepare zoning amendments.AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 12VOTEAlabama Political Reporter
- Aug 7MORATORIUM·AlabamaProposed large-scale AI data centers in Alabama have become a political flashpoint, with residents raising concerns about secrecy, pollution, noise, and infrastructure strain. Republican gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville supports data center development, while Democratic nominee Doug Jones has called for a one-year moratorium to establish environmental and public health safeguards.The Cool Down · Alabama · also at Yahoo
- Aug 7NEWS·AlabamaTwenty-one food establishments in Jefferson County scored below 85 during July health inspections and failed to meet satisfactory compliance standards, according to the Jefferson County Department of Health. Violations included temperature control failures, mold, pest infestations, and missing food safety certifications.wbrc.com · Alabama
- Aug 6NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALJake's Soul Food Café in Hoover will close Aug. 16 after 10 years in business. The restaurant is offering 20% off menu items during its final week and inviting customers to participate in "The Final Serve" event.WBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 3MORATORIUM·Jefferson Co., ALAL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 3NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA 50-year-old Bessemer man was struck by a vehicle on Pocahontas Road early July 31 and died hours later at UAB Hospital. The driver remained at the scene and called authorities.WBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 3HEARING·AlabamaData centers have become a central issue in Alabama elections amid public health and transparency concerns. Large artificial intelligence facilities like Project Marvel in Bessemer raise worries about noise, traffic, light pollution, water usage, and diesel generator emissions, while non-disclosure agreements have limited community access to project information.Alabama Reflector · Alabama · also at rocketcitynow.com
- Aug 2VOTE·AlabamaAlabama Public Service Commission candidates are debating whether the current "lame duck" commissioners should decide data center power contract rules as the three-member commission prepares for major restructuring. Republican candidate Jim Zeigler and Democrat Shelia McNair argue the two commissioners who lost their primaries should not make long-term decisions, while Democrat James Gordon contends the commission can still gather public input before the PSC expands to seven members in January.al.com · Alabama
- Aug 1NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 31HEARING·Lowndes Co., ALBlack Belt News Network · Lowndes Co., AL · also at Alabama Political Reporter
- Jul 31HEARING·Lowndes Co., ALU.S. Rep. Terri Sewell opposes a proposed $1.5 billion data center in Lowndes County, citing concerns about water infrastructure strain, environmental impacts demonstrated in similar projects elsewhere, and the disproportionate burden on a historically disadvantaged majority-Black community. Sewell states the project demands greater scrutiny before residents face consequences they did not choose.AL.com · Lowndes Co., AL
- Jul 29NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 26NEWS·AlabamaA 1819 News podcast episode examined data center impacts on Alabama communities, with CEO Bryan Dawson calling for transparency about power grid capacity, environmental effects, wastewater concerns, and financial benefits to localities before development proceeds.1819 News · Alabama
- Jul 25NEWS·Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 24LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALBessemer officials signed a non-disclosure agreement with Project Marvel developers that restricted public access to site plans, studies, and developer information, according to documents released after environmental groups sued. The hyperscale data center project has drawn resident opposition over concerns about pollution, water strain, and environmental impacts in the majority-Black community.Word In Black · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 23LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALAn NDA between Bessemer and developers of a $14.5 billion data center project required the city to destroy confidential information upon request, conflicting with Alabama law requiring municipalities to preserve government records, according to the Alabama Rivers Alliance.1819 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 22ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALEnvironmental group Black Warrior Riverkeeper opposes planned data center developments in West Alabama, citing concerns about water consumption and impacts on local waterways. The issue has become central to political races, with disagreement between candidates over whether rapid data center expansion benefits or harms communities.Tuscaloosa Thread · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 22UTILITIES·AlabamaAL.com · Alabama
- Jul 22NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 21
- Jul 21LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALThree of four Bessemer mayoral candidates oppose the $14.5 billion Project Marvel data center, citing transparency and environmental concerns, while incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley supports it, citing $24 million annually for school infrastructure and $16 million annually for school administration over 30 years.wvtm · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 21NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALA 21-year-old Bessemer man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting on Highway 280 that critically injured another man on July 14. Rico Braxton is being held in Jefferson County Jail.WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 21MORATORIUMFairfield Mayor Herman Carnes Jr. revealed that Missouri-based AI infrastructure company Patmos is proposing a colocation data center in the city. The city council unanimously voted to impose a moratorium on new data center and nonprofit applications, though the ban does not apply to Patmos's current proposal.AL.com
- Jul 20HEARING·Jefferson Co., ALThe $14.5 billion Project Marvel data center has become a central issue in Bessemer's August 25 mayoral runoff, with residents expressing concerns about environmental impact and transparency. Two candidates have publicly engaged with the controversy, while an August 9 forum will allow voters to question all four candidates about the project.wvtm · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 20ZONINGFairfield will hold a public town hall on July 28 to discuss a proposed colocation data center that city officials are considering for economic development. Few details about the project have been publicly released, though the city plans to gather resident feedback before making a final decision.Yellowhammer News
- Jul 18LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALBirmingham residents protested at Railroad Park Saturday against a Nebius data center under construction in Oxmoor Valley, part of a nationwide effort opposing data centers. A lawsuit challenging the project's zoning compliance resumes August 12.wvtm · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 17NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 13LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyal.com · Jefferson Co., AL · also at Yahoo
- Jul 13NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 13NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL · also at MSN
- Jul 13NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 2
- Jul 2NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyal.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 1NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 1NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 1NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyConstruction Review · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 1NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 26LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 25LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyal.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 25LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 25LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 25LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyStartupHub.ai · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 16NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyBessemer Venture Partners · Jefferson Co., AL
- May 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyBessemer Venture Partners · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 23NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyal.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 21ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 21NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 21ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 21ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlycbs42.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 21ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 21NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 6NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline only1819 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Mar 4VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Mar 4NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Mar 3ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Mar 3ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 18VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 18NEWS·AlabamaHeadline onlyData Center Dynamics · Alabama
- Feb 18NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyConstruction Review · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 17ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 17ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 10NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlycbs42.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 9NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 9NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 9NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 5NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Feb 3ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jan 27ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jan 20NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jan 20NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jan 20NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jan 20NEWS·AlabamaHeadline onlyData Center Dynamics · Alabama
- Jan 20NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jan 16NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jan 14ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyInside Climate News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Dec 9LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Dec 9ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 21NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyal.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 20NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyal.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 20VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Political Reporter · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Political Reporter · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Reflector · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 19VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyData Center Dynamics · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 18ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyal.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 18ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 18NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 18VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 18ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 18VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlycbs42.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 18ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 17ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 17NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyData Center Dynamics · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 16NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Reflector · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 16VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyal.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 7NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Nov 6NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 21NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyBessemer Venture Partners · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyTuscaloosa Thread · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 12NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Reflector · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 8ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Political Reporter · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 8ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 8NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyBessemer Venture Partners · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 7NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 7NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 6NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlycbs42.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 6NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Oct 5NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 30NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Reflector · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 25NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 18NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 17ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 16NEWS·AlabamaHeadline onlyNAACP · Alabama
- Sep 16ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 15NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Sep 13NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 28NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyactionnetwork.org · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 21NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Reflector · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 19ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 5NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Political Reporter · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 27NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Reflector · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 16VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyBroadband Breakfast · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 15ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 15VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAL.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 15ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyInside Climate News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jul 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 25ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyYellowhammer News · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 17NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Reflector · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jun 17ZONING·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- May 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyAlabama Reflector · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 17NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWVTM · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 15LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL
- Apr 14NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Mar 27VOTE·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyData Center Dynamics · Jefferson Co., AL
- Mar 18NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Mar 18NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyThe Business Journals · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 26NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Dec 19NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyCompressorTECH² · Jefferson Co., AL
- Jan 12NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL
- Aug 16NEWS·Jefferson Co., ALHeadline onlyWHNT.com · Jefferson Co., AL
- May 31