Gov. Kay Ivey Honored with Distinguished Service Award as Alabama's Economic Development Momentum Reaches Historic High

Economic Development Association of Alabama recognizes governor's leadership after more than $55 billion in investment, 93,000 new jobs and record-breaking business recruitment efforts statewide.

POINT CLEAR, Ala. | Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey received one of the state's highest honors for economic development leadership this week as the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) presented her with its Distinguished Service Award during the organization's 2026 Summer Conference.

The award recognizes Ivey's nearly decade-long commitment to expanding Alabama's economy through aggressive business recruitment, workforce development and strategic investments designed to strengthen the state's competitiveness for domestic and international industries.

Presented at the Grand Hotel Resort and Spa in Point Clear, the award comes as Alabama continues one of the strongest periods of economic expansion in its modern history.

"Thank you, EDAA, for the Distinguished Service Award, and for helping make this the most historic period of economic growth in Alabama's history," Ivey said after accepting the honor.

"Our future depends upon those who work hard to bring local jobs home," the governor added. "I am truly humbled by this acknowledgment."

Alabama Democratic Rift Deepens as Tabitha Isner Accuses Joe Reed of Illegal Electioneering

Vice Chair alleges Alabama Democratic Conference failed to comply with state campaign finance reporting laws, escalating a long-running power struggle within the Alabama Democratic Party.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Internal divisions within the Alabama Democratic Party intensified Tuesday after Alabama Democratic Party Vice Chair Tabitha Isner publicly accused Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC) Chairman Joe Reed of engaging in illegal electioneering, marking the latest chapter in a years-long conflict between reform-minded party leaders and the organization's longtime political establishment.

In a Facebook post, Isner alleged that organizations that spend money to support or oppose candidates are required to register and disclose their expenditures under Alabama's Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA). She claimed the Alabama Democratic Conference has engaged in political advocacy without reporting expenditures required under state law.

"Any organization that endorses candidates and spends money to persuade voters to support particular candidates is engaged in 'electioneering.' That organization must register with the state and report its expenditures to the Alabama FCPA," Isner wrote. "Guess who's engaged in electioneering but not reporting any expenditures to the FCPA?"

As of publication, the allegations represent claims made by Isner. No public finding by Alabama election authorities has been cited establishing that the Alabama Democratic Conference violated state campaign finance law.

Alabama Congressional Candidate Faces Scrutiny After Remarks on When Life Begins Spark Pro-Life Debate

Christian Coalition of Alabama questions Rep. Rhett Marques' comments on conception, arguing voters deserve clarity on one of the state's defining political issues.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama's race for the Second Congressional District has entered the center of the state's ongoing abortion debate after the president of the Christian Coalition of Alabama publicly challenged comments made by State Rep. Rhett Marques regarding when human life begins.

In a statement released Tuesday, Dr. Randy Brinson, president of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, argued that Marques made two statements during a July 19 candidate forum that "cannot both be true," raising questions about the candidate's position on one of the most consequential issues for Alabama's socially conservative electorate.

According to Brinson, Marques first stated, "I do believe that life begins at conception." Later in the same response, however, Marques reportedly added, "Until that fertilized egg is put into the woman, that is where it starts." Brinson contends those remarks describe two different points at which life begins and therefore create confusion about the candidate's position.

"The voters of the Second District do not [know his position], and they are entitled to know, in his own words, without qualification and without a second definition held in reserve," Brinson said in the statement.

ABORTION REMAINS A DEFINING POLITICAL ISSUE

The exchange underscores how abortion continues to shape Republican politics in Alabama following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and subsequent legal battles over reproductive technology, fetal personhood, and state abortion restrictions.

Alabama has some of the nation's strictest abortion laws, and candidates seeking statewide or federal office are routinely questioned about their positions on the beginning of life, personhood, and protections for unborn children.

Brinson's statement argues that the definition of conception should remain consistent and rooted in both biblical teaching and long-held pro-life principles, asserting that political candidates should clearly articulate their views rather than adopt terminology that could be interpreted differently.