Burt Reynolds

At the Center for Domestic Preparedness, in Anniston, first-responders from across the nation prepare to handle worst-case scenarios.

Who's moving up?

With Alabama catfish farmers, free trade is not an unquestioned principle, as with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or the National Fisheries Institute. Black Belt producers say “free” trade has been an unleveled playing field of unenforced safety standards and dumping practices.

Advances in hypersonic missiles by Russia and China have put the U.S. behind in airborne weapons. Recent Lockheed Martin contracts — including key work in Huntsville — appear to be aimed at getting the U.S. back into the game.

Huntsville’s planning and infrastructure investment laid the foundation for one of the largest commercial developments in the country — transforming a vacant regional mall into a “walkable, connected community.”