State officials will name a $1 billion prison in Elmore County after Gov. Kay Ivey, who made its construction a priority in her first term. Members of the Alabama Corrections Institution Finance Authority, which oversees prison financing, voted Wednesday to call the facility the “Governor Kay Ivey Correctional Complex.” The Alabama Reflector notes that the governor has made new prisons the centerpiece of efforts to address the state’s decades-long prison crisis. After years of effort, Ivey was able to get the Legislature to sign off on a $1.3 billion bill in 2021. The bill authorized the construction of two prisons in Elmore and Escambia counties. The bill also opened the door to a new women’s facility and renovations at existing prisons, but did not provide those projects with dedicated funding sources.
A Limestone County circuit court judge granted a temporary restraining order to stop the construction of a controversial rock quarry in the Belle Mina community. WHNT TV reports the temporary restraining order is in will prevent drilling, blasting and mining at the site. An injunction hearing on November 21 will follow yesterday’s ruling which could determine the fate of the rock quarry.
Alabama students could soon see some big changes in their social studies classes, including a deeper emphasis on local and world history. State officials are considering standards, which have not been updated since 2010, that will spread topics like Alabama history, civics, world history and current affairs across more grades. AL.com reports students will have more time to delve into certain themes and topics, such as civil rights. If approved by the State Board of Education in December, new standards will go into effect in 2026.
Leidos, a Virginia-based company with a presence in Huntsville, is giving $1.75 million to Drake State Community and Technical College. The college will name its new advanced manufacturing facility the Leidos Advanced Training Complex. Drake State’s president Patricia Sims, tells Business Alabama the complex “will offer students access to hands-on engineering, manufacturing and technology experiences that will equip them for bright futures in aerospace, technology and advanced manufacturing.”
Free 2 Teach, which offers free classroom supplies to local teachers, announced the largest single donation in its history. In a news release, CEO Alison Kling said the non-profit received a $150,000 grant from Meta. AL.com reports that Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has steadily increased its investment in Huntsville since 2018 to over $1.5 billion. A statement from the company says it has granted over $4 million in direct funding to area schools and nonprofits.
Huntsville Animal Services is warning residents of a scam targeting those who have lost pets. Scammers are contacting people who posted online about lost pets, falsely claiming to represent Animal Services and requesting money for their pet’s return. A news item from the city of Huntsville says that if you receive such a call or message, do NOT provide any personal info or payment. Contact Animal Services directly to report it and verify any communication regarding your pet. For questions or assistance, call Huntsville Animal Services at 256-883-3782 or visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/animal.
Galaxy of Lights is now open at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Walking Nights are November 15th through December 1 (Closed Thanksgiving Day and November 17) & December 4 – 8, 18 – 26 (Closed Christmas Day). Dog Walking Nights are every Monday and Tuesday during Walking Nights and Driving Nights are December 9 – 17 & 26 – 31. More information is at www.hsvbg.org.