Alabama Business & Economy: Gov. Kay Ivey is urging Alabama entrepreneurs to apply for the SBA’s nationwide “Freedom 250” Patriot Pitch Competition, with up to $1 million in prizes for small businesses. State & Local Growth: Foley Main Street earned 2026 Accredited Main Street America status, a national nod for downtown revitalization efforts. Housing & Cost Pressures: A new report flags “affordable” retirement cities getting too expensive, with Tampa and Phoenix among the examples. Public-Private Operations: Alabama State Parks is partnering with Guest Services Inc. under a 10-year concession to run lodging and hospitality at Lake Guntersville and Cheaha State Parks. Consumer Protection: The Better Business Bureau warns of a growing home listing scam that reposts real photos, lures buyers into fake bidding wars, and charges fees or deposits. Business Climate & Jobs: Hoover was ranked No. 6 best place to live nationally in U.S. News’ 2026-27 list, reflecting job-market strength and quality-of-life factors. Automotive Policy Risk: A proposed House bill targeting foreign-adversary ownership could put Mercedes-Benz at risk, raising concerns about impacts to U.S. sales and jobs tied to Alabama manufacturing.