Top 10 October stories you may have missed
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October finally brought us some fall weather across Alabama along with plenty of big stories. Let’s take a quick look back at The Bama Buzz’s top 10 stories from the last month. Read to the end to see what was No. 1!
10. Alabama school ranks in Niche’s top 25 public schools in the country
The Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile was ranked as the best K-12 school in the state and sits 21st among the best public high schools across the United States. Find out why it stood out + how other schools across the state were ranked by Niche.
9. Alabama taco spot featured on America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow
Rike’s Tacos has grown from a small food truck to multiple locations across the Wiregrass, becoming a staple of the community. Now, the taco spot is earning some national attention as America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow came to town to highlight Rike’s Tacos in Troy.
8. Stink bugs have arrived across Alabama—what you need to know
For most of the year, encounters with these bugs indoors are not as common. But October and November is a different story. That’s when these shield-shaped bugs come inside to escape the cooler weather. And that poses a problem. Find out how you can safely limit the bugs inside your home.
7. Alabama singers advance on The Voice
Anna McElroy of Mobile and Joe Henley of Grand Bay have advanced past the Battle Rounds of the 30th season of the popular singing show. Watch their performances + what comes next for the duo.
6. New Nick Saban documentary holds premiere event in Tuscaloosa
ESPN’s new original documentary series on Nick Saban’s coaching career dropped this month and a premiere event was held at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa. Nick and Terry Saban were in attendance, joining community leaders, former players, ESPN personalities and more at the invite-only event. See more from the big night + find out how you can watch the full series.
5. Auburn teen featured in Times Square for National Down Syndrome Society
An Auburn teenager with Down syndrome was recently featured on a billboard in Times Square as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s campaign for its annual Buddy Walk. Bentlee Williams got to travel to New York City with her family to see herself on the big screen at one of the world’s most popular destinations. Read the full story.
4. Ella Langley returns to No. 1 on Hot 100, extending all-time record
After a temporary hiatus, Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” is back at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Hope Hull native’s hit song has now been in the top spot for 25 weeks, extending her all-time record which was set earlier this year.
3. Alabama artists appear on Rolling Stone’s Best Rock Songs of the 21st Century
Rolling Stone took on the unenviable task of tracking down the 200 best rock songs of the 21st century (so far). And five Alabama artists had tracks made the cut including.
- “Hold On” by Alabama Shakes
- “Never Been Wrong” by Waxahatchee
- “Marry Me” by Drive-By Truckers
- “Cumberland Gap” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
- “Wondering Why” by The Red Clay Strays
Learn more about why each song made the list.
2. New $28M Cheaha Lodge opens atop Alabama’s highest peak
On Friday, October 16, 2026, Alabama State Parks officially dedicated the new $28 million Lodge at Cheaha State Park, which sits atop Cheaha Mountain—the highest peak in Alabama. Alabama’s newest scenic destination, the Lodge offers 32 rooms, each with a balcony, so every guest can experience the stunning views of the surrounding Talladega National Forest.
1. 18 Alabama restaurants recognized at Michelin Guide’s American South ceremony
It was a busy night for Alabama restaurants at the 2026 Michelin Guide American South Restaurant Ceremony in Nashville on Wednesday, Oct. 21. 18 total restaurants from across the state were recognized this year including three new ones and a prestigious individual award for Little Betty’s Steak Bar.
See more top stories from Bham Now.
