Go ahead and roll your eyes. You’re thinking “best of” and “2020” do not belong in the same headline. Despite a global pandemic, record hurricanes, economic collapse, fires, floods, civil unrest and even murder hornets, good things still happened in spite of – or even in response to – the calamities. So, as 2020 draws to an end, let’s look back on the “Good News from Home” stories readers clicked on the most on Alabama NewsCenter. The editor’s choice is a story that didn’t get the most clicks but we feel like is worth noticing.

Whether it was the fight against COVID-19, a desire to operate a business more efficiently, making life at home more comfortable or even searching for a long-lost Alabama civilization using satellites, innovation was in high gear in Alabama this year. It’s a year that also saw the launch of Apple’s first-ever Education Farm in Birmingham and the inaugural class of Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator. Here are the innovation stories you responded to the most.

Mobile Parade of Homes showcases Alabama Power Smart Neighborhood home

Alabama Power Smart Neighborhood home built in Saraland from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Alabama researchers join global fight against COVID-19 disease

Alabama Mercedes plant among first in world to use innovative production system

Mercedes-Benz Alabama plant incorporating new digital production system from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Researchers use new technology in bid to solve centuries-old Alabama mystery of Mabila

Apple, Alabama Power Foundation launch Education Farm initiative in Birmingham

Apple, TechAlabama partner for new Ed Farm technology initiative from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Editor’s choice: Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator hosts successful 2020 Demo Day