Jefferson County Layoffs: Wes Gregory’s Story
News headlines are filled with stories about Jefferson County’s budget crisis. The county put nearly a thousand employees on unpaid administrative leave over the weekend. The Birmingham News reports long lines for drivers’ licenses and car tags. The New York Times says the county-run nursing home doesn’t enough money to bury indigent residents.
But behind the public headlines, there are the personal stories of hundreds of county employees who find their lives turned upside down. Wes Gregory is one of them. He’s been working in the county road department for 12 years, until this week. He talked with WBHM’s Tanya Ott.
Camp Mystic parents from Alabama seek stronger camp regulations
Sarah Marsh of Birmingham, Ala. was one of 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors swept to their deaths when floodwaters engulfed cabins at the Texas camp on July 4, 2025. Sarah’s parents are urging lawmakers in Alabama and elsewhere to tighten regulations.
Court rebuffs plea from domestic workers for better pay and respect
They're often paid low wages and lack job protections. A petition to the country's supreme court to support their demands did not see success — and they are protesting.
Spy agency says Kim Jong Un’s daughter is close to be North Korea’s future leader
Seoul's assessment comes as North Korea is preparing to hold its biggest political conference later this month, where Kim is expected to outline his major policy goals for the next five years.
Using GLP-1s to maintain a normal weight? There are benefits and risks
Drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy are intended for people who are overweight. Some patients are using them after bariatric surgery to keep pounds from creeping back. Others may just want to lose a few pounds.
Jordan Stolz opens his bid for 4 golds by winning the 1,000 meters in speedskating
Stolz received his gold for winning the men's 1,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Games in an Olympic-record time thanks to a blistering closing stretch. Now Stolz will hope to add to his collection of trophies.
How the FBI might have gotten inaccessible camera footage from Nancy Guthrie’s house
Last week, law enforcement said video footage from Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera was overwritten. But the FBI has since released footage as Guthrie still has not been found.
