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.
Out with the mayo: How Ukrainians reclaim holiday food
For many people from former Soviet countries, New Year's is a big holiday feast time. A Ukrainian restaurant in Washington gives NPR a taste of what's on the menu.
His brother’s mental illness isolated his family. Now he’s helping other caregivers
When it comes to serious mental illness, family caregivers are crucial partners. But often, they must fend for themselves. A new solution offers them support.
Farmers are about to pay a lot more for health insurance
Tariffs, inflation, and other federal policies have battered U.S. farmers' bottom lines. Now many farmers say the expiration of federal health care subsidies will make their coverage unaffordable.
Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? A brief history of a long tradition
One of the earliest mentions of New Year's resolutions appeared in a Boston newspaper in 1813. But the practice itself can be traced back to the Babylonians.
In one year, Trump pivots fentanyl response from public health to drug war
Experts say Biden's focus on addiction health care saved tens of thousands of lives and slowed fentanyl smuggling. Trump scrapped Biden's approach in favor of military strikes.
A little boy gave her hope for her foster daughter’s future
At a neighborhood park, a young boy noticed Natalie's young foster daughter using a walker. His reaction left Natalie with an unexpected feeling of hope for the future.
