The Rise and Decline of the Redneck Riviera

 ========= Old Image Removed =========Array
(
    [_wp_attached_file] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2012/09/RedneckRiviera.jpg
        )

    [_wp_attachment_metadata] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:5:{s:5:"width";i:171;s:6:"height";i:111;s:4:"file";s:26:"2012/09/RedneckRiviera.jpg";s:5:"sizes";a:3:{s:9:"thumbnail";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:26:"RedneckRiviera-140x111.jpg";s:5:"width";i:140;s:6:"height";i:111;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:9:"wbhm-icon";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:24:"RedneckRiviera-80x80.jpg";s:5:"width";i:80;s:6:"height";i:80;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:14:"post-thumbnail";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:26:"RedneckRiviera-125x111.jpg";s:5:"width";i:125;s:6:"height";i:111;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}}s:10:"image_meta";a:12:{s:8:"aperture";s:1:"0";s:6:"credit";s:0:"";s:6:"camera";s:0:"";s:7:"caption";s:0:"";s:17:"created_timestamp";s:1:"0";s:9:"copyright";s:0:"";s:12:"focal_length";s:1:"0";s:3:"iso";s:1:"0";s:13:"shutter_speed";s:1:"0";s:5:"title";s:0:"";s:11:"orientation";s:1:"0";s:8:"keywords";a:0:{}}}
        )

    [_imagify_optimization_level] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [_imagify_data] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:2:{s:5:"stats";a:3:{s:13:"original_size";i:12269;s:14:"optimized_size";i:7952;s:7:"percent";d:35.189999999999998;}s:5:"sizes";a:4:{s:4:"full";a:5:{s:7:"success";b:1;s:8:"file_url";s:54:"https://news.wbhm.org/media/2012/09/RedneckRiviera.jpg";s:13:"original_size";i:12269;s:14:"optimized_size";i:7952;s:7:"percent";d:35.189999999999998;}s:9:"thumbnail";a:2:{s:7:"success";b:0;s:5:"error";s:77:"WELL DONE. This image is already compressed, no further compression required.";}s:9:"wbhm-icon";a:2:{s:7:"success";b:0;s:5:"error";s:77:"WELL DONE. This image is already compressed, no further compression required.";}s:14:"post-thumbnail";a:2:{s:7:"success";b:0;s:5:"error";s:77:"WELL DONE. This image is already compressed, no further compression required.";}}}
        )

    [_imagify_status] => Array
        (
            [0] => success
        )

)
1655738945 
1347580800

 

The beaches that run from Mobile Bay to Panama City are some of the most beautiful in the world. Prior to World War Two they were sparsely populated and undeveloped. But that began to change after the war when the beach became a tourist destination. In a 1978 article for The New York Times, Alabama native Howell Raines dubbed that stretch of coastline the redneck Riviera. Raines may have given the area its name, but the author of a new book on the region picks up the story from there – as Greg Bass reports for WBHM’s Tapestry.

 

What children in poverty could lose from the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

Republicans want to change or reduce key social safety net programs that provide healthcare, food benefits and financial assistance for millions of children.

Bessemer recommends changing its laws to accommodate one of the country’s largest proposed data centers

Despite overwhelming public opposition, officials in Bessemer voted to recommend changes to city zoning ordinances to allow the massive development. Its operation could strain the state’s water and power supplies and leave an already imperiled fish species at risk of extinction.

Why is caregiving so hard in America? The answers emerge in a new film

A new documentary on PBS shows what it's like to care for adult family members and recounts the history of caregiving policy in the U.S., revealing why those caring for family are often on their own.

European officials hold talks with Iran in Geneva, seeking a diplomatic solution

It marks the most significant known diplomatic talks between Tehran and Western governments since Israel launched a surprise offensive against Iran one week ago.

Ancient Roman masterpieces emerge from a London demolition pit

Thousands of newly discovered fragments, which once adorned a high-status Roman building, offer an unprecedented glimpse into the artistic sophistication and daily life of ancient Londinium.

The story behind the arrest of 87-year-old veteran John Spitzberg at the Capitol

The video of John Spitzberg's arrest has been shared widely across social platforms, becoming a crystalizing moment for those protesting the Trump administration.

More Economy Coverage