Alabama Families Living in Poverty Hit Hard by Welfare Reform
A recent report by the public radio show, Marketplace, found that Alabama spends only 38% of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds on core areas. TANF, in its simplest terms is a federal welfare program designed for needy children and their caretakers. The number of families living in poverty in Alabama has risen, but the number of families currently receiving TANF funding has dropped. We talk more about this with Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD. Patterson talks with WBHM’s Esther Ciammachilli about what’s really happening with the TANF program in Alabama.
Shopping for pricy ACA health plans? Some cheaper options come with trade-offs
Without a fix from Congress, costs for many people who buy health care on the Affordable Care Act marketplace have gone up. Here's what's to know about cheaper choices — and pitfalls to be aware of.
Cartagena’s iconic horse carriages give way to electric buggies
Cartagena, Colombia, is set to ban its iconic horse-drawn carriages, replacing them with electric buggies — a move dividing the historic city over tradition, tourism, and animal welfare.
New Orleans musicians share their favorite Christmas songs, from bounce to blues
Rosemary Westwood from member station WWNO asked a few of New Orlean's favorite musicians about the songs they like to listen to around Christmas.
On winter’s coldest days, this classic Kashmiri coat offers warmth — and wisdom
In Kashmir, December 21 is said to mark the start of the 40 harshest days of winter. A woolen robe called a pheran is key to keeping warm — and a reminder of how to face and overcome hardships.
A radio station in Amsterdam is a lifeline for Sudan. After USAID cuts, it’s faltering
Budget cuts threaten the future of Amsterdam-based Radio Dabanga, which has served as an information lifeline for Sudanese people about their war-torn country.
9 killed, 10 wounded in South African pub shooting
Authorities report that nine people have died and at least 10 others are injured after a shooting at a South African pub. The incident occurred early Sunday in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg.
