Crime victims come together to raise awareness of resources
Alabama, like all states, has a program to compensate victims of violence. But very few survivors take advantage of such programs.
Sheree Kennon is hosting an event Friday evening trying to change that.
In 2021, Kennon lost her son to gun violence. Now, she is an advocate for survivors and their families across Alabama.
“I wasn’t able to get those services because I didn’t know about them,” Kennon said.
The Alliance for Safety and Justice, an advocacy organization for safety and justice reform, is co-hosting the event with Keenon. The alliance reports that only 4% of violent crime survivors know about victim compensation programs.
Aswad Thomas, organization vice president, said Alabama’s compensation system can cover things like funeral expenses and mental health care. But even victims who do know about the program sometimes don’t get access to state support.
“The majority of crime victims that have applied for the program have been denied access to the program because of some of the policy barriers that exist,” Thomas said.
Thomas said these barriers include a requirement to submit a police report within 72 hours of the crime and apply for support within one year. Kennon says when she finally heard about victim compensation programs, the deadline to apply in her case had expired. She hopes people attending the event can avoid that by learning more about the process and getting assistance with their applications.
The event is being held at 1200 Tuscaloosa Avenue in Birmingham at 6 p.m.
Memory loss: As AI gobbles up chips, prices for devices may rise
Demand for memory chips currently exceeds supply and there's very little chance of that changing any time soon. More chips for AI means less available for other products such as computers and phones and that could drive up those prices too.
Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died
Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
For Ukrainians, a nuclear missile museum is a bitter reminder of what the country gave up
The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces tells the story of how Ukraine dismantled its nuclear weapons arsenal after independence in 1991. Today many Ukrainians believe that decision to give up nukes was a mistake.
Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church's president.
Winter storm brings heavy snow and ice to busy holiday travel weekend
A powerful winter storm is impacting parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills. The conditions are disrupting holiday travel and could last through next week.
Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79
Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.
