What’s your favorite thing about Alabama?
By Andrew Gelderman/Reflect Alabama Fellow
What makes life in Alabama special? During our most recent News and Brews community pop-ups at Hop City and Saturn in Birmingham, we asked those who came by what their favorite thing was about life here in Alabama.
Nature and wildlife were common favorites, with Alabama’s rich biodiversity, sprawling landscapes, and rivers. Alabama ranks in the top five states for biodiversity in the United States.
“I have great memories of swimming in the Cahaba, Smith Lake, the Gulf. And there’s always a creek nearby,” said Kennedy Palmer.
Others took the chance to emphasize their appreciation for the city of Birmingham. Some emphasized how you are never too far away from some great food. Forest Park resident Stacey Torch expressed her appreciation for her neighborhood.
“Everyone knows everyone,” Torch said. “It’s a real sense of community.”
Alabama’s local theater scene received some high praise.
“I try to see a show almost every week,” Barbara Sloan said.
One person brought up the weather.
“The thing I always love about Alabama is it’s warm but not too warm. And it does get a little cool, but not too cold,” Daniel Sims said.
Grace Caballero gave a unique answer regarding life online.
“My favorite thing about Alabama is, is that whenever you fill out a form or like you’re ordering something online, Alabama is the first option,” Caballero said.
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones accused of hiding money from Sandy Hook families
U.S. bankruptcy Trustee Christopher Murray has filed three suits accusing Infowars host Alex Jones of hiding millions of dollars in cash and property.
Cloudy with a chance of showers? Fed’s economic forecast coming today
The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady Wednesday. Members of the central bank's rate-setting committee will telegraph their plans for possible rate cuts later this year.
Trump administration actions contradict MAHA rhetoric on toxic chemicals
Trump says he backs the MAHA agenda which includes eliminating toxins linked to human health problems. But his administration continues to cuts funds, grants and regulations that support that goal.
New Report: U.S. drug overdose deaths rise again after hopeful decline
The latest 12-month report from the CDC showed 1,400 more deaths in January of this year compared with the year prior. This comes after more than a year of dramatic progress. Experts say they're not sure if this is a "blip" or something more troubling.
Announcing the 2024 NPR College Podcast Challenge Honorable Mentions
Here are some of the best entries in NPR's 2024 College Podcast Challenge.
North Korea plans to send military construction workers and deminers to Russia
North Korea will send thousands to support reconstruction work in Russia's Kursk region. North Korea has already supplied combat troops and conventional weapons to back Russia's war against Ukraine.