Mary Scott Hodgin is an award-winning journalist from Birmingham, Ala. She covers health and science, as well as the Alabama prison system.
Hodgin grew up in Birmingham and attended the University of Alabama. She has experience in documentary filmmaking and is fluent in Spanish. Before joining public radio, she lived in Spain and worked as a camp counselor in rural Wyoming and Alaska. In her free time, Hodgin enjoys exploring the outdoors, finding new music and experimenting in the kitchen.
In 2021, Hodgin was recognized as “Best Large Market Radio Reporter” by the Alabama Broadcasters Association. She has also earned several Alabama Associated Press Media Editor awards, including "Best Specialized Reporter" and "Best Investigative Reporting."
In the fight against COVID-19, Alabama hospitals say one of their biggest concerns is a shortage of nurses. Many are turning to travel nurse companies to meet demand.
State officials announced the latest development in their plan to replace most existing male prisons with three regional prisons.
This Alabama woman struggled with mental illness and found solace in French. She recently recounted her story in an award-winning essay.
At a nursing home in Marion, Alabama, one employee uses her voice to help lift morale among residents and staff during the pandemic.
For more than 96,000 students with special needs across Alabama, the loss of in-person services could mean a decline in learning, communication or functional skills. It also takes a toll on family members.
Alabama health experts and university leaders launched a statewide campus re-entry initiative to test and monitor the spread of COVID-19 on college campuses.
Face masks will be required in schools and colleges for anyone in second grade and above. The requirement, along with the statewide mask ordinance and Safer at Home order, are now set to expire August 31 at 5 p.m.
As Congress debates another stimulus package, many Alabama residents will now see their weekly unemployment checks drop to less than $300.
In one case, a lieutenant slammed a handcuffed prisoner on a concrete floor several times, knocking him unconscious and leaving him unable to breathe. He required hospitalization.
Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson says COVID-19 is putting a strain on every part of the public health system.
Suspected drug overdoses have increased significantly in recent months across Alabama. Experts say the uptick is related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Beginning Thursday, face coverings will be required in public spaces throughout Alabama. Gov. Kay Ivey issued the order Wednesday, citing recent spikes in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.
In recent weeks, the number of state inmates who have died from COVID-19 has more than doubled, with two more deaths announced Monday. Last week, ADOC officials announced plans to expand testing among the inmate population.
The "Right to Breathe Caravan" toured several north Birmingham neighborhoods Saturday, calling for environmental and racial justice in communities that have faced decades of industrial pollution.
Kelsey Jacks is a registered nurse in the medical Intensive care unit at UAB Hospital, where she takes care of the sickest COVID-19 patients. To help people understand the impact of the virus, she recorded an audio diary during a recent shift.
Beginning Monday, face masks will be required in indoor spaces open to the public throughout Jefferson County. Health officer Dr. Mark Wilson announced the new order Friday, citing concerns about the recent increase in spread of COVID-19.
A day after a noose was placed in the garage of NASCAR's only full-time Black driver, fans at Talladega Superspeedway condemned the incident, but were mixed on NASCAR's decision to ban the Confederate flag.
Sparked by protests calling for racial justice, a growing number of cities across the country are taking down Confederate monuments. What's next for these structures and the communities who remove them?
Birmingham city residents are under a new nightly curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the order and declared a state of emergency Monday morning in response to violence that erupted Sunday evening.
More than half of Alabama's nursing homes have reported coronavirus cases. But families and advocates say they don’t have a clear picture of what’s happening inside these places because state health officials don’t disclose information on individual facilities.
Alabama’s Public Service Commission is considering new rules that restrict recording formal hearings. Critics say the “Media Coverage Plan” goes too far and limits transparency of the agency.
As Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey allows more businesses to reopen next week, UAB infectious disease expert Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo is worried about the state's recent increase in average cases and deaths related to COVID-19.
The cancellation and delay of sporting events due to the coronavirus is creating uncertainty for student athletes. College coaches have fewer opportunities to scout new players and they face mounting financial pressure that's led some schools to cut athletic programs.
The internet is helping a lot of people get through the COVID-19 crisis. But many people in rural areas like the Black Belt have no internet access at all.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is defending two new city ordinances tightening restrictions around COVID-19. Beginning Friday, residents will be under a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and they must wear face coverings in public.
UAB Hospital is taking a financial hit from COVID-19. Officials announced Friday a projected loss of $70 million per month due to fewer clinical visits, elective surgeries and hospital stays.
Alabama corrections officials recently reported the first inmate death related to COVID-19. With several prisoners and staff members testing positive for the virus, those inside Alabama prisons worry this is just the tip of the iceberg.
After falling ill with COVID-19, Bill Chambers was admitted to intensive care and placed on a ventilator. He spent 22 days in the hospital and was recently released, becoming the first COVID patient discharged from UAB Hospital's ICU.
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles will resume parole hearings May 18 after stopping them last month in response to COVID-19. Advocates say the state should expedite the parole process to protect inmates and alleviate prison overcrowding.
COVID-19 is not the first pandemic to strike around the world. In 1918, the Spanish Influenza had a dramatic impact on daily life everywhere, including Alabama.
Due to COVID-19, hospitals are limiting the number of people who can be present during labor and delivery. That's one reason some pregnant women are considering giving birth at home.
Closed through the end of the academic year, Alabama K-12 schools will being distance learning Monday. Jefferson County Schools released information Friday about their plan.
