A Hispanic Church Reflects on Immigration Reform in Alabama
After House Majority Leader Eric Cantor primary defeat last week, immigration reform is taking center stage yet again. Alabama is no stranger to the immigration debate. The state's immigration law, HB 56, was known as the toughest in the nation when it passed in 2011. But a federal settlement last fall blocked several key provisions of the law. For WBHM, Nathan Turner Jr. visited a local Hispanic church to explore what's changed for the congregation since the settlement. He also hears what some say still needs to change in Alabama's immigration policies.
Healing Body and Soul in Alabama’s Black Belt
While Birmingham is a city with large hospitals and many medical professionals, there are relatively few physicians in Alabama's Black Belt. It's an impoverished region already facing high rates of obesity, diabetes and cancer deaths. One doctor has made it her mission to provide medical care to residents of Pine Apple, a town of just 130 people in Wilcox County. She also happens to be a Roman Catholic nun.
Healing the Hurt in Hurtsboro
Hurtsboro, Alabama, is a typical Black Belt town. It's small and poor. The town's only medical clinic closed several years ago, meaning residents must travel at least 35 miles to either Opelika or Columbus, Ga., to see a doctor or fill a prescription. But, a Birmingham-based medical ministry hopes to help.
