Thousands across Alabama live without access to public water
In rural Marion County, some residents do the only thing they can think to do: call their legislator and cry.
Community effort boosts reading scores at BCS
Results from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program released last month showed 81% of third graders in the district are now reading at or above grade level. This is up from just 53% on the previous year’s standardized test.
EPA formally denies Alabama’s plan for coal ash waste
The federal agency says the state’s plan was not as protective as federal standards, allowing toxic waste to remain in unlined pits that may contaminate groundwater. Alabama officials say they will appeal.
Here’s what you said were the hidden gems in Walker County
There are things we notice about where we live that others might miss. That might be a hidden gem or other surprise. We set out to discover a few of them in Walker County at our recent News and Brews community pop-up.
Taylor Hunnicutt is championing her home state with debut album ‘Alabama Sound’
Alabama offers a diverse symphony of swampy rock, swaggering blues, murky country, and bone-rattling soul. It’s a sound singer-songwriter Taylor Hunnicutt recently reimagined on her debut album, Alabama Sound, which is out now.
Alabama coal company sued for a home explosion is delinquent on dozens of penalties
Crimson Oak Grove Resources has been cited for 204 safety violations since the March 8 blast, many involving “significant and substantial” safety violations.
Alabama coal mine keeps digging after hundreds of fines and a fatal explosion
Following the death of a grandfather, Crimson Oak Grove Resources has left a community afraid for their homes and lives. An expert warns one resident may need to evacuate her home while she still can.
What’s your favorite thing about Alabama?
That's the question we put to those at our recent News and Brews community pop-ups at Hop City and Saturn in Birmingham.
Alabama mine cited for federal safety violations since home explosion led to grandfather’s death, grandson’s injuries
Following a home explosion that killed one and critically injured another, residents want to know more about the mine under their community. So far, their questions have largely gone unanswered.
Broken sticks and lots of laundry: what it takes to keep the Birmingham Bulls on the ice
Ray Pack has been the Birmingham Bulls equipment manager for seven years. He operates behind the scenes making sure home and away teams have everything they need.
What issues are driving you to the polls this year?
What issues are top of mind as you head to the polls this year? What do you want the candidates to be talking about?
A ‘gassy’ Alabama coal mine was expanding under a home. After an explosion, two were left critically injured
Oak Grove Mine has a long history of safety violations. In 2006, federal officials evacuated its workers because of dangerous levels of methane, a flammable gas.
Alabamians want public officials to mitigate landslide risk
In Birmingham, residents want two properties shielded from development and turned into parkland. Councilors decided to protect one parcel years ago. The vote never stuck.
What do you want state lawmakers to know?
That’s the question WBHM put to people at our recent News and Brews community pop-up at Church Street Coffee in Mt. Brook. Despite the early hour, those at the shop had plenty to share.
SATs are going all digital, and students have mixed reviews of the new format
As SAT season kicks off this weekend, students across the U.S. for the first time will take it with computers and tablets — and not the pencils they've used since the college admissions test was introduced nearly a century ago.
Here are the details on Tuesday’s proposed constitutional amendment
Voters heading to the polls Tuesday will see a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. Amendment 1 would remove a procedural step when considering local legislation.
How Birmingham reflects an entwined struggle for civil and labor rights
Movements for civil rights and workers' rights often intersect. But many times the labor part of the picture is overlooked. That’s the case in Birmingham, which is well known for its civil rights history.
During Mardi Gras, tons of fun comes with tons of toxic beads
New Orleans and Mobile dispute where Mardi Gras was birthed, but both Gulf Coast cities struggle with the same plastic waste. Where will a greener carnival be reborn?
Will the Moody Landfill Fire Ever Be Extinguished? The EPA Isn’t So Sure.
One resident, a former firefighter, said the fire should be completely extinguished. An EPA official said that may not be possible.
Environmentalists rattled by radioactive risks of toxic coal ash
The EPA now recognizes the risks of gamma radiation from radium in coal ash, but many states aren’t even sure where the toxic waste has been used. In Alabama, environmental regulators say they do not track so-called ‘beneficial’ uses of coal ash.
2024 ABBY Award Entry — News Reporter, Richard Banks
Montage of stories from Richard Banks including: “An old school in Birmingham’s Bush Hills is now an urban farm. Residents are thinking bigger” — Jan. 6, 2023 “Tuberville defends hold […]
Hale Freezes Over
In Hale County, Alabama, many residents have gone without running water for days. Many more are still boiling water.
How an Alabama utility wields influence by financing news
A Floodlight investigation found Alabama Power runs a news service and its foundation bought a Black newspaper. Neither publishes critical stories about the utility.
Pajamas, movies, relish: hear some of our favorite holiday traditions
We heard from patrons at Adventurer's Coffee Co. in Calera about their unique holiday traditions.
A books-to-prisons program creates connection behind bars
Katie Willis and Megan Lyle, founders of the local bookstore Burdock Book Collective, began their books-to-prisons program in 2020.
What did Alabama students think of the climate change quip in the presidential debate?
Two University of Alabama students, a conservative and a progressive, said they’re hoping for a more nuanced conversation on the environment.
Meet the tiny fish that only call Jefferson County home
Though the creek water at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is crystal clear, and thousands visit the preserve each year, it’s highly unlikely most will see three unique fish species that swim alongside them. They are the endangered watercress, rush and vermilion darters
How a pianist is using classical music to bridge divides in Alabama
Classically trained concert pianist, Miki Sawada, is aware of the impression classical music has. She's trying to bring the music to a wider audience and bridge the country's divides.
LGBTQ community finds a home in Birmingham’s punk scene
Plenty of people are familiar with the sound and look of punk. But not as many are familiar with the importance of compassion when it comes to being a punk. That's meant the punk scene has become a refuge for some LGTBQ individuals.
Birmingham’s first Black police officer has died
Leroy Stover became an officer in March 1966 at 33 years old and moved up the ranks. By 1992, he was promoted to deputy chief in charge of field operations.
Community connects Dia De Los Muertos artwork
Artist Helga Mendoza said she’s always been interested in the grieving process. With grieving a strong theme of her work, it seemed appropriate that Mendoza was selected to create the featured image for this year’s Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, festival in Birmingham.
An Alabama coal plant again named the nation’s worst greenhouse gas polluter
In West Jefferson, everything happens in the shadow of Alabama Power. Just across the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River from West Jefferson, towering over the relatively rural Alabama landscape, is the coal-fired James H. Miller Jr. Electric Generating Plant
