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
Hendrix and Brinyark winners in Tuesday’s runoff elections
With no Republican opponent, Democrat Travis Hendrix is expected to take the District 55 seat after January's general election.
Paws and prayers: Hoover church’s furry congregation gets blessed
The recent service at Prince of Peace Catholic Church is part of honoring St. Francis of Assisi.
Runoff Tuesday in race for House District 55
Democrats Sylvia Swayne and Travis Hendrix will meet in the runoff on Oct. 24. There are no Republicans in the race.
Ukrainian baker reconnects to Birmingham by sharing her sweet treat
Vasilisa Strelnikova fled to Birmingham following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. When she arrived, baking became a refuge . But she also wanted to use baking to show her love of Birmingham, and her love for her friends.
In disposing coal ash, Alabama is not like other states
Toxic coal ash has polluted Alabama’s waters for years. Is the state doing enough to stop it?
Protecting Margaritaville: Jimmy Buffett, Bama and the Fight to Save the Manatee
The singer, who died Sept. 1, grew up in Mobile and had a huge following in Alabama, even if many of his devotees in the state were less than thrilled by his liberal politics.
Those struggling with addiction meet ‘law and order’ treatment in Walker County
Anthony Mitchell allegedly froze to death after spending 14 days in a concrete room at the Walker County Jail according to a federal lawsuit his family filed in February. The case is drawing attention to how law enforcement treats those struggling with addiction.
Birmingham public transit inches forward with federal help and no state funding
Alabama, the only state that doesn't fund public transit, passed on another opportunity this legislative session. Thanks to car dependence, the state has the nation's highest per-capita gasoline use.
Arms are open again for infant cuddling after pandemic pause
Under pandemic restrictions, only staff at St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham were allowed in the wards. Volunteers with the infant cuddling program couldn’t re-enter the NICU until the hospital lightened COVID-19 regulations. That was just four months ago.
Wealthy Governor’s Company to Pay Nearly $1 Million for Chronic Air Pollution Violations
In the generations before Bluestone acquired the plant in 2019, people living in the area faced exposure to levels of contaminants in the air and soil that have ranked among the worst in the nation.
Late Alabama artist Thornton Dial honored with first full-scale retrospective in his home state
Thornton Dial's art has been recognized nationally, but this is the first exhibit spanning his full career to be shown in his home state.
Feminism isn’t always popular or understood in Alabama. FemmSouth wants to change that
Alabama native Leigh Bancroft was looking for a way to educate others and discuss feminism. She began the FemmSouth book club, which now includes a podcast.
The Tragedy of North Birmingham
Industrial plants in Birmingham have polluted the air and land in its historic Black communities for over a century. In an epicenter of environmental injustice, officials continue to fail to right the wrongs plaguing the city’s north side.
Look back at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham
Germany finished the Games with the most golds with 24. The United States had the second most with 16. Italy won the most medals overall with 49.
Flying disc, wushu, parkour and more from The World Games this week
Check out highlights as the international competition turns to its final stretch.
Here are some of our favorite pictures from The World Games so far
The first weekend brought competitions in sumo, breaking and karate.
WBHM’s Reflect Alabama Fellowship
WBHM’s Reflect Alabama Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for a paid hands-on learning experience in a vibrant, diverse, community-oriented media organization. Our goal is to provide Reflect Alabama Fellows with […]
2022 Alabama primary runoff results
Republicans will be choosing between Katie Britt and Roy Moore as their nominee for U.S. Senate. Democrats will pick a nominee for governor between Yolonda Flowers and Malika Sanders-Fortier.
