Issues
In hearings, McMahon faces questions about the shrinking federal role in schools and colleges
In separate hearings on Capitol Hill this week, the Education Secretary answered questions about a range of issues, from student loans to mental health programs.
Trump’s tariffs could cut deficit by $2.8 trillion over next decade — with caveats
The Congressional Budget Office projected President Trump's tariffs could raise trillions of dollars over the next decade — but they could also lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth.
A New Orleans restaurant owner’s Facebook was hacked. It put her business in jeopardy
While multi-million dollar ransomware attacks and data thefts targeting governments and industry giants grab headlines, small businesses increasingly find themselves in online scammers’ crosshairs.
With steel tariffs doubling today, a North Carolina manufacturer wonders how to compete
President Trump is doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%. It's designed to protect domestic steel and aluminum workers, but critics say it will raise prices for those that use the metals.
UAB opens new engineering school building
After two years of construction, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has a new home for its engineering school. Staff cut the ribbon for the Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall Tuesday morning.
One company forecasting a better year ahead? Dollar General
People are spending more at Dollar General. In part, that's thanks to shoppers trading down from more expensive stores.
Run For Their Lives, the group targeted in the Colorado attack, is figuring out how to continue its mission
Sunday's attack in Boulder targeted a group called Run for Their Lives, which raises awareness about the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Now, they're figuring out how to move on.
Can bringing back manufacturing help the heartland catch up with ‘superstar’ cities?
In recent decades, America has seen economic opportunities concentrated in superstar cities. Manufacturing boosters hope reshoring factories could help change that. We look at the theory and evidence.
Trump’s budget calls for a 15% funding cut to the Education Department
New details of the administration's budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 came after a federal judge blocked the president's efforts to close the U.S. Education Department.
WBHM 90.3, Gulf States Newsroom win nine 2025 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
The Radio Television Digital News Association announced Region 9 Edward R. Murrow Award winners in 23 categories May 22. The Murrow Awards began in 1971 and are among the most prestigious in journalism.
Hurricane season has started. Here’s what to know
The 2025 hurricane season officially began on Sunday. Forecasters are predicting an active season.
The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder will meet in the NBA Finals
It would be the first NBA title for either of the two energetic fan bases and their exciting young teams. The Thunder, led by newly minted league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is the early favorite.
Why Sacred Harp singers are revamping an iconic pre-Civil War hymnal
A new edition of “The Sacred Harp,” a Christian hymnal first published in 1844, is being released this year. It helps carry on the more than 180-year-old American folk singing tradition that is as much about the community as it is the music.
Why did Alabama families drop their challenge to an anti-transgender law?
Alabama parents sued the state over a law banning gender-affirming care for minors, but they dropped the suit earlier this month.
French health ministry extends smoking ban
France to ban smoking at beaches, parks and outside schools from July 1st to protect children.
Oil companies face a wrongful death suit tied to climate change
Julie Leon died of hyperthermia in Seattle on June 28, 2021 — the hottest day in the city's history. A lawsuit claims she was a victim of oil companies' "misrepresentations" about climate change.
Will I get refunds? Small businesses wonder as courts rule on Trump tariffs
Court rulings against President Trump's tariffs could spell relief for many American importers — if the decisions hold. For now, the uncertainty remains.
Supreme Court limits environmental reviews of infrastructure projects
The decision makes it easier to win approval for highways, bridges, pipelines, wind farms, and other infrastructure projects.
Judge blocks Trump administration’s effort to bar Harvard from enrolling international students
The preliminary injunction would prevent the federal government from revoking Harvard's ability to enroll international students.
Alabama AG Steve Marshall to run for U.S. Senate
Marshall, a Republican, announced his candidacy in a video that included multiple clips of him being introduced or praised by President Donald Trump.
Going Dutch: Harm reduction is embraced in the Netherlands but struggles in the US
The Netherlands has proven drug use harm reduction works. So why does it still face stigma, criminalization and political resistance in the Gulf South?
Federal trade court blocks Trump from imposing tariffs under emergency powers law
The ruling from a three-judge panel at the New York-based Court of International Trade came after several lawsuits arguing that Trump has exceeded his authority.
Peruvian farmer loses landmark climate case against German energy giant
A Peruvian farmer has lost a decade-long legal climate case against Germany energy giant RWE. Saúl Luciano Lliuya claimed the company's emissions had contributed to glacial melt threatening his Andean hometown.
U.S. stops scheduling visa interviews for foreign students
The State Department has halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students while it prepares to expand the screening of their activity on social media, officials said.
US Sen. Tommy Tuberville announces 2026 bid for Alabama governor
His announcement on the Will Cain Show on Fox News followed weeks of speculation, and associates saying Tuberville planned to enter the race. The former coach is expected to be a formidable entry in the governor’s race.
55-year-old Kami Rita Sherpa breaks his own record: climbing Mount Everest 31 times
Lumping his 31 feats together, Kami Rita Sherpa has climbed nearly 90,000 feet above sea level on the famous peak. He first climbed to the top of the world's highest mountain in 1994.
Trump administration moves to cancel remaining federal funds to Harvard
A letter from the U.S. General Services Administration, which is dated Tuesday, tells agencies to submit a list of contracts they have terminated with the university by June 6.
Alabama study reveals hurricane resilience programs are paying off for homeowners and insurers
The first-of-its-kind analysis, released last week, reviews thousands of insurance claims linked to Hurricane Sally, which struck Alabama’s coast in 2020. Homes retrofitted or built to Fortified standards saw significantly fewer and less costly claims.
Are manufacturing jobs actually special?
More than half of American workers don't have a college degree. Is manufacturing a ticket for them to the middle class?
Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in the U.S., is surprisingly young
Hells Canyon is the deepest river canyon in the United States. Now scientists have solved the mystery of when it formed.
As Trump targets elite schools, Harvard’s president says they should ‘stand firm’
Cutting off research funding for Harvard University might hurt the school, its president Alan Garber told NPR, but it also potentially sets back important work that benefits the public.
Trump cuts could hurt after-school programs that serve low-income students
Schools in Maine have been at the center of a political battle with the Trump administration. Now, many fear after-school programs, critical for low-income communities, could be lost.
