Issues
Grocery prices have jumped up, and there’s no relief in sight
Groceries saw their biggest jump in nearly three years last month, a worrisome sign for inflation-weary shoppers. Tariffs are contributing to higher prices for imported staples like bananas and coffee.
Care close to home: how a rural doctor meets medical needs in Alabama’s countryside
Doctors are harder to come by in rural Alabama than in big cities. That’s why Cahaba Medical Care developed a residency program that both trains and then hires doctors in rural clinics.
Federal judge orders Jefferson County to redraw racially gerrymandered districts
U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala ruled the county map was unconstitutional because race was the predominant factor when the Jefferson County Commission drew districts.
To save its unique and rare birds, New Zealand is turning to AI and genetic research
New Zealand is planning to eradicate millions of invasive animals that prey on the country's rare birds. The goal may not be possible, unless new technology can be developed to do it.
UC Berkeley professor warns of ‘unprecedented crackdown’ on academic freedom
UC Berkeley told 160 faculty, staff and students that their names were included in files shared with the federal government related to "alleged antisemitic incidents." We hear from one of them.
Why beef prices are higher than ever (and shoppers are finally resisting)
American ranchers are raising the fewest cows in decades. Through the price increases, American shoppers have stayed loyal to their love of burgers and steaks — until now.
U.S. Education Dept. unites conservative groups to create ‘patriotic’ civics content
The group of more than 40 conservative organizations met for the first time on Wednesday. The initiative is aimed at celebrations of the nation's founding next summer.
NFL Legend Emmitt Smith, ‘The Bachelorette’s’ Zac Clark raise overdose awareness at LSU
Smith has partnered with Clark for the Ready to Rescue initiative, stopping at college campuses across the country for short talks and hands-on training.
‘Lullaby for the Grieving’: Alabama’s poet laureate on her journey through loss and hope
Ashley M. Jones was on a roll. It was 2021 and she had just been named the youngest and first Black poet laureate in Alabama. Soon after, her father died without warning.
Most American Jews say Trump is using antisemitism as an ‘excuse’ to silence free speech at universities
Most Jewish Americans disapprove of the Trump administration withholding funds from colleges to address anti-Jewish sentiment, according to a new survey.
Facing Trump’s pressure, the Fed is likely to cut rates for the first time this year
The Fed is likely to lower interest rates by a quarter percentage point Wednesday in an effort to cushion the sagging job market. The move comes as policymakers face growing pressure from Trump.
After a wave of horrific shootings, gun violence trends put recent attacks in context
Mass shootings, political violence and school safety are front of mind for many Americans following a recent spate of high-profile attacks. Experts who study gun violence unpack the data and trends.
Alabama asks court to lift block on limits to absentee ballot applications
The Alabama attorney general’s office asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to lift a judge’s preliminary injunction last year that found the gift and payment ban is “not enforceable as to blind, disabled, or illiterate voters.”
Movie star and visionary Robert Redford has died at age 89
A movie star to his core, Robert Redford has died after a visionary career in cinema, including founding the Sundance Institute that transformed the market for independent films.
Appeals court says Lisa Cook can stay on the Federal Reserve board — for now
A federal appeals court blocked President Trump from firing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, just ahead of a key vote on interest rates.
Birmingham remembers the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, 62 years later
The bombing was a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement and Birmingham’s history.
Who is Fed nominee Stephen Miran, and why is he so controversial?
Stephen Miran, who has served in both Trump administrations, said he will not resign from the White House if confirmed to the Federal Reserve Board, further stoking concerns about its independence.
In first interview, Pope Leo XIV takes on billionaires, polarization and war
Pope Leo XIV reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis and whether he sees himself as more U.S. American or Peruvian.
Melting glaciers mean an uncertain future for Europe’s rivers
Europe is warming faster than any continent. That's speeding up glacial melt, which is already threatening Europe's largest rivers.
Earl Richardson, an educator ‘armed with history’ and who changed HBCUs, dies
Richardson, a former president at Baltimore's Morgan State University, led a lawsuit that ended in a historic settlement for four historically Black colleges and universities in Maryland. He was 81.
Megachurch leader and his mother indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges
Prosecutors claim the family that has long led La Luz del Mundo — or Light of the World — church committed sexual abuse across generations. An accuser compares the church leadership to the mafia.
Anti-Israel protests turn Spanish Vuelta cycling race into a diplomatic battleground
Protests targeting an Israeli-owned team have seized the limelight at Spain's version of the Tour de France. The team under fire issued a statement saying that quitting the race is out of the question.
Does adding football help colleges with recruiting? It’s complicated
Some colleges, seeking to attract more male students, are adding the sport. Research suggests the gains may be short-lived.
This shop fixes student instruments for free. Now, a music legend is chipping in
Herb Alpert got his start playing trumpet in L.A.'s public schools. He wants to help make that "magic" possible for students.
No soil required: New York program brings hydroponics to Birmingham students
The program aims to teach students about sustainable food practices and how to combat food deserts in their communities. It comes through a partnership with the New York-based non-profit New York Sun Works and Birmingham’s Jones Valley Teaching Farm.
Inflation climbs in August as grocery and gas prices jump
Inflation accelerated in August as Americans paid more for gasoline and groceries. Over the last 12 months, consumer prices have risen 2.9%.
The broke college student’s guide to managing money
For college students who don't have a lot of money, it can be tough to wrap your head around student loans, credit cards and a tight budget. A financial educator offers advice for first-year students.
By listening to these birds for decades, scientists track signs of a changing forest
Scientists tracking the birds in an experimental forest in New Hampshire have also tracked changes in the forest ecosystem over decades.
Birmingham youth choir returns to the stage after golden buzzer moment
The Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Choir returns to NBC's "America's Got Talent" Tuesday evening after having won one of the show's golden buzzers earlier this summer.
60 years later, Sandy Koufax’s perfect game is still amazing
Tuesday marks 60 years since Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game at Dodger Stadium. The 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs is still considered one of the best games in baseball history.
BLS revision shows hiring was overstated by 911,000 jobs in past year
The U.S. likely added 900,000 fewer jobs in the 12 months ending in March than had been reported, according to a preliminary Labor Department report.
‘We just want to get to the truth’: Jabari Peoples’ family still seeking answers
Eighteen-year-old Jabari Peoples was shot and killed by a Homewood police officer earlier this year. His family is still reeling from the loss and maintain their disagreement with police’s account of the incident.
