Issues
Birmingham mayor issues pardon for unpaid traffic fines
The City of Birmingham pardoned all negligent traffic fines and parking violation tickets that were issued prior to January 1, 2011.
Record-high gas prices are cutting into Alabama drivers’ budgets. Here’s how they’re coping
The added expense affects people in Alabama’s Black Belt differently, including road trippers, commuters and even those who can’t drive.
Barlow & Bear bring musical theater into the TikTok era
Birmingham's Abigail Barlow is up for a Grammy this year with her writing partner Emily Bear for their work on the 'Bridgerton Musical'.
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination sparks Black Girl Magic in local judges
Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to the high court. But in Jefferson County, Black women already hold many judgeships in the court system.
‘Divisive concepts’ bill passes Alabama House
The measure faced a questionable future just a week ago when a House committee failed to act on it.
Educators, psychologists say attending school at home hampers students’ development
Roughly 70% of students at Birmingham City Schools ranked below their grade level in math, and 40% of students ranked below their grade level in reading.
JeffCo, Birmingham spend federal money on housing assistance, other needs
More than $359 million in federal dollars flowed through the hands of Jefferson County and Birmingham city officials in the past two years.
Exhaustion and nervousness after 2 years of COVID in Alabama
March 13 marked two years since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Alabama. Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson said we're in a good place now, but there's concern of another surge.
Key COVID moments in the Gulf South 2 years later
On the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, take a look back at the Gulf States Newsroom’s coverage of the infectious disease’s impact on the Gulf South region.
Why Gulf South oil producers can’t protect the region from rising gas prices
Experts say activating unused oil wells could temper the rising costs of gas, but consumers should not expect prices to get anywhere near their COVID low.
Alabama’s ‘ultimate school choice’ bill gets complicated when considering race and poverty
Parents could get about $5,600 per kid in state money to use for other schooling options. The proposal is currently in a legislative study committee. But experts told WBHM school choice brings up concerns around equity.
Vestavia Hills schools and city face a lawsuit for allegedly withholding public information
The Vestavia Hill City Schools along with the superintendent and the city face a lawsuit alleging they’re improperly withholding public information on COVID-19 masking and safety protocols. The lawsuit was filed by two parents last month.
Kamala Harris marks ‘Bloody Sunday’ anniversary in Selma
Vice President Kamala Harris visited Selma, Alabama, on Sunday to commemorate a defining moment in the fight for equal voting rights.
Alabama lawmakers advance a record-setting education budget
Legislators also took up measures to improve math education and attack what's known as "period poverty."
After a wave of HBCU bomb threats, a look at another era of violence at Jackson State
In 1970, the campus was the scene of a violent shooting by police that left two young men dead, many others injured and campus changed forever.
Alabama Supreme Court backs move to protect land around water source
The Alabama Supreme Court has sided with environmentalists who say the Birmingham Water Works Board is not abiding by a court order to protect land around Lake Purdy and parts of the Cahaba River.
Birmingham leaders say decision to ban Russian athletes from the World Games ‘a show of solidarity’
The World Games ban was in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week.
A rodent infestation shut down Family Dollar stores. How one Alabama town is coping
A Family Dollar in York, Alabama is one of the few shopping options in town. But it's shuttered due to a warehouse rodent infestation.
Birmingham residents rally in support of Ukraine
More than 50 people showed up at Railroad Park Saturday for a rally in support of Ukraine. This comes days after Russia's invasion of the country.
Alabama educators push back on bill banning ‘divisive concepts’ from the classroom
Lawmakers also took action this week on a delay to a school reading requirement and a ban on transgender treatments for youths.
Is New Orleans ready for Mardi Gras? A Q&A with health director Jennifer Avegno
New Orleans is in full celebration mode with Mardi Gras just days away, but where does COVID fit into the equation? The city’s health director has answers.
The 2021 Jackson water crisis and the cracks that remain in a long-damaged system
A year ago, below freezing temperatures collapsed Jackson, Mississippi’s water system, revealing longstanding cracks in its infrastructure.
World Game medals make their debut in Birmingham, but will soon be all over the world
Medals for the World Games, which will take place in Birmingham in July, were unveiled by city leaders and games organizers Wednesday at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
US vaccination drive is bottoming out as omicron subsides
The vaccination drive against COVID-19 in the U.S. is grinding to a halt, and lagging demand is especially stark in conservative corners of the country where many people weren't interested in the shots in the first place.
House votes to allow concealed handguns without permit
The Alabama House of Representatives approved legislation ending the requirement for a person to get a permit in order to carry a concealed handgun in public.
Alabama lawmakers advance transgender students bathroom ban
The effort by Alabama legislators comes after the U.S. Supreme Court last year rejected a Virginia school board's appeal to reinstate its transgender bathroom ban.
Bill that would ban concealed carry permits in Alabama advances
Lawmakers also advanced a so-called bathroom bill but delayed a bill increasing penalties for rioters.
Across the bridge: Alabama Dem carries torch for voting bill
Rep. Terri Sewell's voting bill collapsed in the Senate last month, but she is determined to press on. In March, Selma will mark the anniversary of the “Bloody Sunday” voting rights march.
Mississippi’s plan to stop Alabama from stealing its teachers? Pay them thousands more
As Mississippi lawmakers plot how to keep more teachers in the state, educators warn the state’s bill targeting critical race theory could drive them away.
Amtrak’s proposed Mobile-New Orleans line is ‘a bad idea’ for Alabama, officials say
Mississippi wants to move full steam ahead with plans to restore the passenger rail, but Alabama worries the line will disrupt the freight rail.
How a Birmingham art educator makes art feel accessible and inclusive
Angie May wants art to reach everyone who visits the Birmingham Museum of Art. As the associate director in learning and engagement, she heads inclusive and innovative initiatives to open art history to younger generations.
Alabama Republicans pass bill to hike penalties for removing Confederate monuments
Republicans also advanced a bill that would require jail time for those who participate in a riot, plus another banning certain therapies for transgender youth.
