Issues
USAID enabled 208 Afghan women to defy the Taliban ban on college — until now
A USAID grant enabled them to either study online or enroll in college in another country. Now the grant has been terminated.
U.S. stock markets bounce back after Trump tariffs shock — but nerves abound
After major slides in equity trading across the world, any slight uptick in stock prices will only repair part of the destruction of trillions of dollars in investor wealth over the past few days.
Bienvenidos! Some colleges are targeting a long-neglected group: Hispanic students
Colleges are recognizing the importance of this growing pool of potential students.
Florida swamps Houston, winning 3rd NCAA men’s basketball national championship
The Florida Gators downed Houston, denying the Cougars their first-ever title. Florida, one of a record 14 Southeastern Conference teams to make the men's tournament, won its third NCAA championship.
Tariffs are fueling fears of a recession. What does it take to actually declare one?
The Trump administration's tariffs are fueling concerns about a potential recession, with several major banks increasing their forecasts. What is recession and who declares one?
WBHM wins 3 ABBY Awards
WBHM 90.3 FM won 3 ABBY Awards for 2025 – a prestigious honor given annually by the Alabama Broadcasters Association. The ABA presented the awards Saturday, April 5 in Birmingham.
In conservative Alabama, Republicans are cheering for Trump – with some quiet concerns and caveats
Alabama Republicans cheered President Donald Trump and his agenda at a GOP party the day he imposed tariffs and sent stock markets tumbling worldwide. But there were signs of a more cautious optimism and some worried whispers over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, the particulars of his deportation policy and the aggressive cuts by his Department of Government Efficiency.
Are UAB officials mum about grant cuts because they fear a spiteful president?
Cuts to federal research grants could cost UAB $70 million a year, leading to layoffs and economic impacts beyond the campus. Some faculty and area leaders want UAB to be more vocal against the Trump administration cutbacks.
UAW President Shawn Fain explains why he supports Trump’s tariffs
Shawn Fein supports auto industry tariffs but calls broad tariffs "reckless."
Landmark day for college sports as judge holds final hearing on major NCAA settlement
A class-action lawsuit involving thousands of current and former college athletes, known as House vs. NCAA, would transform college sports by allowing schools to pay players directly.
UConn takes 12th NCAA women’s basketball title with dominant win over South Carolina
UConn is back on top of women's basketball, winning its 12th NCAA national championship by routing defending champion South Carolina 82-59 on Sunday.
Alex Ovechkin scores goal #895 to break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL scoring record
The Washington Capitals star made history with a power play goal from the left faceoff circle — as Gretzky, who last set the record more than 25 years ago, looked on.
Florida heads to NCAA title game in a victory over SEC rival Auburn
Florida beat Southeastern Conference rival Auburn 79-73 in the Final Four on Saturday night. The Gators are going to the national championship game for the first time since their titles in 2006 and 2007.
Defrocked former D.C. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick dies at 94
Theodore McCarrick, a once-powerful Catholic cardinal who was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019 after a Vatican investigation determined he had molested adults and children, has died.
Don’t overthink the torpedo bats
The Yankees 20-9 win against the Brewers last weekend put the spotlight on torpedo bats. But in baseball, as in life, sometimes a fluke is just what it seems.
Alex Ovechkin has tied Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record
The Washington Capitals star came into Friday's game two goals shy of tying the NHL's career record, set decades ago by the great Wayne Gretzky. The Capitals have six games left in the regular season.
Supreme Court sides with administration over Education Department grants
By a 5-4 vote, the justices allowed the administration to freeze millions of dollars in grant funding for diversity and instructional programs at public and private universities.
Higher prices are likely for these 10 grocery items when tariffs hit
A trip to the grocery or liquor store is about to become even more expensive, economists say. From seafood to olive oil, these items will likely cost more under President Trump's tariffs.
Stocks sink in another brutal day, as Trump’s tariffs send global shockwaves
Investors, businesses and consumers all seem terrified of how President Trump's tariffs could upend the global economy.
The job market remains incredibly healthy — but the tariff storm could upend things
Employers added 228,000 jobs in March, showcasing a solid labor market. But uncertainty over tariffs and tepid consumer spending may weigh on job growth in the months to come.
Gambling proposal likely dead for the legislative session
If there's any topic that hovers over the Alabama legislature, never quite going away, it's gambling. The perennial issue has always fallen short and it looks like it will do so again this year.
NCAA president on why he supports NIL settlement for college players
NCAA president Charlie Baker discusses a proposed settlement between college athletes and the NCAA for making direct payments to players for their name, image and likeness.
Alabama lawmakers advance proposed ban on cellphones in school
A growing number of states are moving to ban or restrict cellphones in schools. The push has been fueled by concerns that phones are a distraction in the classroom and that screen time and social media have a negative impact on mental health.
How much will tariffs raise prices? Trump’s economists just revealed their answer
The administration revealed how they calculated the tariffs. Buried in that math is a straightforward answer to a question Trump has long refused to answer: How much will his tariffs raise prices?
Education Dept. warns schools: Eliminate DEI programs or lose funding
The department sent a letter to state leaders threatening the loss of funds for K-12 schools that don't follow its interpretation of civil rights laws.
Dow drops 1,500 points on trade war fears over new tariffs
President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods, which were higher and broader than many expected. The new import taxes are expected to raise prices and slow growth in the U.S., while pushing many other countries into recession.
How the Education Department helps students with disabilities get an education
Special education laws and the U.S. Department of Education have evolved together over nearly five decades. Now, the Trump administration seems to want to separate the two.
The key players to watch for in this weekend’s Final Four games
Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers, the presumptive top picks in this year's NBA and WNBA drafts, are on deck this weekend with hopes of a national title. But the star power doesn't stop with them.
Parents sue Bucknell alleging hazing led to freshman football player’s death
Freshman Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., died after his first practice at the university. His parents are suing the school, also alleging staff neglected to account for his sickle cell trait during training.
Birmingham names new police chief
After a four month wait, Birmingham has a new police chief. Tuesday morning, Mayor Randall Woodfin announced that interim chief Michael Pickett is taking on the role permanently.
Email shows senator did receive town hall invite, despite Tuberville saying otherwise
Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s office said he never received an invitation to a town hall in Birmingham held for his constituents last month. The organizers beg to differ.
How HBCUs are helping grow the next generation of Gulf South environmental activists
Marginalized people often bear the brunt of environmental injustices. An annual conference in New Orleans is shaping young Black leaders to solve these issues.
