Issues
Alabama church shooting kills 2, wounds 1; suspect detained
The shooting occurred Thursday evening at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in the Birmingham suburb of Vestavia Hills.
Exploring the Clotilda, the last known slave ship in the U.S., brings hope
The discovery of the ship on an Alabama river bottom has fostered a renewed hope for descendants of the Clotilda's captives, and the community they founded called Africatown.
Food is more than what’s on the plate for this Birmingham urban farmer
Fernando Colunga says it’s important to understand how food is grown and the culture it comes from. He’s a farming and cooking instructor at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in Birmingham and is passionate about teaching the significance of food to young people.
Trump endorses Katie Britt in Alabama Senate race
Trump called Britt "an incredible fighter for the people of Alabama." The former president had originally backed U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in the race, but rescinded that endorsement in March after their relationship soured.
Brooks leans into the ‘Big Lie’ in Republican Senate runoff
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks faces Katie Britt in a runoff for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate on June 21.
Sleeping shelters for homeless people will be built for The World Games. What happens next?
Security parameters will be put in place, restricting access to otherwise public places. People without homes who use some of these public spaces for shelter will have to find other places to be.
Privacy researcher worries about a ‘scenario where everyone is a sheriff’ post-Roe
As the U.S. moves toward a post-Roe world, our digital world will need to change with it. A cybersecurity researcher explains why for the Click Here podcast.
Once dumped by Trump, Brooks seeks his endorsement again
Former President Donald Trump pulled his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in the Alabama Senate race. Brooks took to Twitter to encourage the president to change his mind.
Workers at New Orleans Starbucks say yes to unionizing; the 1st in Louisiana
The successful, 11-to-1 vote happened weeks after a former shift supervisor that led the unionization effort was fired by higher management.
Birmingham awards diplomas to students who died before graduation
Not every student who starts school lives to graduate. It’s estimated nearly 2,000 children and teens die from gun violence every year in the United States. This week Birmingham City Schools awarded diplomas to the families of some of those lost students.
Scott Thurmond named Birmingham Police Chief
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Thurmond’s appointment as police chief Thursday. Thurmond succeeds Patrick Smith who announced his resignation as police chief in January citing personal matters.
With vanpooling, workers and employers find a ‘win-win’ amid a tight labor market, high gas costs
As 2022's economic woes continue, more people are using vanpools as a cost-effective way to get to work. It’s also helping out their employers.
Workers at a Birmingham Starbucks become 1st to unionize in Alabama
Workers at the downtown Birmingham coffee shop cast a near-unanimous vote to become the first Starbucks location in the state to say yes to forming a union.
What do Birmingham students think about race, college, even periods? Listen to these podcasts
WBHM’s education reporter Kyra Miles, along with two Report for America colleagues at al.com, worked with students at Birmingham’s Ramsay High School to create podcasts.
Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks are headed for an Alabama Senate runoff
Alabama's Republican primary for U.S. Senate is going to a June runoff between Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks after neither candidate captured a majority of the vote.
Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey wins GOP primary in Alabama
Up against eight Republican challengers, Gov. Kay Ivey will move forward to the general election for governor in Alabama where a Democrat hasn't been elected to the office for a quarter-century.
2022 Alabama primary results
Statewide races include governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general and secretary of state.
How will Avis Williams lead New Orleans Public Schools? Look to her work in Selma
Avis Williams transformed Selma, Alabama’s schools during her five years as superintendent. Now, she’s set to lead New Orleans’ all-charter school system.
Alabama Republicans weigh-in on their favorite primary candidates
Nine Republicans are for governor in Alabama and six for an open U.S. Senate seat.
Alabama Democrats hope for improved showing in 2022 elections
Republicans hold all statewide offices plus supermajorities in the state legislature. But Alabama Democrats are in a good position this year, according to the head of the Alabama Democratic Party.
Ivey, challengers race to right in Alabama GOP primary
The race was supposed to be a cake walk for Gov. Kay Ivey, who still remains favored to win a second full term. But right flank opponents are trying to make it a referendum on her conservative credentials.
Party match-ups go to the voters in balloting on Tuesday
The Alabama primary elections are May 24th. Do you know who's on the ballot? Check out the complete list and sample ballots.
Deliberate Indifference: A conversation about Alabama, Mississippi prison issues
WBHM’s Mary Scott Hodgin talks with Brittany Brown of the Gulf States Newsroom about issues plaguing Alabama and Mississippi prisons.
Some teachers and LGBTQ families feel censored by Alabama’s “Don’t Say Gay” law
Alabama passed its own so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law in April following states like Florida. It bans discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in K-5 classrooms.
Q&A: After federal complaint for COVID vaccine rollout, what’s next for Mississippi?
The NAACP’s and SPLC’s federal complaint claims that Mississippi didn’t equitably spend its federal COVID-19 relief funds, leaving out communities of color.
Birmingham mayor proposes largest city budget ever
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin introduced a $517 million budget proposal, the largest in city history, during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
‘Better isn’t good enough’: Starbucks workers in Birmingham, New Orleans discuss unionizing
Starbucks stores in Birmingham and New Orleans could be the next to unionize. Those leading the efforts sit down to discuss why and what they've learned so far.
Judge’s ruling a “sigh of relief” for families of transgender youth
A federal judge in Alabama ruled to block part of a law that makes it a felony to provide gender-affirming care to minors on Friday. Families with transgender kids tell WBHM they are cautiously relieved.
Transgender medication law in Alabama blocked by judge
The law made it a felony to prescribe gender-affirming puberty blockers and hormones to transgender minors. U.S. District Judge Liles Burke issued a preliminary injunction to stop the state from enforcing the medication ban, which took effect May 8, while a court challenge goes forward.
JeffCo Probate Judge: tightened security will delay voting returns in the primaries
Jefferson County’s chief election official is warning that a new voting security measure will delay returns from the May 24 primary elections.
Inside the manhunt for an escaped murder suspect and jailer
U.S. marshals and sheriff’s deputies led an 11-day manhunt for an Alabama murder suspect and jailer who were heavily armed and preparing for a shootout when they were captured.
Alabama jailbreak mystery deepens as manhunt ends with death
Jailer Vicky White was pronounced dead at a hospital after murder suspect Casey White gave up without a fight in Evansville, Indiana. The fugitives had spent more than a week on the run through three states.
