Issues
Why Black teens are getting vaccinated at higher rates than white teens across the South
Data acquired from health departments across the Gulf South show that among 12 to 17 year olds, Black teenagers are getting vaccinated at roughly one and a half times the rate of white teenagers.
Kids age 5 and up can start getting vaccinated in Jefferson County
Over 400,000 kids in Alabama aged 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, after the CDC approved Pfizer’s low-dose vaccine for kids. Several families in Jefferson County told WBHM they’re eager to get their shots and move towards normalcy.
Birmingham delays ICE agreement, wants to assure it won’t lead to police involvement in deportations
The Birmingham City Council has delayed approving an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would allow several city police officers to act as officers for the federal agency’s Homeland Security Investigations division.
Republicans advance bill for claiming vaccine exemptions
Alabama lawmakers advanced legislation on Tuesday aimed at protecting employees who choose not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by setting out an easy process to claim a religious or medical exemption.
JeffCo considers kicking in $500K to bring USFL to Birmingham
On Thursday, the Jefferson County Commission is set to consider approving $500K to help bring the United States Football League to Birmingham next year.
How outreach helped Gulf States outpace national COVID vaccine rate for Black residents
COVID-19 vaccination rates among Black residents in the Gulf States are surpassing that of Black residents in the U.S. Health officials say building trust has been key to reaching this point.
Alabama says vaccine mandate will lead state employees to quit
Gov. Kay Ivey joined a lawsuit filed late Friday by Alabama and other states challenging the vaccine mandate on federal contractors.
Fans of Legion Field are concerned about its future
Once revered as the “Football Capital of the South,” Legion Field has lost some of its luster in the last 15 years.
Why nearly $910 million meant to prevent evictions in Gulf States has been left unspent
New data shows about $910 million meant to prevent evictions had yet to be used by the end of September in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
3 things to watch for in the new Birmingham school board
With over half of its members new and millions of dollars in federal pandemic relief funding, the new Birmingham City school board is ready to tackle education with a fresh perspective. WBHM talked to incoming, outgoing and returning members about what Birmingham teachers, students and residents can expect.
Women will hold the majority on the Birmingham City Council over the next four years
Starting this Tuesday, the makeup of the Birmingham City Council changes when it swears in three new members.
Community leaders call for ‘fair maps’ ahead of special session on reapportionment
State legislators will meet Thursday for their second special session of the year. This time they'll vote on new legislative maps following the 2020 census.
COVID vaccines for young children could be approved soon. Are Gulf States prepared?
Kids between the ages of 5-11 years old might be able to get vaccinated in the near future. Here’s why it would be a game-changer for the Gulf States, and how they’re preparing for the shot’s rollout.
Birmingham debuts new tech hub to help solve crime in real time
Birmingham leaders officially opened the city's Real Time Crime Center Tuesday, a project intended to give the Birmingham Police Department new technological tools to help resolve crime more quickly.
More Black families in Birmingham find freedom in homeschooling
The face of homeschooling is changing and diversifying. In just a year, the number of Black families has increased five-fold— and for more reasons than COVID-19. Several families told WBHM they see homeschooling as a way to protect their children from educational racism.
As southern workers quit in record number, restaurants struggle to meet demands
Wages have gone up as restaurants try to hold onto their staff amid a record number of people quitting their jobs in the U.S., especially in the South.
Alabama Board of Education cements state’s ban on critical race theory
At the October meeting, the Alabama state board of education cemented its ban on critical race theory into policy. But, attendants of the meeting reacted in disapproval.
Sierra Hull reflects on the meaning of time on her album “25 Trips”
Sierra Hull's list of achievements includes a three-time mandolin player of the year by the International Bluegrass Association. The mandolinist and singer/songwriter takes a reflective look at her life on her latest album.
The Birmingham Library delays plans to close four branches after city officials protest
The Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees has delayed a proposed vote to shut down four library branches after receiving criticism from city leaders, including Mayor Randall Woodfin.
UAB to build new Cooper Green clinic, replacing old hospital by 2025
Officials with Jefferson County and UAB Health System announced the new clinic will cost between $55 and $65 million and will replace the old Cooper Green Mercy Hospital on 6th Avenue South in Birmingham.
No more Euphoria. The Birmingham City Council revokes license of infamous club
The Birmingham City Council has revoked the business license of Club Euphoria, an Ensley nightclub deemed a “nuisance” by the surrounding neighborhood.
Want to help after Hurricane Ida? Southern charities say the best way is giving people cash
Charities in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana say giving people money is faster and gives them back agency. But experts say cash alone can’t solve all the problems after a storm.
Birmingham hosts the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic for the first time
The oldest football rivalry among historically black colleges has made its way to Birmingham. Tuskegee University and Morehouse College will have their first game in the Magic City.
After an 18-month pause for the pandemic, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra returns to live concerts
The COVID-19 pandemic halted performances last year, but now, live concerts are back.
It’s fall break, but these Birmingham students are staying in school
This year, Birmingham City Schools gave students the choice to take a break during the fall intersession or stay in school for extra academic support and enrichment.
Federal covid relief funds enabled churches and other religious organizations to pay employees
A review by BirminghamWatch of federal records listed about 321 applicants from Jefferson County who received millions of dollars under the Paycheck Protection Program. These applicants identified themselves as religious organizations.
A bad day for incumbents: 2 Birmingham councilors, 1 BOE member defeated in runoffs
Two incumbent city councilors and one incumbent school board member were unseated during Birmingham’s municipal runoff election Tuesday.
JeffCo commissioners begin redrawing district lines
Jefferson County Commissioners are deciding between three proposed maps for redistricting.
Feeling angry? You’re not alone. A UAB psychologist offers 5 ways to deal with pandemic anger
Feelings of anger and frustration are bubbling up for many people in Alabama, 18 months into the coronavirus pandemic. A psychologist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham explains how to manage it.
Ivey signs a $1.3 billion prison construction plan into law
The action caps a special legislative session that lasted only five days.
A new stadium has been a 35-year conversation in Birmingham. It’s finally here
The UAB Blazers will play Saturday, the first event in Protective Stadium.
Alabama wants to speed up medical marijuana growing. Will it be helpful or cause more problems?
With medical marijuana now legal in Alabama, some farmers are eager to get plants in the ground, but licenses to grow marijuana won’t be available until September 2022. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission wants to move up licensing so farmers can plant seeds earlier.
