Issues
Demand For Bikes & Outdoor Gear Surges During Pandemic
The pandemic has driven many people outdoors, but finding the right gear could be a challenge.
Young Alabama Voters Look Forward To Election Day
More than 15 million people have turned 18 since the last presidential election, and new research shows they are interested and politically active. We checked in with three young Alabama women to hear what they’re thinking.
ADEM Holds Public Hearing On Alabama Power’s Coal Ash Pond Disposal Plans
This was the first of three public hearings scheduled to review ADEM's permits detailing how coal ash will be managed at various power plants.
Birmingham City Council Approves Software For Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center
The software could include facial recognition technology.
Birmingham City Students Return To Classrooms In November
The school system will return to a blended model of instruction, though many families still prefer virtual learning.
Today, October 19, Is The Last Day To Register To Vote
A record number of people in Alabama have applied for and cast absentee ballots ahead of the November 3 election.
Crowds Turn Out For Saturday Absentee Voting in Jeffco
At 11:30 a.m., a line of several dozen absentee voters extended from a checkpoint in front of the courthouse to the heart of Linn Park. The Alabama Poor People’s Campaign, an advocacy group for low-income people, was among several groups manning tables with absentee ballot applications for voters to fill out before they got in […]
Your Guide To Alabama’s 2020 Constitutional Amendments
Changes to voting, the judicial system and the Alabama Constitution itself are on the ballot.
County Commission Votes To Open The Courthouses For Saturday Absentee Voting
The Jefferson County Commission voted unanimously Friday to open the courthouses in Birmingham and Bessemer for in-person absentee voting.
The Census Counting Is Done, But The Result Is Unknown
Officials note a 99.9% response rate for Alabama. What's behind that number is tricky.
Voters Answer Call To Become First-Time Poll Workers
As uncertainty around the November 3rd election looms, election officials and dozens of non-partisan organizations are recruiting poll workers.
Will COVID Cancel Halloween? Not Necessarily.
Public health leaders say Halloween celebrations can happen, but with adjustments.
Federal Court Says ID, Witnesses Required For Absentee Voting
To vote absentee you must now provide a photo ID and have the signatures of two witnesses or a notary.
Jefferson County Election Officials Consider Offering Absentee Voting On A Weekend
"The volume of absentee voting that we're seeing is truly unprecedented and we're doing it in the midst of a pandemic," said Jefferson County Probate Judge James Naftel.
Jefferson County Clerk’s Office Redesigns To Handle Throngs Of Voters
It was a working weekend of those in the clerk’s office as they set the stage for what they hope is a more efficient processing of in-person absentee voters.
Watch Live: Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding hearings on President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Barrett would fill the seat left vacant with the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Watch the hearings live. (Oct. 12-14 starting at 8 a.m. Central. This special coverage will preempt our regular schedule.)
Secretary of State Intervenes As Frustration Mounts Among Jefferson County Voters
The Alabama Secretary of State's Office created a new plan to help Jefferson County with its long absentee voting lines and understaffing, but specifics of the plan remain unclear.
Live: The 2020 Vice Presidential Debate
Vice President Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris debated in Salt Lake City. Their only face-off of the 2020 campaign comes with a wave of uncertainty with President Trump undergoing treatment for COVID-19. Follow updates and fact-checks on the debate.
Municipalities In Jefferson County Elect New Mayors In Runoffs
The cities of Homewood and Center Point have named new mayors. Meanwhile, the city of Fairfield has reelected its mayor after a runoff election.
UAB Looking For A Variety Of Patients For COVID-19 Clinical Trials
UAB is offering both inpatient and outpatient COVID-19 trials ranging from vaccines to treatments that hope to weaken the effects of the virus.
Nonprofits Adapt To Harsh Financial Conditions After Birmingham Budget Cuts
The city of Birmingham's newly passed 2021 fiscal budget is nearly $50 million smaller than last year. Among the numerous budget cuts was funding to external nonprofits.
With Voters More Polarized, Alabama Straight Ticket Voting Expected to Increase
Alabama is one of six states that still allows straight ticket voting, and it is increasingly popular.
Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Has Lifelong Passion For Education
Longtime educator Mark Sullivan is the new leader of Birmingham City Schools. He's no stranger to the school system and many hope that will keep him around longer than his predecessors.
What You Can Do About Election Disinformation
Disinformation this election is not just about Russia. But there are ways to be on guard.
State Republicans Criticize Doug Jones For Opposing Supreme Court Nominee
Republican party leaders say Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones is making Alabama look weak by refusing to meet with Supreme Court nominee Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
Birmingham Passes “Phantom” Budget, Unchanged From Woodfin’s Proposal
The Birmingham City Council approved Mayor Randall Woodfin’s proposed 2021 city budget this week. The $412 million budget includes nearly 250 indefinite furloughs with more than half coming from the city’s library system.
Jones Hopes To Defy Political Odds Again
Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones won a special election in deeply conservative Alabama in 2017. He maintains he can do it again in November.
Gov. Ivey Extends COVID-19 Mask Order
Alabama's mask mandate will remain in place through Nov. 8.
City Leaders Approve Budget Despite Concerns About Library System
Demonstrators gathered outside Birmingham's city hall Tuesday night, just hours before council members approved a budget that furloughs more than 150 library employees.
Live Updates: 1st Presidential Debate Between Trump And Biden
Follow NPR’s live coverage of the first 2020 presidential election debate, including fact-checking and analysis. President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden were in Cleveland for the event, moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News.
‘The Whole South Goes Dark’: What Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death Could Mean For Abortion Access
The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has brought about concerns over reproductive rights. Some worry that if President Trump's Supreme Court Justice nominee is approved that access to abortion will grow even narrower, especially in the south.
Everything You Need To Know To Vote Absentee In Alabama
Want to cast your ballot by mail in Alabama? Here's a guide.
