Judge orders Alabama prison system to boost staff by 2025
The Alabama Department of Corrections had been ordered to reach staffing targets by Feb. 2022, but the judge said that's clearly "out of reach."
Edward O. Wilson, biologist known as ‘ant man,’ dead at 92
The pioneering Harvard biologist and Alabama native developed a fascination with ants as a teen that continued through his life.
Prison visits are back in the Gulf States. Many have not seen loved ones for nearly 2 years
This holiday season, many incarcerated people in the Gulf States are seeing their loved ones for the first time since March 2020 due to COVID restrictions.
Virus hospitalizations, school cases increasing in Alabama
The state's top doctor says caseloads are manageable, but officials are concerned.
Three Birmingham families on what the Magic City means to them as the city turns 150
Birmingham's first 150 years contains powerful history. But it was also home to tens of thousands of people.
Gulf States will get $100M to expand internet access. Here’s what they’re prioritizing
Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi will receive $100 million from the infrastructure bill to expand internet access, but each will have different priorities.
How the social safety net has — and hasn’t — changed in 2021 in 5 charts
Updates to SNAP, TANF and the Child Tax Credit have helped families in the Gulf South, but not everyone has been able to access the improved benefits.
First case of omicron variant in Alabama has been confirmed
Alabama has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, according to the state health officer.
Families in need received more from the social safety net in 2021. How helpful was it?
Experts hail changes like the Child Tax Credit and increases in SNAP benefits as historic. But were recipients better off after getting them?
Texas-like abortion bill would let citizen sue providers
The Alabama Heartbeat Act would prohibit medical providers from performing an abortion once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks and before some women know they are even pregnant. The bill was filed ahead of the 2022 legislative session.
Field trips look a lot different for students this year. But that’s not entirely bad
As public schools adjust to all in-person classes, educators have found value in welcoming accessible field trips through virtual tours.
Supply chain issues in California open up a business opportunity for Gulf Coast ports
Southern ports report higher traffic, but problems on the ground keep them from being a true solution to the supply chain tangle.
Former NFL player Glenn Foster dies after arrest in Alabama
Alabama authorities are investigating after former NFL player Glenn Foster Jr. died in custody following a high-speed chase that resulted in his arrest and then a fight involving officers in the county jail where he was being held.
Alabama prisons commissioner Jeff Dunn to retire as system faces federal pressure
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the leadership change just two months months after Alabama lawmakers approved a $1.3 billion prison construction plan.
Alabama Gov. Ivey draws challengers in 2022 GOP primary
Lynda Blanchard and Tim James are joining the 2022 Alabama governor's race against incumbent Kay Ivey, county commissioner Stacy Lee George, and pastor Dean Odle.
NBA G League’s Birmingham Squadron hosts home opener at Legacy Arena
The Birmingham Squadron will face the Mexico City Capitanes Sunday at the newly renovated Legacy Arena.
As Supreme Court heard Mississippi abortion ban case, Gulf South demonstrators rallied in DC
Hundreds of demonstrators for and against abortion rights protested in front of the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of a monumental hearing on Wednesday.
After a blowout pilot season, high school girls flag football could be an official sport in Alabama
Two teams will take the field in downtown Birmingham Wednesday for the girls flag football high school state championship.
Alabama prisons to resume visitation after 20 months
The Alabama Department of Corrections will resume visitations on Dec. 4 after nearly 20 months. But there will be a number of restrictions.
Turmoil hits antipoverty group as report questions contracts
The executive director of Jefferson County's Committee for Economic Opportunity was fired after allegations of financial inconsistencies.
The stadium bid for Woodlawn High School is approved. It could be built by the fall
The Birmingham Board of Education has approved a bid for Woodlawn High School's new football stadium. It could be built by fall 2022.
Birmingham Mayor Woodfin sworn in for a second term
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin began his second term Tuesday, continuing his tenure as the city’s 30th mayor.
How a Birmingham shop owner brings memories to life through books
Jim Reed has collected books and writings for more than 40 years and believes books keep memories alive.
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh announces $15 minimum wage for federal contractors during visit to Birmingham
An estimated 327,000 people across the country could see a pay increase under a new Department of Labor rule announced Monday in Birmingham.
Tips for a happy, safe and COVID-free Thanksgiving from Gulf South health officials
Hosting a family gathering for Thanksgiving but worried about COVID transmission? Health officials offer these tips for a happy, safe holiday.
Deep South’s most vulnerable residents share their stories during EPA’s ‘Journey to Justice’ tour
Black residents of Southeast Louisiana, dedicated to fighting air and soil pollution in their own neighborhoods and towns met with EPA Administrator Michael Regan on his “Journey to Justice,” listening tour, sharing their stories and frustrations.
JeffCo Commission announces $1.1 billion deal with Smucker’s
Food maker J.M. Smucker, known for its peanut butter and jelly products, is bringing a manufacturing and distribution plant to McCalla.
Alabama, Gulf States receive F rating in March of Dimes’ 2021 maternal health report
Alabama ranked toward the bottom in the nation for maternal and infant health outcomes in an annual report put out by March of Dimes, an organization that promotes maternal and infant health across the United States through research, education and advocacy.
Gulf South health care systems are failing to equally serve people of color, study says
A new analysis from research foundation Commonwealth Fund shows that health care access and outcomes are poor for people of color across the nation, and even worse in Gulf South states.
State: Ex-speaker Hubbard’s words show apology was insincere
Alabama state prosecutors say Mike Hubbard's apologies for his crimes are insincere, citing emails and phone calls made by the former House Speaker.
An unlikely place, Lowndes County, has the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Alabama
At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Lowndes County was one of the hardest hit places in Alabama. So when the vaccine became available, doses were rushed to Lowndes and other Black Belt counties by the federal government.
Lawsuits challenge new legislative, congressional lines
The NAACP, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and others filed a lawsuit this week against Alabama's new legislative and congressional districts. They say the redistricting allows for racial gerrymandering.
