Issues
Alabama seeks to follow Trump’s lead in defining male and female
Alabama and a small but growing number of other GOP-led states are pushing to enact more laws this year to legally define the two sexes based on observations of genitals at birth. Many trans advocates say the bills feel like an attempt to erase trans existence or a attempt to capitalize on prejudice for political gain.
Linda McMahon led WWE and the SBA. The U.S. Education Dept. may be next
McMahon has a limited background in education, and a long career as a business executive. She'd be stepping into an agency the president hopes to dissolve.
With the surge in sports betting, the risk of gambling addiction rises too
Mobile apps have put sportsbooks in the hands of millions, and experts are seeing a surge in betting — and higher risk of problem gambling. As the Super Bowl approaches, a recovering addict shares his story.
Chris Jones crying before kickoff? Kansas City Chiefs fans say that’s a good sign
During Chiefs games, defensive tackle Chris Jones is a six-foot-six, 310-pound wrecking ball. But he's become known for showing a softer side during performances of the national anthem.
Employers added fewer jobs in January — but the labor market overall remains healthy
U.S. employers added 143,000 jobs in January — a modest slowdown from the two previous months. The unemployment rate dipped to 4%.
The 2025 Super Bowl guide: When is it, who’s performing at halftime and how to watch
From the football field to the halftime stage, here's what to know about the storylines and stakes before Super Bowl 59 kicks off on Sunday.
Republicans target immigration in legislature’s opening week
Republicans hit the ground running as the Alabama legislative session started this week. Among their top priorities is a package of immigration bills, which advanced out of committee and onto the Senate. We talk about that and other action this week with Todd Stacey, host of Capital Journal and Alabama Public Television.
U.S. veterans work to make sense of New Year’s Day incidents: It’s ‘doubly tragic’
U.S. veterans are worried that two deadly incidents involving current and former service members could increase stigma, or paint veterans as somehow damaged.
U.S. education policy is at a crossroads. This congressional hearing shows why
The House education committee is charged with forging consensus on the nation's education policy. But at a recent meeting, partisan differences were on full display.
Here’s a Super Bowl riddle: Why are egg prices surging — but not chicken wings?
There is one economic riddle ahead of Super Bowl Sunday: The egg market has been hit hard by avian flu, but wings are abundant and relatively affordable this year. So what gives?
NCAA bars transgender athletes from women’s sports after Trump order
The move came one day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to ban transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports.
Alabama puts man to death for a 1991 murder in the nation’s fourth execution using nitrogen gas
Demetrius Frazier was pronounced dead at a south Alabama prison Thursday evening for his murder conviction in the 1991 rape and killing of Pauline Brown. It was the first execution in Alabama this year.
Historic Black church given ‘Proud Boys’ trademark calls for stand against hate
A judge ordered the naming rights of the extremist group the Proud Boys be given to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.
Revenge of the Super Bowl Playlists: Philly Over Everybody
This Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs go head-to-head on the championship stage once more. Gear up for the game with this Philly-centric music mix.
Alabama set to execute a man with nitrogen gas for 1991 murder and rape
Demetrius Terrence Frazier was convicted of the 1991 murder of 41-year-old Pauline Brown. Prosecutors said Frazier raped and shot her after breaking into her Birmingham apartment. If carried out, Frazier's execution will be the third in the United States in 2025 and the first in Alabama this year.
Don’t give a hoot about sports? The Superb Owl might be for you
What began as an accidental misspelling or an online joke has soared into a cultural phenomenon.
Here’s who will perform at the Super Bowl on Sunday
Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show with special guest SZA. Jon Batiste will sing the national anthem.
Trump signs order that seeks to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports
President Trump signed an executive order Wednesday aimed at preventing transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. It's the latest in a series of actions focused on "gender ideology."
National Women’s Soccer League reaches $5 million settlement over 2021 abuse scandal
In 2021, revelations about sexual misconduct and racism roiled the NWSL and sparked investigations. Now, the women's soccer league will set aside $5 million for victims and implement other reforms.
Ivey calls public safety her top priority for the 2025 session
The proposals come in the wake of mass shootings that rattled Alabama cities, including the shooting deaths of four people outside a Birmingham nightclub in September.
Waffle House is passing along the sky high cost of eggs to diners
Bird flu is forcing farmers to slaughter millions of chickens a month, pushing U.S. egg prices to more than double their cost in the summer of 2023. And there may be no relief in sight
A guide to what the U.S. Education Department does (and doesn’t) do
The department tracks student achievement, manages college financial aid and sends K-12 schools money to support students with disabilities and lower-income communities, among other things.
In wake of mass shootings, Alabama lawmakers eye ban on Glock switches and public safety bills
After a violent year marked by multiple mass shootings in Alabama, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey and many lawmakers from both parties are backing a proposed ban on so-called Glock switches and other conversion devices that make semi-automatic weapons fire like machine guns.
Pastor pushed out after parishioners complain about focus on racial justice
Leaders of a Baptist church in North Carolina ousted the pastor after congregants started leaving. A secret tape provides a rare look at the debate when a message threatens a business model.
China targets U.S. coal, gas, Google as Trump tariffs take effect
Trump ordered tariffs against China, Canada and Mexico over the weekend. Canada and Mexico reached last-minute deals to pause those tariffs Monday.
Trump is weighing big cuts to the U.S. Education Department
While only Congress can shutter the department, the president is reportedly considering executive action to severely scale back its responsibilities and staffing.
Super Bowl ticket prices have been falling, and are down by thousands from last year
Ticket prices have been dropping over the past few days and many tickets are selling for thousands of dollars less than a year ago.
Navy SEAL was unqualified to lead Tufts lacrosse workout, report finds
The university will change its approval process for team trainings, among other recommended remedies, after the group workout that left lacrosse players hospitalized in September.
Trump puts Mexico tariffs on hold for 1 month after a call with the Mexican president
US tariffs on Mexico to be put on hold for month
Canadian fans boo U.S. national anthem at NBA matchup as tariff dispute heats up
Canadians showed their displeasure on Sunday at the Toronto Raptors' game against the LA Clippers in Toronto, Canada. Similar jeers broke out at National Hockey League games over the weekend.
Crime and education on the agenda for the 2025 legislative session
The 2025 legislative session in Alabama kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 4 with plenty on the agenda. Education, public safety, and of course the budgets are expected to come up. We get a preview of what's ahead with Todd Stacy, host of Capital Journal on Alabama Public Television.
Former Spain soccer official Rubiales goes on trial for unsolicited kiss of player
The former president of the Spanish soccer federation goes on trial Monday accused of sexual assault for kissing forward Jenni Hermoso after Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup final in 2023.
