Issues
Trump’s trade war is raising money for the government, but at whose expense?
Tariff collections are up sharply in the last 2 months. Congressional forecasters say tariffs could help reduce the federal debt, but they'll also lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth.
Pope Leo criticizes political nationalism and prays for reconciliation and dialogue
The pope celebrated Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square in front of tens of thousands faithful, and asked the Holy Spirit to "break down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred."
Coco Gauff wins the French Open to claim her 2nd Grand Slam title
The 21-year-old American star battled back over three sets to defeat the world's top-ranked player, Aryna Sabalenka. Gauff is the first American to win at Roland-Garros since Serena Williams in 2015.
With $2.7 billion settlement approved, college sports’ big money era is officially here
The settlement in House v. NCAA brings an end to the NCAA's long-standing tradition of amateurism. Starting this fall, schools will be able to pay players directly up to a salary cap of $20.5 million.
Trump admin asks SCOTUS to intervene and allow Ed Dept cuts
In an emergency appeal, the administration is asking the Supreme Court to lift a lower-court order blocking mass staffing cuts at the Education Department.
Sea turtle Dilly Dally released into the ocean with three flippers after undergoing amputation
Dilly Dally, a loggerhead turtle who survived a run-in with a predator that ultimately cost her a flipper, has been rereleased into the wild.
Court fees can pile up. An effort to make a more effective system stalls after Trump administration cuts
Court fines and fees are meant to hold people accountable. But for many, they lead to debt, arrest, and a cycle that’s hard to break. A project that started in Birmingham aimed to make the system better. But recently, the Trump Administration cancelled an effort to expand the research.
Hiring slowed in May, as employers added 139,000 jobs
U.S. employers added 139,000 jobs in May — a modest slowdown from the previous month. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, as the workforce shrank.
A Song for the Cahaba River
As the Cahaba’s “charismatic” namesake lily blooms, an old festival and a new musical tribute celebrate Alabama’s longest free-flowing river.
Sen. Tim Kaine says Trump’s tariffs could reduce federal debt, but at what cost?
NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who is also on the Senate Budget Committee, about how President Trump's tariffs will affect the federal budget and the economy.
Smoke knows no boundaries: What Canada’s fires mean for the U.S. in the future
More than 200 wildfires are raging across Canada, sending a thick blanket of choking smoke through the U.S. Midwest. Experts says climate change means U.S. residents better get used to it.
Judge puts temporary hold on Trump’s latest ban on Harvard’s foreign students
Admitted students around the world are anxiously tracking the school's feud with the Trump administration, which is seeking to keep it from enrolling international students.
In vitro fertilization emerges as a central issue in the Alabama state Supreme Court race
An Alabama fertility lawyer announced her candidacy for the state Supreme Court, emphasizing her personal experience with in vitro fertilization and blasting a controversial 2024 decision that ruled frozen embryos can be considered children under state law.
Why inflation data won’t include prices from these cities in Utah, Nebraska and New York
The federal government is scaling back data collection used to calculate the inflation rate. Economists warn that could make for less accurate cost-of-living measures.
FEMA was starting to fix long-standing problems. Then came the Trump administration
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a long history of failing to help those who need assistance the most after disasters. Biden-era changes meant to fix some of those problems now face an uncertain future.
International students look to the U.K. instead of the U.S. amid Trump’s visa plans
Planned U.S. visa restrictions are causing students around the world to consider going to the United Kingdom instead.
In hearings, McMahon faces questions about the shrinking federal role in schools and colleges
In separate hearings on Capitol Hill this week, the Education Secretary answered questions about a range of issues, from student loans to mental health programs.
Trump’s tariffs could cut deficit by $2.8 trillion over next decade — with caveats
The Congressional Budget Office projected President Trump's tariffs could raise trillions of dollars over the next decade — but they could also lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth.
A New Orleans restaurant owner’s Facebook was hacked. It put her business in jeopardy
While multi-million dollar ransomware attacks and data thefts targeting governments and industry giants grab headlines, small businesses increasingly find themselves in online scammers’ crosshairs.
With steel tariffs doubling today, a North Carolina manufacturer wonders how to compete
President Trump is doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%. It's designed to protect domestic steel and aluminum workers, but critics say it will raise prices for those that use the metals.
UAB opens new engineering school building
After two years of construction, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has a new home for its engineering school. Staff cut the ribbon for the Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall Tuesday morning.
One company forecasting a better year ahead? Dollar General
People are spending more at Dollar General. In part, that's thanks to shoppers trading down from more expensive stores.
Run For Their Lives, the group targeted in the Colorado attack, is figuring out how to continue its mission
Sunday's attack in Boulder targeted a group called Run for Their Lives, which raises awareness about the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Now, they're figuring out how to move on.
Can bringing back manufacturing help the heartland catch up with ‘superstar’ cities?
In recent decades, America has seen economic opportunities concentrated in superstar cities. Manufacturing boosters hope reshoring factories could help change that. We look at the theory and evidence.
Trump’s budget calls for a 15% funding cut to the Education Department
New details of the administration's budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 came after a federal judge blocked the president's efforts to close the U.S. Education Department.
WBHM 90.3, Gulf States Newsroom win nine 2025 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
The Radio Television Digital News Association announced Region 9 Edward R. Murrow Award winners in 23 categories May 22. The Murrow Awards began in 1971 and are among the most prestigious in journalism.
Hurricane season has started. Here’s what to know
The 2025 hurricane season officially began on Sunday. Forecasters are predicting an active season.
The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder will meet in the NBA Finals
It would be the first NBA title for either of the two energetic fan bases and their exciting young teams. The Thunder, led by newly minted league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is the early favorite.
Why Sacred Harp singers are revamping an iconic pre-Civil War hymnal
A new edition of “The Sacred Harp,” a Christian hymnal first published in 1844, is being released this year. It helps carry on the more than 180-year-old American folk singing tradition that is as much about the community as it is the music.
Why did Alabama families drop their challenge to an anti-transgender law?
Alabama parents sued the state over a law banning gender-affirming care for minors, but they dropped the suit earlier this month.
French health ministry extends smoking ban
France to ban smoking at beaches, parks and outside schools from July 1st to protect children.
Oil companies face a wrongful death suit tied to climate change
Julie Leon died of hyperthermia in Seattle on June 28, 2021 — the hottest day in the city's history. A lawsuit claims she was a victim of oil companies' "misrepresentations" about climate change.
