Issues
Party match-ups go to the voters in balloting on Tuesday
The Alabama primary elections are May 24th. Do you know who's on the ballot? Check out the complete list and sample ballots.
Deliberate Indifference: A conversation about Alabama, Mississippi prison issues
WBHM’s Mary Scott Hodgin talks with Brittany Brown of the Gulf States Newsroom about issues plaguing Alabama and Mississippi prisons.
Some teachers and LGBTQ families feel censored by Alabama’s “Don’t Say Gay” law
Alabama passed its own so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law in April following states like Florida. It bans discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in K-5 classrooms.
Q&A: After federal complaint for COVID vaccine rollout, what’s next for Mississippi?
The NAACP’s and SPLC’s federal complaint claims that Mississippi didn’t equitably spend its federal COVID-19 relief funds, leaving out communities of color.
Birmingham mayor proposes largest city budget ever
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin introduced a $517 million budget proposal, the largest in city history, during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
‘Better isn’t good enough’: Starbucks workers in Birmingham, New Orleans discuss unionizing
Starbucks stores in Birmingham and New Orleans could be the next to unionize. Those leading the efforts sit down to discuss why and what they've learned so far.
Judge’s ruling a “sigh of relief” for families of transgender youth
A federal judge in Alabama ruled to block part of a law that makes it a felony to provide gender-affirming care to minors on Friday. Families with transgender kids tell WBHM they are cautiously relieved.
Transgender medication law in Alabama blocked by judge
The law made it a felony to prescribe gender-affirming puberty blockers and hormones to transgender minors. U.S. District Judge Liles Burke issued a preliminary injunction to stop the state from enforcing the medication ban, which took effect May 8, while a court challenge goes forward.
JeffCo Probate Judge: tightened security will delay voting returns in the primaries
Jefferson County’s chief election official is warning that a new voting security measure will delay returns from the May 24 primary elections.
Inside the manhunt for an escaped murder suspect and jailer
U.S. marshals and sheriff’s deputies led an 11-day manhunt for an Alabama murder suspect and jailer who were heavily armed and preparing for a shootout when they were captured.
Alabama jailbreak mystery deepens as manhunt ends with death
Jailer Vicky White was pronounced dead at a hospital after murder suspect Casey White gave up without a fight in Evansville, Indiana. The fugitives had spent more than a week on the run through three states.
Judge weighs request to block Alabama transgender law
Barring a judge's order, a new law is set to take effect Sunday in Alabama that would outlaw the use of puberty blockers and hormones to treat transgender minors.
Birmingham targets motels over illegal activity and blight
Since last fall, Birmingham city officials have sued or taken other measures to shut down the businesses.
Judge hears testimony in challenge to Alabama’s ban on gender-affirming care
A group of parents and doctors want the judge to stop the law from going into effect while a lawsuit continues.
A day after SCOTUS leak, Gulf States begin to prep for a future without Roe v. Wade
While nothing officially changes until the Supreme Court delivers its decision, advocates on both sides of the issue are preparing for an end to legal abortion.
Biden visits Alabama Lockheed plant as weapons stockpile strained
President Joe Biden credited the assembly line workers at a Javelin missile plant in Troy for doing lifesaving work in building the antitank weapons that are being sent to Ukraine.
“Still in shock.” Abortion defenders, foes stunned by leak
People on both sides of the abortion divide have been expecting the Supreme Court this summer to reverse the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide. But many said the draft opinion was nevertheless stunning.
Arrest warrant issued in Alabama for missing jail official
An arrest warrant has been issued for a jail official who disappeared while escorting a prisoner last week.
State signs $623 million contract for 4,000-inmate prison
The new prison contact is part of a sweeping construction plan partially paid for by pandemic relief funds.
What does a successful guaranteed income program look like? Jackson might have the answer
A successful guaranteed income program in Jackson, Mississippi could offer insights to cities in Alabama and Louisiana as they launch their own pilots.
Alabama signs prison construction contract, quiet on details
The Alabama Department of Corrections declined to release a copy of the contract. A spokeswoman said it needed to be redacted and that would take some time because it is a lengthy contract.
To reduce gun violence, New Orleans is turning to community groups instead of police
Advocates in New Orleans work to curb gun violence by focusing on prevention and community needs over policing and aim to spread it across the Gulf South.
EXPLAINER: What’s known about sudden liver disease in kids
Scientist are puzzled over cases of hepatitis showing up in otherwise healthy children. Nine cases have been found in Alabama.
Q&A: After DOJ’s Parchman report, what changes are needed at Mississippi Corrections?
The Gulf States Newsroom’s Brittany Brown details the Department of Justice’s report on the Mississippi State Penitentiary, and what comes next.
Lavender Celebration honors LGBTQ students at UAB
Lavender Graduations, or Lavender Celebrations, are ceremonies that honor LGBTQ college graduates and their accomplishments. UAB has hosted an annual Lavender Celebration since 2017, but this year’s took on new meaning with new laws targeting transgender students.
The fate of Amtrak’s Mobile to New Orleans line will be decided by these key issues
Amtrak is making its final pitch for a Gulf Coast passenger train line. The private companies that own the tracks the trains would run on, however, oppose it.
EXPLAINER: What medical treatments do transgender youth get
Transgender medical treatment for children and teens is under attack in many states, but it has been available for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.
Parents challenge law outlawing treatment of trans kids
The new Alabama law makes it a crime for doctors to treat trans people under 19 with puberty blockers or hormones to help affirm their gender identity.
A civil rights memorial in Alabama expands to document lynching victims’ stories
The Equal Justice Initiative addresses America's history of racial violence at a time when state lawmakers nationwide have been trying to limit teaching about divisive topics in public schools.
Birmingham Council OKs New Districts Despite Dissent
Councilors sparred Tuesday over the maps which were redrawn based on numbers from the 2020 census.
One year later, where is the Birmingham Civilian Review Board?
A year ago, Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the launch of the Birmingham Civilian Review Board to offer independent accountability for police. But the board doesn't seem to be active.
Saban: Current state of college football not ‘sustainable’
The Alabama Crimson Tide coach is confident his program will thrive in this new era of college football, but he's concerned about the sport overall.
