Issues
Alabama lawmakers rush to get IVF services restarted
Facing public pressure to get IVF services resumed in the state, both chambers of the Alabama Legislature advanced legislation that would extend lawsuit protections to clinics.
Video shows person of interest in explosion outside Alabama attorney general’s office
The short security camera clip shared by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency shows a person strolling down a sidewalk, wearing a facemask, stocking cap, dark jacket and gloves. A statement from the agency described the person as someone who “may have information related to this crime.”
Here are the details on Tuesday’s proposed constitutional amendment
Voters heading to the polls Tuesday will see a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. Amendment 1 would remove a procedural step when considering local legislation.
From sea to table to sea: How recycled oyster shells are restoring the Alabama coast
Gulf South oyster reefs are fading because of the changing climate. Alabama hopes to reverse this by using recycled shells to grow oyster gardens.
Alabama IVF patients describe heartbreak, anger after ruling
The panel of patients came in the wake of an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that called into question the future of some fertility treatments in the state.
Alabama fertility care in limbo as lawmakers discuss legislation
As patients lose access to care, the clock is ticking for Alabama lawmakers to agree on legislation to protect IVF.
Lawmakers promise action after Alabama IVF ruling
One story dominated Alabama politics this past week – an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that found frozen embryos are considered children under a state civil law.
A mother asks what’s next after Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are children
Dr. Aubrey Coleman, who’s a mom, pediatrician, and IVF patient, discusses the far-reaching repercussions of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that finds embryos are legally the same as children.
4 factors besides cold weather that explain expensive winter power bills
Like many in the Gulf South, Will Burt’s power bill spiked in January due to extreme weather. But how much of the increase can be attributed to the cold?
How an Alabama court ruling that frozen embryos are children could affect IVF
The Alabama Supreme Court recently ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under state law, raising concerns about how the decision could affect in vitro fertilization, commonly known as IVF.
Alabama seeks to carry out second execution using controversial nitrogen gas method
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office asked the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to set an execution date for Alan Eugene Miller. The state said Miller’s execution would be carried out using nitrogen.
UAB puts pause on IVF in wake of ruling saying frozen embryos are children
The University of Alabama at Birmingham health system said in a statement that it must evaluate whether its patients or doctors could face criminal charges or punitive damages for undergoing IVF treatments.
‘Sick!’ New kids book by Alabama author explores how animals fight germs
A new children's book by Alabama author Heather Montgomery explores how animals fight off pathogens.
Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are ‘children’ under state law
The decision, issued in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by couples who had frozen embryos destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic, brought a rush of warnings from advocates who said it would have sweeping implications for fertility treatments.
We want to hear from you: District 2 in Alabama
Help us report on your new district and the 2024 elections
As March 5 primary election nears, some voters are still unaware of District 2 change
Civics education groups, like the South Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable, are working to notify voters of the change made by the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
How Birmingham reflects an entwined struggle for civil and labor rights
Movements for civil rights and workers' rights often intersect. But many times the labor part of the picture is overlooked. That’s the case in Birmingham, which is well known for its civil rights history.
Gambling bill overcomes first big test of the legislative session
The Alabama House Thursday passed a sweeping gambling bill, one that could bring a lottery, casinos and sports betting to the state. It’s a change of luck for gambling proponents as similar proposals historically have died in the House.
Meet the Alabama woman who is turning her farm into an indigenous food forest
As the climate changes, some Gulf South producers are focusing on ways to preserve the land.
During Mardi Gras, tons of fun comes with tons of toxic beads
New Orleans and Mobile dispute where Mardi Gras was birthed, but both Gulf Coast cities struggle with the same plastic waste. Where will a greener carnival be reborn?
‘Living in fear’: Small-town Mississippi residents are skeptical of DOJ’s police investigation
The "pattern or practice" investigation into the Lexington Police Department stems from allegations of excessive force, racist roadblocks and more.
Gambling becomes the first big issue of the legislative session
Alabama lawmakers got their first look at a sweeping lottery and casino bill this week. The governor also released her plan for education savings accounts.
Alabama lawmakers push sweeping gambling bill that would allow lottery and casinos
Alabama is one of few states without a state lottery, after lawmakers in 1999 rejected a proposal to allow one. And unlike neighboring Mississippi, the state has been resistant to full-fledged casinos with table games and slot machines.
A South Asian krewe in New Orleans wants to ‘put the masala in Mardi Gras’
Krewe da Bhan Gras has been a hit on the parade route this Carnival season as the latest example of Mardi Gras’ diverse, inclusive nature and its evolution.
Ivey says ‘now is the time’ for a statewide vote on lottery and gambling bills
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called Tuesday night for the creation of a limited school voucher program and announced support for two controversial measures before lawmakers this year: gambling legislation and absentee ballot restrictions.
What to expect in this year’s legislative session
Alabama lawmakers will be back in Montgomery Tuesday to kick off the 2024 legislative session. State leaders are already talking about an array of issues from education to the economy.
Will the Moody Landfill Fire Ever Be Extinguished? The EPA Isn’t So Sure.
One resident, a former firefighter, said the fire should be completely extinguished. An EPA official said that may not be possible.
The Gulf South’s rejection of the Summer EBT program puts further strain on child hunger issues
Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama have opted out of the USDA’s Summer EBT program, but advocates say the need is far greater than one program.
What the Lost Cause narrative masks about Alabama history
Many Alabama officials have for generations pushed the false narrative that residents of the state were nearly unanimous in their support for succession prior to the Civil War. Howell Raines, former executive editor of the New York Times and an Alabama native, says otherwise.
Environmentalists rattled by radioactive risks of toxic coal ash
The EPA now recognizes the risks of gamma radiation from radium in coal ash, but many states aren’t even sure where the toxic waste has been used. In Alabama, environmental regulators say they do not track so-called ‘beneficial’ uses of coal ash.
What’s special about historically Black colleges and universities
What do Oprah Winfrey, Roy Wood Jr. and Stacey Abrams have in common? They all received diplomas from historically Black colleges or universities. They’re also 3 contributing writers for NPR Weekend Edition Sunday host Ayesha Rascoe’s new essay collection.
Will other states replicate Alabama’s nitrogen execution?
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said Friday that the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, a 58-year-old convicted of a 1988 murder-for-hire, went off as planned and his office is ready to help other states if they want to begin nitrogen executions.
