News
Alabama Legislature votes to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender kids and advanced a separate measure prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity, a bill critics have dubbed "Don't Say Gay."
New report shows math proficiency continues to lag in Alabama
This week, officials released an update to the annual Kids Count Data Book which measures the well-being of kids in Alabama. Advocates are hopeful spending on children's healthcare and education recently approved by state lawmakers will improve indicators.
‘Divisive concepts’ and school ‘bathroom bill’ advance to the Alabama Senate
An Alabama Senate committee gave two bills affecting schools the go-ahead Tuesday as lawmakers aim to end the legislative session this week. One requires students to use the bathroom that matches their biological sex. The other bans teaching students “divisive concepts.”
Struggling Democrats hope growing union support will provide boost in midterms
With support for unions at its highest point since 1965, Democrats hope they can capitalize on that sentiment as they struggle to connect with voters on other issues.
Watch Live: The Gulf States Newsroom is hosting a live storytelling event.
The Gulf States Newsroom, a collaboration among public radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, is teaming up with Back Pocket Media to put on a live storytelling event on Tuesday.
In New Orleans, students are using Anne Frank’s story to teach each other about injustice
"In Quarantine with Anne Frank,” helps students learn to talk to each other about discrimination.
How to prepare for human trafficking during the World Games
The World Games are expected to attract tens of thousands of people to Birmingham this summer. Experts say that’s likely to increase human trafficking. Here's what you can do.
A year into striking, Alabama coal miners are frustrated but defiant as ever
As the strike in Alabama drags on, coal miners say it’s not just about the money. They’re also fighting for their dignity.
The World Games were delayed for a year, but did it help with preparedness?
The World Games was originally set to come to Birmingham July 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the large event for a year.
As Gulf South lawmakers fight over Medicaid, new moms weigh in: ‘Safety nets do save lives’
The COVID-19 health emergency could end soon; tens of thousands of new mothers could lose their healthcare coverage unless legislators take action.
World Games officials aim for full venues amid pandemic uncertainty
Event organizers say they're following guidance from local health officials, who say it's impossible to predict COVID case numbers this summer.
What is korfball? A look into the World Games sport and Birmingham
In about 100 days, Birmingham will host the World Games. It’s an international competition for non-Olympic sports. Some are more well-known and others you’ve probably never heard of. One of those more obscure sports is korfball. It was created in the Netherlands, but WBHM found the sport has some interesting ties to Birmingham.
R&B artist Anthony Hamilton brings his Southern flair back to Birmingham
Hamilton discussed touring after a pandemic break, Southern food, and his return to The Magic City.
Trump rescinds Brooks endorsement in Senate race in Alabama
Former President Donald Trump has rescinded his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in Alabama’s Republican primary for Senate, dealing a major blow to the congressman’s campaign.
EXPLAINER: Why the South gets more killer tornadoes at night
Killer tornadoes hit the Southeast far more than they do in Kansas, Oklahoma or Texas. An Associated Press analysis shows that nearly 89% of tornado deaths since 2000 have happened from Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana east.
Birmingham mayor issues pardon for unpaid traffic fines
The City of Birmingham pardoned all negligent traffic fines and parking violation tickets that were issued prior to January 1, 2011.
Record-high gas prices are cutting into Alabama drivers’ budgets. Here’s how they’re coping
The added expense affects people in Alabama’s Black Belt differently, including road trippers, commuters and even those who can’t drive.
Barlow & Bear bring musical theater into the TikTok era
Birmingham's Abigail Barlow is up for a Grammy this year with her writing partner Emily Bear for their work on the 'Bridgerton Musical'.
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination sparks Black Girl Magic in local judges
Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to the high court. But in Jefferson County, Black women already hold many judgeships in the court system.
‘Divisive concepts’ bill passes Alabama House
The measure faced a questionable future just a week ago when a House committee failed to act on it.
Educators, psychologists say attending school at home hampers students’ development
Roughly 70% of students at Birmingham City Schools ranked below their grade level in math, and 40% of students ranked below their grade level in reading.
JeffCo, Birmingham spend federal money on housing assistance, other needs
More than $359 million in federal dollars flowed through the hands of Jefferson County and Birmingham city officials in the past two years.
Exhaustion and nervousness after 2 years of COVID in Alabama
March 13 marked two years since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Alabama. Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson said we're in a good place now, but there's concern of another surge.
Key COVID moments in the Gulf South 2 years later
On the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, take a look back at the Gulf States Newsroom’s coverage of the infectious disease’s impact on the Gulf South region.
Alabama won’t require background checks for concealed guns
Alabama will become the latest state to allow people to carry concealed handguns without first undergoing a background check and getting a state permit.
Alabama lawmakers roll the dice on a new lottery bill
The constitutional amendment would authorize a state lottery, sports betting, eight full casinos and two smaller gambling operations.
Why Gulf South oil producers can’t protect the region from rising gas prices
Experts say activating unused oil wells could temper the rising costs of gas, but consumers should not expect prices to get anywhere near their COVID low.
Alabama’s ‘ultimate school choice’ bill gets complicated when considering race and poverty
Parents could get about $5,600 per kid in state money to use for other schooling options. The proposal is currently in a legislative study committee. But experts told WBHM school choice brings up concerns around equity.
Vestavia Hills schools and city face a lawsuit for allegedly withholding public information
The Vestavia Hill City Schools along with the superintendent and the city face a lawsuit alleging they’re improperly withholding public information on COVID-19 masking and safety protocols. The lawsuit was filed by two parents last month.
Kamala Harris marks ‘Bloody Sunday’ anniversary in Selma
Vice President Kamala Harris visited Selma, Alabama, on Sunday to commemorate a defining moment in the fight for equal voting rights.
Alabama lawmakers advance a record-setting education budget
Legislators also took up measures to improve math education and attack what's known as "period poverty."
After a wave of HBCU bomb threats, a look at another era of violence at Jackson State
In 1970, the campus was the scene of a violent shooting by police that left two young men dead, many others injured and campus changed forever.
