News

Mississippi updated its solar energy guidelines. Renewable energy advocates want more

Mississippi added incentives for low-to-moderate income residents to encourage more investment in renewable energy. Activists are pushing for more access.

In Selma, Biden says right to vote remains under assault

President Joe Biden referenced the searing memories of 1965's “Bloody Sunday” in Selma to recommit to securing voting rights.

How this year’s Selma Bridge Crossing could mark a community renaissance

President Biden visits Selma for the 58th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday." Residents there are still recovering from tornadoes that ripped through the city in January.

These billboards want you to know how to get abortion pills — even if your state banned abortions

The nonprofit Mayday.Health organized the campaign to travel across 14 states with abortion bans.

As Alabama coal miners strike nears end, a look at why it started, and how it failed

After 700 days, the United Mine Workers of America Union asked Warrior Met Coal to allow the strikers to come back to work unconditionally.

A small team works to aid immigrants in Louisiana: ‘Do the best you can with the time you have’

Three women detail the grueling, personal work behind regular visits to Louisiana’s detention centers to help immigrants make it through the asylum process.

How a rare edition of ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’  traveled from Italy to Lawson State

Lawson State Community College now owns a rare copy of one of the most influential books in American history. And it took a 5,000 mile journey to get there.

Biden to visit Selma for voting rights anniversary

President Joe Biden will speak for the annual remembrance of “Bloody Sunday,” the day in 1965 that police beat civil rights marchers near the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Red Mountain Cut features time capsule of Alabama’s robust geologic history

A national natural landmark, the road cut along Birmingham's Red Mountain Expressway documents more than a hundred million years of geologic history and was once an educational centerpiece.

‘It’s a fight for freedom.’ Ukraine backers call for continued arms support 1 year into war

A group of supporters gathered at Railroad Park in Birmingham to draw attention to human rights violations in the country and call for continued arms support from the U.S.

Alabama governor says state will resume executions

The governor in November directed the state prison system to undertake a “top-to-bottom” review of death penalty procedures after the state was forced to cancel three lethal injections because of problems with intravenous lines.

Alabama advocates urge treatment over punishment for pregnant women jailed for substance use

Alabama’s chemical endangerment laws are strict, especially for pregnant women. One program offers alternatives to jail for treating prenatal substance use.

JeffCo Commission agrees to support Magic City Classic for 1 year, will consider longer contract later

The annual football game between Alabama State and Alabama A&M Universities has been played 80 times at Birmingham’s Legion Field.

Help us report on utility billing issues in the Gulf States

Do you have a utility bill you'd like us to see or investigate? Tell us your story in the form below.

Alabama has 5th highest U.S. gun death rate. A study blames weak laws, high ownership

The Violence Policy Center, a non-profit educational organization, used the most recent CDC data on gun death rates in the U.S. for its analysis.

Preparing for the ‘experience of a lifetime’: Birmingham students to sing at Carnegie Hall

The choir at Ramsay High School is heading to Carnegie Hall this May. It’s an opportunity to boost school pride, but also to give some students the experience of a lifetime.

Alabama prison chief says lack of staffing remains top issue

Commissioner John Hamm said the department is looking to a combination of outsourcing, pay raises and benefit changes to increase the number of workers.

‘Injustice, Inc.’ uncovers how some in the legal system use poor families to get rich

Daniel L. Hatcher discusses his book, which looks at how state agencies exploit impoverished families to make money through the U.S. juvenile justice system.

Commission considering funding to keep Magic City Classic in Birmingham

The Jefferson County Commission is deciding on a resolution about the level of support the county will provide to the annual football game.

Garrett McQueen: The Sound of 13

Garrett McQueen wants to diversify the perception of classical music. He argues that all cultures and people have music that should be considered classical.

Alabama health officer reflects on lessons learned from COVID-19

Dr. Scott Harris describes the challenges of navigating three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by political divisions and mistrust.

Alabama ‘close’ to finishing nitrogen execution protocol

Alabama has authorized the use of nitrogen hypoxia, but it has never been used to carry out a death sentence.

How to avoid tax fraud: Staying vigilant this tax season

Learn about common types of tax fraud and things to be aware of this tax season.

While rebuilding homes, Amish volunteers bond with South Louisiana over faith and food

Amish groups have stepped in to help Louisiana storm victims rebuild when other forms of aid have ended. It’s also led to cultural exchanges and connections.

A local hip-hop education group teaches kids life skills

Here in Birmingham, the education collective Knowledge Rhythm and Understanding, known as K.R.U., is using the music genre to teach life skills.

Alabama prison staff shortage worsens despite court order

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson said Friday the state can not continue with what he called horrendous staff levels.

Advocates criticize state environmental commission about response to Moody landfill fire

Speakers at the meeting argued the Alabama Department of Environmental Management took too long to act on the fire and that steps must be taken to regulate these types of landfills.

The real winner of Super Bowl 57? The Gulf South and its wide range of football talent

The big game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will feature nearly 30 players from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi combined.

‘Ruffed’ up by school? These dogs help Birmingham students with stress

Comforting kids is a family affair for Foxie and Merlin. The facility dogs are being used as a new tool to help students manage stress and mental health while at school.

Jefferson County approves $5 million toward construction of amphitheater

The appropriation is a key step in making the $50 million amphitheater development on the campus of the former Carraway Hospital a reality.

In New Orleans, doctors and churches are teaming up to help Black parishioners get needed care

The effort, part of a five-year study, aims to meet Black patients in a space they feel comfortable to treat hypertension and reduce heart disease risks.

‘White Lies’ sheds light on a prison takeover in Talladega that led to today’s immigration system

Many don’t realize a notable moment that shaped our current immigration system happened in Talladega, Alabama, when Cuban detainees took over a federal prison there.