News

With vanpooling, workers and employers find a ‘win-win’ amid a tight labor market, high gas costs

As 2022's economic woes continue, more people are using vanpools as a cost-effective way to get to work. It’s also helping out their employers.

Workers at a Birmingham Starbucks become 1st to unionize in Alabama

Workers at the downtown Birmingham coffee shop cast a near-unanimous vote to become the first Starbucks location in the state to say yes to forming a union.

What do Birmingham students think about race, college, even periods? Listen to these podcasts

WBHM’s education reporter Kyra Miles, along with two Report for America colleagues at al.com, worked with students at Birmingham’s Ramsay High School to create podcasts.

Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks are headed for an Alabama Senate runoff

Alabama's Republican primary for U.S. Senate is going to a June runoff between Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks after neither candidate captured a majority of the vote.

Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey wins GOP primary in Alabama

Up against eight Republican challengers, Gov. Kay Ivey will move forward to the general election for governor in Alabama where a Democrat hasn't been elected to the office for a quarter-century.

2022 Alabama primary results

Statewide races include governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general and secretary of state.

How will Avis Williams lead New Orleans Public Schools? Look to her work in Selma

Avis Williams transformed Selma, Alabama’s schools during her five years as superintendent. Now, she’s set to lead New Orleans’ all-charter school system.

Alabama Republicans weigh-in on their favorite primary candidates 

Nine Republicans are for governor in Alabama and six for an open U.S. Senate seat.

Alabama Democrats hope for improved showing in 2022 elections

Republicans hold all statewide offices plus supermajorities in the state legislature. But Alabama Democrats are in a good position this year, according to the head of the Alabama Democratic Party.

Ivey, challengers race to right in Alabama GOP primary

The race was supposed to be a cake walk for Gov. Kay Ivey, who still remains favored to win a second full term. But right flank opponents are trying to make it a referendum on her conservative credentials.

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.

The World Games will mean closed roads around Birmingham. Here’s your list

With that number of people coming to the area for the World Games, that will require security boundaries and road closures at several venues.

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.

Families with trans kids prepare for the ban on gender-affirming care

A new law in Alabama would make it a felony to provide gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors. The law is forcing some families with transgender kids to choose between staying in the place they love and protecting their children.

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.