News
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.
EXPLAINER: What do new Alabama laws say about transgender kids?
Alabama has become the first state to criminalize the use of puberty blockers and hormones to treat transgender people under age 19. So what do these laws mean?
Families, doctors contest Alabama transgender treatment ban
The new law makes it a crime for doctors to treat trans youth under 19 with puberty blockers or hormones to help affirm their gender identity.
Transgender issues dominate end of the legislative session. Second special session to come
Alabama now has its own version of a Florida law derided by opponents as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Trans kids fear Alabama laws targeting medicine, bathrooms
Transgender kids and their parents say they feel attacked by a wave of Republican-sponsored legislation and policies aimed at trans youth. Bills have been introduced to ban gender-affirming care and block transgender children from using school restrooms or playing on sports teams that don’t match their sex at birth.
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.
