News
The Tornado Outbreak Of April 27, 2011: Are We Better Prepared Now?
It's been roughly a decade since April 27, 2011, a day that marked U.S. weather history. Some of the tornadoes that day tracked more than 80 miles long, bringing wind speeds up to 210 mph in some areas. The storm killed about 250 people in Alabama, alone.
Alabama Avoids Loss Of Congressional Seat With Slight Population Gain
Alabama avoided the loss of a congressional seat as its population grew from 4.8 million in 2010 to 5.03 million last year, according to figures released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Birmingham Agrees To Sell Old Ensley High To Be Redeveloped As 244-Unit Housing
The Birmingham City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday selling the former Ensley High School property, which has been abandoned since 2006, to Zimmerman Properties for $50,000.
Remembering the April 27, 2011 Tornadoes From Those Who Lived It
Three people recount their memories of that devastating day.
A Decade Later, Tuscaloosa Continues Rebuilding From Deadly EF-4 Tornado
Of the 62 tornadoes that struck Alabama on April 27, 2011, the largest twister hit Tuscaloosa, killing 53 people and destroying more than 5,000 homes and businesses. A decade later, much of the city has redeveloped, but communities are still recovering.
Survivors Continue To Cope 10 Years After Historic Tornado Outbreak
The powerful tornadoes that hit Alabama 10 years ago killed hundreds and left behind significant destruction. With trauma, time doesn’t always heal. Some of the survivors continue to show the scars.
James Spann: April 27, 2011 Tornado Outbreak Will Remain ‘Part Of My Soul’
The loss of life from the once-in-generation storm still weighs on the iconic TV meteorologist.
Local, Federal Officials Launch Partnership To Reduce Gun Violence In Birmingham
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin launched a partnership with federal and local law enforcement agencies to impose stiff penalties for people who have unauthorized guns.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Racial Profiling, Voting, Vaccine Passport Bills Considered
A bill to ban racial profiling has failed to win support for almost a decade, but it was one of many measures debated this week in the Alabama Legislature.
Erasing The Stain: 15,000 Pardoned Of Marijuana Possession Convictions
Mayor Randall Woodfin plans to pardon more than 15,000 Birmingham residents convicted of marijuana possession.
Jefferson County Nears Deal For New Humane Society
The plan is for Jefferson County to purchase lots one and two of the property, which would remain under county ownership. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society would purchase lot three and build an animal hospital and adoption control facility there.
Derek Chauvin Found Guilty Of George Floyd’s Murder
Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, has been found guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Financial Controversy Over Two Prison Contracts Gives Bibb Opponents Hope
Major banks have backed off of financing two of the three proposed new prisons in Alabama. The banks’ sudden resignation as lead underwriters for the bond sale is considered highly unusual.
Past And Present Collide As Community Health Centers Strive To Close Rural Care Gaps In The Pandemic
Many rural health leaders believe community health centers, which were born in the 60s to reach low-income communities of color, were a missing piece in achieving equity in the vaccine rollout.
Birmingham Sets Up Civilian Board to Review Police Misconduct
The five-member board will have the authority to investigate citizen complaints and will have some subpoena powers to aid those investigations.
Big Union Loss At Amazon Warehouse Casts Shadow Over Labor Movement
Last week's overwhelming vote against forming a union at Amazon's Bessemer warehouse was the latest in a string of disappointments for labor unions. Now Amazon employees and union backers are trying to find a way forward.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Senate Moves To Nullify Federal Gun Control, Passes Gambling Bill
Alabama is one of several conservative states where lawmakers are considering a measure making it a crime to enforce federal gun regulations.
UAB Health System CEO: ‘It really was that bleak.’
CEO Will Ferniany will end his health care career having led the organization through the coronavirus pandemic. He plans to retire later this year.
Redevelopment Of Southtown As Mixed-Use Property To Begin In June
The redevelopment plans have been several years in the making.
Alabama Pauses Distribution Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
Alabama is one of several states halting distribution of the vaccine as federal health officials examine links to adverse health effects.
As Chronic Prison Understaffing Plagues Region, Mississippi Tries A New Approach
The Department of Corrections is aiming to fill 700 correctional officer positions by the summer. They’re looking for recruits in Walmart parking lots.
How To Prepare For A Tornado
Maybe you've weathered multiple storms or perhaps it's your first season. Either way, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest on how to prepare. We've got you covered with this guide.
It’s A No: Amazon Warehouse Workers Vote Against Unionizing In Historic Election
Amazon avoided the prospect of a first unionized warehouse in America, where it's now the second-largest private employer. The vote in Alabama had prompted new interest in unions across the country.
Alabama Amazon Workers Reject Union, But Organizers Say The Fight Isn’t Over
The union accused Amazon of illegal anti-union tactics and will challenge the results.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Medical Marijuana, Yoga Bills Gain Traction
The push to legalize medical marijuana is gaining momentum in the Alabama Legislature. The bill would allow people with certain conditions to buy medical marijuana with a doctor’s approval. We have more in our weekly legislative wrap-up.
Birmingham Getting $5 Million To Battle Homelessness
The funding will come through HUD’s Home Investment Partnerships Program and is intended to help cities create affordable and supportive housing and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Secretary of State John Merrill Won’t Run For Office Next Year, Acknowledges Affair
Merrill was expected to announce a run for U.S. Senate in 2022.
Why Alabama Lawmakers Just Won’t Give Up The Grocery Tax
Politicians across the aisle agree that grocery taxes harm low-income families. And yet the tax remains untouched.
Gov. Kay Ivey Announces ‘Safer Apart’ Order As Mask Mandate Ends
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a proclamation transitioning the state from an amended Safer at Home Order to a new Safer Apart Order.
Businesses React To Birmingham’s New Mask Order
A local ordinance replaces the statewide mask order expiring April 9. Some say the move is necessary, but others call it an "undue burden."
Alabama Expands COVID Vaccine Eligibility To Those 16 And Older
That means a total of about four million Alabamians will be eligible starting Monday.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Bills on Habitual Offenders, Trans Athletes, Public Records Advance
Alabama's prisons are severely overcrowded. Some state lawmakers say repealing a law that stiffens punishment for repeat offenders would help alleviate that.
