News

Poets Reflect On Six Months Of Pandemic

Several Alabama poets share their experiences and works inspired by the coronavirus pandemic.

Alabama’s Nursing Shortage Worsens During Pandemic

In the fight against COVID-19, Alabama hospitals say one of their biggest concerns is a shortage of nurses. Many are turning to travel nurse companies to meet demand.

Number Of COVID-19 Patients In Alabama Hospitals Falls To Less Than Half Its Peak

The number of people hospitalized in Alabama for COVID-19 has dropped to less than half the peak figure of more than a month ago.

JeffCo Commissioners Discuss $199 Million Budget With One-Time Longevity Bonuses For County Employees

Jefferson County commissioners are set Thursday to consider a budget that would include $1.485 million for a one-time longevity payment to each county employee.

Remembering An Alabamian Driven To Figure Out How Things Worked

Fred Bischoff worked hard and played hard. The devoted family man a died in June from COVID-19.

UAB’s Director Of Infectious Diseases Warns Caution Around COVID-19 Vaccines In Trial

The director of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham said vaccines in phase three clinical trials have been fast-tracked and not much is known about the long term effects or success rates.

Alabama’s New Prisons Planned For Bibb, Elmore and Escambia Counties

State officials announced the latest development in their plan to replace most existing male prisons with three regional prisons.

Jefferson County Bids for Release From HR Consent Decree

Jefferson County's attorney filed a motion yesterday asking that the county be removed from its consent decree.

Board Of Education President Criticizes Woodfin’s Plan To Cut Funding For Birmingham Schools

The city of Birmingham's proposed 2021 budget has faced criticism for funding cuts including those for the city's school system, libraries and social services.

PSC Allows Alabama Power To Raise Fee Charged To Solar Power Users

Solar power users in Alabama will see a new fee after a vote by the Alabama Public Service Commission this morning.

Birmingham School Board Takes The ‘Interim’ Off Sullivan’s Superintendent Title

The Birmingham Board of Education voted Monday to make Mark Sullivan the superintendent of the school district.

Vestavia Hills Board of Ed. Stands By Rebel Name

There's another effort to remove the Rebel name from Vestavia Hills High School but leaders say the name has a new meaning.

Can Alabama College Students Skip The Next Phase Of Coronavirus Testing? Maybe.

GuideSafe plans to roll out the next phases of testing at Alabama higher education institutions.

Activists Make Hoover Their Focal Point For Protests

Months after the police killing of George Floyd, activists in Alabama continue to protest. One group is focusing its efforts on the city of Hoover.

Ivey Extends Face Mask Order Through Oct. 2

State officials caution the downward trend in coronavirus infections might reverse itself if the mask order is lifted.

City Notifies Birmingham Library Employees Of Furloughs; Library Board President Contests City Authority

The city and the library board are at odds over whether the mayor has the right to furlough hundreds of employees.

Pamela Rush Fought For Environmental Justice Before Being Felled By The Coronavirus

A well-known activist who fought against injustice in poverty-stricken areas died last month from COVID-19.

Brocato Claims Second Term As Hoover Mayor As Jeffco Cities Elect Leaders

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato easily defeated his challenger in Tuesday's election, City Council President Gene Smith.

Budget Blows To Birmingham Schools and Transit Cushioned, Other Groups Not As Lucky

The Birmingham Public Library is among several organizations slated to take a significant financial hit next fiscal year under Mayor Randall Woodfin's proposed budget.

Restaurants Are Hardest Hit As Businesses Try To Rebound From Pandemic

Some restaurants in Birmingham are working to regain a loss in revenue after forced closures during the pandemic. Meanwhile, other restaurants like Babalu and Lucy's Coffee & Tea weren't so lucky - closing their doors indefinitely.

After Bipolar Diagnosis, French Became Her ‘Asylum From The Madness’

This Alabama woman struggled with mental illness and found solace in French. She recently recounted her story in an award-winning essay.

Tuscaloosa To Close All Bars And Prohibit Alcohol Sales

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox announced Monday a prohibition on alcohol sales and the closure of all bars for the next 14 days.

College Virtual Learning Rife With Technical Challenges

As the pandemic spreads on college campuses, many schools are increasingly relying on virtual instruction. That's expected to bring a host of technical troubles.

Voters In Several Jefferson County Municipalities Choose Mayors, Council Members On Aug. 25

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 25, to determine the outcome of multiple municipal elections.

Alabama’s Census Leader Hopes For A “Second Wind” To Boost Census Participation

Time is running out on the census and Alabama is below the average among states for people who have filled out their forms.

Accounting Contract Leads To Squabble On The Jefferson County Commission

Tensions were high at the county commission meeting this week after Commission President Jimmie Stephens said he felt he was being disrespected by President Pro Tem Lashunda Scales.

COVID-19 Totals Increase By 699 Cases And 29 Deaths In Thursday Report

Recent coronavirus numbers reflect a downward trend in the rate of infections over the past month.

Albert Trousdale’s Son Points COVID-19 Skeptics To A Tombstone

“I said ‘I love you. That was the last time I saw him alive," said Matt Trousdale, whose father died from COVID-19.

Woodfin’s Budget Features Pay Cuts, Furloughs And Funding Reductions

The city of Birmingham faces a $63 million shortfall in business tax revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Year In The Life Of A Dying Alabama Mall

The Jasper Mall takes the spotlight in a documentary playing at the Sidewalk Film Festival later this month.

COVID-19 Tracking App Available To The Public

All Alabama residents can now use the phone app GuideSafe, which anonymously tracks COVID-19 exposure.

Remembering the Alabamians Who Have Fallen To COVID-19. Who Were They?

We know very little about the Alabamians who have lost their lives due to the coronavirus and related illness during the pandemic.