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Some 3rd graders in local schools could be held back under new law
This is the first school year that third graders who do not read at grade level by the end of the school year must be held back in that grade, rather than passed on to fourth grade. The Alabama Literacy Act was passed several years ago, but its implementation was delayed because of the pandemic.
How one Birmingham custodian preps for the first day of school
When the kids are away, the custodial and maintenance staff in schools work all summer long. One custodian told WBHM about what it takes to keep the kids happy and healthy as they trade sunshine for fluorescent lights.
Dollar store workers are organizing for a better workplace. Just don’t call it a union.
Fired up by a labor movement that’s seen big union victories recently, dollar store workers are organizing in their own way to improve work conditions.
Bill Clark has a knack for making comebacks. Will he make one more?
Bill Clark has had to overcome some serious hurdles during his career at UAB, as well as in his personal life. He not only resurrected a football program that had been neglected—and then out-right killed—he’s also been fighting through what he’s called a serious injury since childhood.
Expert says inadequate staffing is driving deaths in prisons across the Gulf South
An expert explains how issues from staffing to healthcare to climate change have contributed to a recent rise in deaths in prisons across the Gulf South.
Birmingham’s guaranteed income program aims to help single mothers who face inequality
Sixty percent of all households with children in Birmingham are led by single mothers. That’s one factor when it comes to inequalities working women face.
Alabama execution is set despite opposition from the victim’s family
Joe Nathan James Jr. was convicted and sentenced to death in the 1994 shooting death of Faith Hall in Birmingham. Hall’s daughters have said they would rather James serve life in prison.
These 3 Black moms receive a ‘guaranteed income.’ Here’s what they’re doing with it.
As payments roll in, guaranteed income recipients in Southern states reflect on what it means for their lives.
Health department advises masks on as COVID climbs again
It’s time for Alabamians who do not want to catch COVID to put their masks back on. That was the advice from the Alabama Department of Public Health this week as cases continued to increase across the state.
Look back at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham
Germany finished the Games with the most golds with 24. The United States had the second most with 16. Italy won the most medals overall with 49.
World Games Human Exploitation Task Force announces arrests
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations says 34 arrests were made for commercial sex and six arrests for human trafficking during The World Games, which ended Sunday in Birmingham.
How 3 Gulf South country stores are adapting to high inflation: ‘It’s hurt everybody’
General store owners in the Gulf South are — once again — looking for new ways to get by as high inflation becomes the latest threat to their businesses.
Flying disc, wushu, parkour and more from The World Games this week
Check out highlights as the international competition turns to its final stretch.
Jefferson County Commission to look for other absentee voting space after alleged voter suppression
Bessemer Absentee Voting Clerk Karen Dunn Burks last week accused Jefferson County government of voter suppression because of plans to move her office from the courtroom basement to another office also in the basement. She contended the plan created unfair conditions and accommodations for voters and was inhumane.
Lawsuit aims to block Alabama from using COVID relief funds on prison project
The U.S. Treasury said prison construction is a “generally ineligible” use of American Rescue Plan funds, but has not intervened in Alabama's plans.
American b-girl wins silver at The World Games. Hopeful for the 2024 Olympics
Sunny Choi is a New York corporate professional by day and a top-ranked, back-spinning, floor-flipping b-girl off the clock. She medaled this past weekend at the World Games.
Here are some of our favorite pictures from The World Games so far
The first weekend brought competitions in sumo, breaking and karate.
Civil rights attorney Fred Gray receives the nation’s highest honor
Among the 17 honorees for the Presidential Medal of Freedom award, two of them are civil rights leaders: Fred Gray and Diane Nash.
After launching in Atlanta, rural Georgia is the next stop for this guaranteed income pilot
In Her Hands, a guaranteed income initiative for women, is launching soon in Cuthbert, Georgia and its surrounding counties. Here’s how it’s coming together.
The World Games kicks off in Birmingham
Thousands of athletes from around the world have gathered in Birmingham to compete in The World Games. The eleven-day competition is a chance for non-Olympic sports to shine.
From pig ears to vegan food, Jackson’s oldest Black business district finds new life
For years, Farish Street has been viewed as a failed business district. But Black business owners are working to shift the narrative of the historic street.
Abortion-rights group navigates ‘unprecedented’ legal territory in Alabama
The Yellowhammer Fund has temporarily stopped funding abortion care for people in Alabama, amid legal concerns for clients and staff.
Buttigieg announces funding aimed at reconnecting communities divided by road projects
The program is designed to unify neighborhoods which have previously been displaced by discriminatory infrastructure decisions. The $1 billion initiative will fund projects that give people more access to their communities like paving more sidewalks, creating new greenways and adding public transportation.
The historic A.G. Gaston Motel comes back to life with a coffee shop and exhibit
The motel opened in 1954 and became one of the city’s main Black establishments. The motel served as a first-class lodging, entertainment and dining hall for traveling Black people who came to Jim Crow Birmingham.
Jefferson County health providers ‘well equipped’ for The World Games
Officials plan to treat as many people as possible at on site medical tents. They say the biggest concern is heat-related illness.
Birmingham City Council passes Woodfin’s budget untouched
Police, public works and youth programs were the biggest winners in the $517 million budget, the largest ever for the city.
Woodfin says people without homes won’t be moved from public spaces for The World Games
World Games officials clarified that anyone will be able to walk through and access public areas around venues like Railroad Park, Linn Park, Protective Stadium and the new City Walk, despite those sites being behind security parameters.
Groups oppose $725 million Alabama bond sale for building prisons
The state is expected to go to the bond market on Tuesday, to provide financing for the construction plan. That money will be added to $135 million in state funds and $400 million in pandemic relief dollars that the state already agreed to put toward the construction project.
“Expect us,” reproductive rights supporters rally across Alabama after federal abortion ruling
Alabamians took to the streets this weekend after elective abortions became a felony in the state on Friday.
After the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, Republican lawmakers applaud, others say they will sue, and some take to the streets
The ACLU of Alabama say it will continue its lawsuit to reinstate access to abortion.
What to know about Alabama abortion rights after SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade
The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to an abortion. Here’s what the decision means for the Gulf South region.
Alabama OKs $725M bond sale to build 2 supersize prisons
That money will be added to $135 million in state funds and $400 million in pandemic relief dollars that the state already agreed to put toward the project.
