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Federal covid relief funds enabled churches and other religious organizations to pay employees
A review by BirminghamWatch of federal records listed about 321 applicants from Jefferson County who received millions of dollars under the Paycheck Protection Program. These applicants identified themselves as religious organizations.
A bad day for incumbents: 2 Birmingham councilors, 1 BOE member defeated in runoffs
Two incumbent city councilors and one incumbent school board member were unseated during Birmingham’s municipal runoff election Tuesday.
JeffCo commissioners begin redrawing district lines
Jefferson County Commissioners are deciding between three proposed maps for redistricting.
Feeling angry? You’re not alone. A UAB psychologist offers 5 ways to deal with pandemic anger
Feelings of anger and frustration are bubbling up for many people in Alabama, 18 months into the coronavirus pandemic. A psychologist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham explains how to manage it.
Ivey signs a $1.3 billion prison construction plan into law
The action caps a special legislative session that lasted only five days.
A new stadium has been a 35-year conversation in Birmingham. It’s finally here
The UAB Blazers will play Saturday, the first event in Protective Stadium.
Alabama wants to speed up medical marijuana growing. Will it be helpful or cause more problems?
With medical marijuana now legal in Alabama, some farmers are eager to get plants in the ground, but licenses to grow marijuana won’t be available until September 2022. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission wants to move up licensing so farmers can plant seeds earlier.
What Is Going On With Tarrant’s City Leaders?
There's been an overwhelming amount of drama in Tarrant over the last year, a small town with less than 7,000 people. Many believe the tensions are rooted in racism and Tarrant’s changing demographics.
UAB Medical School Renamed After $95 Million Donation
The UAB School of Medicine has been renamed the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine after a Dothan eye surgeon donated a record-breaking $95 million to the school.
Beer And Wine Delivered To Your Door? It Will Happen Soon In Alabama
Alabama's alcohol home delivery law goes into effect Friday, thanks to a new law passed this year.
Birmingham Council Backing UAB Football With Ticket Buy
The city of Birmingham will purchase 1,000 tickets to every UAB football home game for a total cost of $100,000, the City Council decided Tuesday.
Alabama Will Follow CDC Guidelines For COVID-19 Booster Shots
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has authorized a third shot of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups.
Alabama Lawmakers Will Take On A $1.3 Billion Prison Construction Plan In A Special Session
As Alabama faces mounting federal pressure to address violence in state prisons, lawmakers begin a special session Monday to vote on a proposal that includes two new mega prisons for men and a new women's facility.
Pay, Workers Increase In Hospitality Industry, But Some Restaurants Still Face Shortage
Labor data shows recent increases in wages and workers in Alabama’s leisure and hospitality industry, though the number of workers has not reached pre-pandemic levels and some restaurants still are scrambling to hire help. One Birmingham restaurateur says he’s still dealing with major staffing shortages. “It’s crazy … I work more now than I did […]
There Were More Deaths Than Births In Alabama Last Year, A Grim First For The State
Alabama's top health official says the state has "literally shrunk." According to preliminary data, it saw 64,714 total deaths and 57,641 births in 2020.
Crestwood Blvd Hotel Has Eight Weeks To Clean Up Its Act, Council Says
A crime-plagued motel on Crestwood Boulevard will have eight weeks to clean up its act, the Birmingham City Council decided Tuesday.
Yes, It Is Safe To Get The COVID And Flu Vaccines At The Same Time
Alabama is gearing up for flu season. Health professionals say it's okay to get the COVID-19 vaccine in conjunction with the flu vaccine.
Hoyt Leaves Legacy In District Eight After Sixteen Years
For the last sixteen years, Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt has represented areas like Ensley, West End and Five Points West. But Hoyt will leave office next month after choosing not to run for reelection. His last meeting is October 19.
Bridging The Empathy Gap Between Birmingham Schools And The Community
The interactive art exhibit “All In” put viewers in the shoes of Ramsay High School students.
JeffCo Employees Getting 3% Raises In Budget Passed Thursday
The Jefferson County Commission unanimously passed a $882,750,611 budget last week. It includes a 3% across-the-board raise for county employees.
Birmingham Applies For Grants To Beef Up Surveillance, Readies To Open Real-Time Crime Center
The city of Birmingham will apply for a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to purchase and maintain license plate readers in an effort “to improve the [Birmingham Police Department’s] response to violent crime.”
You Know Delta, But Have You Met Mu And The Rest Of The Relatives?
Researchers say there always will be new variant strains of the COVID-19 virus, although all the strains won’t be as deadly as delta.
Animal Shelters In The Gulf South Are Literally Overflowing With Animals
With staffing shortages and high intake, shelters in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana are overwhelmed with the number of animals they have.
A Man Died After Being Turned Away From 43 ICUs At Capacity Due To COVID, Family Says
Ray DeMonia didn't die from COVID-19, but after the 73-year-old experienced a cardiac emergency, he was turned away from dozens of packed ICUs, his family says.
Alabama Hospitals Hit Plateau With COVID Patients But Facilities Still In Crisis
Alabama still has more ICU patients than available beds. Hospital officials need more nurses too.
As COVID Rages On, Gulf States Hospitals And Their Staff Look For A Helping Hand
As a field hospital closes up shop in Mississippi this weekend, the state, along with Louisiana and Alabama, still has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country as the pandemic looks to be far from over.
20 Years After 9/11, Leader With The Birmingham Islamic Society Says Progress Is ‘Miniscule’
Many will reflect on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks this weekend. But for members of the Muslim community, that event brings on a complicated set of emotions.
COVID Policies Vary By School District, Causing Confusion For Parents
The state of Alabama has issued recommendations to school districts on how to handle COVID-19 in the classroom. But many of them are just recommendations, giving districts lots of flexibility in setting their own COVID-19 protocols.
COVID Infusion Therapy Effective At Reducing Severity Of Disease — If You Get It Soon Enough
Monoclonal antibody therapy does not work unless it is given in the first 10 days of COVID symptoms, according to health experts.
Birmingham Council OKs Rezoning To Allow Event Venue In Kingston
The city’s long-range land-use plan for the area states that the property should transition “toward a more mixed-use low designation” because of its proximity to residential areas, said Katrina Thomas, the city’s interim deputy director of planning, engineering and permits.
‘Can-Do Cal’ Takes A Customer-Focused Approach To New Job As JeffCo County Manager
Cal Markert will start his new role of Jefferson County Manager on Oct. 1, 2021.
Health Officials Launch New Vaccination Initiative For College Football Fans, Urge Precautions For Labor Day
The Alabama Department of Health is launching a new vaccination campaign at college football games across the state.
