News

As southern workers quit in record number, restaurants struggle to meet demands

Wages have gone up as restaurants try to hold onto their staff amid a record number of people quitting their jobs in the U.S., especially in the South.

A missing Alabama woman’s body is found in a parked, unoccupied police van

Christina Nance had been missing since Sept. 25, her family says. Video footage from that day shows her entering the van, which was in a police parking lot. Her body was found 12 days later.

Alabama Board of Education cements state’s ban on critical race theory

At the October meeting, the Alabama state board of education cemented its ban on critical race theory into policy. But, attendants of the meeting reacted in disapproval.

Sierra Hull reflects on the meaning of time on her album “25 Trips”

Sierra Hull's list of achievements includes a three-time mandolin player of the year by the International Bluegrass Association. The mandolinist and singer/songwriter takes a reflective look at her life on her latest album.

The Birmingham Library delays plans to close four branches after city officials protest

The Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees has delayed a proposed vote to shut down four library branches after receiving criticism from city leaders, including Mayor Randall Woodfin.

UAB to build new Cooper Green clinic, replacing old hospital by 2025

Officials with Jefferson County and UAB Health System announced the new clinic will cost between $55 and $65 million and will replace the old Cooper Green Mercy Hospital on 6th Avenue South in Birmingham.

54% of support comes from members

No more Euphoria. The Birmingham City Council revokes license of infamous club

The Birmingham City Council has revoked the business license of Club Euphoria, an Ensley nightclub deemed a “nuisance” by the surrounding neighborhood.

Want to help after Hurricane Ida? Southern charities say the best way is giving people cash

Charities in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana say giving people money is faster and gives them back agency. But experts say cash alone can’t solve all the problems after a storm.

Birmingham hosts the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic for the first time

The oldest football rivalry among historically black colleges has made its way to Birmingham. Tuskegee University and Morehouse College will have their first game in the Magic City.

It’s fall break, but these Birmingham students are staying in school

This year, Birmingham City Schools gave students the choice to take a break during the fall intersession or stay in school for extra academic support and enrichment.

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.

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.”