News
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.
Alabama Hits New Mark With More Than 700,000 COVID-19 Cases
“If you take all of the ICU beds in Alabama and how many beds are being used right now, we actually have a net negative - which is unheard of," said Dr. Rachael Lee, a UAB infectious disease expert.
Project To Turn Old Ensley High Project Into Apartment Complex Moves Forward
Plans to redevelop the former Ensley High School into a 244-unit apartment complex took another step forward Tuesday, despite pushback from one councilor.
COVID Drives Up Costs At Jefferson County Jails
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office asked for more money during the final weeks of the 2020 fiscal year. The apparent reason was a hefty cleaning bill at the two county jails. But commissioners learned that increased expenses for feeding prisoners brought on by pandemic protocols contributed to the large request.
LGBTQ Students Find Hope In New Affirming School: The Magic City Acceptance Academy
The Magic City Acceptance Academy is a new charter school giving LGBTQ students and allies a safe space to learn and be themselves. It's the first school of its kind in the South.
‘I Don’t Know How Much Longer We Can Do This’: Alabama State Health Officer Frustrated As COVID Cases Surge
Alabama is in a “crisis situation” with a surge in case numbers and hospitalizations, particularly in school-aged children, according to State Health Officer, Dr. Scott Harris.
Birmingham Poet And Activist Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins Dies At 42
Birmingham poet and Ensley neighborhood activist, Brian “Voice Porter” Hawkins was found dead in his home at 42-years-old.
Alabama Names Ashley M. Jones As Its New Poet Laureate
Jones, a Birmingham native, is Alabama's first Black poet laureate and the youngest person to hold the position.
Despite Record Number On The Road, Women Truck Drivers Still Face Barriers Getting Into Industry
Experts say trucking can lift women out of poverty, but barriers like lack of access to child care keep them out.
Strong Campaign Propels Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin To A Second Term
University of Alabama at Birmingham political science professor Peter Jones said fundraising and a "boots to the ground" strategy gave incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin his commanding victory in Tuesday's election.
Six City Council Members Win Reelection; Parker And Hilliard Face Runoffs
City Councilors William Parker (D4) and John Hilliard (D9) will face challengers in a runoff on Oct. 5.
Here Are The Full Results From Birmingham’s City Election
A runoff election is Oct. 5 for races in which no candidate won a majority.
Two Incumbents, Including President, Ousted From The Birmingham School Board Of Education
Incumbent and Board President Daagye Hendricks (D4) was defeated by Derrick Billups. Incumbent Terri Micha (D2) was defeated by Neonta Williams. And District 1 will go to a runoff between incumbent Douglas Lee Ragland and Sherman Collins Jr..
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Wins Another Term
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin was elected to another term Tuesday evening, taking in roughly 64% of the vote.
From Optimistic To Anxious: How College Students In The Gulf South Feel About Returning To Campus
College students from Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi share their thoughts as a new school year in the pandemic begins.
Birmingham Council OKs Extra Funds For Bus Rapid Transit System
The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to approve using $18 million in American Rescue Plan funds to cover unexpected extra costs in construction of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit System. The BRT project, which will create a 10-mile, higher-speed public transit corridor through 25 neighborhoods, broke ground in December. But last week, Charlotte Shaw, the […]
Community Weighs In On Education Challenges Ahead Of Birmingham City School Board Elections
As the election for Birmingham City school board approaches, citizens from education and community advocacy groups speak on the problems the new board will face in the midst of a COVID-19.
WBHM Surveyed Birmingham School Board Candidates — Here Are Their Responses
The election for the Birmingham City school board is August 24. Ten candidates responded to WBHM's survey to see where they stand on COVID, academic, funding, and parent engagement.
Donald Trump’s ‘Save America’ Rally Packs Farm Near Cullman
The former president of the United States fired up supporters Saturday night, criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the troop withdrawal in Afghanistan and more.
Amid ICU Shortage, Alabama Hospitals See Record-Breaking Pediatric Caseload
Alabama's hospitals are caring for more children with COVID-19 than ever before, the latest development in an increasingly dire situation for the state's health care system.
Logan The Entertainer: Good Food and Good Music
Homer Logan has two sides to his life. By day he runs an elementary school cafeteria in Birmingham. At night he's in front of crowds as "Logan the Entertainer."
Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson: ‘I’m Really Just Begging People To Help’
Wilson said Alabama's health care system was nearly crippled during a winter COVID-19 surge. The delta variant has the potential to be even worse.
Birmingham Voters Head To The Polls Aug. 24. Here’s A Sample Ballot And What You Need To Know.
Headed to vote in the Birmingham city elections on Tuesday, Aug. 24? Check out this sample ballot and find your polling place.
What You Need To Know About Pregnancy, Fertility And The COVID-19 Vaccine
More pregnant women are getting sick with COVID-19 as the delta variant surges in Alabama. Meanwhile, health professionals are trying to combat misinformation surrounding the vaccine and pregnancy. WBHM spoke with two doctors from UAB. Here's what we learned.
Alabama’s Frontline Providers: ‘We Are Overworked And We Are Frustrated’
Amid a fourth, more rapid surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, Alabama health care providers share stories from inside hospitals across the state.
