News
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.
How Historic Food Stamps Boost Will Bring Relief To Southern Families: ‘This Is A Really Big Deal’
Experts say the 25% increase will make huge strides in combating hunger, especially in The South. Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi will get an additional $950 million from SNAP estimated for this next fiscal year.
Birmingham Mayoral Debate 2021
On August 17, 2021, al.com partnered with WBHM, The Birmingham Times, CBS 42, Summit Media and the Birmingham Association of Black Journalists to host a virtual Birmingham mayoral debate to provide voters the information they may need to decide which candidate deserves their vote.
Candidates For Birmingham Board Of Education
There are 22 people running for the Birmingham Board of Education. Elections are Tuesday, Aug. 24.
Birmingham Council Set To Fund Rapid Transit Project Next Week
The Birmingham City Council will vote on Tuesday whether to allocate $18 million of the city’s American Rescue Plan funding toward the construction of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit system. The project will create a 10-mile, higher-speed public transit corridor through 25 neighborhoods.
Who’s Running For Birmingham City Council?
Do you know who is running for Birmingham City Council? Check out this complete list.
2021 Birmingham Mayoral Candidate Profiles
The ballots are set for the Birmingham mayoral election on Aug. 24. But do you really know who the candidates are? Check out these profiles.
As COVID Devastated The Gulf South, The HIV/AIDS Crisis Was Put “On The Back Burner’
Data acquired from the Louisiana Department of Health and the Alabama Department of Public Health show that the average number of screenings for new HIV infections went down significantly between 2019 and 2020. Health experts worry that it will only make the region’s HIV/AIDS worse.
Health Official Warns About The Danger Of Being In Crowds As High School Football Fully Kicks Off
High school football games are set to fully kick off this week. Health experts say you should continue to wear a mask even if you're fully vaccinated because these events are likely to spread COVID-19.
K-12 Students To Be Tested For COVID In Schools
Cases of COVID-19 in youth are on the rise, according to the state department of public health. A new testing program in Alabama schools hopes to combat that.
Taliban Takeover Leaves Americans More Vulnerable, Says Father Of First American Killed In Afghan War
An Alabama man was the first American to die while fighting in Afghanistan. As President Biden withdraws U.S. troops from the area, the family is reflecting on his death nearly 20 years later.
Remembering A Murdered Birmingham Priest For His Faith And Courage
This week marks 100 years since Father James Coyle was murdered in broad daylight in downtown Birmingham hours after he secretly married an interracial couple. He's remembered for his faith and courage during a time of religious intolerance, racism and xenophobia.
Alabama Bans Critical Race Theory In Schools
The state board of education has now officially banned critical race theory in Alabama schools. It was never taught in the classroom, but it could impact teachers and students.
Alabama’s COVID Hospitalizations On Track To Surpass Winter Surge
State hospitals may soon be caring for more coronavirus patients than ever before. Many are already diverting resources to keep up with the surge.
HUD Secretary Touts ‘Millions And Millions Of Dollars’ Coming To Birmingham For Infrastructure
One day after the Senate passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge visited Birmingham Wednesday.
Birmingham Public Library Honors Civil Rights Leader Shelly Millender Jr.
The Board of Trustees at the Birmingham Public Library honored Shelly Millender Jr. who helped integrate the city’s libraries in 1963.
Parents Urge Vestavia Hills School District To Require Masks
The Vestavia Hills school board's decision to not require masks goes against guidance from public health agencies, including state health officials.
Impasse Between City Council, Mayor’s Office On Scheduling Delays Spending Of City Relief Funds
The city of Birmingham hasn't made any more headway on spending the $74 million it received from the American Rescue Plan. The problem? Scheduling, according to Council President William Parker. That's because the city council, Mayor Randall Woodfin and the finance director need to meet again to discuss logistics.
JeffCo Commissioner Cautions About Travel Expenses
The commissioner's eye was drawn to a trip someone from the county compliance office will next month to the Compliance & Ethics Institute Conference in Las Vegas. That trip will cost $3,354.55.
With A Crowded Field For Mayor, Birmingham Voters Weigh In On City’s Future
Birmingham voters have until next week to send in absentee ballots, and Election Day is fast approaching on Aug. 24. On the ballot, they’ll find a long list of choices for mayor.
Vaccination Rates Are Ticking Up. Here’s Why Birmingham Residents Are Rolling Up Their Sleeves.
The delta variant and rising hospitalizations are among the reasons vaccine recipients cite.
Alabama Health Officials Say COVID-19 Vaccine Safe For Pregnant Women
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or wanting to get pregnant, says health experts.
Echoes Of The Past As Overwhelmingly-White Mountain Brook Debates Diversity
This summer, passionate voices clashed over a teacher anti-bias training program in Mountain Brook City Schools. But the debate rests on uncomfortable history in this white pocket of racially diverse Jefferson County.
Birmingham Hospital Leaders: COVID Surge ‘Heartbreaking … And Largely Preventable’
Statewide hospitalizations for COVID-19 topped 1,700 Wednesday, fueled by the highly-contagious delta variant.
Schools Opening Short On Teachers Because Of An Increase In Retirements
Last school year, more than 3,500 school employees retired in Alabama. That's the highest number since 2010. Some credit the pandemic for the rise in retirement, while others say a growing unappreciation for school employees had caused these workers to leave the industry.
5 Things To Know About Alabama’s Back-To-School COVID Toolkit
The state's updated guidance for back-to-school has several school districts in the region changing their COVID-19 protocols.
Delta Strikes Birmingham Public Works, But Mayor Says The City Will Get To Your Trash
Your trash will be picked up, said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin at a press conference Tuesday.
Hispanic Interest Coalition Of Alabama Founder Looks Back At Two Decades Of Leadership
Isabel Rubio founded HICA more than 20 years ago in an effort to assist Latinos who migrate to the state. She'll step down as CEO at the end of the year.
Amazon Warehouse Workers In Alabama May Get To Vote Again On Union
A federal labor official found that Amazon's anti-union tactics may have tainted last spring's voting process sufficiently to scrap its results. Workers had rejected unionization more than 2-to-1.
Birmingham Expands Hours At Vaccination Clinic, Offers New Incentive Amid COVID Surge
Anyone who visits Legion Field for a COVID-19 vaccine will receive a concert ticket to the Jazz Festival or the Battle of the Bands.
Birmingham Teachers Welcome Students Back To School Amid COVID Surge
School starts Monday in the Birmingham City Schools. Classes are in person but with COVID protocols in place.
Amid Delta Variant Surge, Some Call For Vaccine And Mask Mandates
While states have tried coaxing reluctant residents into getting the shot with incentives like lotteries, some businesses and health experts in the region say it’s time to start creating disincentives for avoiding the shot.
