News

Alabama pausing executions after 3rd failed lethal injection

The move follows the uncompleted execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, which was the state's second instance of being unable to put an inmate to death in the past two months and its third since 2018.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute celebrates 30 years

For decades, the BCRI has educated everyone from local students to global leaders about Birmingham's role in the Civil Rights movement.

Alabama calls off execution after difficulties inserting IV

This is the second execution since September the state has cancelled because of IV difficulties.

Alabama’s Hunting 101 workshops target newcomers — and conservation dollars

State leaders hope to reverse a decades-long decline in hunting participation rates and secure more funding for wildlife restoration.

The Gulf South is dealing with a ‘tripledemic’ of Covid, flu and RSV as the holidays near

Health officials say now is not the time to let your guard down on protecting yourself, and others, as the three contagious viruses spread across the region.

New bike- and scooter-sharing service approved in Birmingham

Lime received unanimous approval from the Birmingham City Council, though council members had concerns about misplaced bikes and scooters becoming a nuisance.

Feminism isn’t always popular or understood in Alabama. FemmSouth wants to change that

Alabama native Leigh Bancroft was looking for a way to educate others and discuss feminism. She began the FemmSouth book club, which now includes a podcast.

City officials want parents to combat gun violence. Community leaders say it’s not that simple

Officials point to parents and the need for strong community networks to stop gun violence in Birmingham. They say it takes a village. But it’s not just the people in charge saying that, it’s also kids, activists, and the parents themselves.

Teens say Birmingham’s gun violence takes a heavy toll

At least 11 students in Birmingham have died due to gun violence since the beginning of the year, and their peers say the ongoing issue causes their mental health to suffer.

Alabama health providers warn of unusually early flu activity

In recent weeks, outpatient providers across Alabama have reported high levels of influenza-like illness, with kids facing the highest risk of hospitalization.

Election analysis: Women spearhead Republican dominance in Alabama

Republicans continued their stronghold at the state level with Gov. Kay Ivey claiming a second full term and Katie Britt winning election to the U.S. Senate.

Republican Katie Britt wins US Senate race in Alabama

Britt will fill the seat held by Richard Shelby, her one-time boss who is retiring after 35 years in the Senate.

Republican Kay Ivey wins 2nd full term as Alabama governor

Ivey easily won Tuesday's election turning away challenges from Democrat Yolanda Flowers and Libertarian Jimmy Blake.

Alabama Media Groups to end 3 newspapers in February 2023

The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times and Mobile Press-Register will stop publishing newspapers and go all-digital.

Conflict between Mississippi’s largest hospital, insurer a breaking point for some residents

The ongoing contract dispute between UMMC and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi has no end in sight, forcing some to consider leaving the state for good.

Elias Hendricks brings classical soul to Birmingham with Vox Fortura

Singer and Birmingham native Elias Hendricks has a career that has taken him all over the world. He'll perform with his classical soul group Vox Fortura Sunday at the Lyric Theatre.

Police remove suspicious backpack from near a Birmingham synagogue

Authorities said the bag was a credible threat although it did not contain an explosive. The incident came on the heels of threats against synagogues in New Jersey.

Birmingham hopes City Walk will bridge a divide between neighborhoods

Birmingham's City Walk is a linear, urban park that opened about five months ago under the Interstate 20/59 bridges. City officials say it's an attempt to reconnect downtown to the northern neighborhoods.

In New Orleans, a symbolic bike ride helps fight recidivism. Here’s how it impacted the riders.

The annual NOLA to Angola bike ride returned this month to help the nonprofit The First 72+ fight recidivism. Participants share what the ride means to them.

Outdoorsy Black Women helps change the face of outdoor activities

Outdoorsy Black Women is a national organization with more than 3,000 members across the country. The Birmingham chapter began in early 2022 and it already has 160 members. 

Auburn fires coach Bryan Harsin

Harsin went 9-12 overall and 3-5 this year. Auburn has lost four straight games while struggling against Power Five opponents. Auburn will owe more than $15 million and half of that must be paid within 30 days.

Staying Pink: Jackson Women’s Health Organization is closed, but 1 group continues the fight

A small team of activists is still gathering outside of the Pink House — though the clinic has closed — to continue the fight for abortion access.

Outgoing Senator Shelby backs US recognition for state tribe

The MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians are still seeking federal recognition, and they're one of two state-recognized tribes hoping Congress will right what they see as wrongs of the past with the help of two influential U.S. senators who are retiring.

Tuberville: US has too many ‘takers’ who don’t want to work

Tuberville made the remarks, suggesting that many in younger generations — including people in their 40s — don't understand they need to work, while discussing the national worker shortage during a speech to business groups in south Alabama.

Will the Magic City Classic return to Legion Field next year?

With Legion Field nearly 100 years old and Protective Stadium opening last year in downtown Birmingham, people have questioned if the Magic City Classic will find a new home.

3 key reasons why ESPN chose Jackson State’s rivalry with Southern for College GameDay

An ESPN producer called JSU’s rise one of college football's biggest stories. Here are three key elements that make Saturday’s rivalry game worth highlighting.

Fed up with Jackson’s water system, this Mississippi suburb wants to create its own

Experts say merging water systems can help with the high cost of maintenance. But Byam, Mississippi — fed up with Jackson’s water crisis — wants to go it alone.

Childhood literacy program to expand after Birmingham approves funding

The $1 million will help Birmingham Talks, more than triple its reach to 3,500 students across all 99 neighborhoods over the next three years.

Racist wording is still in the Alabama Constitution. Voters can erase it

The Alabama Constitution of 1901 contains racist language regarding slavery, poll taxes, and school segregation. If approved by voters, a recompilation measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot will remove that language, as well as reorganize the constitution.

Here are the 10 statewide amendments voters will see on the ballot in November

From "Aniah's Law to economic development, the November 8 ballot will give Alabamians the opportunity to vote for 10 statewide amendments.

Slavery is on the ballot in Alabama and 4 other states

More than 150 years after slaves were freed in the U.S., voters in five states, including Alabama, will soon decide whether to close loopholes that led to the proliferation of a different form of slavery — forced labor by people convicted of certain crimes.

How one small town is teaching English to kids of immigrants

Russellville, with large numbers of Hispanic immigrants, is using federal COVID-19 relief money for an experiment to serve students who are still learning English. They are hiring and certifying more local, Spanish-speaking staff.