News

How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In Alabama

Days after Alabama confirmed its first case of coronavirus, testing is ramping up across the state. There are a growing number of options to get screened and tested for the virus.

Fearing Coronavirus Spread, Many Area Schools Close Immediately

As concerns about the spread of coronavirus grow, more schools opt to close immediately.

Alabama Lawmakers Approve $5 Million For Coronavirus Response

Coronavirus grabbed the attention of state lawmakers this week. And bills related to the prison system and medical marijuana advanced.

Gov. Kay Ivey Declares State Of Emergency Due To Coronavirus

Alabama schools will close and a second coronavirus case is confirmed -- this one in Jefferson County.

Alabama Reports Its First Case Of Coronavirus

Alabama officials announced the state's first case of COVID-19.

Alabama Still Has Not Detected Coronavirus. Health Officials Advise Acting Otherwise

Alabama remains one of a handful of states where the coronavirus has not been detected. Some say officials should be doing more to prepare and test for the disease.

Alabama Events Canceled, Attractions Close Amid Coronavirus Fears

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many closures and event cancellations across the state.

Universities Prepare For COVID-19 Ahead Of Spring Break

Samford and UAB are taking precautions in the event coronavirus spreads. There are currently no confirmed cases of the disease in Alabama.

Yoga Still Being Taught To Some Students Despite 27-Year-Old Ban

Alabama is one step closer to overturning a decades-old ban on yoga in public schools. This week, the state House of Representatives voted in favor a bill that would give school systems the option to teach yoga with some restrictions. But Jimi Lee, head of Yoga & Love has led yoga at some schools, despite the ban. School leaders just call the practice by another name.

Alabama Health Officials Issue Update On Coronavirus Testing

The Alabama Department of Health has tested fewer than 20 people for COVID-19, according to officials there. None has tested positive.

State Health Department Offers COVID-19 Testing

Alabama's state health agency now has the capability to test for COVID-19. They'll no longer have to send samples to the CDC for testing.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Yoga, Banning Gender Therapies

State lawmakers this week considered bills around yoga, guns, and gender therapy for minors.

Attorneys For Nathaniel Woods Request Emergency Stay Of Execution

An Alabama inmate scheduled to be executed today is asking federal courts to postpone his execution.

Shelby County Residents Vocal On Proposed Toll Bridge

For weeks, Shelby county residents have voiced concerns about a proposed private toll bridge that would cross Lay Lake on the Coosa River. Developers say the project will spur economic development but not everyone is convinced.

Mosquito Spraying To Continue In Birmingham Despite Objections

The city of Birmingham will continue the practice of spraying for mosquitoes, despite vehement objection from two city councilors.

Alabama Republican Senate Contest Headed To A Runoff

The race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate is headed to a runoff. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville will face off March 31st.

Alabama Live Election Results

Follow for live election coverage of the Alabama primary elections.

NPR Live Coverage: 2020 Super Tuesday

Follow NPR's live coverage of the 2020 Super Tuesday contests, including results and analysis.

Jefferson County Department Of Health Prepared For Coronavirus

In a press conference, President Trump insisted the risk of Americans getting the coronavirus disease remains very low. But CDC officials say they expect COVID-19 to spread to more states across the U.S. and they’re preparing local health departments with specific guidelines for dealing with the disease.

In Comeback Senate Bid, Jeff Sessions Backs Trump — Despite Public Falling-Out

Jeff Sessions is making a play for his old senate seat from Alabama, arguing he's the one who has Trump's back despite the president's disparaging remarks about his former attorney general.

Alabama Ban On Gender Therapies Moves Forward

Doctors would not be allowed to administer gender therapies to youth, according to a bill moving forward in the Alabama Legislature. Opponents say the bill is fear mongering.

Parkers Will Be Able To Pay At Birmingham Meters Using An App

The Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to modernize its parking system, approving a three-year contract with ParkMobile, an application that allows users to pay for parking with their smartphones.

BirminghamWatch 2020 Primary Voter Guide: Republican U.S. Senate Race Headlines March 3 Primaries In Alabama

The Alabama primary election is on Tuesday, March 3. And all seven Senate Republican candidates have shown basic agreement on the topics of immigration, taxes and the economy as well as social issues such as abortion, guns and health care.

Officials Say Anniston Facility Not Designed To Hold Coronavirus Patients

State and local leaders say they were justified in pushing back against a plan to bring Americans infected with the coronavirus disease to a facility in Anniston. They say there weren't enough details known.

Officials Seek Answers On Plan To House Coronavirus Patients In Anniston

Anniston is being considered a "back-up plan" to house some patients that have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Gov. Kay Ivey.

Report Reveals Voter Access Difficult In Alabama

Super Tuesday is nearly a week away and hundreds-of-thousands of Alabama voters are expected to turn out. But according to a new report by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Alabama remains one of the most difficult states for an eligible voter to register and cast a ballot.

Voters Could Change How Education Leaders Are Picked In Alabama

When Alabama voters go the polls on March 3rd, they’ll be voting on a constitutional amendment that changes the state board of education. Currently board members are elected. If Amendment One is approved, the governor would appoint school board members.

Live Coverage: 2020 Nevada Caucuses

Follow NPR's live coverage of the 2020 Nevada caucuses, including results and analysis.

Medical Marijuana, Transgender Athlete Bills Pass Committee

A bill to allow medical marijuana in Alabama picked up steam in the Alabama Legislature this week as a Senate committee overwhelmingly approved it. Another committee backed a bill requiring transgender students to play sports under their “gender assignment at birth" as opposed to how they identify.

New Exhibit Features Artwork From Alabama Inmates

The issues around Alabama's troubled prison system are complex, but a new exhibit featuring artwork by Alabama inmates hopes to generate a different conversation.

CPB, NPR Partner With Public Media Stations To Launch Gulf States Newsroom, With Hub At WBHM In Birmingham

Public media stations WBHM in Birmingham, Alabama, Mississippi Public Broadcasting in Jackson, Mississippi, and WWNO in New Orleans and WRKF in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have joined together to launch the Gulf States Newsroom. With support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and NPR, this innovative collaboration will increase coverage of news events in a region […]