Series
For some Gulf South schools, a March Madness loss can still be a win off the court
Making it into the NCAA Tournament can translate to boosts in student enrollment, athletic involvement, merchandise sales and more for participating schools.
Bill revamping ethics law advances in the legislature
Lawmakers also took up the General Fund budget and a proposal to increase the number of medical cannabis licenses.
‘Anybody can be a lobbyist’: In Mississippi, incarceration fuels legislative advocacy training
The program aims to teach the art of political influence and policymaking to formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones.
1 year after devastating tornado, Rolling Fork mobile home park residents fight to return home
Modern building codes, rebuilding expenses and a low inventory of existing permanent housing have made returning to a normal life in Rolling Fork a struggle.
IVF could help her start the family she wants. Will Alabama’s personhood law derail it?
Despite a law meant to protect IVF in Alabama, patients and advocates worry the protections won’t hold — and warn of future attacks on reproductive rights.
Q&A: A bad deal made Jackson’s water problems worse. It wasn’t the only Mississippi city harmed
Reporter Sarah Fowler talks about her investigation that found at least eight Mississippi cities were harmed by deals over faulty smart water meters.
Anti-DEI bill becomes law as lawmakers return for the second half of the session
Alabama lawmakers returned from spring break this week to take on several priorities for the Republican majority. Chief among them was a bill that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools, universities and government offices.
Some Jackson residents still face water billing issues despite new systems in place
In trying to rectify decades of billing chaos and draw new revenue, another issue has emerged for JXN Water: How much should customers be on the hook for?
Alabama enacts new restrictions on absentee ballot requests
Alabama has placed new restrictions on assistance with absentee ballot requests, making it illegal to return another person's ballot application and making it a felony to pay someone to distribute or collect applications.
This new high-speed fiber internet project aims to close the technology gap in Alabama’s Black Belt
The $230 million project, which broke ground in Selma in early March, will reach around 53,000 homes and businesses.
March Madness is here! Here are the Gulf South teams to watch in the men’s, women’s tournaments
Get info on the seven men’s teams and five women’s teams playing in the NCAA Division I basketball tournament, plus see what time they play.
Alabama pharmacists urge lawmakers to pass HB 238
Supporters of the legislation say it would create a more transparent reimbursement system for struggling pharmacies. The bill's opponents worry it could drive up insurance costs.
Anti-DEI bill faces opposition from students across Alabama
College students across the state are speaking out against Senate Bill 129, which would restrict the funding of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
As Alabama tries to legalize sports betting, advocates point to neighboring states’ success
Increased tax revenues in states like Louisiana are one reason many pro-sports betting Alabamians say it’s time to catch up to neighbors in the Gulf South.
What architects learned from 30 years of building affordable homes in Alabama’s Black Belt
Auburn University’s Rural Studio is sharing its wealth of knowledge with partners in a half dozen states to help solve rural homelessness.
IVF, school choice and gambling dominate the week in Montgomery
Most in vitro fertilization services resumed across Alabama after Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill into law Wednesday night granting immunity to fertility clinics. This is in response to an Alabama Supreme Court ruling last month that found frozen embryos are children.
The HBCU Legacy Bowl is more than a game. It also prepares students for life after sports
Organizers for the all-star game, now in its third year, host a career fair where HBCU students and recent grads plan for their futures before the big game.
Thousands honor Selma Jubilee, voting rights ahead of March 5 election
On the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, thousands marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to honor those brutally attacked in the fight for civil rights.
Alabama lawmakers pass protections for IVF clinics
In vitro fertilization dominated the conversation in Montgomery for another week in the wake of last month’s Alabama Supreme Court ruling that found frozen embryos are considered children.
Alabama lawmakers rush to get IVF services restarted
Facing public pressure to get IVF services resumed in the state, both chambers of the Alabama Legislature advanced legislation that would extend lawsuit protections to clinics.
From sea to table to sea: How recycled oyster shells are restoring the Alabama coast
Gulf South oyster reefs are fading because of the changing climate. Alabama hopes to reverse this by using recycled shells to grow oyster gardens.
Lawmakers promise action after Alabama IVF ruling
One story dominated Alabama politics this past week – an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that found frozen embryos are considered children under a state civil law.
4 factors besides cold weather that explain expensive winter power bills
Like many in the Gulf South, Will Burt’s power bill spiked in January due to extreme weather. But how much of the increase can be attributed to the cold?
We want to hear from you: District 2 in Alabama
Help us report on your new district and the 2024 elections
As March 5 primary election nears, some voters are still unaware of District 2 change
Civics education groups, like the South Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable, are working to notify voters of the change made by the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
Gambling bill overcomes first big test of the legislative session
The Alabama House Thursday passed a sweeping gambling bill, one that could bring a lottery, casinos and sports betting to the state. It’s a change of luck for gambling proponents as similar proposals historically have died in the House.
Meet the Alabama woman who is turning her farm into an indigenous food forest
As the climate changes, some Gulf South producers are focusing on ways to preserve the land.
‘Living in fear’: Small-town Mississippi residents are skeptical of DOJ’s police investigation
The "pattern or practice" investigation into the Lexington Police Department stems from allegations of excessive force, racist roadblocks and more.
Gambling becomes the first big issue of the legislative session
Alabama lawmakers got their first look at a sweeping lottery and casino bill this week. The governor also released her plan for education savings accounts.
Alabama lawmakers push sweeping gambling bill that would allow lottery and casinos
Alabama is one of few states without a state lottery, after lawmakers in 1999 rejected a proposal to allow one. And unlike neighboring Mississippi, the state has been resistant to full-fledged casinos with table games and slot machines.
A South Asian krewe in New Orleans wants to ‘put the masala in Mardi Gras’
Krewe da Bhan Gras has been a hit on the parade route this Carnival season as the latest example of Mardi Gras’ diverse, inclusive nature and its evolution.
Ivey says ‘now is the time’ for a statewide vote on lottery and gambling bills
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called Tuesday night for the creation of a limited school voucher program and announced support for two controversial measures before lawmakers this year: gambling legislation and absentee ballot restrictions.
