Series
Seeking asylum in the U.S. is not easy. It’s harder when you speak a rare language
Two men who speak a rare language languished in Louisiana and Mississippi detention centers, they say, because they couldn't interview in their native tongue.
EXPLAINER: COVID vaccines for kids under 5: What’s next?
COVID-19 vaccines for kids under 5 may be available in the U.S. as early as March, but there are several hurdles still to clear.
Congressional map ruling a ‘bombshell’ for Alabama lawmakers
A panel of federal judges ordered lawmakers to redraw congressional maps approved last year by Feb. 11.
Why a mailbox continues to loom over Amazon union vote at Alabama warehouse
The mailbox was a key reason why labor officials ruled to re-do a union election at Amazon's Alabama warehouse. For the re-vote, the mailbox got moved. The union wants it gone.
Critical race theory divides Gulf South educators and state leaders
Critical race theory is a hot-button issue for politicians in the Gulf South. Alabama and Mississippi are attempting to pass new laws prohibiting it.
COVID relief funding package passes Alabama legislative committees
A plan to spend about $772 million is set for final passage as early as next week.
Ivey calls special session on relief funds
Alabama lawmakers will put the 2022 regular legislative session on hold to start a special session beginning Jan. 19, according to an announcement by Gov. Kay Ivey.
As demand for travel nurses increases, hospitals in the South struggle to stay competitive
COVID-19 hospitalizations are now twice as high in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama as they were two weeks ago, contributing to now record hospitalization numbers nationwide.
Omicron is less severe, but it’s overwhelming Alabama’s hospitals
The omicron variant leads to fewer hospitalizations and deaths, but the variant is infecting more people than any previous surge.
Alabama lawmakers already planning a special session just days into the regular one
Legislators would use the special session to discuss appropriating COVID relief funds. We have more in our weekly legislative update.
Mississippi wants more tech jobs. Here’s what it can learn from Alabama’s tech success
Louisiana and Mississippi rank at the bottom nationally when it comes to the percentage of tech jobs in the state workforce. Alabama sits in the middle of the list, mostly because of Huntsville’s Research Park.
Ivey: State must be ‘smart’ about pandemic relief funds
Governor Kay Ivey called on state lawmakers to use pandemic relief money to expand broadband access, hospitals, and water and sewer infrastructure.
2nd election for Amazon workers in Alabama will be by mail
A federal labor board says Amazon workers at a facility in Bessemer will re-vote next month on whether to unionize.
The 2022 Alabama legislative session starts Tuesday. Here’s what to expect
The COVID-19 pandemic will be an undercurrent to this year's legislative session. So too will the fact it's an election year.
Special session possible on relief fund spending
The 2022 Alabama Legislative Session starts this week. But state lawmakers say there may be a special session on how to spend the state's remaining pandemic relief funds.
Some parents express frustration with schools’ responses to the omicron surge
As students across Birmingham return to classrooms after the winter break, schools must contend with the COVID-19 omicron variant. With cases surging, WBHM heard from some parents who are frustrated with the response from school leaders.
Guaranteed income is coming to the Gulf South. Take a look at the 3 programs
Guaranteed income programs are coming to three cities in the Gulf South including Birmingham, which is set to launch soon.
With the mental health system strained, here’s how some people are coping during the pandemic
Alabama is among the bottom of states for media health providers per capita. That has people looking online and other places to find help.
State Health Officer warns Alabama is ‘not in a good place’ fighting the Omicron variant
During a media call Tuesday, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said Alabama is seeing the highest new daily case numbers of the pandemic.
Issues to watch in the 2022 legislative session
Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery on Jan. 11 for the 2022 legislative session. Here are some issues to watch as the session begins.
Lawmakers face decisions on $1.5 billion in relief funds
Legislative leaders say infrastructure projects — such as broadband and sewer projects — are expected to be a spending priority.
The 2021 moments that will stick with us: Reflections from the Gulf States Newsroom
Our regional reporters reflect on the most memorable moment they had in the field as they covered stories across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
As much of the Gulf South remains unvaccinated, New Orleans issues a mandate for kids
The city will expand its mandate in 2022 to include children 5 and older. The city health director said “there was no good scientific or educational reason to wait.”
Judge orders Alabama prison system to boost staff by 2025
The Alabama Department of Corrections had been ordered to reach staffing targets by Feb. 2022, but the judge said that's clearly "out of reach."
Prison visits are back in the Gulf States. Many have not seen loved ones for nearly 2 years
This holiday season, many incarcerated people in the Gulf States are seeing their loved ones for the first time since March 2020 due to COVID restrictions.
Gulf States will get $100M to expand internet access. Here’s what they’re prioritizing
Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi will receive $100 million from the infrastructure bill to expand internet access, but each will have different priorities.
How the social safety net has — and hasn’t — changed in 2021 in 5 charts
Updates to SNAP, TANF and the Child Tax Credit have helped families in the Gulf South, but not everyone has been able to access the improved benefits.
First case of omicron variant in Alabama has been confirmed
Alabama has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, according to the state health officer.
Families in need received more from the social safety net in 2021. How helpful was it?
Experts hail changes like the Child Tax Credit and increases in SNAP benefits as historic. But were recipients better off after getting them?
Supply chain issues in California open up a business opportunity for Gulf Coast ports
Southern ports report higher traffic, but problems on the ground keep them from being a true solution to the supply chain tangle.
Alabama prisons commissioner Jeff Dunn to retire as system faces federal pressure
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the leadership change just two months months after Alabama lawmakers approved a $1.3 billion prison construction plan.
Alabama Gov. Ivey draws challengers in 2022 GOP primary
Lynda Blanchard and Tim James are joining the 2022 Alabama governor's race against incumbent Kay Ivey, county commissioner Stacy Lee George, and pastor Dean Odle.
