Series
Time Together
My wife is a teacher. Even though she is bummed about not seeing her kids for the remainder of the school year, she has gotten to spend her time at […]
Saturday Morning Strolling
Went out for a stroll in Clayton Park on Saturday morning. Cars went by at the rate of one every five minutes. It was a field filled with clover, violet, […]
RN Comes Home to Help
My wife is a Alabama native. She’s about to finish her RN in a month. We are moving back in July because she wants her first job to be helping […]
Writing through ‘Rona
During this tenuous time of sheltering in place, I have found the freedom to tell my stories. After a serendipitous Creative Nonfiction writing class, I gained the confidence to write. […]
Here Comes the Sun
At least it stopped raining. John B., Birmingham, AL
Learning Gratitude
I’ve learned to be more appreciative of front-line workers of all kinds, and make sure to say a sincere “thank you” to grocery staff, delivery people, take-out food folks, postal […]
Carbon Emissions Down
On the bright side, the drop in carbon emissions due to the pandemic show the potential that climate action has on a widely implemented basis – this kind of decarbonization […]
Selfish, Not Selfish
Little selfish…but I have not bitten my nails in about a month and a half…hopefully keep that trend going. Blake C., Irondale, AL
Words on the Page
Since March 10, I’ve written 17,000 words on my next novel. Chris G., Birmingham, AL
Biking to Work
One of the best things is being able to ride my bike from my condo to the station! Nancy M., Birmingham, AL (She’s a WBHM announcer on Thursday, Friday, and […]
Taking in the Beauty
I’ve noticed people taking in the beauty around them a lot more. I live in Bluff Park and the lookout points on Shades Crest Road are packed with people (responsibly […]
Face Mask Facilitators
The Facebook group “Bham Face Masks” has facilitated donations of over 40,000 handmade face masks in the Birmingham area. Pretty amazing if you ask me. Ann F., Birmingham, AL
Sisters
One silver lining is that I get to spend my last semester of high school at home with my sister. I live in a dorm for school, but thanks to […]
Cookies Cookies Cookies
OTBS—we ate all the chocolate chip cookies so have an excuse to make more! Christina C., Birmingham, AL
Shoppers Emerge From Quarantine As State Eases COVID-19 Emergency Order
Alabama's retail industry opened its' doors once again after being closed for at least a month because of COVID-19.
UAB Furloughs Staffers And Cuts Pay Amid Pandemic
UAB announced Monday that more than 300 university staff members will be temporarily furloughed in an effort to offset significant financial losses due to COVID-19.
In Rural Alabama, Pandemic Highlights Need For Broadband Access
The internet is helping a lot of people get through the COVID-19 crisis. But many people in rural areas like the Black Belt have no internet access at all.
Birmingham Mayor Announces Nightly Curfew, Defends Mask Ordinance
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is defending two new city ordinances tightening restrictions around COVID-19. Beginning Friday, residents will be under a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and they must wear face coverings in public.
Alabama Lawmakers Return To Pass Budgets After Extended Coronavirus Break
Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery Monday after an extended break because of the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans want to pass the budgets quickly. Democrats want to wait.
UAB Drug Remdesivir Is First to Block the COVID-19 Virus, May Become Standard of Care. Fauci “Optimistic.”
Remdesivir, a drug developed through a federal grant to UAB, may be the first effective therapy for treating severely ill COVID-19 patients, early analysis of a large federally sponsored study found this week.
Small Business Loans Site Crashes Amid Flood of New PPP Applications
Alabama bankers couldn’t access the federal Paycheck Protection Program application site on Monday so that small businesses hurt by the coronavirus could apply for the loans.
Some Alabama Graduations Saved By Going Virtual
Most spring graduations are canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. But a few groups and institutions are organizing virtual ceremonies for the class of 2020
Jefferson County Reopening Courthouses Friday, With Some Restrictions
Jefferson County will reopen its courthouses and county facilities on Friday.
Despite Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions, Many Plan To Stay At Home
Gov. Kay Ivey will ease coronavirus restrictions starting at 5 p.m. Thursday. Under the new rules, businesses and all retailers can reopen. So will beaches and doctors offices. Nevertheless, many people plan to stay put.
Retailers And Beaches Allowed Conditional Reopening As Ivey Eases Stay-At-Home Order
Gov. Kay Ivey says retailers and public beaches can reopen under certain conditions as she relaxes a stay-at-home order issued to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Birmingham Requires Face Masks in Public Starting Friday
Birmingham residents will be legally required to wear face masks in public starting May 1.
UAB to Start COVID-19 Testing With Mobile Units in Bush Hills, Center Point
UAB will deploy a new COVID-19 mobile testing unit this week to communities across Jefferson County.
Comedians Get Extra Creative During The COVID-19 Pandemic
With entertainment venues closed because of COVID-19, local standup comedians and improv performers are having to find other ways to connect to their audiences. Some have even turned to social media to practice their craft.
Alabama Lags Coronavirus Testing Rate Advised to Begin Reopening
Data shows Alabama lags behind most of its Southeast neighbors in COVID-19 testing.
UAB Hospital Losing $70 Million Per Month Due To COVID Restrictions
UAB Hospital is taking a financial hit from COVID-19. Officials announced Friday a projected loss of $70 million per month due to fewer clinical visits, elective surgeries and hospital stays.
Inside Alabama’s Prisons, Fear Of A Coronavirus Outbreak
Alabama corrections officials recently reported the first inmate death related to COVID-19. With several prisoners and staff members testing positive for the virus, those inside Alabama prisons worry this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Customers Resort To DIY Styles With Barbershops & Hair Salons Closed
The coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of nonessential businesses, including hair salons and barbershops. That has led some people to get creative about how to keep their hair looking good during the crisis.




