Alabama Families Living in Poverty Hit Hard by Welfare Reform
A recent report by the public radio show, Marketplace, found that Alabama spends only 38% of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds on core areas. TANF, in its simplest terms is a federal welfare program designed for needy children and their caretakers. The number of families living in poverty in Alabama has risen, but the number of families currently receiving TANF funding has dropped. We talk more about this with Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD. Patterson talks with WBHM’s Esther Ciammachilli about what’s really happening with the TANF program in Alabama.
Gambling bills face uncertain future in the Alabama legislature
This year looked to be different for lottery and gambling legislation, which has fallen short for years in the Alabama legislature. But this week, with only a handful of meeting days left, competing House and Senate proposals were sent to a conference committee to work out differences.
Alabama’s racial, ethnic health disparities are ‘more severe’ than other states, report says
Data from the Commonwealth Fund show that the quality of care people receive and their health outcomes worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s your favorite thing about Alabama?
That's the question we put to those at our recent News and Brews community pop-ups at Hop City and Saturn in Birmingham.
Q&A: A former New Orleans police chief says it’s time the U.S. changes its marijuana policy
Ronal Serpas is one of 32 law enforcement leaders who signed a letter sent to President Biden in support of moving marijuana to a Schedule III drug.
How food stamps could play a key role in fixing Jackson’s broken water system
JXN Water's affordability plan aims to raise much-needed revenue while offering discounts to customers in need, but it is currently tied up in court.
Alabama mine cited for federal safety violations since home explosion led to grandfather’s death, grandson’s injuries
Following a home explosion that killed one and critically injured another, residents want to know more about the mine under their community. So far, their questions have largely gone unanswered.
