Advocates warn of a ‘dollar store invasion.’ Researchers are still figuring out the consequences

A recent report from the Institute for Local Self Reliance laid out 17 problems with dollar stores, but some researchers said there isn’t a consensus yet.


New complaint alleges sex assault, medical neglect, abuse of detainee at Louisiana ICE facility

The attorneys and advocates who filed the complaint on Daniel Cortes De La Valle’s behalf are asking ICE to release him immediately.

Suit accuses Jefferson County of racial gerrymandering in commission districts

The lawsuit accuses the commission of intentionally packing Black voters into two supermajority Black commission districts based in and around Birmingham.

More News

Tougher penalties on fentanyl trafficking now law

Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law Thursday after the measure, which sets mandatory minimum sentences, passed both legislative chambers without opposition.

Birmingham-Southern College to stay open — for now

The decision follows a few tense months after years of financial stress came to a head in December. The private college is asking for $37 million in public money. It hasn’t received that money, but the future’s looking brighter for students.

Health advocates hope Narcan’s over-the-counter status will bypass Alabama’s strict laws

Public health officials say the federal rule change should expand access to the overdose-reversing medication, after years of navigating tough state restrictions on who can dispense Narcan.


Dollar stores are everywhere in the South. These 5 charts explain what’s behind their growth

Dollar store brands have expanded at a fast rate across the U.S. — especially in the Gulf South — over the past 15 years. Here’s what’s driving the trend.

Alabama leaders propose four bills to boost state’s economic competitiveness

Backers of the bills said the bills will provide more opportunities for rural areas and expand entrepreneurship.

After botched executions, Alabama will try lethal injection again

Alabama paused executions for three months after the state failed to execute two men and took more than three hours to kill another man. Now, after an internal review and a rule change, prison officials will resume the procedure.

Alabama medicinal plants inspire new UAB art exhibit

The new art exhibit showcases handmade books, sculptures and drawings inspired by medicinal plants found in Alabama.

An inside look at an AP African American Studies class

As Southern political leaders continue to take aim at critical race theory in education, students at Baton Rouge Magnet High call the AP pilot class empowering.

Volunteers are driving in to offer hot meals, necessities to Mississippi tornado survivors

The gym of a Rolling Fork school has become a makeshift hub to get much-needed emergency aid, meals and hope for thousands affected by the tornadoes.