Special session underway on spending federal pandemic funds

On Thursday, an Alabama House committee passed a plan to spend about $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act on mostly health care reimbursements, water and sewer infrastructure and broadband expansion.


WBRC’s new podcast explores the disappearance of Kamille ‘Cupcake’ McKinney

The 3-year-old went missing in 2019 outside a public housing complex in Birmingham. Her body was found about a week later in a dumpster. 

Ivey calls session on relief funds, proposes tax rebates

Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her state of the state address on the opening night of the 2023 legislative session where key issues include how to use the state's remaining pandemic relief funds as well as a $2.8 billion education budget surplus.

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Hoover says a girls basketball team’s treatment after topping the boys is a miscommunication

After a parent wrote a Facebook post alleging gender discrimination when a girls’ basketball team was denied trophies, Hoover City officials said it came down to policy.

City relinquishes power over old Powell School, raising concerns about historic preservation

The property has the distinction of being the site of the city’s first public school, though it closed its doors in 2002 due to a sharp decline in enrollment.

The 2023 Alabama legislative session starts Tuesday. Here’s your preview

Lawmakers return to Montgomery at a time when money is flush thanks to federal COVID funds. Education is among the top issues expected to generate discussion.


Mississippi updated its solar energy guidelines. Renewable energy advocates want more

Mississippi added incentives for low-to-moderate income residents to encourage more investment in renewable energy. Activists are pushing for more access.

In Selma, Biden says right to vote remains under assault

President Joe Biden referenced the searing memories of 1965's “Bloody Sunday” in Selma to recommit to securing voting rights.

How this year’s Selma Bridge Crossing could mark a community renaissance

President Biden visits Selma for the 58th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday." Residents there are still recovering from tornadoes that ripped through the city in January.

These billboards want you to know how to get abortion pills — even if your state banned abortions

The nonprofit Mayday.Health organized the campaign to travel across 14 states with abortion bans.

As Alabama coal miners strike nears end, a look at why it started, and how it failed

After 700 days, the United Mine Workers of America Union asked Warrior Met Coal to allow the strikers to come back to work unconditionally.

A small team works to aid immigrants in Louisiana: ‘Do the best you can with the time you have’

Three women detail the grueling, personal work behind regular visits to Louisiana’s detention centers to help immigrants make it through the asylum process.