Transgender issues dominate end of the legislative session. Second special session to come
Alabama now has its own version of a Florida law derided by opponents as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Trans kids fear Alabama laws targeting medicine, bathrooms
Transgender kids and their parents say they feel attacked by a wave of Republican-sponsored legislation and policies aimed at trans youth. Bills have been introduced to ban gender-affirming care and block transgender children from using school restrooms or playing on sports teams that don’t match their sex at birth.
Alabama Legislature votes to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender kids and advanced a separate measure prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity, a bill critics have dubbed "Don't Say Gay."
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New report shows math proficiency continues to lag in Alabama
This week, officials released an update to the annual Kids Count Data Book which measures the well-being of kids in Alabama. Advocates are hopeful spending on children’s healthcare and education recently approved by state lawmakers will improve indicators.
‘Divisive concepts’ and school ‘bathroom bill’ advance to the Alabama Senate
An Alabama Senate committee gave two bills affecting schools the go-ahead Tuesday as lawmakers aim to end the legislative session this week. One requires students to use the bathroom that matches their biological sex. The other bans teaching students “divisive concepts.”
Struggling Democrats hope growing union support will provide boost in midterms
With support for unions at its highest point since 1965, Democrats hope they can capitalize on that sentiment as they struggle to connect with voters on other issues.
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Watch Live: The Gulf States Newsroom is hosting a live storytelling event.
The Gulf States Newsroom, a collaboration among public radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, is teaming up with Back Pocket Media to put on a live storytelling event on Tuesday.
In New Orleans, students are using Anne Frank’s story to teach each other about injustice
"In Quarantine with Anne Frank,” helps students learn to talk to each other about discrimination.
How to prepare for human trafficking during the World Games
The World Games are expected to attract tens of thousands of people to Birmingham this summer. Experts say that’s likely to increase human trafficking. Here's what you can do.
A year into striking, Alabama coal miners are frustrated but defiant as ever
As the strike in Alabama drags on, coal miners say it’s not just about the money. They’re also fighting for their dignity.
The World Games were delayed for a year, but did it help with preparedness?
The World Games was originally set to come to Birmingham July 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the large event for a year.
As Gulf South lawmakers fight over Medicaid, new moms weigh in: ‘Safety nets do save lives’
The COVID-19 health emergency could end soon; tens of thousands of new mothers could lose their healthcare coverage unless legislators take action.