Alabama
6 ways the conversation around a guaranteed income in the US has changed
A guaranteed income conference held in Atlanta shows how the movement has progressed since 2017, with more than 50 pilots currently handing out cash.
Birmingham’s new Xpress rapid bus line gives residents a new option to travel across the city
The Birmingham Xpress is a single route that runs east to west between Five Points West and Woodlawn. A total of 32 stops take riders by places like Princeton Baptist Hospital, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Railroad Park and Sloss Furnace.
Ahead of its Alabama debut, John Archibald gives an inside look at ‘Pink Clouds’
AL.com columnist John Archibald brings his columns to the stage with the debut of his first play, "Pink Clouds." It premieres Saturday at Red Mountain Theatre.
Imani Perry draws on her hometown, Birmingham, in her new book exploring the South
Perry is an Ivy League professor in New Jersey but a Southerner at heart. She was born in Birmingham, but today she teaches African American studies at Princeton University. In her latest book she argues to truly understand the United States start with the American South.
Midwives urge Alabama health officials to revise rules on birth centers
Critics say if adopted, the rules would further restrict options to pregnancy care in Alabama.
Birmingham’s guaranteed income program aims to help single mothers who face inequality
Sixty percent of all households with children in Birmingham are led by single mothers. That’s one factor when it comes to inequalities working women face.
Abortion-rights group navigates ‘unprecedented’ legal territory in Alabama
The Yellowhammer Fund has temporarily stopped funding abortion care for people in Alabama, amid legal concerns for clients and staff.
What to know about Alabama abortion rights after SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade
The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to an abortion. Here’s what the decision means for the Gulf South region.
Sleeping shelters for homeless people will be built for The World Games. What happens next?
Security parameters will be put in place, restricting access to otherwise public places. People without homes who use some of these public spaces for shelter will have to find other places to be.
Scott Thurmond named Birmingham Police Chief
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Thurmond’s appointment as police chief Thursday. Thurmond succeeds Patrick Smith who announced his resignation as police chief in January citing personal matters.
With vanpooling, workers and employers find a ‘win-win’ amid a tight labor market, high gas costs
As 2022's economic woes continue, more people are using vanpools as a cost-effective way to get to work. It’s also helping out their employers.
Birmingham mayor proposes largest city budget ever
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin introduced a $517 million budget proposal, the largest in city history, during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
‘Better isn’t good enough’: Starbucks workers in Birmingham, New Orleans discuss unionizing
Starbucks stores in Birmingham and New Orleans could be the next to unionize. Those leading the efforts sit down to discuss why and what they've learned so far.
Birmingham targets motels over illegal activity and blight
Since last fall, Birmingham city officials have sued or taken other measures to shut down the businesses.
A day after SCOTUS leak, Gulf States begin to prep for a future without Roe v. Wade
While nothing officially changes until the Supreme Court delivers its decision, advocates on both sides of the issue are preparing for an end to legal abortion.
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.
R&B artist Anthony Hamilton brings his Southern flair back to Birmingham
Hamilton discussed touring after a pandemic break, Southern food, and his return to The Magic City.
Birmingham mayor issues pardon for unpaid traffic fines
The City of Birmingham pardoned all negligent traffic fines and parking violation tickets that were issued prior to January 1, 2011.
Record-high gas prices are cutting into Alabama drivers’ budgets. Here’s how they’re coping
The added expense affects people in Alabama’s Black Belt differently, including road trippers, commuters and even those who can’t drive.
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination sparks Black Girl Magic in local judges
Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to the high court. But in Jefferson County, Black women already hold many judgeships in the court system.
Why Gulf South oil producers can’t protect the region from rising gas prices
Experts say activating unused oil wells could temper the rising costs of gas, but consumers should not expect prices to get anywhere near their COVID low.
Birmingham leaders say decision to ban Russian athletes from the World Games ‘a show of solidarity’
The World Games ban was in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week.
World Game medals make their debut in Birmingham, but will soon be all over the world
Medals for the World Games, which will take place in Birmingham in July, were unveiled by city leaders and games organizers Wednesday at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Mississippi’s plan to stop Alabama from stealing its teachers? Pay them thousands more
As Mississippi lawmakers plot how to keep more teachers in the state, educators warn the state’s bill targeting critical race theory could drive them away.
Alabama native’s play explores Black student unity through co-ed fraternity
The play is centered on a group of Black college students at the fictitious McMillian University, a small, mostly-White Christian college in Birmingham.
With the mental health system strained, here’s how some people are coping during the pandemic
Alabama is among the bottom of states for media health providers per capita. That has people looking online and other places to find help.
How the social safety net has — and hasn’t — changed in 2021 in 5 charts
Updates to SNAP, TANF and the Child Tax Credit have helped families in the Gulf South, but not everyone has been able to access the improved benefits.
Families in need received more from the social safety net in 2021. How helpful was it?
Experts hail changes like the Child Tax Credit and increases in SNAP benefits as historic. But were recipients better off after getting them?
More renters in the Gulf South face eviction, but states are still slow providing aid
A slowed rollout to federal aid, tedious applications and non-cooperative landlords are just some of the issues renters are now facing a few months after the CDC’s eviction moratorium ended.
Trash is piling up around some apartments in Birmingham. It is not just about the pandemic
Some people who live in apartments or operate a business around the Birmingham area have complained about trash piling up this fall. It’s reasonable to assume the city should be picking up that garbage, but that’s not the case.
