Alabama

Uneven Vaccine Rollout Threatens To Leave Black Communities Behind

An NPR analysis of COVID-19 vaccination sites around the country found that access is uneven in cities across the South.

Alabama Is Home To 20 Hate Groups, 838 Operate Nationwide, SPLC Says

Alabama had 20 "hate groups" in 2020, according to an annual nationwide report by the Southern Poverty Law Centers.

Devastated Fultondale Residents Hope To Bounce Back

Clean up continues after a strong tornado devastated parts of Fultondale Monday night. Residents are, once again, coming together to pick up the pieces.

Alabama Republicans Condemn Pro-Trump Mob As Many Vow To Continue The Fight

Alabama lawmakers in Congress ranged in their reactions to Wednesday's Capitol breach by a mob of Trump supporters.

Alabama Democrats Celebrate Biden Victory

Alabama Democrats celebrated the news that Joe Biden was declared the winner in the 2020 presidential race.

Poll Watchers Have Strict Rules To Follow, And So Do Others

Here are a few dos and don'ts at the polls this Election Day.

Report: Complicated Alabama Voting Rules Restrict Access To The Polls

A new report details barriers and inconsistencies around voting that significantly limit access to the ballot box for Alabama's poor, rural, and minority voters.

Community Organizer: ‘Our Protests Are Not Peaceful’

Alabama Rally Against Injustice has held several demonstrations in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd. One of the group's representatives says leading rallies week after week is emotionally draining, but necessary. The group plans to continue holding rallies until policing policies change.

Hundreds Gather In Birmingham To Celebrate Juneteenth

Cities across the state are celebrating Juneteenth, the end of slavery. In Birmingham, hundreds gathered at Kelly Ingram Park to commemorate the holiday.

Organizer: Efforts To Rename Edmund Pettus Bridge Must Be A Group Effort

A petition calling on Gov. Kay Ivey to rename Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge has more than 120,000 signatures. We spoke with the Democratic strategist who started the online campaign.

Alabama’s COVID-19 Case Averages Reach New Highs

Moving averages of new COVID-19 cases have reached their highest levels since the start of the pandemic.

Privacy Concerns Decrease Amid Launch Of Tech Giants’ Contact Tracing App

Alabama is one of a few states getting ready to deploy a bluetooth-based contact tracing app created by tech giants Apple and Google.

George Floyd’s Killing Sparks Frustration Among Birmingham’s Black Lives Matter Group

The police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota has triggered many protesters in the Birmingham area who are still seeking justice for Emantic “E.J.” Bradford, a black man killed by Hoover police in 2018. We spoke with Eric Hall, a founding member of the Birmingham chapter of Black Lives Matter.

Birmingham Brewery Bounces Back After Coronavirus Slows Sales

We checked back in with a Birmingham brewery owner who wasn’t sure in mid-March whether his business would survive the pandemic.

Traditional Graduation Ceremonies Back On At Some High Schools

Hoover City Schools announced it will move forward with in-person graduation ceremonies this week, and they’re not alone. Parents are divided on the issue.

Some Restaurants Continue Curbside Service Despite Relaxed Restrictions

Gov. Kay Ivey’s updated “safer-at-home” order puts most of the hospitality industry back to work. Some business owners were quick to open their doors, but others are sticking with curbside service only.

Amid COVID-19 Pressures, Lucy’s Coffee & Tea Closes For Good

Lucy’s Coffee & Tea has been a Birmingham staple for more than 25 years. Earlier this week, owner Lucy Bonds announced she’s closing her cafe for good.

As Medical Procedures Resume, Patients Weigh Whether It’s Safe

Gov. Kay Ivey’s “safer-at-home” order allows doctors to resume elective medical and dental procedures. For some patients, that’s good news.

Some Alabama Graduations Saved By Going Virtual

Most spring graduations are canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. But a few groups and institutions are organizing virtual ceremonies for the class of 2020

Customers Resort To DIY Styles With Barbershops & Hair Salons Closed

The coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of nonessential businesses, including hair salons and barbershops. That has led some people to get creative about how to keep their hair looking good during the crisis.

Birmingham Mayor Undecided On When To Reopen City Economy

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin updated residents on the city's fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 Crisis Threatens To Bankrupt And Close Struggling Hospitals In The Rural South

The executive director of the Alabama Rural Health Association says closing rural hospitals is his greatest concern. That's because these hospitals located across the Deep South were struggling to stay open before COVID-19.

As Quarantine Spurs Demand, Some Companies Are Hiring

Many businesses have laid off workers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but plenty of companies in Alabama are hiring. While some companies grapple with worker safety concerns, it hasn't stopped them from growing.

Coronavirus Impacts Revenue At Birmingham Zoo

Spring usually kicks off the busy season for the Birmingham Zoo, but not this year. Like many attractions across the nation, the zoo is closed until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alabama Bankers Association CEO Says Banks Are Secure During Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has many people wondering about their economic future and the safety of their money. The head of the Alabama Bankers Association says banks across the state have been preparing for a crisis of this magnitude for years.

Birmingham’s Food & Beverage Industry Struggles Amid Coronavirus

Many small businesses in Alabama hit by the coronavirus crisis are struggling to stay afloat. State health officials recently prohibited on-site eating and drinking at restaurants and bars. The restrictions have forced a few Birmingham establishments to close their doors for good.

Alabama COVID-19 Testing Rife With Delays And Uncertainty

Across Alabama, the demand for COVID-19 testing is growing, and labs are struggling to turn around test results quickly.

Alabama Events Canceled, Attractions Close Amid Coronavirus Fears

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many closures and event cancellations across the state.

Yoga Still Being Taught To Some Students Despite 27-Year-Old Ban

Alabama is one step closer to overturning a decades-old ban on yoga in public schools. This week, the state House of Representatives voted in favor a bill that would give school systems the option to teach yoga with some restrictions. But Jimi Lee, head of Yoga & Love has led yoga at some schools, despite the ban. School leaders just call the practice by another name.

Jefferson County Department Of Health Prepared For Coronavirus

In a press conference, President Trump insisted the risk of Americans getting the coronavirus disease remains very low. But CDC officials say they expect COVID-19 to spread to more states across the U.S. and they’re preparing local health departments with specific guidelines for dealing with the disease.

In Comeback Senate Bid, Jeff Sessions Backs Trump — Despite Public Falling-Out

Jeff Sessions is making a play for his old senate seat from Alabama, arguing he's the one who has Trump's back despite the president's disparaging remarks about his former attorney general.