Alabama
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.
The Big Q: Coronavirus In Alabama. What Do I Need To Know?
Experts answer your questions about coronavirus in Alabama.
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.
StoryCorps Founder Brings One Small Step Event to Birmingham
StoryCorps has provided people across the U.S. the opportunity to record and preserve the stories of their lives. Now, the organization is taking that idea to another level with One Small Step. StoryCorps' founder, Dave Isay, shares more.
Smithsonian Educator Explores Ways to Teach Evolution in Alabama Schools
Briana Pobiner is a paleoanthropologist and educator at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. She's using a federal grant to explore the best ways to teach evolution in Alabama high schools; although some textbooks still contain warning stickers saying evolution is just a theory.
Trump’s Impeachment Trial Could Affect Doug Jones’ Reelection Bid
We examine how a vulnerable Democrat from Alabama is approaching President Trump's impeachment trial. Senator Doug Jones is up for reelection in a state where Trump has a 59% approval rating.
Alabama Representatives Flip Votes on Two Measures Involving Cleanup of PFAS Pollution
Alabama’s representatives in the U.S. House flipped votes on two issues last week concerning regulation of PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to cancer. These chemicals have been found in drinking water and land in northern Alabama.
Three Dead in Alabama After Severe Weather Sweeps Through the South
Three people in Alabama died after severe storms hit the area on Saturday.
Severe Weather Threatens Most of Alabama on Saturday
Forecasters in central Alabama say the storm system threatens to spin off tornadoes. Officials say residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and should not depend solely on outdoor warning sirens.
“Just Mercy” Sheds Light on Lack of Change in AL Justice System
The film “Just Mercy” premieres Friday in Montgomery. It’s based on civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson’s efforts to free a man who was wrongfully sentenced on death row. That was in 1989. But not a lot has changed since then.
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. Talks Alabama Bicentennial and the State’s Reputation
The grand finale of Alabama’s Bicentennial commemoration is this weekend in the state’s capital. There will be concerts and parades throughout the weekend and appearances from the state’s more notable residents. Alabama native and comedian Roy Wood Jr. is one of them.
Alabama Young Dems Focus: Re-Elect Doug Jones
The Young Democrats of America wrapped up their national conference in Birmingham Sunday. More than 200 Democrats participated in training sessions to learn to organize in red states like Alabama.
Birmingham Water Works Board Approves Rate Increase
Birmingham Water Works customers will have slightly higher monthly water bills starting in January 2020.
Questions Loom One Year After Hoover Mall Shooting
The police killing of 21-year-old Emantic “EJ” Bradford Jr. happened a year ago at the Riverchase Galleria Mall after officers wrongly thought he was the shooter. Alabama’s Attorney General cleared the Hoover police officer of any criminal wrongdoing and so did the Department of Justice. But a lot of questions remain unanswered.
