Birmingham

StoryCorps: “Play the ball where it lies”

Natalie Holland learned to play golf from her father, Donald Holland. In their StoryCorps interview, they talk about how lessons learned from golf transcend to other areas of life.

Field Of Candidates For Birmingham Mayor Continues To Grow

Currently, there are six people in the race for mayor of Birmingham. The filing deadline is July 10.

StoryCorps: “The first time I felt intelligent…”

Karon Bullock fell in love with the outdoors when she attended science camp in the fifth grade. She was soon hiking, biking, or running daily, but a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 24 changed her relationship with the outdoors. Karon came to StoryCorps with her husband Joel.

Federal COVID-19 Rent and Utilities Assistance Set For Birmingham Residents

The City of Birmingham has received nearly $6.3 million in federal funding to assist residents who are unable to pay rent and utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

William Bell Will Run For Mayor’s Seat Again

Former Birmingham Mayor William Bell has filed paperwork to run again for mayor.

Woodfin Kicks Off Mayoral Reelection Campaign, Says He’ll Ramp Up Work On Neighborhoods, Education Priorities

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced this weekend that he is running for another term.

The History In ‘Angel Of Greenwood’ Could Not Be More Timely

Birmingham's Randi Pink's new book 'Angel of Greenwood' is reviewed by Caitlyn Paxson, a regular reviewer for NPR Books.

Turning Red Line Green: Virtual Conference Brings Attention To Underserved Areas

In the past, certain areas of Birmingham that were up for redevelopment faced discriminatory practices by banks and insurance companies. Some bankers, regulators, developers and entrepreneurs want to change that.

Two Birmingham Water Board Leaders Reappointed, Two New Members Named

The Birmingham City Council approved four appointments to the Birmingham Water Works Board on Tuesday.

Birmingham City Students Return To Classrooms In November

The school system will return to a blended model of instruction, though many families still prefer virtual learning.

Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Has Lifelong Passion For Education

Longtime educator Mark Sullivan is the new leader of Birmingham City Schools. He's no stranger to the school system and many hope that will keep him around longer than his predecessors.

City Leaders Approve Budget Despite Concerns About Library System

Demonstrators gathered outside Birmingham's city hall Tuesday night, just hours before council members approved a budget that furloughs more than 150 library employees.

Birmingham Council OKs Al Fresco Dining as ‘Hail Mary’ for Restaurants

Birmingham officials approved outdoor seating for restaurants in hopes of giving them an economic boost during the pandemic.

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.

The Murals Of Downtown Birmingham Transform Vandalized Streetscapes To Avenues Of Hope

Murals can be found on plywood throughout downtown Birmingham.

Mayor Lifts Birmingham’s Curfew And Protest Ban At Midnight

Birmingham’s public safety curfew and state of emergency will expire Monday night.

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.

Crews Remove 115-Year-Old Birmingham Confederate Monument

Workers removed most of a Confederate monument that became the center of Birmingham protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.

Birmingham Mayor Issues Citywide Curfew Due To ‘Civil Unrest’

Birmingham city residents are under a new nightly curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the order and declared a state of emergency Monday morning in response to violence that erupted Sunday evening.

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.

Birmingham Extends Face-Covering Requirement Through May 29

The Birmingham City Council issued another extension to its face covering ordinance. It's now set to expire on May 29.

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.

Face Covering Law in Birmingham Extended Through Next Week; Curfew Lifted

Birmingham’s public safety curfew is no longer in effect, but the ordinance requiring masks or face coverings to be worn in public has been extended for another week.

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.

Birmingham Mayor Announces Nightly Curfew, Defends Mask Ordinance

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is defending two new city ordinances tightening restrictions around COVID-19. Beginning Friday, residents will be under a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and they must wear face coverings in public.

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

Crime Slows As People Shelter From Coronavirus

Crime isn’t taking a coronavirus holiday, but law enforcement statistics show it headed in a positive direction as more people shelter from the pandemic.

Birmingham To Launch Ride Service For COVID-19 Patients

A new service to transport low-income COVID-19 patients to health care facilities is expected to launch in Birmingham this week.

Alabama’s Largest City Tightens Restrictions To Stem Spread Of Coronavirus

Birmingham is under a shelter-in-place order and hospitals are being inundated with a wave of COVID-19 patients. We talk with a local cardiologist who is now ill with the disease about the pandemic's toll on the health care system.

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.

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.