pandemic

‘Sick!’ New kids book by Alabama author explores how animals fight germs

A new children's book by Alabama author Heather Montgomery explores how animals fight off pathogens.

ACLU Of Alabama’s Director Looks To The ‘Next Iteration Of The Civil Rights Movement’

JaTaune Bosby, the first Black woman to lead the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, took the job during a tumultuous time in the country with the pandemic and last year’s summer of racial reckoning.

UAB Health System CEO: ‘It really was that bleak.’

CEO Will Ferniany will end his health care career having led the organization through the coronavirus pandemic. He plans to retire later this year.

A Year Like No Other: COVID-19 In The Gulf States

In a special broadcast one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, reporters from public radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana reflect on the toll it’s taken on the region.

One Year In, Bama Tracker Creator Considers Future Of COVID Data Site

The reach of David Marconnet's site grew beyond what he imagined. But with cases dropping, Bama Tracker may have run its course.

Bill Would Mandate Feedback On Jefferson County Public Health Rules

Lawmakers have proposed legislation that would require more oversight of the local health officer in Alabama's most populous county. Area physicians strongly oppose the measure.

Partly Numb, A UAB ICU Nurse Finds Ways To Carry On

Caring for record numbers of coronavirus patients in the hospital takes a heavy toll on health care workers like Kelsey Jacks.

Here’s What Kids Yearn For In A Post-Pandemic World

As we welcome a new year, we asked kids what they're most looking forward to after the pandemic.

A Visit With Santa? It’s Still Happening Despite The Pandemic

How do you visit Santa in a pandemic? It's a question retailers, families and Santa himself are dealing with this season.

Birmingham Bringing Back Up to 132 Furloughed Employees

The city will borrow money from its general fund reserve amid concerns from some council members.

Gov. Ivey Extends COVID-19 Mask Order

Alabama's mask mandate will remain in place through Nov. 8.

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.

City Notifies Birmingham Library Employees Of Furloughs; Library Board President Contests City Authority

The city and the library board are at odds over whether the mayor has the right to furlough hundreds of employees.

An Update On The Pandemic’s Effect On WBHM

We don’t often turn the spotlight on ourselves, but the last four months at WBHM have been unlike any other time in the station’s history thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. In advance of WBHM's one-day fund drive, we hear from station's executive director Chuck Holmes on how COVID-19 has affected WBHM.

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.

As Coronavirus Cases Spike, Numbers Bear ‘Very Close Watching’

Alabama hit record highs this past week in the number of new coronavirus cases. Health officials are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Players & Coaches Prepare For Uncertain Future In College Athletics

The cancellation and delay of sporting events due to the coronavirus is creating uncertainty for student athletes. College coaches have fewer opportunities to scout new players and they face mounting financial pressure that's led some schools to cut athletic programs.

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.

Surviving A Pandemic: How The 1918 Spanish Flu Changed Life In Alabama

COVID-19 is not the first pandemic to strike around the world. In 1918, the Spanish Influenza had a dramatic impact on daily life everywhere, including Alabama.