skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

North Alabama warming centers prepare for winter storm

play audio
Play

Thursday, January 9, 2025   

A winter storm is headed for north Alabama and southern middle Tennessee, and warming stations are working to provide a safe space for the unhoused.

The National Weather Service predicts that Lawrence, Limestone and Morgan counties could see up to four inches of snow today through Friday, with some surrounding areas expecting up to two inches.

Sgt. Rebecca Lahman with the Salvation Army in Decatur said they have been preparing for the storm, emphasizing the scope of the need in the surrounding area.

"We have about 175 homeless just in the city of Decatur. We also serve Morgan, Limestone and Lawrence counties, and in those three counties, there are no shelters," she said.

The Salvation Army has opened a 24/7 warming shelter since Monday at 4 p.m. and plans to continue until Sunday morning. The shelter is located at 114 14th Street Southwest in Decatur.

As they work to prepare for the winter storm, Lahman cited a critical need for volunteers to help with the warming shelter. Since the shelter serves three areas, Lahman noted a need to assist with transportation to and from the facility. Inside the building, the small crew is stretched thin, and overnight shifts are particularly difficult to staff, and Lahman said volunteers are crucial to ensuring no one is left out in the cold.

"I need volunteers desperately for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and I do need some volunteers that are willing to stay overnight," she continued.

Lahman shared plans to keep the shelter open next Monday and Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., calling for community help through volunteers and donations. She said donations help with food purchases from the food bank, while such items as twin mattresses, sheets and blankets are also in high demand. People who want to donate or volunteer can text 256-556-5075.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021