Alabama / Public News Service

Millions of families across the U.S. depend on home-based child care, with over 750,000 children enrolled in these programs, often because parents consider them more flexible than traditional child care centers. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

Alabama joins national effort to expand pre-K access

Alabama is part of a national program aimed at diversifying early childhood education. The Enriching Public Pre-K Through Inclusion of Family Child …

Alabama spends less per pupil than the national average but allocates a similar percentage of taxpayers' personal income to K-12 education. The state ranks 39th in education funding and 41st in per-student spending. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Advocates push to modernize Alabama’s school funding formula

Alabama is one of six states still using The Foundation Program to calculate aid to schools, which uses a formula focused on the number of students …

Nearly 1,000 Alabamians from 41 counties shared their experiences with court debt in a survey, revealing 50% had been jailed for failing to pay. (Chad Robertson/Adobe Stock)

Panel explores cost of fines, fees on Alabama's most vulnerable residents

Alabama's reliance on fines and fees to fund state services can turn minor incidents such as a traffic violation into overwhelming debt for low-income…

Obesity, defined as a BMI of 30 or higher, increases risks for serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, while also affecting mental and social well-being. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama task force tackles obesity crisis, explores data and solutions

Alabama leaders are zeroing in on the state's obesity crisis, which now ranks seventh-highest in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease …

A new report from the University of California-Santa Barbara says nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of chemical-intensive agriculture and provide good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Study: How AL farmers can cultivate resilience

It is estimated Alabama row-crop farmers could lose more than $236 million this year, with prices for cotton, soybeans, corn, peanuts and wheat all …

Data show firearms were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-17 in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama leaders unite to address gun violence, reimagine community safety

Gun violence has long been a pressing issue in Alabama, and the recent tragic shooting at Tuskegee University has reignited urgent calls for action…

The USDA is investing more than $3 billion in about 140 pilot projects for

USDA's 'Climate-Smart' efforts raise questions on transparency, impact

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Alabama News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

Americans with diabetes have medical expenses about 2.6 times higher than those who do not<br />have diabetes. (Adobe Stock)

Tips to prevent, manage diabetes in AL

Over a half-million adults in Alabama live with diabetes - that's roughly 15% of the state's adult population. Each year, another 23,000 people in …

Alabama's Summer Adventures in Learning initiative supported 38 programs last summer, including a record nine new additions across 63 locations in 20 counties. (Adobe Stock)

As reading programs dwindle, Alabama's SAIL highlights need, impact

As winter break approaches, Alabama's Summer Adventures in Learning program is encouraging parents to think ahead to summer, particularly as quality …

In 2016, legislation eased the rights-restoration process after completion of sentence for persons not convicted of a crime of

Alabama felony voting ban leaves thousands disenfranchised as polls open

As Alabamians head to the polls, some people will be unable to vote in the general election because of a past felony conviction. Research by The …

With no early voting option in Alabama, absentee ballots by mail are available only for voters unable to vote in person. All others are expected to cast their ballots at the polls on Election Day. (Adobe Stock)

AL network engages residents to enhance election access, security

Ahead of November's election, the Alabama Election Protection Network is reaching out to voters through a statewide survey, aiming to enhance voting …

Medicare Advantage plans will see significant changes to both funding and drug-cost liability for 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare Advantage changes hit Alabama amid open enrollment; experts offer tips

Medicare Advantage, a private version of Medicare plans offering additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage, is becoming more uncertain …

For fiscal year 2024, the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is giving out a record $14.3 million in funding. (Adobe Stock)

Program helps kids learn more about farming in AL

Across Alabama, programs are helping kids learn more about farming and nutrition with the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA is …

The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles conducted 22 hearings on Sept. 11, granting parole to four individuals and denying requests for 18 others. (Adobe Stock)

A push for parole reform as AL prisons face overcrowding, violence

Groups across Alabama are joining forces to advocate for big changes to what they see as the state's flawed parole system. In a panel discussion led …

The median household income in Alabama is $59,703. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama’s path to prosperity sees progress, but challenges remain

Alabama has made some strides in its fight against poverty but substantial challenges remain, according to a new report from the group Alabama …

The Mobile County Public Defenders Office launched in October 2020. Most counties in the state do not have such an office. (Adobe Stock)

From prison to advocacy: Fighting for justice in Mobile County

A man who once faced the harsh realities of Alabama's criminal justice system is now working to ensure others in Mobile County do not have to endure t…

A report from the Brennan Center for Justice emphasized cash bail often allows release based on financial resources rather than public-safety considerations. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

How Alabama bail reform could transform justice system

As Alabama lawmakers look at bail reform, a new report outlines how eliminating cash bail could impact the state and beyond. House Bill 42, sponsored …

Alabama's FAFSA completion rate fell by 19.8% points from the previous year, yet the state remains 16th in the nation, with a completion rate of 45.8%. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Possible helps pave the way for smoother FAFSA process

An Alabama nonprofit will play a critical role in shaping the future of federal student aid. Alabama Possible is breaking new ground as one of the …

Alabama releases roughly 220,279 men and 78,247 women from its prisons and jails each year. (Chad Robertson/Adobe Stock)

Alabama woman works to help returning citizens rebuild their lives

An Alabama woman is on a mission to help people who've been incarcerated for decades successfully transition back into society. The mission to …

Backers of the Freedom to Vote Act said it would strengthen democracy by securing voting rights, eliminating partisan gerrymandering, reforming campaign finance laws and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit leaders rally for federal voting rights reforms

Nonprofit leaders from around the country gathered on Capitol Hill this week, pushing for what they're calling "sweeping democracy reforms" in …

Alabama public schools remain on high alert following a surge of online threats targeting schools, resulting in multiple arrests this week. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Montgomery officials demand responsible social media use after school threats

Montgomery County officials are asking students to use social media responsibly following a series of arrests stemming from online threats to local sc…

The Alabama Forestry Commission has identified almost 5,000 southern pine beetle spots across the state, with an average mortality of 191 pine trees per spot. (Adobe Stock)

Southern pine beetle outbreak poses threat to Alabama forests, economy

Alabama's economy is heavily supported by its forestry industry - but is facing a new challenge, with a widespread outbreak of the southern pine …

Alabama's Constitution does not disenfranchise all individuals with felony convictions but it prevents those convicted of

Alabama court ruling protects voting rights for thousands

A new court order in Alabama has blocked the enforcement of House Bill 100, ensuring people with past felony convictions can vote in the November …

The Sentencing Project found a total of 8,632 individuals serving such sentences for crimes committed as minors in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Alabama juveniles left behind despite sentencing reforms

Efforts to reform juvenile sentencing in the U.S. have made significant strides but a new report showed Alabama is lagging behind. A study by The …

According to the U.S. Department of Health, 20% of U.S. children have a developmental, emotional, mental or behavioral disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Healthy habits and checkups key to success for Alabama students

As Alabama students settle into the school year, experts highlight the significance of good habits and regular health checkups for academic success…

Populations of some shark species have recovered from overfishing thanks to conservation efforts by NOAA Fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. (Adobe Stock)

Battling shark depredation: Alabama anglers push for change

Anglers on Alabama's coast are raising concerns as shark depredation increases, with more catches being stolen off fishing lines before they can be …

The average meal debt per child nationally is $180.60 yearly, according to the Education Data Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Federal program brings free breakfast and lunch to more AL students

Thousands of Alabama students headed back to the classroom will get free breakfast and lunch at school. Six school districts will be opting into the …

In Alabama, more than 8% of the adult population, one of every 13 adults, is disenfranchised. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AL, US lag in voting rights for justice-impacted

A new report highlighted how the U.S. compares globally in disenfranchising people based on criminal convictions. The study analyzed 136 countries …

Most illegal internet pharmacies belong to organized criminal networks, many of which have been the<br />recipients of FDA warning letters. (Adobe Stock)

AL, US see rise in counterfeit weight loss medicine sales

Counterfeit medicine sales are on the rise in Alabama and nationwide. The state faced trouble with growing sales of counterfeit Xanax pills laced …

Medicaid expansion has the potential to reduce the number of uninsured individuals in the state by 43%, according to a report by the nonprofit Alabama Arise. (Adobe Stock)

AL nonprofit urges Medicaid expansion to 'save rural hospitals'

An Alabama group is sounding the alarm about the need for Medicaid expansion, in part to keep rural hospitals in business. Many hospitals in Alabama …

Laws and policies across the United States have disenfranchised an estimated 4.6 million people as of 2022 due to felony convictions, according to the Fines & Fees Justice Center. (Adobe Stock)

New Alabama bill threatens voter rights; legal challenge ensues

A voting rights group has filed a lawsuit in Alabama to prevent thousands from losing their right to vote. The Campaign Legal Center said Alabama's …

Alabama has approximately 4 million registered voters. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU of Alabama launches Project MOVE to boost voter turnout

The ACLU of Alabama launches a campaign to boost voter engagement. Alabama is grappling with one of the lowest voter turnouts in the country…

Only 47.8% of Alabama's graduating high school seniors have completed the FAFSA form, according to the National College Attainment Network. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama group receives grant to boost FAFSA submissions

The nonprofit group Alabama Possible has received a U.S. Department of Education grant to help increase FAFSA completion rates among students in the …

Key improvements made as a part of the Selma 14 Project for riverbank stabilization include re-grading the riverbank, installing articulated concrete matting and adding protective stone elements to prevent erosion and stabilize the slope. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

Selma announces infrastructure milestone, river walk plans progress

Alabama officials have announced critical infrastructure improvements in Selma this week, paving the way for a new river walk. The "Selma 14 …

Alabama recently received a grant for certified community behavioral health clinics, which are expected to integrate mental health, substance use and primary care services under a new care model. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AL needs more support to increase access to crisis care

Alabama's crisis response needs some improvements to expand its coverage and effectiveness, according to a new report. The mental health policy …

Alabama community colleges will receive an additional $35 million in state funding for 2025. (Adobe Stock)

AL universities, community colleges to receive increased funding in 2025

Alabama's universities and community colleges will receive increased funding for 2025. The state's universities are set to get a 7% boost equivalent …

About 970 juveniles are confined in Alabama, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Youth diversion programs crucial for Alabama juvenile justice reform

Alabama has the eighth-highest youth incarceration rate in the nation and juvenile justice advocates said more diversion programs could be key to chan…

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. (Adobe Stock)

Montgomery mayor seeks public safety solutions at U.S. Conference of Mayors

More than 200 mayors, from cities in Alabama and across the country, gathered this weekend to tackle the nation's most prominent issues at the 92nd U.…

Alabama releases abot 220,279 men and 78,247 women from its prisons and jails annually. (Adobe Stock)

Overcoming barriers to successful re-entry in Alabama

Alabama has a goal to reduce recidivism by 50% by 2030 but a recent report from the Prison Fellowship warned state-level barriers to critical needs ma…

Child poverty increased by 5% from 2019 to 2022, with Alabama ranking 45th in the nation at 22%, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Alabama children need more educational, economic support

A new report sheds light on child well-being in Alabama, highlighting the need for greater academic and economic support. According to the latest …

Think Big is a national narrative learning community seeking to fill the gap in the progressive communications infrastructure. Think Big Alabama is powered by Topos Partnership in cooperation with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama groups launch training to increase community advocacy

Alabama groups are empowering residents to influence community policies with a new training program. Alabama Arise and Alabama Values are launching …

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, about 39,000 people are confined in Alabama's state or local jails, compared to about 3,400 in federal prisons in the state. (Chad Robertson/Adobe Stock)

Calling on Congress to reduce state prison populations

Alabama prisons are considered some of the most crowded in the country, with over 22,000 people housed in facilities designed to hold just 12,000…

Alabama has experienced one of the largest declines in FAFSA completion rates, with a staggering 23% decrease in the number of students completing their applications. The state now ranks 50th in terms of year-over-year change. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Alabama group works to increase college access with summer support

Advocates for higher education in Alabama are mobilizing to ensure students have the support they need for federal student aid applications this summe…

Vehicles manufactured in Alabama are now the top exported product, reaching more than 70 nations annually. In 2023, Alabama's vehicle exports exceeded $11 billion, primarily driven by shipments to Germany, China and Canada. (Adobe Stock)

UAW challenges election loss at Alabama Mercedes-Benz factories

The United Auto Workers union continues the fight to add workers at two Alabama Mercedes-Benz plants in Vance and Woodstock to its union rolls…

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, Alabama has the lowest parole approval grant rate in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Advocating for restorative justice, 'second-chance' policies in parole system

Fewer than 8% of people in Alabama prisons are granted parole when they apply for it. Criminal justice experts got together for a discussion of how …

Alabama has a unionization rate of 7.5%, which is lower than the national average. In 2023, 156,000 people in Alabama's workforce belonged to a labor union. (Adobe Stock)

Workers at AL Mercedes Benz plants to make union decision

Today, workers at the Mercedes Benz plants in Vance and Woodstock, Alabama, will decide whether to form a union. More than 5,000 employees are …

According to the Brennan Center, since the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, the gap in voter participation in Alabama between white and nonwhite voters has been expanding. (Adobe Stock)

AL faces battle at ballot box; groups look to federal laws for protection

Alabama has long been at the forefront of voting rights issues in the United States and despite some progress, advocates said residents continue to …

Medicaid expansion in Alabama could help an estimated 283,636 people gain access to health care. (Adobe Stock)

Calls grow for AL Medicaid expansion as legislative session winds down

Alabama is running out of time to tackle Medicaid expansion this legislative session. More than 230 people gathered earlier this month with the …

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