Prisons Families call prisons “drug-infested slums” in annual public hearing, demand reform Sen. Vivian Figures said state legislators “need to spend some time in these prisons ... without any protection.” Chance Phillips12 hours ago
Health Feds pause shipments of two monoclonal antibody treatments, ineffective against omicron The drugs were critical in preventing hospitalizations and deaths during the delta surge. Eddie BurkhalterDecember 24, 2021
Health FDA approves second antiviral COVID pill Merck’s drug, molnupiravir, was found to reduce hospitalizations and deaths by 30 percent, while Pfizer's antiviral pill had a nearly 90 percent reduction. Eddie BurkhalterDecember 24, 2021
Health Lawmaker says COVID vaccine exemption forms “working exactly as they should” More than 30,000 forms have been downloaded and only 31 have been appealed, according to the law's sponsor Sen. Chris Elliot, R-Fairhope. Jacob HolmesDecember 24, 2021
State FEMA Assistance for damages sustained during October storms in Jefferson, Shelby counties The deadly October storms inundated much of Birmingham's metro area, including Pelham and Hoover. John H. GlennDecember 24, 2021
State FDA approves first antiviral pill for treatment of COVID Pfizer's Paxlovid pill is designed for the treatment of mild-to-moderate cases of COVID-19 in patients 12 and older. John H. GlennDecember 22, 2021
Health Studies: Omicron less severe, but still dangerous A pair of studies from Britain found fewer hospitalizations associated with the omicron variant but noted spread was much faster. Josh MoonDecember 22, 2021
Education Biden administration extends student loan forbearance The program, originally started during the Trump administration, was set to expire on Feb. 1 Josh MoonDecember 22, 2021
Health UAB doctor: unknowns about omicron COVID variant cause for concern UAB's Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo said it's still unclear how omicron impacts those with other medical conditions. Eddie BurkhalterDecember 22, 2021
Elections Alabama Republican Primary qualifying opens Jan. 4. The qualifying period will end Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. Fees and forms must be received by Jan. 28. Eddie BurkhalterDecember 22, 2021
Health CBD, cannabis and marijuana: What’s the difference? CBD derived from hemp is already available over-the-counter. Medical cannabis will be heavily regulated. Jacob HolmesDecember 22, 2021