MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama’s public health system is facing a major setback after the federal government abruptly terminated a $190 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The funding, which supported 140 full-time employees across county health departments statewide, was cut as part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative,…

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) early Tuesday morning at his home in Tuscaloosa. Doroudi, who entered the U.S. on an F-1 visa in January 2023, reportedly had his visa revoked six months later for unclear reasons. Despite…

DECATUR, Ala. — A historic marker commemorating the African American heritage of Old Town, Decatur’s oldest neighborhood, was vandalized last week, raising concerns about the preservation of the city’s rich cultural history. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred on March 24. Old Town holds a significant place in Decatur’s history as a hub for…

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — AMC Classic Lee Branch 15, a long-standing fixture in Birmingham’s moviegoing scene, closed its doors Sunday after 21 years in operation. Located along U.S. 280, the theater was a convenient alternative to the more crowded AMC Summit 16 and featured amenities like its Big D auditorium, known for superior picture and sound…

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — In a move that has sparked widespread debate, Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, introduced a bill in the Alabama Legislature aimed at prohibiting the dispersion of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere to alter weather or sunlight, drawing concern and fueling “chemtrail” conspiracy theories. The proposal was discussed by a legislative committee…

ALABASTER, Ala. — A six-month-old girl died after being attacked by a dog at her great-grandparent’s home on March 14, underscoring the dangers posed by family pets. Ember Southard was fatally injured when she fell to the floor and was mauled by one of two dogs in the house, a pit bull mix. Despite efforts…