Philip Dison

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — If someone is rushed into a Birmingham emergency room after a serious crash, doctors don't have time to wait for blood tests before beginning a lifesaving transfusion. They reach for Type O blood. That's why doctors at UAB are paying close attention after the American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis for only the second time in its history. The first declaration came in 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted blood donations nationwide.

HOMEWOOD, Ala. — For Roe Bonner, the warning didn't come with a knock at the door. Instead, it came on a piece of paper. Last week, pink notices appeared on buildings throughout The Park at Buckingham Apartments, warning residents the structures were considered unsafe. On Wednesday afternoon, white condemnation notices followed, signaling an even more uncertain future for dozens of families. Now, many residents are left asking the same questions: How long do we have? Where do we go?

CHELSEA, Ala. — For Chelsea homeowners like Hunter Bussey, the city's decision to switch garbage companies is about more than who picks up the trash. It's about keeping more money in his pocket. As a first-time homeowner, Bussey said every dollar counts, which is why he supports the Chelsea City Council's decision to replace Republic Services with AmWaste beginning Sept. 1. "It is two sides of a coin," Bussey said.