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My Work

This section features work from my time as a high school intern at the Trussville Tribune, my time as a student writer for the Alabamian and Vallo Vision News, and from my current role as a digital content producer at WBRC 6 News in Birmingham. 

https://www.wbrc.com •

‘How much happiness she brings’: Miniature therapy horse in Alabama brings comfort, joy to patients

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - A small horse is making a big difference across Alabama.

Winnie is one of the state’s miniature therapy horses. Winnie’s trainer and owner, Bianca Smith, says that the miniature horse brings comfort and joy to those who may not be able to experience it.

According to Smith, Winnie’s small size helps her excel in the role. Whereas a dog or cat’s height can make reach difficult for residents or patients who are bed bound or use a wheelchair, Winnie’s a good height to be...
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Jefferson County Greenways celebrates 1st day of winter with educational nature hike

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Jefferson County Greenways celebrated the first day of winter in a special way. The organization is a public-private partnership dedicated to preserving three of the region’s treasured natural areas: Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, according to the group’s website. For the first day of winter on Sunday, Dec. 21, the group hosted a winter solstice hike at Ruffner Mountain. The hike allowed guests to learn how local flora and fauna su...
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Birmingham approves $1 million for Jimmie Hale Mission expansion

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Plans for the Jimmie Hale Mission’s $4.4 million downtown expansion moved forward Tuesday after Birmingham approved $1 million in funding for the project.Under the agreement, Birmingham will provide $250,000 a year for four years to support construction of the new service center. The city had pledged the funding in October.Jimmie Hale Mission will complete the project, which is designed to provide safe shelter, supportive services and pathways to stability for individua...
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Alabama troopers deliver teddy bears to hospitalized children for holidays

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBRC) - This holiday season, troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) continued a tradition - supplying children with something to cuddle. ALEA shared that their troopers delivered “Trooper Bears” to children who are having to spend their holidays at Baptist Medical Center East and South in Montgomery. Outfitted with their own “Alabama State Trooper Association” t-shirt and trooper hat, these teddy bears were donated by the Alabama State Troopers Association. “A...
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Children’s of Alabama hosts holiday tree farm for patients, families

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Patients at Children’s of Alabama were able to experience their own mini tree farm on Wednesday. Dec. 10.According to a spokesperson for Children’s of Alabama, staff and community leaders turned the hospital’s patio into a gingerbread-themed mini tree farm. Patients and their families were able to pick out a 3-foot holiday tree for their room from the tree farm, presented by Ace Hardware. Children’s of Alabama says this is the seventh-year they’ve done this holiday trad...
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Free-standing emergency department planned for Jacksonville area

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - Residents in the Jacksonville area may soon have access to a free-standing emergency department.Jacksonville State University (JSU) says it is working with the Health Care Authority of the City of Anniston (RMC), the City of Jacksonville and Developer Solutions and Facilities Development Company to expand emergency health care for residents of Jacksonville and surrounding areas by moving forward with plans to construct a free-standing emergency department within the c...
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University of Montevallo to consider cuts to minor, concentration offerings

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBRC) - The University of Montevallo (UM) is currently reviewing minors and concentration offerings, according to a spokesperson for the university. According to UM representatives, the school currently offers 49 minors and 20 concentrations. This news comes as the university continues to assess its finances. In October, Chief Financial Officer Dr. DeAnna Smith spoke with WBRC and shared insight on the school’s financial situation following reports of financial pressures from r...
https://www.wbrc.com •

McWane Science Center opens terrapin nursery in partnership with UAB

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The McWane Science Center has announced a new partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) which allowed a new living exhibit. McWane says the newest living exhibit is the Terrapin Nursery. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at how conservationists give Mississippi Diamondback Terrapins a strong, healthy start. “These tiny turtles may be small now, but they play a big role in Alabama’s coastal ecosystems, and visitors can help support them in a fun,...
https://www.wbrc.com •

FBI Birmingham shares tips to avoid charity scams during holiday season

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The holidays are often a time of giving, but sometimes the charities you’re giving to can be a scam. This holiday season, FBI Birmingham is sharing tips to help stay safe. FBI Birmingham says charity fraud is where scammers set up fake charities to take advantage of your kindness and line their pockets. “While these scams can occur at any time, they are especially prevalent after damaging events like hurricane, flash floods, forest fires and during the holiday when gene...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Regions continues Magic City Christmas tradition for 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - A Magic City tradition is continuing in 2025 as Regions Bank celebrates the return of Birmingham’s tallest Christmas display on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Every year at sundown on the day after Thanksgiving, the Regions Center is transformed with Christmas trees, a massive wreath and a giant stocking illuminating the sides of the headquarters of Regions Financial Corp., a 30-story building located on 5th Avenue North and 20th Street North.According to Regions spokesperson,...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Jimmie Hale Mission prepares to continue tradition of providing Thanksgiving Day meals

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Jimmie Hale Mission will be continuing its tradition this Thanksgiving. According to organizers with the Jimmie Hale Mission, the organization will continue serving the Jefferson County community by hosting Thanksgiving meal events for individuals and families in need. Meals will also be delivered to homebound seniors and others who may be unable to leave their homes or who may not have access to a Thanksgiving meal. The Jimmie Hale Mission says final meal preparati...
https://www.wbrc.com •

‘Truly loyal partner’: Bessemer Police mourn K-9 Falco

BESSEMER, Ala. (WBRC) - The Bessemer Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their very own, their Police Service Dog (PSD) K-9, Falco. The department shared the news of Falco’s passing on Friday, saying he died on Thursday, Nov. 20, closing out six years of dedicated service. Falco was an 8-and-a-half year old Dutch Shepard. “K-9 Falco served with distinction as a Dual-Purpose K-9, certified in both illegal narcotics detection and the tracking and apprehension of offenders,” wrote the...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Mental health experts offer tips for coping with holiday loneliness

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The holiday season is frequently viewed as a time of gathering with family and friends, filled with joy, love and companionship. However, for some people, holidays like Thanksgiving can instead bring people grief and loneliness. Despite the isolating emotions the holiday season can bring, there are some things to keep in mind that may ease feelings like grief or loneliness. Experts say it’s important to acknowledge those emotions instead of pushing them to the side. The...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Across central Alabama: Places to visit Santa for the 2025 holiday season

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Get ready for a picture-perfect holiday season! WBRC has compiled a list of some places where you can visit Santa and even get your photo taken with the good ole Saint Nick! Quintard Mall, Oxford Santa arrives for photos at Quintard Mall in Oxford on Friday, Nov. 28 until Wednesday, Dec. 24. For more information you can visit the mall’s website or email mallevents@hullpg.com. Bass Pro Shops, LeedsOpen now through Christmas Eve, you can visit Bass Pro Shops and receive a...
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‘It doesn’t happen by accident’: Birmingham City Schools receive highest grade ever on State Report Card

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Birmingham City Schools held a press conference on Thursday, Nov. 13 to discuss what they received on the 2025 Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Annual Report Card. The report card is based on a few goals according to school representatives. It gives a glimpse into the school district’s success in areas like academic growth, attendance, college and career readiness, as well as the graduation rate. The grade Birmingham City Schools received for 2024-2025 is 7...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Santa photos for pets benefiting west Alabama animal shelter

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - There’s an opportunity to let your pets meet, and get a photo with, Santa while also benefitting a good cause in west Alabama this holiday season!For three days in December, you can take your pet to get a photo with Santa at Pet Supplies Plus on McFarland Boulevard. You can bring one or all of your pets if you have multiple, two-legged family members are welcome as well. The cost is $20 per photo sitting, and you will receive one 4x6 inch color photo printed out while t...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Hoover ‘Salutes to Service’ at annual Veterans Day program

HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) - Ahead of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the city of Hoover held “A Salute to Service,” it’s annual program to honor veterans. The program took place Friday morning, Nov. 7 at the Finley Center. At the ceremony, the city recognized city employees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, observed a flag-lowering ceremony and honored five veterans who were nominated for the city’s Freedom Award.“For city employees, they’ve transitioned from one uniform to another,” said Da...
https://www.wbrc.com •

American Village offers free admission to all for Veterans Day 2025

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBRC) - The American Village is offering a special on Veterans Day that will be open to everyone. According to American Village, they will be open to the public with free admission on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in recognition of Veterans Day. The American Village will open at 10 a.m. and host family friendly events until 4 p.m. A celebration service titled “250 Years of Service: The Spirit of the American Veteran” will begin at 11 a.m. and will focus primarily on veterans of the Army, Na...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Clanton Police Department to receive body armor for K-9s

CLANTON, Ala. (WBRC) - Clanton Police Department’s four-legged officers will now be better protected thanks to a donation. Clanton Police say their three K-9s, Goose, Kaine and Trotter, will receive bullet and stab protective vests from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a national charity whose mission is “to provide bullet and stab protection vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies…”According to the non-pr...
https://www.wbrc.com •

On Your Side: Resources for food during federal government shutdown

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The federal government shutdown is stretching on and with that comes federal workers not receiving paychecks, as well as the suspension of SNAP benefits for November, which was announced on Monday, Oct. 28. WBRC has gathered a list of some local food banks, restaurants, food trucks and more that can help you access an important essential, food.The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is located at 107 Walter Davis Drive in Birmingham.The food bank is open Monday throu...
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‘Push for justice through creative expression’: Birmingham holds 2025 AWAKEN event

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The city of Birmingham held its annual AWAKEN event on Friday, Oct. 24. AWAKEN is organized each year by the Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity. The 2025 program theme was “Art as Resistance – Awakening Justice Through Creativity” and held at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The city describes the AWAKEN event as “a celebration of local changemakers who use creativity, advocacy and service to advance social justice and community progress.” AWAKEN is held each yea...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Birmingham Zoo welcomes new jaguar

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Birmingham Zoo welcomed a new feline resident this week. Diego, 8, is the zoo’s new jaguar and is filling the space left by the zoo’s previous jaguar, Khan. The Birmingham Zoo says 11-year-old Khan was moved to the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida in July 2025 as part of the Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP). Birmingham Zoo President and CEO Chris Pfefferkorn shared that Khan is doing well at his new home and being introduced to his new mate. The zoo shared that t...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Hoover Police raise awareness for breast cancer

HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) - Officers of the Hoover Police Department are raising awareness for breast cancer this October, but it’s not just the two-legged officers.The Hoover Police Department’s K-9s, also referred to as their four-legged officers, are sporting the same pink badge as their handlers.According to Hoover Police, they were one of the first departments in the nation to wear pink badges for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They were also the first department with their badge manufacturer, Sm...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Birmingham City Council helping fund mental health services for city schools

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Birmingham City Council has approved $1 million in funding for the Birmingham Board of Education to provide mental health support on school campuses. According to the city council, this mental health support will be provided via licensed counselors and consulting services. The council says that this program also includes support for school personnel, for early identification of students who may be dealing with a crisis. School staff can also be trained in mental hea...
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My work focused on the University of Montevallo

Before I graduated from the University of Montevallo in May 2025, the university began tackling a financial shortfall, which led to a multitude of changes, rumors and more on campus. I followed the changes as a student journalist for Vallo Vision News, and even worked on an investigative piece before graduating. Since having the privilege of working at WBRC 6 News, I have been able to continue covering the news, this time as an alumnus. All articles I have written on this subject can be found below. 

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University of Montevallo to consider cuts to minor, concentration offerings

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBRC) - The University of Montevallo (UM) is currently reviewing minors and concentration offerings, according to a spokesperson for the university. According to UM representatives, the school currently offers 49 minors and 20 concentrations. This news comes as the university continues to assess its finances. In October, Chief Financial Officer Dr. DeAnna Smith spoke with WBRC and shared insight on the school’s financial situation following reports of financial pressures from r...
https://www.wbrc.com •

University of Montevallo names Dr. Terry Roberson as interim president

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBRC) - The University of Montevallo has approved the appointment of Dr. Terry Roberson as the new interim president of the school.The university board of trustees held a special meeting Thursday, June 26, to name Dr. Roberson as the interim president after it was announced in May that current president Dr. John Stewart would be leaving the position. Roberson told the board and attendees of the meeting that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve and is thankful for the co...
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Board of Trustees approves $226K contract change for outgoing University of Montevallo president

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBRC) - The University of Montevallo Board of Trustees approved a finalized agreement with outgoing University President, Dr. John W. Stewart III, at their June 13 meeting that will pay Stewart $226,589.40. The contract change comes after Stewart announced his decision to step down at the May 5 board of trustees meeting. His last day as UM president will be June 30, 2025. The newly approved changes include nine monthly payments of $25,176.60 beginning in July 2025 and continuin...
Vallo Vision News •

Dismantling the rumor mill: How UM’s administration is tackling a financial ‘shortfall’ 

Story By: Elise Kidd & Cypris Wilkinson 


MONTEVALLO, Ala. — For most of the spring 2025 semester, the University of Montevallo’s finances have been in the spotlight. 


It began in February 2025 when the UM board of trustees voted to raise tuition for the first time after seven years. This was quickly followed by campus-wide budget cuts, staff layoffs, and an announced departmental merger for theatre and music, which has since been postponed. These rapid-fire financial decisions caused conce...
Vallo Vision News •

UM pausing planned merge of Theatre and Music Departments 

By Elise Kidd & Cypris Wilkinson  


MONTEVALLO, Ala. — The University of Montevallo has paused previously announced plans to merge the existing Department of Theatre and the Department of Music for the Fall 2025 semester, according to a university official. 


This news comes nearly a month after majors in both departments were notified of the merger via email by the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Dr. Sean Atkinson. Though an updated email has not yet been sent, Dean Atkinson intends to ma...
Vallo Vision News •

Update: University of Montevallo increasing tuition starting Fall 2025

Story By: Elise Kidd


MONTEVALLO, Ala. — University of Montevallo students will be spending more when it comes time to pay their Fall 2025 bill. 


After freezing tuition for seven years, UM is raising tuition 3.5% starting next semester.


SGA members and other students met with UM President Dr. John Stewart in early February to express their concerns about the rise in cost of attendance. The input was then taken to the board of trustees meeting on Feb. 14. 


The board of trustees origina...

Stories about veterans

Since joining WBRC, I've had the opportunity to work on numerous stories about our veterans. They are ones I truly love getting to write and I feel as though they deserve their own section. 

https://www.wbrc.com •

Hoover ‘Salutes to Service’ at annual Veterans Day program

HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) - Ahead of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the city of Hoover held “A Salute to Service,” it’s annual program to honor veterans. The program took place Friday morning, Nov. 7 at the Finley Center. At the ceremony, the city recognized city employees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, observed a flag-lowering ceremony and honored five veterans who were nominated for the city’s Freedom Award.“For city employees, they’ve transitioned from one uniform to another,” said Da...
https://www.wbrc.com •

American Village offers free admission to all for Veterans Day 2025

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBRC) - The American Village is offering a special on Veterans Day that will be open to everyone. According to American Village, they will be open to the public with free admission on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in recognition of Veterans Day. The American Village will open at 10 a.m. and host family friendly events until 4 p.m. A celebration service titled “250 Years of Service: The Spirit of the American Veteran” will begin at 11 a.m. and will focus primarily on veterans of the Army, Na...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Alabama veterans embark on Honor Flight

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Veterans were honored on Tuesday, Oct. 7 in an Honor Flight, which departed from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. An Honor Flight is described as a way to celebrate veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C., to see the monuments that have been built in their honor. The American Legion Post 255 sponsored the October Honor Flight, which included two World War II veterans, as well as fifteen Vietnam War veterans, according to an organizer with the Amer...
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Birmingham VA holds Memorial Ruck march, honoring veterans lost to suicide

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Birmingham Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Care System hosted a Memorial Ruck march in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness month on Friday, Sept. 27. The Birmingham VA Clinic served as one of two locations in Alabama to host the march. The other was held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. The Birmingham VA Health Care System, local businesses and veteran advocate organizations worked together to host the march, which honored all of the veterans and mil...
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‘To honor, recognize and not forget’: Birmingham VA unveils permanent tribute for prisoners of war, those missing in action

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Birmingham Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center has displayed a permanent, moving tribute to honor prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action.According to the American Legion, National POW/MIA Day falls on the third Friday of September each year. Across the country, it is a way to honor the commitment and sacrifices made by the United State’s POWs and those still missing in action (MIA). Per the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the day was established in 19...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Pelham gun shop partners with suicide prevention initiative for military, veterans and first responders

PELHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - A gun shop in Pelham has signed onto to partner with a suicide prevention-based initiative which offers an additional layer of support for military, veterans and first responders (MVFR). S.A.F.E.R. Together stands for Storing Ammunition and Firearms to Enhance Resilience Together. It launched in June 2025. According to the S.A.F.E.R. Together website, the initiative aims to assemble, protect and maintain and network for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) to provide MVFR’s a v...
https://www.wbrc.com •

American Village to display over 100 flags as part of initiative to honor veterans lost to suicide

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBRC) - The American Village has been designated as the Semiquincentenial Celebration Capitol in Alabama for America’s 250 birthday. As part of that, the American Village announced they will participate in “Operation We Remember.” Alabama’s “Operation We Remember” is described as a “powerful statewide initiative” which honors veterans lost to suicide. According to the American Village, “Operation We Remember” includes participants from colleges, high schools, community groups a...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Alabama National Cemetery Support Committee honors 80th anniversary of V-J Day

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery hosted a Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony at Committal Shelter 3 on Thursday, Aug. 14.“Popularly known as The Greatest Generation, we take this time each year to remember the spirit and determination of those who served in theaters of war, as well as those on the home front who supported their efforts,” said Support Committee Chairman Eldon Woodie. “It is incumbent upon us to keep that spirit and their memory alive...

Stories about mental health, accesibility

Mental health and accessibility are two things that mean a lot to me. As someone who knows people affected by both, it is always special to me to be able to write stories that address either.

https://www.wbrc.com •

Mental health experts offer tips for coping with holiday loneliness

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The holiday season is frequently viewed as a time of gathering with family and friends, filled with joy, love and companionship. However, for some people, holidays like Thanksgiving can instead bring people grief and loneliness. Despite the isolating emotions the holiday season can bring, there are some things to keep in mind that may ease feelings like grief or loneliness. Experts say it’s important to acknowledge those emotions instead of pushing them to the side. The...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Birmingham City Council helping fund mental health services for city schools

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Birmingham City Council has approved $1 million in funding for the Birmingham Board of Education to provide mental health support on school campuses. According to the city council, this mental health support will be provided via licensed counselors and consulting services. The council says that this program also includes support for school personnel, for early identification of students who may be dealing with a crisis. School staff can also be trained in mental hea...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Birmingham opens first ever all-inclusive playground

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Bessie Estell Park in Birmingham is now home to a new all-inclusive playground. The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, Birmingham City Councilor Valerie Abbott, Senator Rodger Smitherman and the Glen Iris Neighborhood Association unveiled the new playground, which is the first of it’s kind in the Magic City. According to the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board, the project was inspired by Veronica Ware, a mother who dreamed of...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Pelham gun shop partners with suicide prevention initiative for military, veterans and first responders

PELHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - A gun shop in Pelham has signed onto to partner with a suicide prevention-based initiative which offers an additional layer of support for military, veterans and first responders (MVFR). S.A.F.E.R. Together stands for Storing Ammunition and Firearms to Enhance Resilience Together. It launched in June 2025. According to the S.A.F.E.R. Together website, the initiative aims to assemble, protect and maintain and network for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) to provide MVFR’s a v...
https://www.wbrc.com •

American Village to display over 100 flags as part of initiative to honor veterans lost to suicide

MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WBRC) - The American Village has been designated as the Semiquincentenial Celebration Capitol in Alabama for America’s 250 birthday. As part of that, the American Village announced they will participate in “Operation We Remember.” Alabama’s “Operation We Remember” is described as a “powerful statewide initiative” which honors veterans lost to suicide. According to the American Village, “Operation We Remember” includes participants from colleges, high schools, community groups a...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Alabama’s first Recovery Café opens in Jasper

JASPER, Ala. (WBRC) - The city of Jasper gained a new community resource on Friday, July 18. Recovery Café Walker County is Alabama’s first Recovery Café, a resource recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). “The Recovery Cafe is an alternative, therapeutic, supportive community of healing and belonging founded on the truth that every human being is precious and worthy of love regardless od their earlier trauma, mental and emotional anguish, or addictiv...
https://www.wbrc.com •

The Coca-Cola Amphitheater welcomes additional accessibility resources

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Coca-Cola Amphitheater has a list of accessibility features available to try and make visits possible for everyone. Some of these include accessible parking, seating and restrooms, as well as the ability to request interpreters, real-time captioning and more. In early July though, the Coca-Cola Amphitheater partnered with a non-profit to bring on sensory accessibility options. According to Marissa Lyons, who works with Live Nation, the Coca-Cola Amphitheatre is now...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Accessibility at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The new Coca-Cola Amphitheater is gaining many visitors following its grand opening, but some potential visitors want to know more about the accessibility options. According to the Coca-Cola Amphitheater’s website, they have multiple ways to accommodate people’s needs. Potential visitors can purchase accessible tickets online. The amphitheater clarified that these do not have to be purchased in person at the Box Office, everything can be handled online. “We do have acce...
https://www.wbrc.com •

City of Birmingham plans fourth annual Mental Health Awareness Day

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The city of Birmingham is partnering with Nurture of Alabama to host the fourth annual city of Birmingham Mental Health Awareness Day on Friday, June 27. The community event will take place at Linn Park and run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to the city, Mental Health Awareness Day aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and improve access to mental health resources across the Birmingham area. Chanda Temple, the senior project manager for the mayor’s office says attend...

Stories about animals

As a self-proclaimed animal lover, I never turn down the opportunity to write about animals! Especially dogs! 

https://www.wbrc.com •

McWane Science Center opens terrapin nursery in partnership with UAB

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The McWane Science Center has announced a new partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) which allowed a new living exhibit. McWane says the newest living exhibit is the Terrapin Nursery. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at how conservationists give Mississippi Diamondback Terrapins a strong, healthy start. “These tiny turtles may be small now, but they play a big role in Alabama’s coastal ecosystems, and visitors can help support them in a fun,...
https://www.wbrc.com •

‘Truly loyal partner’: Bessemer Police mourn K-9 Falco

BESSEMER, Ala. (WBRC) - The Bessemer Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their very own, their Police Service Dog (PSD) K-9, Falco. The department shared the news of Falco’s passing on Friday, saying he died on Thursday, Nov. 20, closing out six years of dedicated service. Falco was an 8-and-a-half year old Dutch Shepard. “K-9 Falco served with distinction as a Dual-Purpose K-9, certified in both illegal narcotics detection and the tracking and apprehension of offenders,” wrote the...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Santa photos for pets benefiting west Alabama animal shelter

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - There’s an opportunity to let your pets meet, and get a photo with, Santa while also benefitting a good cause in west Alabama this holiday season!For three days in December, you can take your pet to get a photo with Santa at Pet Supplies Plus on McFarland Boulevard. You can bring one or all of your pets if you have multiple, two-legged family members are welcome as well. The cost is $20 per photo sitting, and you will receive one 4x6 inch color photo printed out while t...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Clanton Police Department to receive body armor for K-9s

CLANTON, Ala. (WBRC) - Clanton Police Department’s four-legged officers will now be better protected thanks to a donation. Clanton Police say their three K-9s, Goose, Kaine and Trotter, will receive bullet and stab protective vests from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a national charity whose mission is “to provide bullet and stab protection vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies…”According to the non-pr...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Hoover Police raise awareness for breast cancer

HOOVER, Ala. (WBRC) - Officers of the Hoover Police Department are raising awareness for breast cancer this October, but it’s not just the two-legged officers.The Hoover Police Department’s K-9s, also referred to as their four-legged officers, are sporting the same pink badge as their handlers.According to Hoover Police, they were one of the first departments in the nation to wear pink badges for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They were also the first department with their badge manufacturer, Sm...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Birmingham Zoo welcomes new jaguar

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - The Birmingham Zoo welcomed a new feline resident this week. Diego, 8, is the zoo’s new jaguar and is filling the space left by the zoo’s previous jaguar, Khan. The Birmingham Zoo says 11-year-old Khan was moved to the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida in July 2025 as part of the Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP). Birmingham Zoo President and CEO Chris Pfefferkorn shared that Khan is doing well at his new home and being introduced to his new mate. The zoo shared that t...
https://www.wbrc.com •

Moody Police K-9 receives new bullet, stab proof vest through donation

MOODY, Ala. (WBRC) - The Moody Police Department’s K-9 has received a donation from a national organization to help stay safe in the field. Deke serves as the K-9 for the Moody Police Department and thanks to the non-profit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., Deke is even safer in the field. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has donated a bullet and stab proof vest to Deke. The vest is even embroidered with the sentiment, “honoring those who served and sacrificed.” According to the organization’s website,...
https://www.wbrc.com •

‘Heroes come in all shapes and sizes’: Governor Kay Ivey announces work zone safety dog as honorary Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Trooper

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBRC) - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced a new addition to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) on Monday, July 14. Vaquito is the current work zone safety dog and now an honorary ALEA trooper. According to Gov. Ivey’s office, Vaquito took the oath of office and became sworn in as an honorary trooper during a special ceremony at the Alabama State Capitol. ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Director Colonel Jonathan Archer and Vaquito’s handler...
WBRC •

Shelby Humane hosts summer program ‘Read with a Cat’

COLUMBIANA, Ala. (WBRC) - This summer, Shelby Humane is hosting their “Read with a Cat,” program. The program allows kids to come read to, and cuddle with, the shelter cats and kittens every Thursday from May 29 to July 31. The program also counts for volunteer hours.There are four time slots each Thursday of the summer: 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. You can sign up here. Shelby Humane says they have kid-friendly books but also encourage people to bring their own if they’d like to....
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Birmingham Zoo’s two-toed sloth returns to public view

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Birmingham Zoo returned their two-toed sloth, Reynardo, to the public eye after three years in a behind the scenes habitat. Reynardo arrived at Birmingham Zoo in 2016 and originally lived with the tamarins, which are squirrel-sized monkeys. However, when the tamarins began to have babies, Reynardo was relocated to the Primate and South American Building in a behind-the-scenes habitat. Friday, May 23 marked Reynardo’s reintroduction to a public habitat, placing him in a...
Vallo Vision News •

Preservation and education: How the Alabama Wildlife Center impacts birds and humans alike

By: Elise Kidd


PELHAM, Ala. — Tucked away inside Oak Mountain State Park is a place where avian wildlife can recover from injuries, educate the state and discover a way to still spread their wings after life changing events. 


The Alabama Wildlife Center serves as an educational facility and avian clinic. Inside the center is a self-guided tour that includes information about migration patterns, different types of feathers and eggs, and additional information about birds in Alabama. Howeve...