As part of this year’s campaign supporting the United Way of Central Alabama, the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) hosted a book drive benefiting United Way partner agency Better Basics. Employees donated 178 books by ordering from a preapproved Amazon wish list. “We’re so grateful to APSO for including this book drive as part of the United Way campaign […]

As 2020 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on challenges that were unimaginable just twelve months ago. Yet during the Christmas season, we are filled with spiritual contemplation and profound gratitude. God has blessed Alabama with so many unselfish individuals, turning what could have been a year of regret into one of inspiration. […]

The man who proudly sang “My Home’s In Alabama” will be front and center in promoting the largest sporting event the state has ever seen. The World Games 2022 Birmingham has named country music artist and humanitarian Randy Owen as an honorary co-chair. Owen is a founding member and front man of acclaimed country music group Alabama.

The United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) this week announced that its 2020 campaign raised a total of $36 million, which was a record-breaking $1.5 million over the goal amount. This total reflects pledge estimates and not the final results of companies still conducting campaigns or individuals who have not renewed pledges in writing, so the […]

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson recently paid off all layaways at a Birmingham Walmart location in celebration of the Christmas season. The story was first reported by NOLA.com. The Pelicans’ G-League affiliate is locating to the Magic City in 2022 when Legacy Arena will be ready for use, and Benson already is […]

Dynetics is continuing many company volunteerism and philanthropic traditions this holiday season, even during the unique challenges of 2020. A wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, Dynetics has been headquartered in Huntsville since its founding in 1974. This year, the company’s pre-Christmas giving — as part of “The Twelve Days of Dynetics” — included employees choosing five […]

The Conservation Fund, American Battlefield Trust and the University of South Alabama (USA) this week announced a new project to protect approximately 60 acres at the storied Fort Blakeley Battlefield in Baldwin County. The groups have committed to permanently conserving this historic site, where U.S. Colored Troops fought and won. According to a release, the […]

Alabama Power’s Ephraim Stockdale has been recognized as a “shining star” by Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) for his leadership in community development. The nonprofit presented Stockdale with its Outstanding ACE Leadership Award for his work serving on the ACE Associates Council. The award is one of six STAR awards ACE presents annually to acknowledge its partners, Associates Council […]

A nonprofit organization in Mobile County is teaching kids valuable life skills while helping the environment. Groundwork Mobile County (GMC) recently completed its first Green Team youth employment program where six teens spent a month working in community gardens in Mobile County. GMC Executive Director Barja Wilson said the kids loved it. “They were very proud,” […]

Brother Bryan Mission of Birmingham has completed the second-largest purchase in its 80-year history, paying $340,000 for a neighboring building in an effort to soon provide beds for 100 men. The city’s oldest mission currently is able to house 76 men for its addiction recovery and back-to-work programs, said Executive Director Jim Etheredge, who heads a […]

The Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema in downtown Birmingham and the Sidewalk Film Festival announced that they are participating in the 2021 digital Sundance Film Festival. As a partner, the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema in the heart of Birmingham’s historic theatre district will serve as a satellite venue for this seven-day festival, hosted by the Sundance […]

When the former state of Alabama executive chef Jim Smith was thinking up a name for his new Mobile restaurant that opened in January 2020, he wanted something whimsical but also relevant, so he drew on his fascination with the world’s tiniest bird. “I’ve always thought hummingbirds were kind of like chefs,” he says. “Flying […]

Hobson City in Calhoun County isn’t much different from many Alabama small towns. But its founding and history make it unique. The state’s first incorporated Black city celebrates that history. But it is more focused on creating community today and opportunity tomorrow. Alabama NewsCenter sat down with Hobson City Mayor Alberta C. McCrory to talk about this […]

While the City of Birmingham’s traditional Christmas parade will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations of the holiday will still proceed this season. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin shared a video announcement on Friday morning declaring that the City will present a “12 Days of Christmas” video series starting on Sunday, […]

You may be struggling with finding that “perfect” gift this holiday season. It just might be art from a local artist. Not only are you buying local, but you’re supporting a local artist and you could be starting someone on a path to collecting. Phil Free knows the joy that comes with collecting and creating […]

Newborns at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham will receive an extra blessing during December: a hand-sewn Christmas stocking to help welcome them to the world. Thanks to volunteers of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO), the St. Vincent’s Volunteer program and the Acts group at Gardendale Baptist Church, St. Vincent’s Hospital received about 200 handmade […]

A documentary premiering Wednesday covers the 1992 trial of Glenn Summerford, a snake-handling preacher from Jackson County, Alabama, and his trial for attempting to kill his wife with a serpent. “Alabama Snake” will broadcast on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. CT on HBO’s linear TV channel and will be available for streaming around the same time. […]

Birmingham-based Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has launched its third annual “Shunnarah’s Season of Giving” to give back to those in need this Christmas season. The latest edition will continue throughout the month of December and comes amid a year filled with unexpected hardships across the law firm’s footprint. To give back, Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys […]

Protective Life Corporation got into the Christmas spirit early this year, as evidenced by a recent example of the company’s altruism. The Monday before Thanksgiving, Protective Life representatives visited the Protective Stadium construction site in downtown Birmingham to show gratitude to the construction crew working diligently to bring the state-of-the-art new venue to life. Protective […]

Sometimes a blessing comes in the nick of time. That was the case for Build a Bridge Community Pantry in Vincent four days before Thanksgiving. Members of the Plant Gaston Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) showed up with a truckload of food just in time to feed needy families for the holidays. […]

Thirteen-year-old Eric Wallace knew, as surely as he needed to breathe, that he needed to make music. He knew that he had to make music. “For me, that was always, how can I get to my friend’s house who has a drum set? How can I play guitar? How can I get that sound with […]

When watching Debby Davis mow her lawn, cook big meals and go to work, it would be tough for anyone to tell the 67-year-old is actively going through chemotherapy treatments. Since 2015, Davis has been battling ovarian cancer and juggling her work, family and chemotherapy regimens at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with unparalleled […]

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Friday took part in the traditional annual lighting of the official State of Alabama Christmas Tree located on the steps of the capitol. “Let this be a year you do a little bit more, and give a little bit more,” said Governor Ivey to those assembled. “Merry Christmas […]

A World War II veteran in Alabama was released from the hospital this week after a battle with the coronavirus. He turned 104 years old on his first day back home. Major Wooten, the veteran in question, has become something of a minor celebrity in recent years for his joyful approach to life at his […]