Mark Nichols
Alabama is working to increase arts education availability in the state’s public schools through grants from groups including the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Alabama Arts Alliance. Motorists can even buy license tags for their cars with a portion of the purchase going to school arts programs. Despite these avenues of funding, Alabama’s music educators still face challenges.
Alabama Public Radio is proud to share the work of local artist Abi Brewer, who created an original painting exclusively for the station. Views of Home is done in collaboration for APR's 2025 Fall Pledge Drive, happening from September 10 - 19. The art is what Abi calls "a love letter to Alabama." The painting celebrates the different flora, fauna and landscapes of the Yellowhammer State.
News & Commentaries From APR
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This week on StoryCorps, Blackbelt resident Charles Flaherty tells us about his travels around the country and the numerous odd jobs he has had over the years. -
For the first time in 108 years, Chris’ Hot Dogs is reportedly changing hands. The owners of the Montgomery eatery confirmed the sale in a Facebook post over the weekend. The restaurant with its distinctive green awning has a client list that includes Doctor Martin Luther King, junior, country music legend Hank Williams, and writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. -
This week, Don reviews Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle, S. J. -
The State of Alabama says over thirteen thousand members of the U.S. military are stationed in Alabama. When family members factored in, that number reportedly increases to fifty five thousand. And, that doesn’t count the estimated twenty six thousand servicemen and woman in the Alabama National Guard. All are waiting on Wednesday when the Pentagon is supposed to issue paychecks. -
Thirty-five men have died by court-ordered executions in the U.S. so far this year, including one early Friday, with seven others scheduled to be put to death later this month. The increase in executions is largely being driven by four states — Alabama, Florida, Texas, and South Carolina — that have carried out 76% of this year's court-ordered killings. -
Alabama moved up two spots to number six in the AP Top 25 poll. Missouri, which started 5-0, fell two spots to Number 16 after its three-point home loss to the Tide. Alabama was followed by Texas Tech, Oregon, Georgia and LSU. -
Number eight ranked Alabama scraped out a 27-24 victory over number fourteen. The Tide sealing the deal with a fourth-quarter interception from Dijon Lee Jr. with 37 seconds left. It’s Alabama’s third straight SEC win, sending the Crimson Tide to 5-1 on the season and emerging as a true contender. -
Keeping your dog in a fenced yard does more than just keep it from running away. It actually protects your pet and gives it a safe place to enjoy the outdoors! -
Ty Simpson threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns, including the clincher on fourth down to Daniel Hill with 3:16 to go, and eighth-ranked Alabama held off number fourteen ranked Missouri 27-24 on Saturday to give the Crimson Tide their fifth consecutive win. -
A juvenile male was arrested Friday for his part in a shooting that killed two people and injured 12 others in a crowded downtown nightlife district in Alabama’s capital city this past weekend, police said. Montgomery police announced that the boy has been charged with capital murder and 12 counts of assault. His name wasn't immediately released. -
On this week’s Keepin It Real, Cam’s on his way home from a conference. He began making notes a few days ago about what his years and years of attending conferences has taught him. A bingo card might be fun, he says. -
A federal judge refused to stop an upcoming nitrogen gas execution in Alabama saying the inmate was unlikely to prevail on claims that the method, which has been used multiple times, is unconstitutionally cruel. Chief U.S District Judge Emily Marks declined a request from Anthony Boyd to block his scheduled October 23rd execution.
Latest News From NPR
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Alabama is known for football and white barbecue sauce. But we’re also making our mark in science, literature and the arts—and we helped put astronauts on the moon! Join APR news director Pat Duggins as he takes up topics like this with interviews on APR Notebook.
Dr. Don Noble, specializing in Southern and American literature, gives his weekly review on the work of Alabama’s finest authors.
Host Cam Marston brings fun weekly commentaries on generational and demographic trends to provide new ways to interpret the changing world around us.
Speaking of Pets with host Mindy Norton is a commentary for people who care about pets and want to celebrate that special relationship between humans and animal companions.
Sports Minded podcast with host Brittany Young features interviews with coaches, athletes and sports personnel. Insight, commentary and analysis on professional, collegiate and high school sports can be heard here.
Quick-Fire Quips is centered around people who stand out in Alabama. Host Baillee Majors presents guests with a questionnaire of playful personal questions and questions about the Yellowhammer State.
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Love a good ghost story? Alabama is full of them! In APR's new series "Yellowhammer Haunted Histories," Digital Reporter Aydan Conchin explores spooky haunts — This week it's the story behind Jeffery the Ghost! Join her for a look at this lurid legend — if you dare! -
Heather Campbell lost her job working for a food bank over the summer because of federal funding cuts. Her husband serves as an officer in the Air Force in Alabama, but now he’s facing the prospect of missing his next paycheck because of the government shutdown. If lawmakers in Washington don't step in, Campbell’s husband won’t get paid on Wednesday. -
APR news told you last week about a plan to do away a red dye that used in food products. Student intern Samantha Triana introduced us to a Huntsville baker who’s already replaced chemical dyes for coloring made from vegetables. That’s not where the story ends. U.S. food producers also make things we eat using chemical additives. Some of them are not only unused in Europe, they’re against the law. -
A recent raid by ICE raid agents who rounded up South Korean workers in Georgia could have economic impact in Alabama, and also raise political issues in the Peach State. Namely, Georgia Brian Kemp be tough on immigration and still encourage foreign investment? The detentions sparked questions in South Korea about its relationship with the United States, especially when Hyundai and its partners, including in Alabama. -
The Kentuck Festival of the Arts is being welcomed back to Tuscaloosa's Snow Hinton Park for the second year. With all of the festivities, a front man who's found a profound new meaning and unexpected power in the historic hymns and hollers stands ready to share music with the Druid City. Walter Parks & The Unlawful Assembly remake the songs and connect them directly to the roots of rock and roll. -
The countdown to the Kentuck Festival of the arts is on! We a blast talking to Exa Skinner, Executive Director of the Kentuck Art Center. Turns out art isn't just nice to look at— it can actually help you live longer! Plus, she reveals to Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors -- how creating art is the ultimate stress-reliever (cheaper than the spa!) and why life is about process, not product. -
Mike Repole isn't daunted or discouraged by the long odds facing pro spring football as a business model. The sports business entrepreneur is simply wired a bit differently, and wants to show it as the newest investor in the young United Football League. The other three existing markets are St. Louis, which has been the league's attendance darling; Washington, D.C.; and Birmingham, Alabama. -
This week on StoryCorps, fellow artists Carey Fountain and Valencia Benjamin discuss the potential benefits and concerns of AI in regards to art, social media and history. -
Following a mass shooting that killed two people and wounded a dozen in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey said that the state will take a greater role in public safety efforts in the capital city. -
