Andrea Tinker

The Alabama Department of Public Health is celebrating 150 years of service. The organization began in 1875 when leaders decided that a state system was needed to advocate for public health.

The City of Mobile is currently celebrating Mardi Gras. But with the celebration comes trash that ends up on roads, sidewalks and in waterways. To prevent this, several organizations partnered with the city a few years ago to create the Cleaner, Greener LoDa initiative.

Africa, African culture and Africa history will soon be front and center in an Alabama showcase. The topics are the focus as the annual Tuscaloosa Africana Film Festival, co-sponsored by The University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences, marks 12 years.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is releasing a new report that details racial disparities within Alabama communities that have to hand over assets. Key findings show that in recent years in Jefferson County, residents in majority-Black neighborhoods were more likely to experience law enforcement seizing property.

Montgomery Zoo's two-day Spring fundraiser, Zoo Weekend, is back for another year. The money raised for this year's fundraiser will go toward the facility's new reptile exhibit. The event will include live entertainment from local artists, activities for children, animal presentations and food from vendors.

Jim Staff, the mayor of Atmore, has announced his retirement effective at the end of May. Due to state law, an interim mayor will be appointed. Staff has been the mayor of the city for 24 years and the City of Atmore will host an event honoring him.

The City of Huntsville has partnered with local organizations to open warming centers for the community. This comes after National Weather Service forecasted that temperatures would dip into the teens overnight on Wednesday and Thursday. There are four warming centers that will be open during the freezing weather.

The Alabama Department of Public Health's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program is celebrating 20 years of their Alabama Tobacco Quitline. Since its start in 2005, the Quitline has received over 360,000 phone calls, and over 93,000 Alabamians have enrolled in the program.

The City of Tuscaloosa is kicking off Arbor Week celebrations this weekend. Arbor Week is a time to celebrate growing trees and is an extension of Arbor Day. The week-long holiday was signed into effect after the Birmingham Beautification Board, the State Garden Club, the Alabama Forestry Commission and the State Board of Education and State Legislature signed an act making Arbor Week the last full week of February.

The City of Birmingham has announced their partners who will facilitate the safe sleep pilot program. After a nationwide search, Faith Chapel Care Center and Urban Alchemy were selected to assist the city with this new program to assist with the Homes For All initiative which will provide micro-shelters and other services to help homeless people in the city.