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The battle over industrial water pollution in Alabama

Apr 26, 2016
If new EPA regulations set stricter standards for some chemicals, water agencies could face costly clean-up measures
A view of the Tennessee River, which a lawsuit contends has been contaminated with chemicals from a nearby 3M plant for decades. 
Max Wolfe/Flickr

After a tornado, tough decisions for businesses

Nov 13, 2015
For some, the road to to business recovery is worth it. For others, it's too hard.

My Economy: What full employment actually looks like

Manufacturing in Alabama and hopes for the future.
Tommy Andres

My Economy: Hard work, risk and opportunity in Alabama

What's really behind an unemployment statistic? We got to Alabama to find out.
Kai tackles the catfish economy in Greesnboro, Alabama.
Tommy Andres/Marketplace

Some schools are still testing students for drug use

Jul 16, 2015
The tests are legal, but their effectiveness is questionable.

Mixed feelings for landfill run deep in Alabama

May 27, 2015
Residents protest the dump that generates millions in revenue for poor rural area.

Rural Americans have fewer - and costlier - healthcare options

Jan 23, 2014
Under the ACA, folks in rural towns seem to have the fewest healthcare choices. And they cost more to boot.

For public good, not for profit.

NCAA to debate paying college athletes a stipend

Jan 15, 2014
As the NCAA gathers for its annual meeting, is it considering a first step toward paying players?

Alabama rolls out a (tattered?) red carpet for companies

Oct 18, 2013
Alabama has a new campaign to lure companies and tourists to the state. But first it's asking everyone to forget what they think they know about Alabama.

A bankruptcy deal means rising sewer rates for Jeffesrson County residents

Jun 7, 2013
Jefferson County, Ala., has reached a deal to get out of bankruptcy. But what does that mean for the county and its citizens?