gun violence: Gun store with 2 people at counter standing next to each other and sign saying keep 6 foot distances from others.

People Stocking Up On Guns Though Safety Classes Unavailable

Across the nation as confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to rise, people are stocking up on more than groceries and toilet paper. Americans are buying firearms and ammunition during a global pandemic — and doing so in record numbers. But the spike in sales might be temporary.

domestic violence: Woman with red hair, glasses, necklace is seen both next to and reflected in mirror at right

Only One Alabama Program Works on Domestic Violence Plus Firearms

When Susan Shipman took a job as a bookkeeper at a women’s shelter in Anniston in 2003, she didn’t realize how close to her own home violence already was.

“I signed up for a flexible, part-time job,” Shipman, 57, said. “And I found myself in the movement to end violence against women.” 

By 2006, Shipman was the executive director of 2nd Chance Inc., a nonprofit safety and support organization for victims of domestic and sexual violence serving nearly 500 women and children annually in North Alabama.

Proposed Waiting Period Law for Firearms Aims to Save Lives of Suicidal Alabamians

This story is part of a series on public health and firearms. The first examined groups working to reduce homicide in Birmingham. The second interviewed Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin about his office’s peace initiative. The third examined a proposed voluntary “do not sell” list for Alabamians suffering mental illness, which aims to prevent firearm access for people with suicidal ideation.

Birmingham: Smiling man with short dark hair, beard, mustache in beige jacket, checked shirt in office with painting, bookcase behind him.

Birmingham Mayor Says Peace is Everyone’s Responsibility

Mayor Randall Woodfin says Birmingham is ready for peace.

With a call for communitywide investment, the mayor says it’s time for solutions — “not programs” — for a city long plagued by violence.