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On this week's episode of "Keepin' It Real," Cam Marston shares his feelings about snacks at children's events... Edited by Jalen Hutchinson

In this StoryCorps interview, Angela Jordan speaks with her daughter Vivienne and her husband Chris about the "Christmas tornado" that hit their home in 2012. They discuss their memories of that destructive time and what their neighborhood looks like now... Edited by Kierra Wright

It’s barely a month to go before Alabama voters pick their next governor. Future historians may look back on the race between Democrat Walt Maddox and Republican Kay Ivey in certain ways. It may focus on Maddox’s work to help Tuscaloosa recover from the 2011 tornadoes and how Ivey took over for disgraced former Governor Robert Bentley. As for a governor’s race that’s historic right now—APR political commentator Steve Flowers has one in mind…

Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group saves that animal's life and changes yours for the better in ways you cannot imagine. And it will make a space in the shelter to give another dog a chance to find a home! ****************

This week on "Keepin’ It Real," Cam Marston discusses helicopter parents who just can’t stop hovering over their kids... Edited by Jalen Hutchinson

APR political commentator Steve Flowers introduced us to Frank Johnson last week. The Winston County man went onto to become a federal judge and a high profile champion of the Civil Rights movement. Today, Steve has more on how Judge Johnson gained his iconic status…

Sure it feels good to scratch an itch, but in a pet it could be a sign of a flea problem. While it's important to keep your pet healthy (and that includes keeping fleas and ticks away), consult with your veterinarian about the best and safest products to use on and around your furry friend. *******************

This program was produced by the four member APR news team, with no budget. Alabama’s prison system and justice system are in the national spotlight and not for good reasons. The State’s prisons are one hundred percent overcapacity. Alabama is criticized for spending the least amount of money per inmate per day in the nation, for rehabilitation, housing, and supervision. This $26 daily amount is blamed for the State’s 30% recidivism rate. Alabama likes to trumpet its Wrongful Incarnation Act, which is supposed to compensate people sent to prison for crimes they didn’t commit. However, in the fifteen years since the passage of the Act, only one person has been paid, and that was under a court order. Finally, the Southern Poverty Law Center is suing the Alabama Department of Corrections for being indifferent to the mental health needs of inmates. The key inmate witness in this case committed suicide shortly after testifying. In a state where one in four residents has been convicted of a

June 6, 2018 marks fifty years since the death of Robert F. Kennedy. Reporters covering his campaign for the Democratic Presidential nomination established the RFK Journalism Awards, which recognize coverage of the disadvantaged, or victims of social injustice. APR is honored to join the 2018 RFK laureates with our documentary "Help Wanted: Alabama's Rural Health Care Crisis." The news team's effort will also be recognized with the National Edward R. Murrow award in New York City next month. Pat D. “I hurt so bad, and I just stayed in bed like, for years I stayed in bed. I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t wait on myself.” We’re sitting at the dining table with Fay. She asked us not to use her real name. During our visit, one of her favorite songs plays in the background on an old portable CD player. Fay is seventy two and following her first ever mammogram in the year 2000, she found she had breast cancer. “And then they told me I had the worst kind," says Faye. "And, I said ‘cancer

On this week's episode of "Keepin' It Real," Cam Marston reminds us that kids these days - well, we made them... Edited by Jalen Hutchinson

If you're a fan of actor Matthew McConaughey, you may have seen his movie "Free State of Jones." It's about a county in Mississippi that rose up against the Confederacy during the Civil War. That's drawing a reaction of "been there, done that" from APR political commentator Steve Flowers. Today, Steve has the story of a like-minded Alabama county and one of its favorite sons who became a hero of the Civil Rights movement...

Rabies is prevented, by vaccinating animals that come in contact with humans. If it's been a while since your pet was vaccinated make an appointment with your veterinarian this week. ***************

On our first episode of "Keepin' It Real," Cam Marston discusses how software and maps can help cultivate teamwork... Edited by Jalen Hutchinson

The cities of Mobile and New Orleans now have more in common than Mardi Gras and Jazz. The public libraries in both towns now offer a unique twist on story hour for children. APR’s Pat Duggins headed to the port city for its inaugural event. He brings us the voices of protesters on both sides of the issue of inclusion for Mobile’s LGBTQ community. This story was covered as a collaboration between Alabama Public Radio and the University of Alabama's Center for Public Television, where Duggins worked alongside a student video team. “Jesus saves liars! Jesus saves sodomites! Jesus saves child molesters!” By all appearances, this isn't your average Saturday at Mobile's Ben May Public Library. Police today are setting barricades to separate two groups of protesters. You’re hearing from an unofficial spokesman on one side. People on the other side of the argument prefer to let their signs do the talking… “My sign says there’s room for everyone under the reading rainbow,” says Elizabeth

When campaign season comes. there are certain things politicians do to win over the voters - handing out buttons and kissing babies come to mind. But, according to APR political commentator Steve Flowers, there's one tradition native to Alabama that residents of the town of Winfield find familiar...

You can put together an emergency kit for your pet in a hurry. Most of what you need will fit in a plastic zip bag. Food and necessary medications are at the top of the list. And - some folks might pack their best friend's rain gear! *******************

Alabama’s gulf coast is going to get a bit of a facelift this weekend with the help of some volunteers. A-P-R student reporter Jhala Clark has details… This weekend is the annual Alabama Coastal Clean Up. It is being put on by PALs and the Alabama Department of Conservation. Volunteers will be removing trash from the coast by walking, boating and scuba diving in 31 different zones in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Angela Underwood is the state coordinator for the Alabama Coastal Cleanup. She says this project is just a fraction of a larger international cleanup effort. “It is the largest volunteer event in the state of Alabama. Each year we have on average about 5 thousand volunteers who come out to clean up.” Volunteers are encouraged to bring sunscreen, gloves, comfortable shoes and be prepared to outside for most of the day. For APR News, I’m Jhala Clark

Private school scholarship recipients are not showing signs of improvement on standardized test scores. APR Student Reporter Jessica Rendall has more. The results come from a study by the Institute for Social Science Research. They examined academic outcomes of 2,000 students attending private schools on a taxpayer-backed scholarship and discovered no improvement. The program is intended to help students escape low-performing public schools, but the report discovered test scores were not improving and were in fact similar to their public school counterparts. There were limitations to the study as researchers did not have test scores from specific public schools the students would otherwise attend.

It's true - a pet can make wherever you live feel like home. That feeling of comfort and familiarity is born from a relationship that develops over time. If you have been listening to Alabama Public Radio for a while, maybe it's time to make a contribution. Welcome home! ************************

Keeping your pet happy, healthy and safe should always be part of your holiday plans, and Labor Day is no exception. The idea is to enjoy sharing the celebration with your best friend, not rushing your furry buddy to the emergency vet clinic!