Taylor Swift's influence and talent are used for educational purposes in music classes at The University of Alabama. Associate Professor of Music Education Dr. Kenneth McGuire says that students can choose a famous artist they want to study in his class. Each year since the courses inception in 2012, a student has chosen Swift to analyse her use of lyrics, melody, and harmony.

"She is one of the very few artists, if any, that has crossed genres with county, rock, pop, hip-hop... she does it all. Some people say she is this generation's Michael Jackson or Madonna. I actually think she is bigger than those people," McGuire said.

Dr. McGuire says classes in the Art of Songwriting have grown so popular that the faculty is considering offering songwriting as a degree track or degree minor in the near future.

Harry Shaull graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences. He has a bright future in the music industry, having alproduced, produced, and published a song, titled "Mind Up" available across streaming platforms.

"As with any artist, Taylor Swift and her melodies have had an impact on me and what I bring to the table - whether that is conscious or not," Shaull said.

Race fans from across the country returned to the Talladega Superspeedway Sunday for the YellaWood 500.

Birmingham police are searching for a runaway 12-year-old boy Saturday night.

A 53-year-old Tuscaloosa County School System high school teacher was charged Thursday after he allegedly sexually abused a child under 12 years old.

A 19-year-old man was found fatally shot inside a vehicle Friday night in Bessemer.

A man was found fatally shot and slumped over the wheel of a vehicle at a Birmingham apartment complex Saturday afternoon.

One person is dead after they were shot in a vehicle Saturday afternoon in Birmingham.

CBS 42's Sidney Spencer reports.

One state lawmaker has proposed a bill that will put limits on what students can search while using school devices.

State representative Ben Robbins proposed House Bill 489 will place a filter on school devices, restricting students from accessing social media and explicit content online.

A man has been arrested after a stabbing and manhunt early Friday morning in Moundville, The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed.

The Anniston Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating a 21-year-old woman last seen Thursday morning.

Lawmakers scramble for a solution with government on the brink of a shutdown

Birmingham Police Department announced Friday that city residents who drive a Hyundai or Kia can pick up a free anti-theft steering wheel lock at any precinct's headquarters.