Collins & Carns: Occupational Tax
Jefferson County officials are still waiting to hear whether they’ll be allowed to spend occupational tax money while the legal battle against the tax winds its way through the courts. Earlier, a judge ruled the tax illegal. The county has appealed, saying if it loses the $75 million a year, the county will be financially devastated. WBHM’s Tanya Ott asked County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins how the occupational tax became such a big chunk of the general fund budget.
Collins has asked county department chiefs to prepare for 33-percent budget cuts, on top of 10 percent cuts they already took. Some critics, including County Commissioner Jim Carns, question whether across-the-board cuts make sense.
Bettye Fine Collins talks about how this situation is one of the most compelling arguments for reforming Alabama’s constitution.
George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who became a beloved champion, dies at 76
The heavyweight who lost the "Rumble in the Jungle" to Muhammad Ali before authoring an inspiring second act as a 45-year-old champion and a successful businessman was 76.
Voice of America staff sue Trump administration for shutting down network
Six Voice of America journalists and a director at its parent agency have sued the Trump administration, alleging its moves to shut down the U.S.-funded network are unconstitutional.
Homeland Security makes cuts to civil rights and immigration oversight offices
DHS confirms it is implementing a reduction in force in three oversight offices as part of the effort to cut the federal workforce.
What’s the ideal age to reach a life milestone? Many Americans say it depends
Owning a home, starting a family or retiring: If these are things you want, what's the best age to do them? The Pew Research Center surveyed 3,600 U.S. adults to find out.
What we know about the case of detained Georgetown professor Badar Khan Suri
The Indian national and postdoctoral fellow is the latest scholar detained or deported by the Trump administration for speaking in support of Palestinian rights or criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza.
Screens and sleep. Maybe not so bad?
We hear a lot about how screens impact our sleep, but how significant is the disruption? And how much does exercise predict sleep quality? This story first appeared in the Body Electric newsletter.
