Alabama is chock full of big news stories these days. From the April 27th tornadoes to the gambling corruption trials, the immigration law, and Jefferson County’s bankruptcy. It’s a lot for journalists to keep up with and a lot of great materials for columnists like the The Birmingham News’John Archibald. He discusses the city, county and state politics in forums large and small. Instead of being unplugged as he is in the newspaper, we offer him a bullhorn. Sort of.
| 03.29.2012 — Listen here to hear about the Birmingham City Council’s public message about Trayvon Martin’s death and how the case points to serious problems in Birmingham.
| 03.22.2012 — Listen here to hear about Cooper-Green Mercy Hospital’s financial troubles, the opening of a satellite court house in Center Point, and small town politics in Graysville.
| 03.15.2012 — Listen here to hear about this week’s primary election and what it might mean for the future of the Democratic party in Alabama.
| 03.08.2012 — Listen here to hear how, despite yesterday’s acquittals, the gambling corruption case may not be over. Also, John takes on the Birmingham Water Works board members for spending $70,000 on travel last year.
| 03.01.2012 — Listen here as John explains why Jefferson County Commission president David Carrington has called for some county employees to undergo lie detectors tests after someon leaked an embarrassing internal memo to the Birmingham News.
| 02.23.2012 — Listen here for analysis of how proposed 25 percent state budget cuts would affect local health care and law enforcement and how Jefferson County ended up deciding to lay off tax collectors to save money, but lost money in the process.
| 02.16.2012 — Listen here for details on an emergency bankruptcy hearing, looming Jefferson County layoffs, a proposal to term limit the Birmingham mayor and a packed room at a public hearing on a smoking ban.
| 02.09.2012 — Listen here for John’s take on the first week of the 2012 legislative session. There’s already a standoff over the budget and charter schools.
| 02.02.2012 — Listen here for John’s preview of the 2012 legislative session and controversial comments by one lawmaker who says teachers shouldn’t get a pay raise, but legislators definitely needed one to keep them free from corruption.
| 01.19.2012 — Listen here to why John thinks Shelby County residents share the blame for a long-time teacher who’s admitted molesting young girls and why Birmingham is the kick-off of a federal campaign against pay day loan operations.
| 01.12.2012 — Listen here to how Birmingham Mayor William Bell uses consent agenda to get $500M in funding for a McDonald Restaurant and Nick Saban schedules a press conference and doesn’t say what it’s about.
