Birmingham Sees Highest Homicide Rate Since 2008
Birmingham is approaching its ninetieth homicide for 2015, making this the city’s deadliest year since 2008.
The 87 homicides this year (as of this writing) stops and significantly reverses a three-year decline. In 2014 there were 59, versus 66 in 2013, and 72 in 2012. In the years prior to that, the numbers fluctuated — there were 57 in 2011, down from the 62 in 2010, which was down from 71 in 2009, the 88 in 2008, 93 in 2007 and the 109 in 2006. Ten years ago, in 2005, there were 105 homicides in Birmingham. (Nick Patterson, writing in WELD)
Why is this happening and what does it say about the city and the greater community? For more, WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley spoke with Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD. Patterson discusses why officials think the homicide rate is up, and what the City of Birmingham is planning with its newly-declared war on crime.
The 2026 Alabama legislative session begins Tuesday
State lawmakers will return to Montgomery Tuesday to kick off the 2026 legislative session. It's the final session for Gov. Kay Ivey. It also comes against the backdrop of statewide elections this fall. For a look ahead to what to expect this session we turn to Todd Stacy, host of Capital Journal on Alabama Public Television.
Who are the figure skaters representing Team USA? Key names and backstories to know
Sixteen U.S. figure skaters are competing in all four Olympic disciplines: men's, women's, pairs and ice dance. The team includes a mix of seasoned vets, world champions and rising stars.
How IVF has led to a record number of single moms in their 40s
Who gets to be a parent has been reshaped by IVF: Single women in their 40s are increasingly opting to become moms.
Exercise is as effective as medication in treating depression, study finds
New research shows exercise is as effective as medication at reducing symptoms of depression. And you don't need to run a marathon to see benefits. So how much is enough?
Marrying for health insurance? The ACA cost crisis forces some drastic choices
While Congress debates bringing back Affordable Care Act subsidies , many Americans have already made life-altering decisions to afford health care.
Celebrities wear pins protesting ICE at the Golden Globes
Some celebrities donned anti-ICE pins at the Golden Globes on Sunday in tribute to Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer last week in Minneapolis.
