Monthly Archives:
New Law Could Simplify Restoring Voting Rights for Felons
For millions of Americans, past criminal convictions mean they can no longer vote. Getting back that right in many states is straightforward: serve your time, do probation, and have your voting rights restored. But in Alabama, those with felony convictions face enormous struggles ––especially when they’ve committed certain crimes. We’re talking about crimes of moral turpitude. If you’re confused, you’re not alone.
Governor Talks Poverty Reduction, Prisons in Birmingham Speech
Governor Robert Bentley spoke about reducing poverty, improving rural healthcare and consolidating prisons in a speech Friday afternoon in Birmingham at the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s annual meeting. The remarks were largely a recap of his State of the State Address on Tuesday.
WBHM Reporter Dan Carsen Wins Award for Outstanding Coverage of Family Issues
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM’s Southern Education Desk reporter Dan Carsen has won the Council on Contemporary Families 2016 Award for Radio Coverage of Family Issues for his four-part series “Bilingual Education in the South.”
State Legislature Focuses on Budget, Common Core in First Week of Session
The 2016 Alabama legislative session began Tuesday with bleak budget projections and an ambitious State of the State address from Governor Robert Bentley. Here to catch us up on all this week’s action from Montgomery is Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal. Dailey told WBHM’s Rachel Lindley that tensions at the statehouse weren’t as high as expected.
Hoover Schools Unveil New Zoning Plan, Schedule Meetings For Parent Feedback
Parents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed plan at four smaller meetings throughout the district this month.
Birmingham Becomes First City in Alabama to Ban the Box
The mayor of Birmingham announced today new hiring practices aimed at curbing discrimination against those with past criminal convictions. Birmingham now joins the ranks of other states and cities banning the box. Mayor William Bell said too often, those with past criminal convictions are automatically rejected by employers. “And it’s all because of that box […]
“My conservative father just giggled…”
Kathi Rushing of Birmingham…
The art of reading a person’s body…
Tailor Chuck Robertson of Birmingham…
Alabama Actress Keeps Fannie Lou Hamer’s “Little Light” Shining
“I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” ~Fannie Lou Hamer~ Actress and Alabama native Billie Jean Young has has done something not many have; she’s performed the same show more than 800 times on four continents. Her one-woman tribute tells the story of a Mississippi sharecropper turned civil rights activist, whose courage […]
“They learn, I learn… “
ESL teacher Michael Rosato from Birmingham…
Governor’s Speech Creates Budget Confusion
Montgomery is buzzing now that the Alabama legislature is back in session. Governor Robert Bentley entered the fray Tuesday night with his State of the State Address. The governor offered a long list of proposals including tearing down and building new prisons, free community college tuition for low-income students, increased broadband access and incentives to improve healthcare for rural areas. The question of how to pay for all of this is mostly unanswered. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says this just creates confusion around the state's budget.
UAB Football Gains 18 Players on National Signing Day
The UAB Blazers loaded up on junior college players and scooped up Alabama's Mr. Football in their return to national signing day. Coach Bill Clark added 18 players to the roster, including 4 from Alabama. Clark says that's significant.
Bentley’s “Great State” Plan Lacks Funding Details
The Alabama Legislature is back to work and Governor Robert Bentley announced his Great State 2019 Plan at his State of the State address last night. AL.com’s Kyle Whitmire discusses where funding for this plan is going to come from.
Zeigler: Send Prisoners Away From Alabama to Ease Overcrowding
Governor Robert Bentley isn’t doing enough to save taxpayers money. That was the core message of state auditor Jim Zeigler’s rebuttal of the governor’s State of the State address. Zeigler offered a few ideas, including this one: instead of building “four-star prison hotels”, ease overcrowding by letting prisoners volunteer to move at least two states away and get jobs.
Reborn UAB Has Something to Celebrate This Signing Day
The UAB Blazers will have just as much to celebrate on Wednesday as all the programs collecting five-star recruits and gaudy national rankings. The Blazers are back in the recruiting business, and in a big way. UAB, which had eliminated football, might end up with a class of up to 45 players by the end of the annual signing day. Coach Bill Clark and his staff are rebuilding almost from scratch.
Large Tornado Leaves Trail of Damage In Rural Western Alabama
Residents in rural western Alabama are cleaning up this morning after a large tornado left a trail of damage last night as powerful storms moved into the state. The National Weather Service in Birmingham reported a "confirmed large and destructive tornado" on the ground last night near the city of Aliceville, about 45 miles west of Tuscaloosa. Local officials are reporting homes damaged and minor, along with downed trees and power lines.
Governor’s State of the State Highlights Pre-K, Rural Health Care and Prisons
Governor Robert Bentley announced his plans to expand education and training for Alabamians last night in his annual State of the State address. His proposal, which he calls the Great State 2019 plan, will cover a wide range of issues.
Birmingham City Council Split Over I-20/59 Bridge Replacement Project
Birmingham City Council President Jonathan Austin withdrew a resolution today expressing opposition to a plan from the state transportation department to rebuild and expand Interstate 20-59 through downtown Birmingham. Critics of the plan say it cuts off neighborhoods from the city center, blunts economic development and that alternatives should be explored.
Forecasters Say North Alabama at Risk for Severe Storms
The National Weather Service says much of Alabama is in store for a round of bad weather. Forecasters say northern and western Alabama are at risk starting Tuesday afternoon for severe storms that could bring tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and heavy rain.
Join WBHM for State of the State Address
WBHM in partnership with Alabama Public Television will broadcast Governor Robert Bentley's State of the State Address this evening. The governor is scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m. in the Old House Chamber of the State Capitol. The governor will outline his agenda for the legislative session which starts today. WBHM will also carry the Democratic response from Rep. Darrio Melton of Selma.
