WBHM Politics: A Look Back at 2017
What a year! It seemed Alabama politics was on overdrive on 2017. We got a new governor after the previous one was forced to resign in the fallout of an alleged affair. Birmingham voters picked a new mayor, representing a generational change in the Magic City. And of course Alabama voters narrowly selected a Democrat to represent them in the U.S. Senate, the first time that’s happened in 25 years.
It’s a lot to talk about as we look back on 2017. Offering their perspectives are WBHM’s local government reporter Sherrel Wheeler Stewart, Birmingham Times executive editor Barnett Wright and Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
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Judges block appeal to redraw congressional district maps
The three-judge panel unanimously, and for the second time, found that the state drew a map that unfairly discriminated against Black Alabamians.
A woman who killed her in-laws with toxic mushrooms allegedly poisoned her spouse too
Erin Patterson was convicted last month of killing her estranged husband's relatives with a meal laced with toxic mushrooms. Newly unsealed evidence alleges she previously poisoned his meals too.
Why is Perfume Genius obsessed with demented things?
Mike Hadreas, of Perfume Genius, talks about his latest album, Glory, and he performs in an exclusive set for World Cafe.
Justice Department launches grand jury probe of N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James
James prosecuted the president and his companies, winning millions in fines linked to fraud allegations. Her attorney called the probe a "desperate example of the president's campaign of retribution."
EPA plans to end a program that makes solar power available to low-income Americans
The Trump administration plans to end a $7 billion Biden-era program that helps low-income households get solar power.
Germany halts its military exports that Israel could use in Gaza
Germany will stop exporting military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip, in a swift response to Israel's decision to expand its operations in the Palestinian enclave's main city.

