What do you want state lawmakers to know?
That’s the question WBHM put to people at our recent News and Brews community pop-up at Church Street Coffee in Mt. Brook. Despite the early hour, those at the shop had plenty to share.
If you could sit down with your state lawmaker, what would you tell him or her? That’s the question WBHM put to people at our recent News and Brews community pop-up at Church Street Coffee in Mt. Brook. Despite the early hour, those at the shop had plenty to share.
Those who work in healthcare voiced concerns about its accessibility. Alabama is one of a few states that doesn’t allow adults access to oral healthcare under Medicaid. Alabama also limits access to physical therapy – a referral by a physician is required.
“Which makes it more difficult to access physical therapy and inhibits people from getting the care that they need,” said Claire Hills.
Education was a big topic. Many called for lawmakers to save Birmingham-Southern College while others advocated for higher wages for teachers.
“We have an awesome group of people here, we just need to pay our teachers more,” Kate McCombs said.
As bills limiting the power of library boards travel through the Alabama legislature, some chose to voice their support of public libraries. Other issues included requiring term limits, making parking more accessible in downtown Birmingham and increasing parental leave.
This audio postcard was produced by Kelsey Shelton and Andrew Gelderman.
New Zealand Parliament suspends 3 lawmakers who performed Māori haka in protest
The suspended lawmakers from the Māori Party performed the haka, a dance of challenge, last November to oppose a widely unpopular bill, now defeated, that they said would reverse Indigenous rights.
New Zealand Parliament suspends 3 lawmakers who performed Māori haka in protest
The suspended lawmakers from the Māori Party performed the haka, a dance of challenge, last November to oppose a widely unpopular bill, now defeated, that they said would reverse Indigenous rights.
3 World War II bombs are defused in a German city’s biggest postwar evacuation
More than 20,000 residents were evacuated from Cologne's city center Wednesday after the bombs were unearthed on Monday during preparatory work for road construction.
3 World War II bombs are defused in a German city’s biggest postwar evacuation
More than 20,000 residents were evacuated from Cologne's city center Wednesday after the bombs were unearthed on Monday during preparatory work for road construction.
Trump issues new travel ban covering a dozen countries
The White House said the action was needed to protect the United States from terrorist attacks and other national security threats, and said the countries lacked screening and vetting capabilities.
In hearings, McMahon faces questions about the shrinking federal role in schools and colleges
In separate hearings on Capitol Hill this week, the Education Secretary answered questions about a range of issues, from student loans to mental health programs.