Cody Short
Local Government & Communities Reporter
Cody was born and raised in Birmingham. She graduated from Tuskegee University in 2015 and moved to Austin, Texas to work in the tech industry. But in 2018, Cody came back to Birmingham to build a career in journalism. Since then, she has worked for Bham Now, Summit Media, and ABC 33/40. Cody has a knack for smart storytelling and podcasting.
As WBHM's local government and communities reporter, she brings an enterprising approach to covering issues that matter. In her free time, Cody loves podcasts, water aerobics, traveling, and spending time with her family.
With the NCAA Tournament in town, Birmingham is ready for thrilling games, an economic boost
Birmingham is hosting NCAA Tournament games this weekend for the first time since 2008. It's the latest addition to the city's growing profile as a sports hub.
Hoover says a girls basketball team’s treatment after topping the boys is a miscommunication
After a parent wrote a Facebook post alleging gender discrimination when a girls' basketball team was denied trophies, Hoover City officials said it came down to policy.
How this year’s Selma Bridge Crossing could mark a community renaissance
President Biden visits Selma for the 58th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday." Residents there are still recovering from tornadoes that ripped through the city in January.
‘White Lies’ sheds light on a prison takeover in Talladega that led to today’s immigration system
Many don’t realize a notable moment that shaped our current immigration system happened in Talladega, Alabama, when Cuban detainees took over a federal prison there.
Birmingham wants to try micro shelters again. Here’s how they’ll be different this time
The pilot program centers around micro shelters from Pallet Shelters, which has built shelter villages for people experiencing homelessness across the country. This is the first program of its kind in Alabama.
Officials break ground on a new $120 million Cooper Green facility
Healthcare leaders say the current building is more than 50 years old and too expensive to maintain.
The Downtown YMCA is closing. Will other Birmingham recreation centers be able to fill the gap?
The closure will leave only one full-service YMCA that’s technically in Birmingham city limits — the Mountain Brook branch.
Santa brings in freezing temperatures for the holidays
After a cold blast of air Thursday night, temperatures will plummet to the teens. Birmingham National Weather Service meteorologist John De Block says it's been a while since it’s been this cold.
Smart homes made affordable for Birmingham residents
According to Alabama Power, smart homes are 35% more efficient than standard Alabama homes being built today.
Birmingham Xpress extends free period through the end of 2022
the Birmingham Xpress bus line will offer free rides until the end of 2022 to increase ridership.
Elias Hendricks brings classical soul to Birmingham with Vox Fortura
Singer and Birmingham native Elias Hendricks has a career that has taken him all over the world. He'll perform with his classical soul group Vox Fortura Sunday at the Lyric Theatre.
Outdoorsy Black Women helps change the face of outdoor activities
Outdoorsy Black Women is a national organization with more than 3,000 members across the country. The Birmingham chapter began in early 2022 and it already has 160 members.
Will the Magic City Classic return to Legion Field next year?
With Legion Field nearly 100 years old and Protective Stadium opening last year in downtown Birmingham, people have questioned if the Magic City Classic will find a new home.
Birmingham’s status as a minor league sports hub gets a major boost from the New Orleans Pelicans
Friday night isn’t just any old preseason game for the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s also a pivotal moment for Birmingham in its quest to be a sports town.
Birmingham’s new Xpress rapid bus line gives residents a new option to travel across the city
The Birmingham Xpress is a single route that runs east to west between Five Points West and Woodlawn. A total of 32 stops take riders by places like Princeton Baptist Hospital, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Railroad Park and Sloss Furnace.
Deion Sanders has ushered in a new era of HBCU football. Will the SWAC capitalize on it?
As a new college football season kicks off, a brighter spotlight will be put on HBCUs in the Gulf South, thanks to the influence of “Coach Prime.”
Imani Perry draws on her hometown, Birmingham, in her new book exploring the South
Perry is an Ivy League professor in New Jersey but a Southerner at heart. She was born in Birmingham, but today she teaches African American studies at Princeton University. In her latest book she argues to truly understand the United States start with the American South.
Secretary of State investigating Bessemer for potential voter fraud
While rumors of election fraud or irregularities have lingered in the city for years, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill confirmed to WBHM his office is looking into allegations of voter fraud in Bessemer this election cycle.
Birmingham’s guaranteed income program aims to help single mothers who face inequality
Sixty percent of all households with children in Birmingham are led by single mothers. That’s one factor when it comes to inequalities working women face.
Civil rights attorney Fred Gray receives the nation’s highest honor
Among the 17 honorees for the Presidential Medal of Freedom award, two of them are civil rights leaders: Fred Gray and Diane Nash.
The historic A.G. Gaston Motel comes back to life with a coffee shop and exhibit
The motel opened in 1954 and became one of the city’s main Black establishments. The motel served as a first-class lodging, entertainment and dining hall for traveling Black people who came to Jim Crow Birmingham.
Woodfin says people without homes won’t be moved from public spaces for The World Games
World Games officials clarified that anyone will be able to walk through and access public areas around venues like Railroad Park, Linn Park, Protective Stadium and the new City Walk, despite those sites being behind security parameters.
Sleeping shelters for homeless people will be built for The World Games. What happens next?
Security parameters will be put in place, restricting access to otherwise public places. People without homes who use some of these public spaces for shelter will have to find other places to be.
Scott Thurmond named Birmingham Police Chief
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Thurmond’s appointment as police chief Thursday. Thurmond succeeds Patrick Smith who announced his resignation as police chief in January citing personal matters.
Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey wins GOP primary in Alabama
Up against eight Republican challengers, Gov. Kay Ivey will move forward to the general election for governor in Alabama where a Democrat hasn't been elected to the office for a quarter-century.
Alabama Republicans weigh-in on their favorite primary candidates
Nine Republicans are for governor in Alabama and six for an open U.S. Senate seat.
Birmingham mayor proposes largest city budget ever
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin introduced a $517 million budget proposal, the largest in city history, during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Birmingham targets motels over illegal activity and blight
Since last fall, Birmingham city officials have sued or taken other measures to shut down the businesses.
The World Games will mean closed roads around Birmingham. Here’s your list
With that number of people coming to the area for the World Games, that will require security boundaries and road closures at several venues.
One year later, where is the Birmingham Civilian Review Board?
A year ago, Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the launch of the Birmingham Civilian Review Board to offer independent accountability for police. But the board doesn't seem to be active.
The World Games were delayed for a year, but did it help with preparedness?
The World Games was originally set to come to Birmingham July 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the large event for a year.
R&B artist Anthony Hamilton brings his Southern flair back to Birmingham
Hamilton discussed touring after a pandemic break, Southern food, and his return to The Magic City.
