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.

Birmingham mayor issues pardon for unpaid traffic fines 

The City of Birmingham pardoned all negligent traffic fines and parking violation tickets that were issued prior to January 1, 2011.

Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination sparks Black Girl Magic in local judges

Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to the high court. But in Jefferson County, Black women already hold many judgeships in the court system.

Birmingham leaders say decision to ban Russian athletes from the World Games ‘a show of solidarity’

The World Games ban was in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week.

World Game medals make their debut in Birmingham, but will soon be all over the world

Medals for the World Games, which will take place in Birmingham in July, were unveiled by city leaders and games organizers Wednesday at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

New Birmingham Public Library board will decide the future of library closures 

The Birmingham Public Library Board will swear in new board members Tuesday afternoon, making a majority of the appointees first timers.   

Alabama native’s play explores Black student unity through co-ed fraternity

The play is centered on a group of Black college students at the fictitious McMillian University, a  small, mostly-White Christian college in Birmingham.

Warming stations become a hot topic as temperatures in Birmingham hit freezing

The City of Birmingham will host a warming station at the BJCC Thursday and Friday night in collaboration with One Roof, an agency dedicated to ending homelessness.

Three Birmingham families on what the Magic City means to them as the city turns 150

Birmingham's first 150 years contains powerful history. But it was also home to tens of thousands of people.

Birmingham Mayor Woodfin sworn in for a second term

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin began his second term Tuesday, continuing his tenure as the city’s 30th mayor.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh announces $15 minimum wage for federal contractors during visit to Birmingham

An estimated 327,000 people across the country could see a pay increase under a new Department of Labor rule announced Monday in Birmingham.

An unlikely place, Lowndes County, has the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Alabama

At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Lowndes County was one of the hardest hit places in Alabama. So when the vaccine became available, doses were rushed to Lowndes and other Black Belt counties by the federal government.

Trash is piling up around some apartments in Birmingham. It is not just about the pandemic

Some people who live in apartments or operate a business around the Birmingham area have complained about trash piling up this fall. It’s reasonable to assume the city should be picking up that garbage, but that’s not the case.

Fans of Legion Field are concerned about its future

Once revered as the “Football Capital of the South,” Legion Field has lost some of its luster in the last 15 years.

Women will hold the majority on the Birmingham City Council over the next four years

Starting this Tuesday, the makeup of the Birmingham City Council changes when it swears in three new members.

Birmingham debuts new tech hub to help solve crime in real time

Birmingham leaders officially opened the city's Real Time Crime Center Tuesday, a project intended to give the Birmingham Police Department new technological tools to help resolve crime more quickly.

Birmingham hosts the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic for the first time

The oldest football rivalry among historically black colleges has made its way to Birmingham. Tuskegee University and Morehouse College will have their first game in the Magic City.

What Is Going On With Tarrant’s City Leaders?

There's been an overwhelming amount of drama in Tarrant over the last year, a small town with less than 7,000 people. Many believe the tensions are rooted in racism and Tarrant’s changing demographics.

Hoyt Leaves Legacy In District Eight After Sixteen Years

For the last sixteen years, Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt has represented areas like Ensley, West End and Five Points West. But Hoyt will leave office next month after choosing not to run for reelection. His last meeting is October 19.

Logan The Entertainer: Good Food and Good Music

Homer Logan has two sides to his life. By day he runs an elementary school cafeteria in Birmingham. At night he's in front of crowds as "Logan the Entertainer."

HUD Secretary Touts ‘Millions And Millions Of Dollars’ Coming To Birmingham For Infrastructure

One day after the Senate passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge visited Birmingham Wednesday.

Birmingham Public Library Honors Civil Rights Leader Shelly Millender Jr.

The Board of Trustees at the Birmingham Public Library honored Shelly Millender Jr. who helped integrate the city’s libraries in 1963.

With A Crowded Field For Mayor, Birmingham Voters Weigh In On City’s Future

Birmingham voters have until next week to send in absentee ballots, and Election Day is fast approaching on Aug. 24. On the ballot, they’ll find a long list of choices for mayor.

Birmingham Expands Hours At Vaccination Clinic, Offers New Incentive Amid COVID Surge

Anyone who visits Legion Field for a COVID-19 vaccine will receive a concert ticket to the Jazz Festival or the Battle of the Bands.

Birmingham Residents Clear Their Traffic Records Quickly With Rocket Docket

The event also helps the court system clear a backlog of cases due to the pandemic.

Developer Partners with Tuskegee Students, Minority-Owned Contractors To Revitalize Old American Red Cross Building

The building has been vacant for 21 years and is poised to offer a more affordable option for living in downtown Birmingham.

Economic Opportunity, Community Policing Among Solutions To Birmingham’s Gun Violence

Birmingham has been riddled with crime for decades, and people are concerned about the increasing number of homicides. So far in 2021, there have been at least 60 homicides in the city of Birmingham, according to data from the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

Five Ways Birmingham Is Celebrating Its 150th Birthday

Mayor Randall Woodfin and the CEO of Vulcan Park and Museum announced this week a series of events to celebrate Birmingham’s 150 anniversary.

Birmingham Mayor Combats Violence Against Children With $125K Incentive

Since January of this year, six children under the age of 10 have been shot in Birmingham, according to police reports. Only one of the shooting incidents has led to an arrest.

Birmingham City Council To Hear $13 Million Vaccine Sweepstakes Proposal Tuesday

Council President William Parker's plan includes gift cards, savings bonds, college scholarships and drawings in an attempt to encourage more people get vaccinated against COVID-19.

City of Birmingham Employees Could Receive One-Time Premium Pay

Birmingham’s 3,500 city employees could see extra “premium pay” later this month. The city council approved the one-time payments as a “thank you” for their work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Low Likelihood of Matched Bone Marrow Donors Amongst African Americans

When patients with certain blood cancers are looking for a cure, their options begin with finding a bone marrow match. But for African Americans, bone marrow matches are much harder to find.