Gigi Douban
News Director
Gigi Douban has reported for public radio since 2006. She’s filed stories for WBHM, NPR, Studio 360, and Public Radio International’s The World. Most recently, Gigi reported for Marketplace, bringing the country stories about toxic landfills, debtors prisons, and lighter fare, like why urinals are ubiquitous in public bathrooms, but not in homes. She's also written for Bloomberg News and Runner’s World, and on occasion, actually runs.
State Lawmakers Consider Eliminating Marriage Licenses
04-17-2019
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling allowing same-sex marriage was a hard pill to swallow for some Alabama probate judges. Some still refuse to issue marriage licenses in their counties. But a proposed bill could force them to comply with federal law.
Alabama Legislature Considers an Abortion Ban and Prison Reforms
04-5-2019
This week Alabama lawmakers considered a bill that would make abortions a felony unless the mother’s health is at risk. And it wrestled with a solution to the state’s prisons crisis.
Lawmakers Consider a Lottery, Medical Marijuana, and Common Core Repeal
03-22-2019
Medical marijuana, a repeal of the Common Core, and a lottery bill were all on the legislative agenda this past week. We take a look at these and other measures lawmakers considered.
Alabama House Approves Gas Tax Increase
03-8-2019
The Alabama House of Representatives on Friday approved legislation to increase the state gas tax by 10 cents per gallon. The tax increase would be phased in over three years
Alabama House Set to Consider Gas Tax Increase
03-8-2019
It’s hard to know how much consensus there will be among Alabama House members on a proposed gas tax increase. The House is set to consider the bill Friday.
Gov. Ivey Calls Special Session Around Gas Tax Proposal
03-5-2019
A gas tax increase, more money for prisons, and a pre-kindergarten expansion were among the legislative priorities Gov. Kay Ivey highlighted in her State of the State address on Tuesday.
MLB Youth Foundation Reassessing Plans for Youth Academy at George Ward Park
03-5-2019
Update – March 6, 2019 The City of Birmingham later provided to WBHM the mayor’s full comment, a portion of which appeared in the BirminghamWatch story below. “I’ll try to make this short. I received a lot of emails and calls and texts and I think I saw the word ‘my,’ ‘our’ more than […]
Crews Ramp up the Search for Lee County Tornado Victims
03-4-2019
Crews in Lee County Monday kicked the search and recovery efforts into high gear, as officials expect the injury and death toll to rise.
WBHM Digital – 2018 – Regional Murrows
02-13-2019
Protesters talk about how they still don’t have answers for the police shooting of #EmanticBradfordJr Protesters talk about how they still don’t have answers for the police shooting of #EmanticBradfordJr https://t.co/lt0QBvsDpI — WBHM 90.3 FM (@WBHM) November 27, 2018 Police line the sidewalk outside Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato’s house. Protestors are here for #EmanticBradfordJr Police […]
Merrill to Testify Before Congressional Committee
02-12-2019
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill plans to testify Wednesday before a congressional committee looking into election security. Merrill is one of a handful of state and local election officials giving feedback on a bill meant to improve the nation’s voting laws. He has issues with some of the provisions in the proposed legislation.
