Janae Pierre
Host/Reporter
Janae Pierre is the station’s general assignment reporter and local host of NPR’s All Things Considered.
A native of New Orleans, Pierre has worked and volunteered with several different media organizations, notably NPR affiliate WWNO, the New Orleans Tribune and WBOK 1230AM, where she began as a college intern. In her spare time, Pierre enjoys listening to old vinyl records (she loves that scratchy sound). Some of her favorite artists include Al Green, Gil Scott Heron and Dinah Washington.
In early 2019, Pierre was recognized as the “Best Large Market Radio Reporter” by the Alabama Broadcasters Association. She was also listed on Radio Ink's 2017 “Future African American Leaders in Radio,” and she's the recipient of the 2015 Sophie Aramburo Servant/Leader Award.
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. Talks Alabama Bicentennial and the State’s Reputation
12-13-2019
The grand finale of Alabama’s Bicentennial commemoration is this weekend in the state’s capital. There will be concerts and parades throughout the weekend and appearances from the state’s more notable residents. Alabama native and comedian Roy Wood Jr. is one of them.
Alabama Young Dems Focus: Re-Elect Doug Jones
12-8-2019
The Young Democrats of America wrapped up their national conference in Birmingham Sunday. More than 200 Democrats participated in training sessions to learn to organize in red states like Alabama.
Remembering Slain Alabama Sheriff ‘Big John’ Williams
12-2-2019
Funeral services were held today for “Big John” Williams. He was a popular sheriff allegedly killed by the son of a deputy from a neighboring county. His death has resonated nationwide.
Birmingham Water Works Board Approves Rate Increase
11-26-2019
Birmingham Water Works customers will have slightly higher monthly water bills starting in January 2020.
Questions Loom One Year After Hoover Mall Shooting
11-20-2019
The police killing of 21-year-old Emantic “EJ” Bradford Jr. happened a year ago at the Riverchase Galleria Mall after officers wrongly thought he was the shooter. Alabama’s Attorney General cleared the Hoover police officer of any criminal wrongdoing and so did the Department of Justice. But a lot of questions remain unanswered.
Alabama Democrats Under New Leadership As Legal Battles Loom
11-5-2019
This past weekend, members of the state Democratic Executive Committee removed party chair Nancy Worley and elected state Rep. Chris England chair instead. Worley sued to stop the meeting from happening, but ultimately the Alabama Supreme Court allowed it to go on. An attorney for the faction that pushed for new leadership says looming legal battles are not a cause for concern.
Report Ranks Alabama Worst in the U.S. for Higher Education Cuts
10-28-2019
Alabama has cut per student funding at state colleges and universities more than any state in the U.S. According to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Alabama cut higher education funding by nearly 36% between 2008 and 2018.
Birmingham Ultra Runner Competes in World Championship 24-Hour Race
10-23-2019
Dozens of ultra runners will compete at the World Championship 24 hour race in Albi, France. One of those is Birmingham runner Micah Morgan.
Tax Bills Increase for Many in Jefferson County
10-13-2019
The former AT&T City Center, a vacant skyscraper in downtown Birmingham, will have a property tax bill about half a million dollars more than last year’s. It’s one of many properties, including homes, that can expect to pay more in taxes this year.
Bluesman Henry “Gip” Gipson Dies at 99
10-8-2019
Alabama native and blues musician Henry “Gip” Gipson has died. He was 99.