Rachel Osier Lindley
Rachel Osier Lindley is News Director at WBHM in Birmingham, Alabama. She works to shape WBHM’s local news coverage and increase the station’s news collaborations in the community.
Rachel grew up outside of Chicago where her best friend was her boom box. When they weren’t sitting on her porch listening to WDCB, they were busy recording radio plays with the kids down the block. Rachel continued blossoming into an AV geek at Riverside Brookfield High School. There, she was actively involved in the school’s broadcast program. She hosted a morning radio show and a talk show on the school’s cable access TV station.
She attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. At UT, she was a DJ and Programming Director for KXRX, the student-run radio station, and a news intern at KUT, Austin’s NPR affiliate. She also participated in NPR’s Next Generation Radio Project.
After college, she spent over 7 years in Marfa, Texas where she was part of the team that started KRTS Marfa Public Radio, the regional public radio station for all of rural Far West Texas, and KXWT West Texas Public Radio, serving Midland and Odessa. During her time in West Texas, she also earned an MBA from Sul Ross State University.
Rachel and her husband, Chase, are the lucky parents of three sons and one dog. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, exploring Birmingham, and thinking about work.
WBHM Wins Seven Regional Murrow Awards
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM/WSGN 91.5 has won seven 2015 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association. The awards recognize the best electronic journalism produced by radio, television and online news organizations around the world.
NPR’s Cokie Roberts’ New Book, “Capitol Dames,” On The Women Of Civil War Washington
This month marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Much has been written about the men behind the military and political forces on both sides of the conflict. But what about the women’s stories? In her new book, Capitol Dames, Cokie Roberts tells the stories of how American women saw and influenced the war, from the sidelines of battle and the sidelines of political power. Roberts will speak and read from her book Tuesday, April 21 at the Doubletree Hotel in Birmingham. The event is presented by the Alabama Booksmith, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit WBHM.
Birmingham Awarded 3-Star Sustainability Certification
Birmingham was awarded a three star rating by the STAR Communities on Friday. STAR stands for "Sustainability tools for assessing and rating communities." In a ceremony at UAB, Mayor William Bell addressed the crowd about his vision for a sustainable Birmingham. But, as the weekly newspaper WELD reports, the city still has a ways to go. Nick Patterson, the editor of WELD joins WBHM to explain where the city needs to show some improvement.
Alabama Courts Couldn’t Function With Proposed Cuts, Says Chief Justice Roy Moore
Representatives from Alabama's court system, law enforcement officials and the Department of Health and Human Resources all spoke before the Alabama House this week, describing what proposed budget cuts would do to their organizations. We hear more about the bleak outlook from Don Dailey, the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television. He joins us most Fridays during the legislative session.
State Courts Underfunded Despite Rising Court Fees
In Cleburne County Alabama, a speeding ticket could cost you about $20. But after the fees kick in, you could end up owing almost $300. Alabama Media Group political commentator Kyle Whitmire reports that, while the state is staunchly against new taxes, rising court fees are being used more and more to fund general government operations.
Check Out WBHM’s New “Listen More, Know More” T-Shirt
Support Your Local Public Radio Station In Style For the Spring 2015 Fund Drive, WBHM has a new t-shirt designed and hand-printed by Birmingham’s own Yellowhammer Creative. This special vintage-look “Listen More, Know More” t-shirt is printed on a soft cotton Tultex t-shirt. Show off your WBHM pride in this stylish shirt! It’s sure to start […]
Metal Artist David Matson Creates Golf Divot for WBHM
Perfect for the public radio golfers. The WBHM call letters form a golf divot tool for use on your favorite course. Designed and made by Birmingham metal artist, David Matson. It's made out of 14-gauge stainless steel -- a serious tool and piece of functional art.
Why I Support WBHM: Mina Khan
Mina Khan is a WBHM member from Trussville. To start her day off right, she tunes into Morning edition during her hour-and-a-half commute. “When I have to start my day at work,” she says, “I cannot sit and listen to a story that’s so engaging that I don’t really want to turn off my radio.”
Artist Paul Wilm Tells The Story Behind His WBHM Design
WBHM has once again partnered with a local artist to create a unique pint glass for members. Artist Paul Cordes Wilm has created a custom and public radio-inspired design for the station emphasizing Alabama’s connection to the world and the world’s connection to Alabama through WBHM.
Local Artist Creates ‘Functional Art’ Bottle Opener For WBHM Pledge Drive
For our Spring Pledge Drive, WBHM partnered with several Birmingham artists and companies to create unique thank you gifts for members. What goes great with a WBHM pint glass? A WBHM bottle opener! Local artist David Matson created these little works of art that also double as bottle openers for WBHM. With a donation of just […]
Heads of Alabama Prison, Medicaid and Mental Health Systems Say Budget Cuts Would Hurt
Alabama’s facing a general fund budget shortfall. Governor Robert Bentley told law makers Wednesday that state agencies would see sever cuts if taxes aren't raised. Here to recap the budget conversation in Montgomery this week, and more is Don Dailey. He’s the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television, and he joins WBHM each Friday during the legislative session. To start, Dailey tells’ WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley how heads of the state’s prison, Medicaid and mental health systems described how’d they’d deal with budget cuts to state legislators.
A History Of Tuberculosis In Alabama
Homewood residents were startled late last month when Homewood City Schools announced that a freshmen at Homewood High School was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). For most people, the respiratory disease tuberculosis is an anachronism, but it still kills more than a million people each year, mostly in developing countries. "Not surprisingly, TB has a long history in Alabama as well," says Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD. Patterson recently wrote about TB's history in Alabama. He says, in the 50's, TB was a leading cause of death in Jefferson County.
Alabama Bill Brings Religious Freedom Debate Into The Classroom
Kyle Whitmire from the Alabama Media Group joins WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley to discuss HB1, which would allow “the free exercise of student-led religion in school.” Plus more on Governor Robert Bentley and the harsh criticism he's facing from state politicians and the public over his proposed tax hikes.
Senate Passes Prison Reform Bill,Draft General Fund Budget “Bleak”
Prison reform and the General Fund budget were at the top of the agenda for Alabama legislators this week. Thursday, the Alabama senate passed a comprehensive bill aimed at relieving Alabama’s overcrowded prison system. Earlier this week, state lawmakers got a sneak peek at what the budget could look like next fiscal year if the state pulls in no new revenue.
Poll Shows Majority Of Alabamians Would Pay Higher Taxes
Alabama General Fund faces a deficit of around $250 million. On Wednesday, the legislative General Fund committee circulated a draft of what Alabama’s budget would look like without adding any new revenue. State agencies could see cuts of 11.5 percent or higher next fiscal year. Even facing those numbers, many Republican Alabama lawmakers are balking […]
What’s In Alabama’s Prison Reform Bill?
Alabama's prison reform bill was approved today by a 31-2 vote in the Alabama Senate. The bill contains major changes to the state’s sentencing and probation rules with the goal of reducing prison over-crowding. Alabama's prisons are currently at almost 200 percent capacity. The bill was crafted by the Alabama Prison Reform Task Force with the help of The Council of State Governments, a nonprofit that works with policymakers across the country. WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley spoke with Andy Barbee, research manager with The Council of State Governments about some of the most important policy changes in the Alabama Justice Reinvestment Act and how Alabama’s challenges rank nationally.
Alabama Obstetrician Turned Lawmaker Withdraws Controversial Bill
Republican State Senator Larry Stutts got into some hot water this week after an unsettling connection between his past and a bill he proposed came to light. Stutts said Tuesday that he will no longer push legislation to repeal "Rose's Law." The 1999 law requires a minimum postpartum hospital stay— unless the woman gives written consent — and certain bloodwork before a woman is discharged from the hospital.
Supreme Court Decision Causes Concern
Though the Alabama Legislature was on Spring Break this week a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court has state lawmakers concerned. On Wednesday a divided Supreme Court said a lower court must review whether Alabama's Republican-led legislature relied too heavily on race when it redrew the state's voting districts in 2012.
Obama To Speak On Payday Lending
President Barack Obama visits Birmingham Thursday. He'll speak at Lawson State Community College about payday lending. It's a big business in Alabama -- one of the states with the most payday lenders per capita.
Fighting Heroin Abuse and Overdose Deaths
Heroin use has exploded in Alabama, with heroin-related deaths more than doubling in Jefferson County last year. All this week, WBHM explores the heroin problem in our series Heroin in Alabama. We'll hear what schools, law enforcement, the courts, and others are doing to fight heroin abuse and curb overdose deaths. To start, a look at the scope of the problem and how we got to here.
Governor Bentley Signs Charter School Bill Into Law
Governor Robert Bentley has signed a bill to allow charter schools in the state.The governor's spokeswoman said Bentley signed the GOP-championed bill into law on Thursday. Between the charter schools, the Alabama Accountability Act and 2-year colleges, it was a big week for education in the Alabama Legislature. Here to catch us up is Don Dailey. He's the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television.
Birmingham Chosen For Community Pilot Program
Birmingham is one of six cities recently chosen for a pilot program designed to strengthen police and community relationships.
Kyle Whitmire: Diluting The Birmingham Water Works Board
Alabama's largest water system is run by the Birmingham Water Works Board. Its holdings expand well beyond the city and even Jefferson county. The board's members are appointed by the Birmingham City Council, but in recent years the state legislature has stepped in, trying to change the composition of the board. Here to talk more about the issues behind the Birmingham Water Works Board is Kyle Whitmire. He’s a political commentator for the Alabama Media group, and he joins us most Wednesdays
Issues & Ales: Heroin in Alabama
Deaths from heroin overdose have increased dramatically in Alabama, doubling in Jefferson County alone last year. Heroin is cheaper than ever, and more and more people who are addicted to prescription painkillers are making the switch, tearing families and communities apart. Why is heroin usage on the rise and what can law enforcement, public health officials, families, parents, and teachers do to combat the growing epidemic? Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM will explore this topic at "Issues & Ales: Heroin in Alabama," Tuesday, March 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at WorkPlay, 500 23rd St. South, Birmingham.
Capitol Journal Update: Same-Sex Marriage, Charter Schools and the Electric Chair
The Alabama House of Representatives has approved legal protections for those refusing to marry gay or other couples. Supporters say it will protect judges and others from having to violate their personal beliefs, those against it say it will lead to discrimination. Alabama Public Television's Don Dailey updates us on that bill, plus more from the state legislature.
Nick Patterson: Alabama Middle School Students Visit Selma
Thousands gathered in Selma last weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery. Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD, tells the story of several Birmingham middle school students who made the journey to Selma. Plus an update on proposed construction at Oak Mountain State Park.
Kyle Whitmire: Selma Boos Bentley and Remembering Gene Edelman
Thousands of people gathered in Selma last weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery. President Barack Obama spoke, along with Georgia Congressman John Lewis and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. But, as Alabama Media Group Political commentator Kyle Whitmire explains, Bentley's reception was less than warm. Whitmire also talks Gene "The Bean Counter" Edelman and Alabama education.
Capitol Journal Update: 2015 Session Off And Running
Alabama lawmakers are off and running now that this year's regular session is underway. The first week began with the governor's State of the State Address. Meanwhile, legislators are already tangling over some high-profile bills. We hear details from Alabama Public Television's Don Dailey.
A Letter From Selma, 50 Years Later
Saturday, March 7 is the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. That's when police beat marches trying to walk from Selma to Montgomery in support of voting rights. While people look back at Selma 50 years ago, the weekly newspaper WELD has published a letter written just 11 days after Bloody Sunday. It offers a unique insight into what some of the people in Selma thought about those events as they unfolded. WELD editor Nick Patterson reads from the letter, which he says "offers a pretty significant glimpse into the mind of one particular facet of the community in Selma."
Remembering The Death That Sparked The Selma Marches
This week marks the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the day police in Alabama beat marchers going from Selma to Montgomery in support of voting rights. Less well-known is the violent confrontation that sparked the Selma marches. It happened a few weeks earlier during a demonstration in Marion, a small town near Selma. A black civil rights activist named Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot and killed.
The 2015 Alabama Legislative Session Kicks off on Tuesday
The 2015 Alabama legislative session kicks off on Tuesday. From prisons to the state's budget deficit to education, this year's session will be full of important -- and even controversial -- issues. Here to give us a preview of what to expect is Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television's Capital Journal.
Area Schools Closed Or Delay Start Thursday
While most of the heavy snow missed the greater Birmingham area, many schools are on delayed starts for Thursday due to the threat of ice and dangerous travel. North of the Birmingham metro, which saw much higher snowfall on Wednesday, some school systems are closed.
