Government
Changes to Mayor-Council Act Deepening Rift at Birmingham City Hall
Weld investigates changes to the Mayor-Council Act and what Mayor William Bell is doing with his new authority.
Mayor Bell Takes Interest in Delinquent Water Works Customers
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about why all of a sudden Mayor William Bell is voicing concern about the Birmingham Water Works' decision to start cutting off service to customers who are behind on their bills.
Special Coverage of James Comey’s Senate Testimony
Former FBI Director James Comey is testifying before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence this week, speaking publicly for the first time since he was fired by President Trump nearly a month ago. Thursday's public hearing begins at 9 am CT. NPR journalists covering national security and politics have annotated Comey's opening remarks, which the Senate Intelligence Committee released in advance.
Former Lawmaker’s Message Led to Concerns About Property Values
Former State Rep. Oliver Robinson abruptly resigned his legislative seat last November. He recently confirmed to WBHM that he is under investigation. The details of that investigation aren’t known, but reports suggest it’s tied to his interference with efforts by the US Environmental Protection Agency to test for contamination in his former district.
Birmingham Mayor’s Office Releases Proposed Budget
Weld editor Nick Patterson talks about Birmingham Mayor William Bell's proposed city budget.
Monuments Law Adds to Alabama’s Troubled Story
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses a new law that prevents removal of long-standing historic monuments, including those connected to the Confederacy.
Birmingham’s VA Faces Challenges Keeping Wait Times Down
Wait times have been shrinking at the Birmingham VA after zooming up last year, but challenges with space and hiring still remain.
Alabama Lawmakers Close Out Legislative Session
Alabama Public Television's Don Dailey discusses the final week of the 2017 legislative session.
The Great Gun Rights Divide in Alabama
A look at gun rights and ownership in Alabama following the death of a bill in the 2017 legislative session that would've made the concealed carry permit optional.
Former State Lawmaker Discouraged Pollution Cleanup Efforts
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses an investigation that found former State Representative Oliver Robinson tried to discourage efforts to clean up pollution from North Birmingham neighborhoods.
Crowded Field Vies for U.S. Senate Seat
Wednesday was the deadline for candidates to qualify to run for U.S. Senate in this year’s special election. As expected, it’s a crowded field.
Lawmaker Investigation Tied to Pollution Near North Birmingham
Former State Rep. Oliver Robinson confirmed to WBHM he is under investigation. The investigation, as al.com reports, seems to be connected to efforts by the EPA to test neighborhoods in Tarrant and Inglenook for air pollution. Gigi Douban talked with Robinson Tuesday afternoon and offered this update.
Autism Bill May Fall Short in Legislature
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says if bill requiring insurers cover a particular type of autism therapy receives final passage, it would be a miracle.
Alabama’s Exotic Pet Laws Could Soon Change
Nick Patterson, editor of Weld, discusses how Alabama lawmakers are considering changing the state’s regulations on exotic pet ownership.
Judge has Questions for Special Grand Jury Meeting in Birmingham
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses a special grand jury that's been meeting in Birmingham.
UAB Political Scientist Assesses The First 100 Days of President Trump
The first 100 days is the time when the new president could be possibly more successful than later in the term.
Historic Monuments Bill Passes, City Council Raises Blocked
This week in the Alabama legislature, the Senate voted to block a big pay raise for the next Birmingham City Council. And after hours of heated debate Thursday, lawmakers in the Alabama House passed the controversial historic monuments bill.
Roy Moore Announces U.S. Senate Run
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses Roy Moore's announcement he's running for U.S. Senate and how the field of gubernatorial candidates is shaping up.
Savings Uncertain With Birmingham’s LED Street Lights
Birmingham is installing new LED street lights across the city. But while other cities across the country have seen dramatic savings after switching, there's no guarantee Birmingham will see similar savings.
House Approves Autism Therapy Coverage, Monitors Church Day Cares
Members of the state House of Representatives on Thursday passed these two bills many parents across Alabama were watching. Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal talks with WBHM’s Gigi Douban about them.
Bill Would Require Licensing for Religious Day Care Centers
Gigi Douban talked with Reveal reporter Amy Julia Harris, who investigated incidents of abuse and neglect at Alabama’s religious child care centers.
Advocates Push for Autism Therapy Coverage
The Alabama House of Representatives will vote April 20 on a bill that would require insurance companies cover autism therapy. Alabama is one of just five states that doesn’t offer health care coverage for autism.
Widening Rifts and Unfriending in Politically Tense Times
Thirteen percent of people, according to one survey say they blocked, unfriended, or stopped following someone on social media because of what they posted about politics. Haden Holmes Brown takes a look at tensions over politics three months into President Donald Trump's time in office.
Gov. Ivey Briefs Reporters and Lawmakers Advance Autism Bill
The legislature this week tried to get on with business as usual following the resignation of Gov. Robert Bentley on Monday. As Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol […]
Bill Would Allow Birmingham Church to Have its Own Police Force
A bill in the Alabama legislature would let a church in suburban Birmingham do something that appears unprecedented. It would allow this church to have its own police force. Critics say the bill isn’t constitutional and vow a legal showdown.
New Governor Steadies the Ship of State after Bentley Resignation
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses the opening days of Governor Kay Ivey's term in office.
Fourth Graders Witness History as Bentley Exits
Fourth graders from Coosa Christian School in Gadsden were on a field trip to the Alabama Capitol Building as news broke that Governor Robert Bentley would resign.
The Way Forward in Post-Bentley Alabama
Alabama is still absorbing yesterday’s historic news, the resignation of Governor Robert Bentley after he became embroiled in scandal amid allegations he used state resources and intimidation to cover up an alleged affair. But some state leaders are already looking ahead.
Kay Ivey Moves From Lieutenant To Governor
The 72-year-old Ivey held the seat of Lieutenant Governor since 2010; the first Republican woman to hold the office. Ivey is only the second woman to be governor in Alabama.
What to Expect From Bentley Impeachment Hearings
The Alabama House Judiciary Committee begins Impeachment proceedings for Gov. Robert Bentley today. On Friday, Bentley’s attorneys tried to stop the proceedings, and a Montgomery Circuit Judge ruled in their […]
House Judiciary Committee Releases Bentley Impeachment Report
UPDATE: The Alabama Supreme Court stayed the injunction issued by Montgomery County Circuit Judge Greg Griffin against the start of impeachment proceedings, allowing them to go on. Click here for more info.
Ethics Commission Sends Complaints Against Bentley to Prosecutors
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses the the Alabama Ethics Commission's decision to forward complaints against Gov. Robert Bentley to prosecutors.
