Government
This Week in Montgomery: Minimum Wage, Lottery and Common Core Repeal
From the lottery to minimum wage to Common Core, it was a busy past few days for the Alabama Legislature. Here to catch us up on all this week’s action from Montgomery is Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal. To start, Dailey told WBHM’s Rachel Lindley about a bill aimed at blocking Alabama cities from raising their minimum wage.
Community Leaders Meet to Discuss Plans for Green Space Under I-20/59
Last week, representatives from REV Birmingham and consultants Barge Waggoner and Cannon met with community leaders to discuss possibilities for the 6,600 foot stretch of land under I-20/59. The consultants presented a plan for creating usable public green space under the interstate. For more on this, we talk to Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD. Patterson says people at the public meeting were divided on what to use the space for, some calling for public space, and others calling for more parking.
Keeping up with South Carolina and a Political “What if”
Whether it's grades in school or keeping up with the Joneses, it's hard not to compare yourself to others. States aren't immune from that tendency either. For years, Alabama found itself ahead of South Carolina on measures such as jobs and population. That's no longer the case. We talk about what to take away from that comparison with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald. He also talks about a political "what if" that happened 50 years ago this week.
Alabama IRS Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Taxpayers Identities
An Alabama woman has pleaded guilty to identity theft and fraud in a tax scheme.
Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Visits UAB for Black History Month
UAB Hosted a discussion with one of the founders of the social justice movement Black Lives Matter Monday evening. While the event was scheduled around Black History Month, the conversation was focused in the present.
Federal Officials OK Change to Alabama Medicaid Program
Federal officials have approved Alabama's plan to switch its Medicaid program to managed care. Governor Robert Bentley made the announcement in a Tuesday press conference. The waiver approval comes after three years of planning and negotiation with federal officials over the proposed change.
Bill Would Stop Removal of Confederate, Historic Markers
As some cities make the decision to shed Confederate monuments, some Alabama lawmakers want to prohibit those removals unless legislators say it is OK. The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee on Tuesday will hold a public hearing on the bill titled the "Alabama Heritage Protection Act."
New Law Could Simplify Restoring Voting Rights for Felons
For millions of Americans, past criminal convictions mean they can no longer vote. Getting back that right in many states is straightforward: serve your time, do probation, and have your voting rights restored. But in Alabama, those with felony convictions face enormous struggles ––especially when they’ve committed certain crimes. We’re talking about crimes of moral turpitude. If you’re confused, you’re not alone.
Governor Talks Poverty Reduction, Prisons in Birmingham Speech
Governor Robert Bentley spoke about reducing poverty, improving rural healthcare and consolidating prisons in a speech Friday afternoon in Birmingham at the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s annual meeting. The remarks were largely a recap of his State of the State Address on Tuesday.
State Legislature Focuses on Budget, Common Core in First Week of Session
The 2016 Alabama legislative session began Tuesday with bleak budget projections and an ambitious State of the State address from Governor Robert Bentley. Here to catch us up on all this week’s action from Montgomery is Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal. Dailey told WBHM’s Rachel Lindley that tensions at the statehouse weren’t as high as expected.
Hoover Schools Unveil New Zoning Plan, Schedule Meetings For Parent Feedback
Parents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed plan at four smaller meetings throughout the district this month.
Birmingham Becomes First City in Alabama to Ban the Box
The mayor of Birmingham announced today new hiring practices aimed at curbing discrimination against those with past criminal convictions. Birmingham now joins the ranks of other states and cities banning the box. Mayor William Bell said too often, those with past criminal convictions are automatically rejected by employers. “And it’s all because of that box […]
Governor’s Speech Creates Budget Confusion
Montgomery is buzzing now that the Alabama legislature is back in session. Governor Robert Bentley entered the fray Tuesday night with his State of the State Address. The governor offered a long list of proposals including tearing down and building new prisons, free community college tuition for low-income students, increased broadband access and incentives to improve healthcare for rural areas. The question of how to pay for all of this is mostly unanswered. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says this just creates confusion around the state's budget.
Bentley’s “Great State” Plan Lacks Funding Details
The Alabama Legislature is back to work and Governor Robert Bentley announced his Great State 2019 Plan at his State of the State address last night. AL.com’s Kyle Whitmire discusses where funding for this plan is going to come from.
Zeigler: Send Prisoners Away From Alabama to Ease Overcrowding
Governor Robert Bentley isn’t doing enough to save taxpayers money. That was the core message of state auditor Jim Zeigler’s rebuttal of the governor’s State of the State address. Zeigler offered a few ideas, including this one: instead of building “four-star prison hotels”, ease overcrowding by letting prisoners volunteer to move at least two states away and get jobs.
Birmingham City Council Split Over I-20/59 Bridge Replacement Project
Birmingham City Council President Jonathan Austin withdrew a resolution today expressing opposition to a plan from the state transportation department to rebuild and expand Interstate 20-59 through downtown Birmingham. Critics of the plan say it cuts off neighborhoods from the city center, blunts economic development and that alternatives should be explored.
Join WBHM for State of the State Address
WBHM in partnership with Alabama Public Television will broadcast Governor Robert Bentley's State of the State Address this evening. The governor is scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m. in the Old House Chamber of the State Capitol. The governor will outline his agenda for the legislative session which starts today. WBHM will also carry the Democratic response from Rep. Darrio Melton of Selma.
Majority of Alabamians Willing to Pay More for Education and Healthcare
A majority of Alabamians believe key state services are not adequately funded and would be willing to pay more in taxes to avoid cuts in education and healthcare for the poor and elderly. That’s among the findings of an annual public opinion survey conducted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama.
Support Strong for Governor’s Costly Legal Battles
There are a few issues that have come up again and again around the 2016 elections, and Governor Robert Bentley has recently gotten in the middle of them—namely through the legal system. And that can be expensive for the already cash-strapped state. But are Alabamians willing to go along for the potentially costly ride? Ask […]
The 2016 Alabama Legislative Session Begins Tuesday: Here’s What to Watch
The 2016 Alabama legislative session kicks off on Tuesday. From the lottery to tightening the state budget to teacher pay, this year’s session will be full of important and controversial issues. Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal, spoke to WBHM’s about what folks should expect this year.
Election Fear…Over the Candidates
Surveys show voters are anxious this election cycle. NPR’s Mara Liasson reported earlier this week that issues such as stalled economic progress, terrorism and demographic shifts have people on edge. Seems the candidates themselves could be added to the list.
State Job Cuts and Reflections on Witnessing an Execution
Alabama lawmakers start the 2016 regular legislative session next week. They'll be talking about money and budgets and they'll be looking at a state payroll down nine percent since 2010. As state coffers took a hit post-recession, many agencies let people go. But most of the pain has not come from the top. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the job cuts. He also reflects on witnessing executions as the state executes its first inmate in more than two years.
The Low Price and High Cost of Heroin
Heroin overdose deaths are on the rise nationally. In Jefferson County, deaths increased by more than 140 percent in 2014. The numbers were shocking: Heroin caused or contributed to 144 deaths in 2014. Area law enforcement responded by increasing efforts to get traffickers and drugs off the streets, especially in Birmingham.
We Want to Hear from You about the Election!
We want you…to help with a political reporting project. Here’s what it’s about. As the election season heats up, surveys report voters across party lines are feeling anxious and angry. Issues such as stalled economic progress, terrorism and demographic shifts have people on edge.
Alabama Eligible for Federal Disaster Relief Following Storms
Alabama is eligible for federal aid to assist in repairing damages caused by severe storms that moved through the state late last year. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid is available to Alabama as a supplement to state recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding […]
Birmingham’s Police Chief on Combating Violent Crime in 2016
Birmingham finished last year with the highest number of homicides since 2008. That has city leaders worried, and pledging to put an emphasis on combating gun violence in 2016. And, according to Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper, Birmingham’s also seen a rise in violent crimes committed by young offenders.
Friday’s Winter Weather and School Dismissals
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory starting at 9 O'clock for cities including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Gadsden and Anniston as snow is expected to fall across the state Friday.
Alabama’s Death Penalty System Faces New Scrutiny
Alabama executed a death row inmate Thursday evening for the first time in more than two years.Christopher Brooks died by lethal injection for the 1992 rape and murder of a Homewood woman. But Alabama’s death penalty system is facing new scrutiny after a U.S. Supreme Court decision this month overturning Florida’s process.
Jefferson County Groups Engaging in Unseemly Endorsement Process
Republican presidential contender Donald Trump grabbed headlines this week with the endorsement of former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Alabama-based organizations are rolling out their endorsements too. But one Birmingham group is going about endorsing candidates in a way that very clearly reveals the ugly underbelly of politics. To explain is Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Sanders Tells Black Voters U.S. Must Confront ‘Institutional Racism’
It’s not just Iowa and New Hampshire where Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders will have to perform strongly to win the Democratic nomination. He’ll also need to do well on March 1st, this year’s Super Tuesday. That's when a dozen, mostly southern states hold presidential primaries and caucuses. And in many of those states, African-Americans are a key Democratic voting block. That’s one reason Sanders spent Monday night in Birmingham celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Correspondence That Shaped the Jefferson County Courthouse Murals
Since last Fall, the Jefferson County Commission has been debating what to do about the murals in the foyer of the county courthouse.
Madison Officer Acquitted of Excessive Force Charges
A federal judge in Alabama has thrown out a case of an officer accused of using excessive force against an elderly Indian man. This comes as prosecutors were considering a third trial. U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala granted a motion of acquittal Wednesday in the case of Madison police officer Eric Parker. Parker was accused […]
