Government
Alabama Immigration Law Settlement
Civil and immigration rights groups in Alabama are cheering after the state agreed Tuesday to settle three lawsuits challenging HB 56, the state's controversial illegal immigration law. The move caps two years of legal battles and comes after the U.S. Supreme Court denied Alabama's appeal to restore parts of the law.
Kyle Whitmire: JeffCo Commission Meeting
On Thursday the Jefferson County Commission will be holding a meeting regarding the major sewer creditor groups and the county's bankruptcy exit plans. Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss the possibilities of that meeting.
John Archibald: New Leadership on the Birmingham City Council
Birmingham seated its new city council this week, as expected. But what caught many by surprise is who will lead the board. Maxine Parker is the new council president, a dark horse candidate for the position. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald offers his perspective on the new council. He also says Birmingham could learn from the game of basketball.
Jefferson County’s New Public Defenders Office
It use to be if you're accused of a crime in Jefferson County, Alabama, and are too poor to afford a lawyer, the court would appoint a private attorney to represent you. Starting Monday that changes. Jefferson County now has a single, dedicated public defenders office to handle such cases. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church — The Case for Justice
The bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church occurred on Sept. 15, 1963, but it took decades to put the perpetrators on trial. Why did it take so long? Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church -- The Case for Justice, a special documentary produced by Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM, offers some answers.
John Archibald: What Alabama Power Spends to Influence
Large utility companies often spend millions to lobby and influence public opinion. Alabama Power is no different. But the amount of money Alabama Power spends puts the company far above its peers. We hear details from Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Kyle Whitmire: Audit Reveals Violations at Alabama State University
Birmingham orthopedic surgeon and former Alabama State University trustee Lawrence Lemak reportedly violated the university's conflict of interest policy. A forensic audit released by Governor Bentley’s office says Lemak’s businesses or entities that employed his family members benefited from contracts with the school. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News has the details.
“Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church — The Case for Justice” Airs Oct. 17, 2 p.m.
The bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church occurred on Sept. 15, 1963, but it took decades to put the perpetrators on trial. Why did it take so long? "Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church -- The Case for Justice," a special documentary produced by Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM, will offer some answers when it airs Thursday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. on 90.3 FM and online at wbhm.org.
John Archibald: Take a Hike, Joe Reed
Democrats are something of an endangered species in Alabama. There are no Democrats left in statewide elected office. Republicans hold solid majorities in the state legislature. A part of the reason for that political downward spiral is Alabama Democratic Conference President Joe Reed. That’s according to Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Birmingham 2013 City Runoff Election Results
Birmingham City Council member Kim Rafferty won a narrow victory to hold onto her seat in Tuesday's runoff election. Voters also picked winners in other city council and school board races. We have unofficial results from Tuesday's runoff. election.
Kyle Whitmire: Bankruptcy Exit Plan
Kyle Whitmire with the Birmingham News and Al.com gives a detailed update on Jefferson County's bankruptcy exit plan.
John Archibald: Government Reboot and Mellencamp’s Advice for Alabama
The federal government shutdown is now in its third day with little sign of a breakthrough between Democrats and Republicans in Washington. But Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says we don't need a government shutdown. We need a government reboot. He also talks about what Alabama could learn from rocker John Mellencamp.
Kyle Whitmire: Birmingham’s New Budget
This week city officials finally approved a 2014 budget for Birmingham. Plus, Republican Representative Spencer Bachus announced he will not be seeking another term in Congress. Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss this week’s news in Alabama politics.
Congressman Bachus won’t run for Re-election
Political leaders from Birmingham to Capitol Hill are reacting to news today that long-time Alabama Congressman Spencer Bachus will not run for re-election. The Republican has represented Alabama's sixth congressional district since 1993. While the announcement caught many by surprise, some see it as a part of a shifting political landscape in Alabama.
John Archibald: Grades for UA and Lessons from a Madame
The controversy involving race and sororities at the University of Alabama is subsiding. The student newspaper there detailed allegations earlier this month that sorority members were prevented from voting on accepting potential recruits because they were black. Since the dust up at least 11 black women have been granted bids. Al.com and Birmingham News Columnist John Archibald grades the parties involved. He also talks about what Hoover could learn from a famous Birmingham madame.
Kyle Whitmire: November Bankruptcy Court Hearing
A six-page letter from a California firm announcing a November bankruptcy court hearing has been mailed out to JeffCo sewer ratepayers. The letter has caused some concern and confusion. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us to explain.
Kyle Whitmire: JeffCo’s 2014 Budget
On Tuesday Jefferson County commissioners approved a budget that's more than $463 million. The budget includes more money to buy county equipment, a cost of living raise for county workers, and additional funds to reopen the JeffCo jail in Bessemer. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us to explain the specifics of JeffCo's budget.
John Archibald: How far has Birmingham come?
Birmingham is in the midst of what's been dubbed "Empowerment Week," a series of panels, concerts and commemorations leading up to Sunday, the 50th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. The blast killed four girls and severely injured a fifth. On this anniversary AL.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald is considering how far Birmingham has come since the civil rights era.
Kyle Whitmire: Remembering Demetrius Newton
Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News offers insights on the legacy of the late veteran legislator Demertrius Newton. He also discusses the impact of Empowerment week on the city of Birmingham.
John Archibald: Chris McNair Released from Prison
As Birmingham prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, one unexpected observer of the commemoration is Chris McNair. His daughter was one of the four girls killed in the bombing. It's expected though because until last week McNair was in federal prison serving a sentence for corruption. AL.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald talks about McNair's release under a new Justice Department policy.
Kyle Whitmire: JeffCo’s Receiver Updates
Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and the Birmingham News gives us a quick update on the receiver appointment for Jefferson County. He also has the details on where Alabama falls in the list of most corrupt states in America.
Residents Upset by Plan for I-20/59 Redesign through Downtown Birmingham
Every day, about 160,000 drivers make their way along Interstate 20/59 through downtown Birmingham. It’s one of the most heavily traveled stretches of highway in the state, but it’s also accident prone and crumbling from age. The Alabama Department of Transportation is developing a plan to repair and expand the highway. But as WBHM intern Hollie Parrish reports, that plan has drawn a critical response from some residents.
John Archibald: What the Birmingham Election Results Mean
Birmingham voters had their say this week as they went to the polls to select a mayor, city council and school board members. Many incumbents returned to office, with the exception of the Birmingham Board of Education, which will see a wave of new blood. We take a look at the post-election political scene with Al.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald.
Birmingham 2013 City Election Results
Birmingham Mayor William Bell easily won another term in office, while new faces are headed to the city council and board of education. We have unofficial results from Tuesday's election.
Kyle Whitmire: Post Election Analysis
Citizens of Birmingham headed to the polls this week. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News offers his thoughts and analysis on the results.
Kyle Whitmire: JeffCo to Hire a Receiver
This week U.S. District Court Judge Lynwood Smith said the county needs to appoint a receiver. The receiver will select, hire, promote, demote, discipline, or fire Jefferson County employees. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News explains what the appointment of the receiver means for JeffCo residents and those employed by the county.
What do Birmingham Voters Want?
Birmingham voters go to the polls next Tuesday to pick a mayor, city council and school board members. The election comes at a time when the city is garnering positive headlines for a new downtown baseball stadium and entertainment district. But Birmingham’s schools also face the threat of losing accreditation due to a dysfunctional board. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager went to a recent candidates forum to hear what issues voters say are most important to them.
John Archibald: Discontent within the Birmingham Water Works
The split between management and workers can be a source of tension in many workplaces. But for employees of the Birmingham Water Works they seem to be particularly unhappy. AL.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald talks about a "no confidence" letter from employees, a sign criticism of the water works' leadership isn't just coming from the outside.
Kyle Whitmire: Who Is Looking Out For JeffCo Ratepayers?
This week Jefferson County successfully defended its bankruptcy plan from four objectors in federal court. Bankruptcy Judge Thomas Bennett said the objectors did not have standing to object to the county's plan because they were not creditors. Kyle Whitmire explains what this week's hearing means for ratepayers in Jefferson County.
Kyle Whitmire: Who Is Looking Out For JeffCo Ratepayers?
This week Jefferson County successfully defended its bankruptcy plan from four objectors in federal court. Bankruptcy Judge Thomas Bennett said the objectors did not have standing to object to the county's plan because they were not creditors. Kyle Whitmire explains what this week's hearing means for ratepayers in Jefferson County.
John Archibald: Has Being Neighborly Become a Business?
The Birmingham Water Works board objects to Jefferson County’s plan to exit bankruptcy. Also, has being neighborly become a business? And the Birmingham City council fights over just what to name a proposed baseball museum. We talk about all this with Birmingham News columnist John Archibald…
Kyle Whitmire: How to Define a Reasonable Sewer Rate
At the core of Jefferson County's sewer problems is a question of fairness: Are Jefferson County sewer rates reasonable? What defines reasonable? And if they’re not, how do we change the sewer rates? Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and The Birmingham News says there's still work to be done when it comes to creating reasonable sewer rates in Jefferson County.
