Issues
Fighting Blight: More Demolitions, Tougher Code Enforcement in 2016
It’s not unusual to drive along some inner city Birmingham streets and see well-maintained homes alongside burned structures and weed-infested lots. For years, residents have complained, and, if they were lucky, some lots and abandoned property were cleared. This year, with millions more in the budget and new laws with penalties for owners who don’t maintain their property, the city is hoping to stop blight in its tracks.
Alabama Lawmakers Propose Vote on State Lottery
State Senator Jim McClendon, a Republican from Springville, has proposed a bill that would allow Alabamians to vote on whether or not they want a state lottery.
Birmingham Mayor Delivers State of the City Address
Birmingham Mayor William Bell says the city is experiencing a renaissance. That’s the message Bell offered Tuesday in his State of the City address given to the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
Committee Could Decide the Fate of the Jefferson County Courthouse Murals
Back in September, the Birmingham chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples (NAACP) petitioned the Jefferson County Commission to remove two murals that currently hang in the entrance way to the county courthouse.
Birmingham’s Blight – Ravaged Inner City Communities Ready for Change
Birmingham has received national attention for its booming downtown revitalization and new development projects. But that's not the whole story. Less than a mile from downtown gems like Railroad Park and Regions Field, inner city neighborhoods struggle with decaying, abandoned homes and buildings.
Alabama Republican Committee Calls on House Speaker to Suspend Leadership Position
The Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee passed a resolution Sunday calling on House Speaker Mike Hubbard, who is awaiting trial on 23 felony ethics charges, to suspend his leadership position.
A College Football Edition of Magic City Marketplace
University of Alabama fans are pulling for a win in tonight’s national college football championship game in Phoenix. Meanwhile, Auburn University finished its season much closer to home in the Birmingham Bowl last month. This year’s bowl game drew almost 60,000 to Legion Field. That’s something city leaders cheered, but they also put a lot of money into the game. We talk about that this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Governor Bentley Addresses Suing Feds Over Refugees
Governor Robert Bentley announced Thursday that he filed a lawsuit against the federal government alleging they violated the Refugee Act of 1980. Bentley held a press conference about this and WBHM’s Esther Ciammachilli was there. She talked to WBHM's Rachel Lindley about what the governor had to say.
Alabama Sues Federal Government Over Refugee Resettlement Program
Alabama has become the second state to sue the U.S. government over refugee resettlement, accusing the Obama administration of failing to consult with states on placement of those who have fled their home countries.
More Computer Education Training Coming For Alabama Teachers
Alabama school teachers will get more opportunities to train as computer science teachers through an expanded partnership with At College Ready, the Alabama State Department of Education and CODE.org
What’s Next For “It’s Nice to Have You in Birmingham” Trademark Debate?
The future of "It's Nice to Have You in Birmingham" is still up in the air. Last year, local design studio Yellowhammer Creative filed a trademark application for the phrase. They've used it on murals and t-shirts, and argue it's become synonymous with their brand. But three parties are petitioning Yellowhammer's application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Death at Building Trades Towers: Southside Apartment Building’s Troubled Past
The Birmingham Building Trades Towers Southside is still vacant after a fire forced the elderly residents, most of the poor, from their homes in October. Since this incident, Al.com's Amy Yurkanin has uncovered disturbing information about the property, past and current tenants and its elusive owner who lives out of state.
Probate Judges Caught Between Competing Orders on Gay Marriage
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore says probate judges should not be issuing marriage licenses to gay couples despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year legalizing same-sex marriage. Moore's order released yesterday says an earlier state-level directive is still in effect and suggests the U.S. Supreme Court decision only applies to the states specifically mentioned in the case. A few probate judges have stopped issuing marriage licenses pending advice from attorneys. Jefferson and Montgomery counties' probate judges say they'll continue to grant licenses to all couples. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the situation.
Alabama Chief Justice Orders Stop to Same-Sex Marriage Licenses
Alabama Chief Justice, Roy Moore, issues an order to all probate judges regarding the state’s law on same-sex marriage, and Alabama lawmakers and community leaders address issues of gun rights in the wake of President Barack Obama’s executive order that expands background checks for gun buyers. More on this from Kyle Whitmire, political columnist for […]
State Auditor Says Governor’s Mansion Restoration “Poor Stewardship” of BP Funds
State Auditor Jim Zeigler is accusing Governor Robert Bentley of misusing oil spill money from BP. In a statement released today, Zeigler says a reporter and photographer from the New York Times are in Alabama looking into Bentley’s use of $1.8 million of BP money to restore the governor’s mansion at the Gulf in Baldwin County. The property has been abandoned since 1997 after suffering hurricane damage.
Judge Roy Moore: No Marriage Licenses To Same-Sex Couples In Alabama
Alabama State Supreme Court Justice Chief Roy Moore issued an administrative order today saying Alabama probate judges should not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Chief Justice Roy Moore argues the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling on same-sex marriages only applies to the states specifically listed in that case. Chief Justice Moore’s 4-page order says Alabama’s law and amendment banning […]
Charter Schools Expected to Open in Alabama in 2017
Charter schools are expected to open in Alabama in 2017.
Alabama Students Want More Sex Education
Alabama has a sexually transmitted disease problem. The most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control show higher than average, and, in some cases, rising STD infection rates.
Bentley Calls on Congressional Delegation to Fight Obama Order on Guns
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley is calling on the state’s congressional delegation to fight President Obama’s executive order on guns. Bentley released a statement Monday evening.
What to Watch for in 2016 Birmingham Business
With 2015 in the books, a new year lies ahead with hopes and possibilities. To kick off another year of Magic City Marketplace, Birmingham Business Journal editor Cindy Fisher Crawford explains what to watch for in 2016 as it relates to Alabama’s business community.
What Will 2017 Bring for Birmingham’s Economy?
We talk about what is expected in the Birmingham area economy in this week's Magic City Marketplace.
A Year-end Political Review with Columnist John Archibald
Alabama politics had a busy 2015. It's a year that saw the return of UAB's football program, the legalization of gay marriage and the end of Governor Robert Bentley's marriage. The year provided a steady stream of fodder for Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald. He looks back over those key stories.
Could Long-Time U.S. Senator Richard Shelby be Dethroned in 2016?
Alabama is bracing itself for a busy election cycle; not only for the presidential race and the new SEC Primary March 1, but also for a Congressional seat that’s up for grabs in Alabama in 2016. And, a recent report from a public policy research group shows the state is still struggling to bring in […]
Trisha Powell Crain on Top Education Stories of 2015
This year has been extremely busy on the Alabama education beat: a study commissioned by the state education department itself called school funding inadequate and unequal; state Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh floated a draft bill that could, among other seismic shifts, tie teacher pay to student test results; and, as Alabama School Connection’s Trisha […]
Uber Up and Running in Birmingham
Ride hailing services are set to begin operating in Birmingham this afternoon. Uber has confirmed that users should be able to hail rides from their smartphones beginning at 4 p.m. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft let people use smartphone apps to book and pay for rides.
Those Economic Impact Studies Don’t Always Add Up
We hear politicians touting economic impact numbers for football games, proposed stadiums or a new factory. But those numbers may not match what happens in reality.
Arc Stories: Holiday Edition
‘Tis The Season: Stories about the Holidays: A Christmas gift that completely changed the trajectory of on man’s life; the first time a little-girl gets a glimpse of the adult world; and a confession 20 years in the making, as a boy searches his parents house for that Christmas gift he really wanted. Originally aired: […]
Christmas in Birmingham, 1920: The Dueling Santa Clauses of Loveman’s and Pizitz
During the Christmas season, Santa Claus is everywhere. And, if he’s not, a Santa suit can be had for a mere $40. But it didn’t used to be that way. This Christmas eve, Local pop culture historian Tim Hollis tells WBHM of a Birmingham Christmas past, when the city’s two largest department stores, Loveman's and Pizitz, fought for the title of Santa’s official Magic City headquarters. A word of caution for those of you listening with young children: this story touches on some Christmas secrets.
Birmingham Council President Racks Up $18,000 in Cell Phone Fees
Birmingham City Council President Johnathan Austin has taken many trips to conventions and meetings on the taxpayers' dime, but city coffers haven't just paid for his hotel rooms. Austin has racked up more than $18,000 in international roaming fees on his cell phone and other electronic devices. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the situation.
Severe Weather Expected Wednesday Across Alabama
National Weather Service forecasters say strong storms will pop up across Alabama today bringing heavy rain, the potential for golf ball-sized hail and possibly tornados. The greatest risk is north of Interstate 59 but severe weather could still affect portions of the state to the south.
Found Sound: The Alabama Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Memorializes Buster Norris
A "found sound" story of organ recordings from the Alabama's Theatre's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
