Issues
Legion Field’s Future Big Topic During Magic City Classic Week
The McDonald's Magic City Classic brings bragging rights about the best band and football team. But some connected to the Classic wonder what happens to the annual matchup and Legion Field once Birmingham’s new downtown stadium is completed?
Most Birmingham-Area Schools Improve From Last Year in Latest Report Card, But Work Still Needed
Two Birmingham-area school systems scored better than last year on the 2018-2019 annual Education Report Card issued by the Alabama State Department of Education.
Changing Climate: Alabama Sees Heat, Storms, Drought and Turtles
Alabama’s a long way from the South Pole, but Jim McClintock knows the places are connected. For decades, the UAB researcher has been witnessing effects of climate change on the polar region. He sees that his state is starting to feel the impacts, as well, and predicts greater changes ahead.
New Park Opens in Birmingham Area Ravaged by Tornado Eight Years Ago
Birmingham’s newest park opened Friday in an area devastated by a tornado eight years ago. The new "One Pratt Park” is a six acre, $8 million park in the Pratt City community.
Birmingham Approves No-Smoking “Health District”
The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday to ban smoking in a portion of downtown Birmingham.
Tax Bills Increase for Many in Jefferson County
The former AT&T City Center, a vacant skyscraper in downtown Birmingham, will have a property tax bill about half a million dollars more than last year's. It's one of many properties, including homes, that can expect to pay more in taxes this year.
Program Uses ‘Horse Sense’ to Improve Communication with Police
For people who have a communicative disorder such as autism, run-ins with police can escalate quickly. To tackle the issue, a local nonprofit recently developed a training program for police and kids, using horses.
Talladega Superspeedway Turns 50
Tens of thousands of fans are expected to pour into the Talladega Superspeedway for the big stock car race this weekend. It will also be a celebration of the iconic track’s 50th anniversary.
One Birmingham City Council Seat Goes to a Runoff; Two Incumbents Returned to the Council
One Birmingham City Council seat will be up for a runoff after none of the candidates won more than 50 percent of the votes in Tuesday’s balloting.
Several Birmingham Special Election Results on Hold Until Wednesday
Special elections for three Birmingham City Council seats, plus renewals for three ad valorem taxes, will not have results declared until Wednesday morning because of an error in the handling of electronic machine memory cards at three different precincts.
Bluesman Henry “Gip” Gipson Dies at 99
Alabama native and blues musician Henry “Gip” Gipson has died. He was 99.
Cyberattacks Like The One On DCH Are Increasingly Common
Officials with DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa are still recovering from last week's ransomware attack. Experts say this kind of cybercrime is becoming more common.
Birmingham Special Election Draws Crowded Candidate Field in District 6
Birmingham voters go to the polls Tuesday to elect council members in three districts. Turnout in the special election is expected to be low, but interest is high in District 6, an area that covers UAB, Titusville, and parts of west Birmingham.
Birmingham Gets Back to Distilling Liquor
The number of distilleries across the U.S. is on the rise. There are more than 1,500 active distillers nationwide, according to the American Craft Spirits Association. WBHM’s Janae Pierre reports, when it comes to spirits, a couple distillers in Birmingham are already on board.
Alabama, Business and Brexit
There’s a lot of unrest around politics in Washington right now, and it’s the same in the United Kingdom as the clock is ticking on a Brexit deal. Andrew Staunton in the UK’s representative in the American South and he visited Birmingham recently.
First Alabama Death Related to Vaping Injury
A man from East Alabama is the state’s first resident to die from a vaping-associated injury, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
Voter Guide: Birmingham Voters to Decide School Taxes, Three Council Seats Tuesday
Voters in Birmingham will head to the polls Tuesday to decide the fate of three property taxes for schools and three seats on the City Council.
Advocates Want Lawmakers to End the Habitual Offender Act
Gov. Kay Ivey’s Study Group on Criminal Justice Policy meets Thursday to talk sentencing. Advocates want the group to address the state’s Habitual Felony Offender Act.
R.E.M.’s Mike Mills: Classical Music Isn’t Stodgy
The bass player talks about his latest project, the Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra, as well as his time with the iconic rock band.
What’s the Future of Legion Field?
It won’t be long before construction starts on the planned Protective Stadium at the BJCC in downtown Birmingham. It’s expected to be finished in 2021. That brings up a big question: what happens to Birmingham’s current stadium, Legion Field?
Drawing a More Diverse Crowd to the Outdoors
There’s a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts who say nature isn’t just for white people. They want recreation groups to do more to attract people of color. The Birmingham Audubon Society organized a trip where black birders led a group to Hale County.
Birmingham to Pilot Ridesharing Service
Birmingham will try a new ridesharing service to offer area residents more public transit options.
Jefferson County Board of Education Makes History With Appointment of First African American as Interim Superintendent
It was a history-making moment for the Jefferson County Board of Education.
Megachurch Presence in Birmingham Schools Sparks Tension
Church of the Highlands, Alabama’s biggest megachurch, has expanded into the inner city, leasing space at two Birmingham schools. But there’s been pushback in the community, some of it highlighting a racial divide.
Can Gov. Ivey Keep Doing Her Job During Cancer Treatments?
Gov. Kay Ivey says her radiation treatments for lung cancer will not interfere with her job as governor. We talk with an oncologist about the likelihood she could continue with business as usual.
Gov. Kay Ivey to Undergo Treatment for Lung Cancer
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday she has lung cancer. This comes after her doctor found a spot on her lung during a routine visit.
Transit Board Approves Fare Increase and Service Cuts
The MAX Transit Board approved its $34 million budget Wednesday, including a fare increase and some service cuts.
New Book Chronicles History of Ruffner Mountain
Birmingham owes its existence to mining. But as coal and iron faded in importance, some of those old mines have gone “back to nature.” The new book "Back to Nature: A History of Birmingham’s Ruffner Mountain" chronicles the history of the vast nature preserve.
Biden at 16th Street Baptist Church Commemoration: ‘Hate is on the Rise’
Sunday marked the 56th anniversary of the bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church. Former Vice President Joe Biden spoke at the memorial observance.
Doug Jones Says He’s Not Attacking the State Democratic Party, He’s Rebuilding It
U.S. Senator Doug Jones says he is trying to rebuild the Alabama Democratic Party, not destroy it. That’s in response to criticism leveled at him by state party chairwoman Nancy Worley. It’s also the latest turn in a leadership fight that’s embroiled Alabama Democrats.
Dan Bynum Chosen as WBHM’s Fall 2019 Fund Drive Artist
We are excited to announce that Dan Bynum is the featured artist for WBHM’s Fall 2019 Fund Drive!Dan says that he wanted to create a design that symbolized and visually narrated the concept of “community.” Since birds flock together and are always moving forward together, he thought that swallows would be a beautiful symbol of […]
Transit Authority Chief Seeks Compromise to Pass Budget
The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority recently rejected a proposed budget that would have increased bus fares to $1.50 and cut bus service. Executive Director Frank Martin says riders aren’t paying enough into the system, and neither is the city of Birmingham.
