News
Special Coverage: Attorney General Jeff Sessions Testifies on Capitol Hill
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee in an open hearing on Tuesday. Senators will likely ask about his recusal from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and what if anything he knew about President Trump reportedly asking former FBI Director James Comey to ease off the inquiry into onetime national security adviser Michael Flynn.
Alabama Receives Best Ever Report on Overall Child Well-Being
Alabama improved last year in 11 of 16 indicators used to measure overall child well-being, according to the national Kids Count Data Book released annually by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
UAB Research Finds Security Risks with Computer Created Voices
As computers get better at mimicking human speech, new security issues arise. Researchers at UAB looked at some of them.
Brothers Basketballing into their 80s at Senior Games
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors are battling for the NBA Championship with guys mostly in their 20s and 30s. But the Twomey brothers are in their 80s. They’re among the more than 10,000 athletes in Birmingham competing for gold.
Business Community Concerned about I-20/59 Bridge Project
The I-20/59 bridge replacement project has Birmingham's business community concerned as investors and developers work to revitalize the area in and around downtown. We talk more about that in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
When the Nation’s Top Polluter Drives a Small-Town Economy
The Miller Electric Generating Plant in West Jefferson is the nation's top greenhouse gas polluter. But it's boosted the town's economy, and many residents aren't concerned about pollution.
A George Washington Museum — in Alabama
A short drive south of Birmingham is a museum that might seem more at home in the nation’s capital. It’s dedicated to George Washington.
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.
Scott Simon Brings Weekend Edition to Birmingham
NPR's Scott Simon brings Weekend Edition Saturday to The Lyric Theatre on June 10. He spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall about the broadcast.
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.
New Report Ranks Alabama Second-Worst in Drinking Water Pollution
Contaminants called perfluorinated chemicals or PFC’s have been detected in the drinking water according to findings released on June 8 by The Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization, in conjunction with researchers at Northeastern University.
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.
Birmingham Launches Film Office as State Lags in Big Productions
Birmingham is investing in a new film office, but Alabama still lags behind Georgia in film incentives.
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.
Stadium vs. Dome: Which is the Better Choice for Birmingham?
Birmingham Business Journal editor Ty West explains the debate around a downtown stadium.
Arc Stories: May 2017 Edition
Birmingham’s own true stories. A man’s encounter with perhaps the world’s worst burglar; a woman overlooks some early warning signs in the pursuit of love; and student recalls a beloved teacher who’s influence doesn’t take root until years later. Originally aired: May 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 26, 2016 at 2 p.m. and […]
Tesla to Boost Charging Sites in Alabama to 10
Tesla is known for fast electric cars with price tags that can easily reach six figures. But this summer, the company plans to produce its first mass-market model. To prepare for more Teslas on the road, the company says it’s expanding its network of charging sites in North America by 150 percent, including in Alabama.
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.
Gardendale School Appeals May Delay Pullout from Jefferson County
The City of Gardendale is expected to take control of the two elementary schools in its city limits on June 1, one of the first steps in pulling away from the Jefferson County School system. But two court filings this week may delay that move.
A Very Sordid Wedding Mirrors Familiar Same-Sex Themes
The sequel to Del Shores' cult film and TV series Sordid Lives debuts in Birmingham Thursday.
Alabama Lawmakers Close Out Legislative Session
Alabama Public Television's Don Dailey discusses the final week of the 2017 legislative session.
Property Values Jump in Birmingham’s Parkside District
Birmingham's Parkside District has seen the highest increase in property values among the city's redeveloping neighborhoods.
Itzhak Perlman Returns to Birmingham
World-renowned Violinist Itzhak Perlman performs at UAB's Alys Stephens Center Sunday. He talks about his career and whether classical music is still relevant today.
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.
Writer Clair McLafferty on Cocktails and the Art of Bartending
Cocktail writer Clair McLafferty talks to WBHM about her new book, The Classic and Craft Cocktail Recipe Book, and about what makes a person a good bartender.
Condoleezza Rice’s Book Explores Democracy, Segregated Birmingham
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has just come out with a new book, "Democracy: Stories from the Road to Freedom." While in Birmingham Monday, she told WBHM’s Sherrel Wheeler Stewart how memories of a segregated Alabama during her childhood have stuck with her and laid the foundation for her latest work.
JeffCo Judge Overturns Alabama’s Workers’ Compensation Law
Birmingham Business Journal editor Ty West discusses a Jefferson County judge's decision overturning the state's workers' compensation law.
Tank and the Bangas, NPR’s Tiny Desk Winners, Coming to Birmingham
Tank and the Bangas won NPR's Tiny Desk contest. The New Orleans-based group was chosen unanimously by judges from roughly 6,000 entries. The group is bringing their spirited, high-energy show to Birmingham Saturday and they spoke to WBHM's Esther Ciammachilli ahead of their gig.
