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Kyle Whitmire Discusses UAB Football Future And The Legislative Session
The much anticipated College Sports Solutions’ report on University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) athletics is now public and the findings are somewhat ambiguous. In essence, it says UAB can control it’s own destiny. But the question remains should the university divert its football funding to running a championship-caliber basketball program, or beg and borrow […]
The Old Paints: Pure Pop And Country From Birmingham
Birmingham band The Old Paints are known for their upbeat sound and a percussionist who plays the log. Yes, that's right, a log. The group draws musical inspiration from artists and bands like Woody Guthrie, Wilco, and The White Stripes. Their second album, This Machine, comes out this summer. For WBHM, Joseph Thornton talked with band members Andy Harris and Breely Flowers about their music and the forthcoming album.
Are Cigarette Taxes A Good Idea For Alabama?
The Alabama Legislature is running out of days this session. Today's the last day that any new revenue raising measure can be introduced and still stand a chance of passing during regular session. And there's still disagreement on how to fill the state's more than $250 million deficit. One idea: cigarette taxes. Governor Robert Bentley's proposed revenue package relies heavily on an 82 cent tax increase per pack.
Community Involvement in a Possible Return of UAB Football
UAB President Ray Watts is expected announce by June first whether to bring back the university’s football, bowling and rifle programs. It’s a decision that many students and alumni have an interest in. The business community is watching too. We talk about it in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
As Newspapers Scale Back, What Happens To Watchdog Journalism?
In the last decade, hundreds of newspapers closed or started publishing less frequently. Locally, The Birmingham News cut back to publishing three days a week in 2012. As newspapers disappear, who is left keep a watchful eye on big business and government? For WBHM, Les Lovoy continues his look at today's media landscape and considers the role of the watchdog journalist.
Steel City Jug Slammers: Delta Blues and Old-Time Jug Music
Birmingham's own Steel City Jug Slammers perform Delta blues and old-time jug music.
Deadline To Introduce New Revenue Measures Approaching
Time is running out for the Alabama Legislature to address the more than $250 million General Fund budget shortfall during the regular session. Next Tuesday is the last day to introduce revenue raising measures that could pass this session.
Judge: Gay Couples Across Alabama Have Right To Marry
A federal judge has ruled that gays and lesbians have the right to marry in all Alabama counties, but placed her decision on hold until the U.S Supreme Court issues a ruling on same-sex marriage.
No Decision Yet On UAB Football Says President Ray Watts
University of Alabama at Birmingham President Ray L. Watt says "no decision has been made yet" on the future of UAB's football, bowling and rifle programs.
Awaiting a Decision on UAB Football
UAB football backers are examining a report released this week that details the viability of bringing back the university’s football, bowling and rifle programs. University President Ray Watts ended those teams in December citing finances. That sparked a huge uproar among students, alumni and some community members. But Watts he says he’ll announce by June 1st if he’ll reinstate those teams. We talk about the report and what’s to come with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
New Website Informs Ft. McClellan Veterans of Possible Toxic Exposure
For decades Anniston’s now closed Ft. McClellan was home to the Army Chemical School and housed substances including sarin gas and nerve agent. The company Monsanto also released toxic chemicals into the environment around the area. Some veterans say exposure to these substances while at Ft. McClellan caused them an array of health problems and have called for compensation from the federal government. Those activists can now claim a small victory.
Birmingham’s New School Superintendent Dr. Kelley Castlin-Gucatan Returns Home, Prepares To Lead
Dr. G begins work as superintendent of Birmingham City Schools on July 1.
Anti-bullying license plate may come to Alabama
The Alabama department of Revenue’s legislative oversight committee gave approval to accept pre-orders for the state’s first ever anti-bullying plate.
UAB and the Alabama System Board of Trustees
UAB football boosters are waiting on a June first deadline to hear whether school leaders will reinstate its football program. But university president Ray Watts’ decision to cut the football, rifle and bowling programs in December sparked a larger conversation about whether the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees exerts too much influence over the Birmingham campus. It may be an education matter, but the business community is weighing in too. We talk about it in this week's Magic City Marketplace with Cindy Fisher Crawford. We'll also hear about a wave of hotel development in Birmingham's city center.
The A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham: A Civil Rights Landmark
Many names are associated with the Civil Rights Movement, but sometimes buildings can hold just as much importance. Once such building is Birmingham's A.G. Gaston Motel. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders stayed there and it served as the headquarters for the Birmingham movement. Marie A. Sutton wrote about the history of the building in her new book.
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM Hires New Announcer/Producer
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM has hired Sarah Delia as a new announcer/producer. Delia comes to WBHM from Northeast Indiana Public Radio in Fort Wayne, Ind., where she hosted All Things Considered. A graduate of James Madison University and The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies, Delia was an intern and production assistant at NPR and was an intern with Studio 360.
