News
Living History: A Freedom Rider Shares His Story
The “Freedom Riders” were civil rights activists, black and white, who challenged segregation by riding buses across the South. In 1961 near Anniston, a mob slashed one of those buses’ tires, set it on fire, and beat some of the passengers. Freedom Rider Hank Thomas was one of them.
Morale Improved at Tutwiler After Reforms
Following an investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice that found inmates at Tutwiler were victims of rampant sexual assault and physical abuse. The DOJ investigation also found the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) failed to hold staff accountable. ADOC was forced to overhaul operations and change administration at Tutwiler. Part of the reforms involved hiring staff, like Williams to ensure these changes are being made.
Alabama Industry Hopes For Looser Environmental Rules Under Trump
Birmingham Business Journal reporter Michael Seale discusses what Alabama industries anticipate if President Donald Trump rolls back federal environmental rules.
The Green Book and the Black-Jewish Relationship During Segregation
The Green Book has been described as the Bible for black travelers in the mid-20th century. It featured black-friendly businesses like motels and restaurants where travelers could rest on long road trips. The book’s publisher actually took the idea from a similar book used by Jews.
Week Two of the Legislature: Impeachment Proceedings Gain Momentum, Civics Test Requirement
In its second week of the session, the Alabama Legislature began laying the groundwork for a vote on an impeachment resolution against Gov. Robert Bentley. This after lawmakers put concerns on hold at the behest of former Attorney General Luther Strange, who indicated his office was looking into possible wrongdoing by Bentley. Now legislators are […]
Trump’s Thursday Press Conference, Annotated
President Trump began his press conference Thursday afternoon naming his new nominee for labor secretary, R. Alexander Acosta, a law school dean and former US Attorney. He made an extended opening statement in defense of his administration, trumpeting accomplishments, and then moved on to a range of topics, from the resignation of Michael Flynn as […]
Lawsuits Abound at Birmingham City Hall
A proverbial cat was let out of a proverbial bag at this week’s Birmingham City Council meeting.
New Alabama Attorney General Brings Renewed Attention to Bentley Investigation
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses Alabama's new attorney general and renewed efforts to investigate Governor Robert Bentley.
Transcript and Analysis: Trump and Netanyahu Hold Joint Press Conference
President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday. The two held a joint press conference amid differing messages emanating from the Trump administration about its stance on the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. NPR journalists with expertise in politics, national security, and the Middle East have provided […]
How the Transgender Bathroom Bill Could Affect Business
One item soon to make its way through the Alabama Legislature is the bathroom bill. It’s officially known as the Alabama Privacy Act, and it’s believed to target transgender people. Sen. Phil Williams pre-filed the bill, which requires that an attendant be stationed inside mixed-gender bathrooms. On this week’s Magic City Marketplace, Ty West, editor of […]
Pro-Life, Higher Ed Bills Gain Traction Days Into The Legislative Session
Funding cuts for public colleges and universities that don’t follow federal and state immigration law, and an amendment declaring Alabama a pro-life state were among the issues quickly making their way through the Alabama legislature this week. It mirrors a trend we’re seeing in other states where Republican lawmakers are acting quickly to approve legislation that […]
NPR’s Joe Palca Takes On Jargon And The Politics Of Science
NPR’s nationally known science correspondent Joe Palca is in Birmingham helping UAB celebrate the anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth. He stopped by WBHM, where sometimes-science-reporter and full-time-geek Dan Carsen jumped at the chance for an interview. They cover research bias, education, and science illiteracy, but Joe starts by explaining why he does what he does.
Rise in Anti-Minority Violence Appears Tied to Current Political Climate
There’s been a dramatic rise in hate-related crimes and anti-minority violence in the last year. The Levite Jewish Community Center in Birmingham was evacuated on Jan. 9 following a bomb threat. That incident turned out to be one of dozens of bomb threats at Jewish community centers around the country that day. Groups that track […]
Complaints Around The Birmingham Water Works Board Intensify
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses anger at the Birmingham Water Works Board after billing issues left some customers with unusually high bills. Others were told their service would be cut.
She Brought Water to the Freedom Riders: “I Couldn’t Let It Pass”
There’s a new national monument to the “Freedom Riders, the civil rights activists – black and white – who challenged segregation by riding buses across the South. In 1961, a mob set one of those buses on fire and beat some of the riders. But there’s a lesser-known wrinkle to the story: a little white girl, whose family feared the Ku Klux Klan, brought water to the injured passengers.
Birmingham’s New Downtown Publix Attracts Residents Beyond the City Center
Publix opens its long-awaited downtown Birmingham store. It's a retailer that could have an impact beyond the city center.
As $800 Million Prison Plan Returns This Session, Some Lawmakers Are Skeptical
Governor Robert Bentley is pushing an $800 million dollar prison overhaul for a second time. Lawmakers are expected to debate the bill in the legislative session that starts Tuesday.
Business Leaders Optimistic Lawmakers Will Reauthorize Historic Tax Credit
Birmingham Business Journal managing editor Stephanie Rebman discusses Alabama's lapsed historic tax credit and a new economic development plan for the state.
Housing Authority CEO Looks To Residents To Help Curb Gun Violence
More than 5,000 families live in Birmingham public housing. Lundy says too many residents are either, killed, wounded or affected by guns and violence.
“Sanctuary City” Designation Could be Wishful Thinking for Birmingham City Officials
The Birmingham City Council and other officials want to make Birmingham a sanctuary city. At a meeting this week, the council unanimously approved a resolution granting the designation, which has strong support from residents. Not long after the council’s vote, however, Governor Robert Bentley shot the move down.
Alabama Legislature To Kick Off New Session With More Deliberate Approach
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses the upcoming Alabama legislative session.
Alabama GOP Leader on Trump, Protests and More
There's been no shortage of controversy about President Donald Trump's first days in office, but the Republican grass roots of Alabama generally support what he's done so far. So we checked in with state Republican party chair Terry Lathan to get her perspective.
New Report finds Black Veterans Targeted for Lynching in the South
The Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative is building a memorial to lynching victims. The group estimates more than 4,000 African-Americans were lynched in the South between 1877-1950. Among those targeted were black veterans. These men returned from war abroad having experienced something unfamiliar to them, being treated with dignity and respect; something they didn't receive at home in the U.S. Many black veterans challenged the racial hierarchy of the South and were seen as threats to white supremacy.
Talladega President Discusses Controversial Decision To Perform At Inauguration
The Talladega College band has returned from Washington, D.C. where it performed at the inauguration of President Donald Trump. For Talladega President Billy Hawkins, the decision was not easy. Some alumni of the historically black collegTalle strongly opposed the band performing at the inauguration. The band received financial support from across the country, and contributions […]
What Constitutes Downtown Birmingham?
Amidst all the talk about downtown Birmingham’s resurgence, there’s kind of a semantic assumption -- that we all mean the same thing when we say "downtown." Labels might not seem to matter much, but to marketers and real estate folks it does have an effect.
Protesters March at Birmingham Airport to Oppose Trump’s Immigration Ban
Protesters marched at Birmingham's airport Sunday to oppose President Trump's executive order on immigrants and refugees.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra: Carlos Conducts Copland
WBHM's Michael Krall talks with Carlos Izcaray about this weekend's upcoming Masterworks concert.
Noise Music and Birmingham’s Growing Local Music Scene
When it comes to live, local music, Birmingham is still in it's infancy. From The Spring Street Firehouse, Saturn and WorkPlay have emerged as creative spaces where the city's many talented, local artists can perform and make a name for themselves.
Arc Stories: January 2017 Edition
Arc Stories features live storytelling from right here in Birmingham. No notes, no outlines. Just great storytellers sharing great, true stories. Sometimes funny, sometimes moving, and always engaging.
Grand Jury in Birmingham Expands Probe
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses a widening grand jury investigation in Jefferson County.
Abandoned Properties Locked In Limbo As The Tax Bill Grows
There are thousands of tax delinquent properties in Jefferson County. Many of them are vacant and in disrepair. But even burned down houses and empty lots can still rack up thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes and fees. This is the second part of our look at Alabama’s tax lien system. The Cycle of […]
Birmingham Board of Education Denies Two Charter School Applications
After hours of heated speeches, the Birmingham school board unanimously denied two applications for church-backed charter schools Tuesday night. The board itself was unified, but there are clearly real divisions in the community over how best to educate the city’s students.
