News
Governor Asks Staff to Sign Confidentiality Agreement
Two years ago something simple but significant happened in Alabama Governor Robert Bentley's office. Bentley asked his staff to sign non-disclosure agreements. More than 80 staffers did, but one who didn't was Rebekah Mason. She's the former political aide Bentley's accused of having an affair with. They're the latest details in the scandal surrounding the governor. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about it along with the continued political spats at Birmingham City Hall.
Commentary: Berucha Cintron “I Will.”
With area high school graduations this month, some students can find themselves at a crossroads as they determine what's next in their life. For commentator, and high school senior Berucha Cintron, this crossroads took place in the form of a short, emotional conversation she had with her mother several years before.
Birmingham Central Library Elevators, Escalators Broken
The sign on the broken escalator says use the elevator. The sign on the broken elevator says take the stairs. This is what visitors and staff of the downtown library are currently dealing with.
Legal Expert Talking School Resegregation and More
“Anybody who is concerned about the quality of education our students are receiving in schools should be concerned. Well documented research shows that when schools lack diverse student bodies and when they are segregated, they are less able to provide the full range of benefits that a K 12 education ought to include.”
Birmingham Students Show Presentation Skills, Gain Praise from Condoleezza Rice
“It’s hard to get up in front of a group and sell your ideas. And somebody among this group is really going to be a great entrepreneur,” she says. “You could see that they loved it. They are passionate about it.”
Jury Selection Begins in Hubbard Trial
Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the trial of Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard. He faces 23 felony ethics charges of using his public office to benefit his private businesses. It’s a trail that involves a who’s who of Alabama politics and has the potential to cast light on a hidden side of Montgomery. We talk about what’s to come with Don Dailey. He’s host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television.
Small Banks Continue Move to Birmingham
Birmingham’s banking sector has seen smaller banks entering the market hoping to latch onto growth in the state’s biggest metro area. So far in 2016, that trend is not slowing. We start there in this week’s Magic City Marketplace. The Birmingham Business Journal's Ty West also explains how the healthcare community is reacting to a General Fund budget Alabama's Medicaid commissioner says is below what's needed to maintain services.
Firm Releases Vestavia Hills HS Rebranding Package
After controversy over a mascot and team-name some call racist, a marketing firm has released its "rebranding package" for Vestavia Hills High School.
Eva Hardy Jones: Powell School’s Legendary Principal
Eva Hardy Jones became principal of Powell School in 1976. Around this time, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, but it and its students were in need.
for the beauty of: Birmingham
Charity Ponter is a photographer specializing in capturing artists in their creative spaces. But it wasn’t always that way. It took a while before she found the creative outlet that worked best for her. She spoke with WBHM’s Michael Krall about her recent book for the beauty of: Birmingham, and about her very specific career choice […]
Gov. Bentley Signs Two Bills Restricting Abortion
Governor Robert Bentley has signed two bills that could make it much harder for women to get abortions in Alabama, but legal challenges loom.
New Mayor Council Act Leaves Pronounced Rift Among Birmingham City Leaders
Earlier this week, the Birmingham City Council narrowly reelected Johnathan Austin as council president. Steven Hoyt was elected the new president pro-tem. This shuffle was the result of changes to the Mayor Council Act, approved recently by the Alabama Legislature. This move is causing some new tensions among council members. To discuss this and other […]
More of the Same as Birmingham City Council Reelects President
There's the adage, "the more things change, the more they stay the same." That could apply to the Birmingham City Council this week as they were forced to elect new leaders because of a new law requiring them to do so every two years. It was high political drama, but in the end, Council President Johnathan Austin retained his post by a five to four vote. Although there was a change at the number two spot. We talk about this and the potential ouster of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Chief Justice Roy Moore Blaming Drag Queen for his Recent Troubles
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore faces removal from office for the second time in this career, a rumored plea deal involving House Speaker Mike Hubbard lights up social media and we talk about the “Alabamafication” of America. It’s the latest from Kyle Whitmire, political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL.com.
Education Secretary John King Talks Graduation Rates, Testing and Education Reform
“We think it’s important that parents and teachers have good information each year about the progress students are making. That information needs to line up with the expectation that when students graduate, they’ll graduate for college and careers.”
Austin Reelected Birmingham City Council President
The Birmingham City Council re-elected Council President Johnathan Austin by one vote, 5-4, on May 10. The council was required to hold new elections because of a bill passed by Alabama Legislature this session.
Nevada Company Interested in Unfinished Alabama Nuclear Plant
A Nevada company says it wants to buy an unfinished nuclear power plant in northeast Alabama.
Congestion Not Likely to Improve Around Birmingham
Anyone who commutes along I-65 or U.S. 280 around Birmingham, knows those highways can get congested. But those are far from the only roadways feeling pressure. Backups are annoying and have real costs.Birmingham Birmingham Business Journal editor Ty West talks about that in this week’s Magic City Marketplace. He also explains why retail has been lagging in downtown Birmingham's revival.
Alabama Chief Justice Faces Ouster After Gay Marriage Fight
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore faces removal from the bench over his effort to block same-sex marriage from coming to Alabama despite the U.S. Supreme Court that effectively legalizing gay marriage nationwide.
Help Choose The Logo for The Junction!
The teen graphic design students of Ku'umba Community Arts created logo options for The Junction. Get to know the designers behind the logos, and help choose the official logo for The Junction!
MAP: Where Are Birmingham’s Vacant School Buildings?
WBHM's Mary Scott Hodgin recently reported on surplus property owned by Birmingham City Schools. Vacant schools are a common sight throughout Birmingham. The buildings symbolize decades of population decline and budget cuts. As Birmingham's city center and interest in historic properties grows, many hope these large structures will be revitalized. We've created a map showing where these empty schools are located. Take a look.
The 2016 Legislative Session in Review
Alabama’s 2016 Legislative Session is one for the books. Lawmakers wrapped up at midnight on Wednesday. Don Dailey, host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television, join’s WBHM’s Rachel Lindley to recap what bills passed, and what bills fell short, ike a hike in the gas tax and an agreement about what to do with BP oil spill settlement money. Perhaps the largest upset was the death of Governor Bentley’s prison bill in the session’s la
What to Do With Birmingham’s Surplus Schools?
Vacant schools are a common sight throughout Birmingham. The buildings symbolize decades of population decline and budget cuts. Now, as the city center grows, many hope these large structures will be revitalized.
Federal Lawsuit Highlights Conflict Between State and Local Government
Alabama doesn’t have a minimum wage law. The state uses the federal rate of $7.25. Earlier this year, the Birmingham City Council tried to increase the city’s minimum wage, but we overridden by a bill Governor Robert Bentley signed into law inFebruary. The bill, originally flied by Mountain Brook Republican state Rep. David Faulkner, said only the state can set the minimum wage.
Bowing to Pressure, Oxford City Leaders Recall Transgender Bathroom Law
In a surprising move, the Oxford City Council rescinded an ordinance it recently passed that would’ve forced transgender people to use public restrooms that match their biological sex. The mayor hadn’t signed the order yet, which gave council members a chance to call it back, bowing to pressure from civil rights organizations.
Bentley Scandal: In Pursuit of Wanda’s Desk
This week, Rep. Ed Henry and Red Bay Democratic Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, tried to get inside the governor's office and find the infamous Wanda's Desk. John Archibald, columnist for al.com and the Birmingham News, was there, and he tells WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley what happened.
Oxford City Council Recalls Controversial Transgender Bathroom Law
Today the Oxford City Council recalled a controversial ordinance that would’ve forced people to use public bathrooms and changing facilities that correspond to their biological sex. WBHM’s Esther Ciammachilli was at the meeting and discusses it with WBHM Program Director Michael Krall. You can listen to their conversation above or read it below: Refresh our […]
Mayors Gather in Birmingham to Discuss Violence Against Black Men and Boys
Mayors from across the country are in Birmingham this week for a conference addressing violence against African-American men and boys. It's the third annual gathering for Cities United, a coalition of mayors formed to curb such violence.
Bill Would Help Teachers Prevent Teen Suicide
In Alabama, suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 12 to 16. A bill passed by the state legislature that could be signed by the governor would help teachers better prevent these suicides.
Recycling realities…
UAB recycling coordinator Jon Paolone…
“First thing I did, was bought me a horse.”
Pediatric nurse and horse lover Sandra Bryant of Pinson…
Before the historic Lyric theatre…
Outreach coordinator Glenny Brock, of Birmingham…
