News
TEDx Birmingham 2016: Pure Imagination
The theme for TEDx Birmingham 2016 is Pure Imagination. Last weekend, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center was home to a day featuring featuring 18 different speakers sharing thought-provoking ideas. The goal for organizers is for these ideas to amount to big changes in Birmingham. WBHM’s Program Director, Michael Krall attended the conference and spoke about his […]
Crime in Greater Birmingham: An Increase or Perception?
Birmingham finished 2015 with an increase in homicides. That’s a reversal from the last several years where those numbers dropped to levels not seen in a generation. With that rise and the headlines that come with it, crime is pushing back to the forefront of community conversation. This week, we’ll explore crime in the greater Birmingham area. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager kicks off our series.
Community Banks Increase Lending to Small Business
We sort of know the broad outlines of starting a business. You have an idea, find an investor or lender for funding, then go at it. Around Birmingham community banks are increasingly getting in on that small business lending action. That's where we start the conversation in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Medicaid Funding Struggles Could Send Alabama Legislature into Special Session
Alabama is once again heading for a budget standoff. This week, the house committee approved a General Fund budget. The state's Medicaid commissioner says it would cause severe cuts to the program. The $1.8 billion budget steers an additional $15 million to Medicaid, but that's short of the $100 million the agency says is needed to maintain services. Governor Robert Bentley’s already threatened a veto, and state lawmakers are talking about a special session. Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal, told WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley more about the budget and the rest of this week's news from Montgomery.
The Rising Cost of Helping the Homeless in Alabama
Life is difficult without identification. For homeless people, not having it can make life even more challenging. There are organizations that help homeless people get state-issued IDs, but cost increases are hurting their efforts. Hundreds pack into Boutwell Auditorium for Project Homeless Connect, an event that brings together several community organizations that provide free services […]
What is the Mayor-Council Act of 1955?
The power struggle between Birmingham Mayor William Bell and the Birmingham City Council is escalating. Last week, Bell suggested changes to the Mayor-Council Act to state legislators. But what exactly is The Mayor Council act of 1955, and how did the city council and the mayor get to this point? Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD, says it’s a long battle that precedes this mayor and this council. Patterson told WBHM’s Rachel Lindley about the history behind the conflict.
Birmingham Mayor/Council Power Struggle Reaches State Level
A war of words and political posturing is escalating between the Birmingham City Council and Mayor William Bell. The mayor vetoed two ordinances last week, one of which would have granted the city council access to city equipment and facilities when the want it. The other would force the mayor to present budgets on time. Now the fight is rising to the state level with two bills that could be introduced in the legislature. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Payday Loan Bill Alive, But For How Long?
A public meeting was held in Montgomery Wednesday, March 9, to discuss legislation that would affect payday loans, a U.S. lawmaker from Alabama is chosen to advise Republican front-runner Donald Trump on national security issues and we say goodbye to a beloved, satirical social media entity. All that in this week’s conversation with Kyle Whitmire, […]
Three Vestavia Hills High School Students Electrically Shocked
Three students were injured when they came in contact with a live power line at Vestavia Hills High School. Media reports say the students were moving a football goal post Wednesday afternoon when it touched an electrical wire. A school system statement says the accident happened near the football practice field. At least two of […]
Hoover School Board Approves Rezoning Plan
The Hoover City Schools has been trying for more than two years to come up with a rezoning plan that addresses growth and changing demographics while also passing muster with federal authorities. The school board approved the plan Monday night and hopes it makes the gr
Does ALDOT Just Do What They Want?
As a federal judge considers a lawsuit seeking to block a planned rebuilding and expansion of Interstate 20/59 through downtown Birmingham, opponents of road projects often contend state transportation leaders ignore local concerns. They say the Alabama Department of Transportation does what it wants or that ALDOT doesn’t listen.
Alabama Lawmakers Could Consider “Ban the Box” Bill
Research shows a key factor in preventing a felon from reoffending is having a job. But studies also show half of employers are unwilling to consider an applicant with a criminal background. So-called “ban the box” policies try to close that gap and Alabama legislators could consider such a proposal this session.
Man Charged With Stealing Nearly $200,000 in Quarters
A Harpersville man is being charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in quarters while he worked for an armored truck company.
Hoover School Board Could Approve Rezoning Proposal Monday Evening
On Monday, March 7, the Hoover School Board will vote on a rezoning plan that redistributes about 2,200 Hoover students to different schools. WBHM's Sherrel Wheeler Stewart talked to Hoover Sun reporter Jon Anderson about the rezoning proposal, submitted by Superintendent Kathy Murphy.
High Court Voids Alabama Ruling Against Lesbian Adoption
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that Alabama's top court went too far when it tried to upend a lesbian mother's adoption of her partner's children. The justices threw out a ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court in a dispute between two women whose long-term relationship ended bitterly.
UAB — Going More Dense and Vertical
UAB has been jokingly referred to as the university that ate Birmingham because of the steady growth its campus has seen through the decades. It’s an anchor of the region’s economy and a new master plan outlines where university leaders want to take Birmingham’s largest employer. We talk about it in this week's Magic City Marketplace. Birmingham Business Journal editor Ty West also discusses plans for development around Birmingham's CrossPlex and why lower oil prices are bad news for banks.
Barons Adding to Protective Netting Behind Home Plate
The protective netting behind home plate at Regions Field will be extended before the start of the 2016 Southern League Season. The netting will now stretch to the edge of the dugouts. Barons’ officials say space near the bottom of the protective screen has been designed to ensure fans and players will still be able […]
This Week in Montgomery: PREP Act, Bentley’s Bond for Building New Prisons and More
This week in the Alabama Legislature, senator Del Marsh’s introduced the PREP Act. If it becomes law, Alabama teachers would be evaluated by student test scores and have to work longer before they get tenure.
Analysis Shows Great Voting Divide in Jefferson County, A Win for Ben Carson
Less than half of Jefferson County's 411,838 registered voters went to the polls on Tuesday. A total of 82,928 voted in the Democratic Primary and 93,985 voted in the Republican Primary.
Judge in Jefferson County Rules Alabama’s Death Penalty Statute Unconstitutional
In January, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Hurst v. Florida that Florida’s death penalty statute was unconstitutional. Alabama and Delaware are the only other states with similar statutes that require a judge – not a jury – to make the final decision about life of death in a capital case. Attorney General Luther Strange has held that the Supreme Court ruling does not apply to Alabama. But today one judge in Jefferson County disagreed. Ruling that the death can’t currently be imposed in Alabama.
Issues & Ales: Crime in the Greater Birmingham Area
Join us on Thursday, March 10 for "Issues and Ales: Crime in the Greater Birmingham Area.” Local law enforcement officials and community members will discuss crime and brainstorm solutions.
Protesters Hold Memorial for Deceased Former Etowah County Detainee
The Etowah County Detention Center has been under increasing scrutiny in recent months after complaints about poor inmate health care and a detainee hunger strike. The center is used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold unlawful immigrants. Over the weekend, protesters held a memorial service for Teka Gulema, a former inmate who died shortly after being released.
Simple Investigation or Attempt to stop Speaker’s Ethics Trial?
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is conducting an internal investigation into suspected wrongdoing. Details are few but the admission comes two weeks after Governor Robert Bentley placed ALEA Secretary Spencer Collier on medical leave. At the same time, Collier signed an affidavit related to the ethics trial of House Speaker Mike Hubbard, something the governor didn't want Collier to do Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the situation and why he suspects the investigation is part of an attempt by the governor to stop the Hubbard trial.
Looking Forward to the General Election
Super Tuesday has come and gone in Alabama. What was surprising and what to expect come November? Analysis of the primary elections. And House Speaker Mike Hubbard is back in court tomorrow - Thursday, March 3. A look at what's happening in that trial taking place in Lee County.
Storms Couldn’t Keep Alabamians Away From Polls
Alabamians hit the polls yesterday for what’s been dubbed the "SEC Primary" and voter turnout was high despite severe weather.
Senator Richard Shelby Avoids Runoff, Wins Primary Bid for a Sixth Term
Alabama’s top Republican on Capitol Hill came through the primary unscathed. Senator Richard Shelby fought off four challengers to claim a win in his primary bid for a sixth term. He told supporters at an election night event in Tuscaloosa that his long tenure is a good thing.
Alabama Clinton Supporters Look to November After Super Tuesday Win
Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton stormed through Alabama and much of the South on Super Tuesday, clinching victories. Clinton claimed a commanding primary victory over Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders with 78 percent of the vote in the Alabama Democratic primary. Clinton was propelled by heavy support from African-American voters. Nine in 10 black Democrats supported Clinton.
Grading Teachers on Student Test Scores? Trisha Crain on “PREP Act”
Should educators be evaluated partly on student test scores? Should it take five years rather than three for teachers to get tenure? If State Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh’s “Preparing and Rewarding Educational Professionals (PREP) Act” becomes law, those changes and more are coming to Alabama’s schools. So WBHM’s Dan Carsen talks with Alabama School […]
Election Results
Results of Tuesday's Alabama Primary
What to Watch on Super Tuesday
The SEC Primary. Super Tuesday. Call it what you will, but today’s the day Alabamians vote for everything from local judicial races to presidential nominees. Dr. Angela Lewis, director of UAB’s political science program, tells WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley what’s at stake in Alabama.
Dr. Tommy Bice, State Schools Chief, Announces Retirement
Dr. Tommy Bice, Superintendent of the Alabama State Department of Education, today announced his retirement, set to go into effect at the end of this month.
US Senator Richard Shelby Spends Big in Alabama Primary
What does $5 buy you in Chilton County? All the chili you could eat, line dancing, and door prizes galore. Oh, and a chance to meet Senator Richard Shelby, who spent a recent Saturday campaigning at the Chilton County Chili Cookoff.
