News
Alabama Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Conductor
Carlos Izcaray performs his first concert as music director designate during two Masterworks concerts this weekend. He spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall...
John Archibald: Same-Sex Marriage Confusion
More Alabama probate judges are issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples after a federal judge's ruling striking down Alabama's gay marriage ban went into effect on Monday. It's not all counties as some judges cite an order by Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore instructing judges not to follow the federal ruling. While gay marriage advocates celebrated in the counties which did issue licenses to same-sex couples, Alabama remains a state where opposition to gay marriage is high.
Nick Patterson: Poverty Still A Problem In Booming Downtown Birmingham
Birmingham is in the midst of a revival, with increased economic and real estate development. But in a city where about thirty percent of the population lives in poverty -- that's nearly twice the national average -- the staff of the Birmingham weekly newspaper WELD say the shine of the city's revitalization can distract from some of its biggest problems. Since May, they've been exploring poverty in Birmingham. Nick Patterson, editor of WELD, joins Rachel Osier Lindley to talk about the city's poverty problem.
Says You! Host and Creator Richard Sher Dies
The creator, executive producer and host of the long-running wordplay program Says You! died February 9th after a battle with cancer.
Alabama’s Top Stories, Harper Lee’s New Book and Same-Sex Marriage
Alabama has been in the national spotlight for two reasons this February: "To Kill A Mockingbird" author Harper Lee says she'll release a new book, and some Alabama started issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Monday. Both are controversial, for their own reasons. Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for the Alabama Media Group joins WBHM to discuss these stories and more.
Judicial Chaos Complicates Same-Sex Marriage In Alabama
Despite judicial confusion throughout Alabama, on Monday several Alabama counties did issue same-sex couples marriage licenses, including in Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery. Rachel Osier Lindley explains what happened across the state the day Alabama became the 37th to recognize same-sex marriage.
Magic City Marketplace: Free College Tuition
President Obama cast a spotlight on community colleges when he announced a plan last month to offer free at such institutions. It's a plan that could have significant effect on Alabama as the state tries to make its 2-year college system a bigger educational and economic player. We talk about it in this week's Magic City Marketplace.
Alabama’s Only Openly Gay Lawmaker Overjoyed as State Recognizes Gay Marriage
On Monday Alabama probate judges can begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. It's the result of a decision last month from a federal judge in Mobile striking down the state's ban on gay marriage. Birmingham Representative Patricia Todd is the only openly gay lawmaker in the state legislature. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke to her about this turn of events. Todd starts by explaining what happened last week when an envelope with no return address was delivered to her Montgomery office.
Shaping History with a Camera
In March, Selma will mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. That's the day police beat demonstrators attempting to march to Montgomery in support of voting rights. Saturday an exhibit opens in Selma of some of the most iconic images of that day. They're from the late photographer Spider Martin.
Same-Sex Marriages Begin In Alabama On Monday
Barring a last-minute stay from the U.S. Supreme Court, on Monday Alabama becomes the 37th state to recognize same-sex marriage. Despite some heated political debate, most probate courts around the state are getting ready to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. But some wont be following suit.
New Play Tells Nelson Mandela’s Story Through Video, Dance and Poetry
Nelson Mandela, former South African President and anti-apartheid revolutionary, was the inspiration for a new play co-written by Birmingham poet Sharrif Simmons. Red Mountain Theater Company's production of "Mandela" premiers tonight. Simmons sat down with WBHM to discuss what Mandela means today, and how he worked to contemporize Mandela's story -- including using a video screen at the heart of the production.
John Archibald: Roy Moore and Same-Sex Marriage
Monday appears to be the day for same-sex couples in Alabama. Barring action by the U.S. Supreme Court, a federal judge's ruling will go into effect making Alabama the 37th state to recognize same-sex marriage. One of the most outspoken opponents of the ruling is Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. But Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald suggest there's more to Moore than religion-infused pronouncements.
UA BOT Member On Dr. Ray Watts, UAB Football Controversy
Supporters of the University of Alabama at Birmingham's recently canceled football program have vowed to protest when the UA System Board of Trustees meets in Birmingham later this week. WBHM contributor Greg Bass spoke with Board of Trustees member Finis St. John of Cullman about the controversy surrounding UAB football and the role of the Board of Trustees in the governance of UAB.
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Tells Probate Judges They Don’t Have To Issue Marriage Licenses To Same-Sex Couples
Barring a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court, probate courts around Alabama will begin offering marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Monday, February 9. But Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore sent a letter to probate judges this week telling them they're not required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. And in some counties, probate judges say they'll stop performing marriage ceremonies. Alabama Media Group political commentator Kyle Whitmire joins WBHM to discuss this and more.
Stay On Same-Sex Marriage Decision From U.S. Supreme Court Unlikely
A federal appeals court has cleared the way for same-sex marriages to begin next week in Alabama. The state has seen political debate, along with a few stays, motions and rulings since U.S. District Judge Callie Granade struck down Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage last month. Here to sort through what the courts are up to is Henry Strickland, dean of the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He says it's unlikely the U.S. Supreme Court would honor Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange's request for a stay.
Appeals Court Denies Stay Request On Alabama Same-Sex Marriage Decision
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to keep a hold on a district judge's decision overturning the state's ban on gay marriage. The filing came after the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to issue a stay, paving the way for Alabama to become the 37th state where gays can legally wed.
Magic City Marketplace: The Future of the Historic Tax Credit
Some of downtown Birmingham's redevelopment projects have been helped along by Alabama's historic tax credit. But that credit is capped and will sunset next year. So developers and political leaders are debating what to do with this popular incentive. We hear more from Cindy Fisher Crawford in this week's Magic City Marketplace.
Birmingham Museum Of Art To Feature Paintings By Dutch Masters
The Birmingham Museum of Art opens a new exhibit Saturday that features works of well-known Dutch and Flemish masters. The exhibition called "Small Treasures" includes paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and their contemporaries. These artists are often known for large canvases, but these paintings are small.
Developers Receive Approval For New Downtown Publix Designs, Permits
The Birmingham Design Review Board on Wednesday approved developers design plans and permits for a Publix grocery store downtown at 3rd Avenue South and 20th Street. The 35,000 square foot grocery and pharmacy will anchor a $20 million dollar development that will include three apartment buildings, retail stores, restaurants, and office space.
John Archibald: Alabamian vs. American
A federal judge who struck down Alabama's same-sex marriage ban has released a letter clarifying the ruling applies to all government officials, not just those named in the suit. The ruling is on hold for now, but it's the latest in a legal firestorm sparked Friday when the decision came down. We talk about it with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Supporters Rally for School Choice As Alabama Waits for AAA Ruling
As the state legislature prepares to take up the subject of charter schools and the state supreme court readies a ruling on the controversial Alabama Accountability Act, thousands are expected to gather in Montgomery on Wednesday to rally for expanded school choice.
Kyle Whitmire: Alabama Leaders React To Same-Sex Marriage Decision
The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a judicial ethics complaint against Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. The complaint stems from Moore's criticism of a federal judge's ruling Friday striking down Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage. Moore called it "judicial tyranny." Meanwhile, State Representative Patricia Todd, Alabama's first openly gay legislator, said she would "not stand by and allow legislators to talk about 'family values' when they have affairs." Alabama Media Group political commentator Kyle Whitmire sorts through the reactions as Alabama moves towards possibly becoming the 37th state to recognize same-sex marriage.
Same-Sex Couple In Birmingham Denied Marriage License
Greg Mullins and Josh Laning went to the Jefferson County Courthouse to apply for a marriage license today, despite the two-week stay on a Friday decision striking down Alabama's same-sex marriage ban. They have been thinking about getting married for years, but they never believed it would be possible in Alabama.
Alabama Appeals Same-Sex Ruling
The state of Alabama is appealing a federal judge's order overturning the state's ban on same-sex marriage. Attorney General Luther Strange's office filed notice Monday with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals saying it would challenge Friday's ruling by a district court judge in Mobile.
Carsen And Lindley Talk Alabama Schools’ Low Test Scores
School test results have been in the news across Alabama lately, often next to words like "sobering" and "not on track." So what's going on? WBHM's News Director Rachel Osier Lindley sits down with education reporter Dan Carsen to shed light on a complex and heated issue. Carsen just returned from a conference put on by NPR's Ed Team, and part of that "Ed Summit" dealt with testing. Perfect timing for a while-the-iron-is-hot interview.
Federal Judge Puts Temporary Hold on Same-Sex Marriage Decision
Alabama same-sex couples who hoped to get marriage licenses today will have to wait a few more weeks to see if the state will legally recognize their relationships. A federal judge put a two-week hold on her decision striking down Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage. WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley spoke to Andrew Yeager about what happened over the weekend and what might happen next.
Federal Judge In Alabama Rules Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional
Alabama has become the latest state to see its ban on gay marriage fall to a federal court ruling, as the issue of same-sex marriage heads to the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. District Callie V.S. Granade ruled Friday in favor of two Mobile women who sued to challenge Alabama's refusal to recognize their marriage performed in California. Alabama's Attorney General's Office has asked the judge to put a stay on the ruling.
Interview: Alabama’s Growing Trade Relationship With China
The Chinese ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, is visiting Birmingham this week as part of the Birmingham International Center’s 2015 spotlight on China. The Birmingham International Center highlights a different country each year. The goal this year is to improve ties between Alabama and China. Senior executives, business leaders, government officials and community […]
John Archibald: Birmingham to Host 2021 World Games
Birmingham leaders are celebrating today's announcement the city has won the chance to host the 2021 World Games. It's an international competition of non-Olympic sports. Birmingham beat Lima, Peru, and Ufa, Russia, to capture the games. City officials are not only talking about history and civic pride but economic impact as well. We hear reaction from Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
BPD Issues Statement On Looming Pepper-Spray Trial
If you read this after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, the day after Martin Luther King Day, witnesses may already be on the stand in a federal courtroom in yet another Birmingham trial with civil rights implications. Barring a last-minute settlement, the Southern Poverty Law Center's suit against the Birmingham Police Department over officers using mace on city students will go forward, and lawyers representing the city and the police are promising a vigorous defense. WBHM's Dan Carsen has more.
Auburn University’s Rural Studio Brings 20K Houses To Hale County
For some residents of Alabama’' Black Belt, good housing can be hard to come by. In Hale County, 30 percent of the population lives below the poverty line -- meaning an individual lives on less than $11,670 a year. A group from Auburn University wants to help by designing an efficient and inexpensive house that anyone could afford. For WBHM, Ashley Cleek visited Newbern, Alabama to check out the homes.
Two Churches Join Forces For MLK Holiday Worship and Community Service
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The most segregated time of the week is on Sunday." Reverend James Sutton and Reverend Steven Castello, the leaders of Ardent Church and Holy Trinity World Outreach Ministry, are determined to change that. The two Birmingham churches -- one majority black, the other majority white -- are coming together this weekend to honor Dr. King Jr. by fostering friendships between the members of their congregations.
