News
The 2011 Tornadoes: Phil Campbell
People from around the world will converge on tiny Phil Campbell, Alabama, this weekend. And not just any anybody. People named Phil Campbell. They're coming to help rebuild after an April tornado flattened half of the town, killing 26 people. As WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports, it's a celebration that's taken on new meaning after the disaster.
Remembering Kathryn Tucker Windham
One of Alabama's most beloved storytellers has died. Kathryn Tucker Windham passed away over the weekend at the age of 93. Windham developed a love of reading and writing at an early age. She wrote more than 20 books along with scores of newspaper columns and radio commentaries.
Driver’s Education
If you're over a certain age, there's a good chance you took driver's education in your high school. So why isn't that true for today's young drivers? From the Southern Education Desk at WBHM, Dan Carsen reports on a significant shift:
Alabama Organic Agriculture
In the United States, sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to nearly $25 billion in 2009. There are five million certified organic acres in the U.S.. But you won't find many in Alabama because, as WBHM's Tanya Ott reports, a combination of cultural and market forces means this state has the fewest certified organic farms per-capita in the country.
Boman interview
Alabama state representative Daniel Boman has done something rare: he has left the Republican Party to become a Democrat. The reasons, he says, are Republican stances on educational and other issues.
The 2011 Tornadoes: Mental Health
Victims of April's tornadoes have endured a whirlwind of emotions. It's virtually impossible to live through such a disaster and not endure mental stress and strain. But the adrenaline and shock of those first few days are wearing off, bringing on a new set of mental health concerns. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes
In Alabama and other states, education budgets are being squeezed. Teachers and support staff are facing layoffs and cuts in benefits and supply money. Seen against that background, it's not surprising that states are looking harder at a tricky but increasingly attractive source of funding. From the Southern Education Desk at WBHM, Dan Carsen has this report:
The 2011 Tornadoes: Cross-country Help
Donations and volunteers have poured into Alabama as communities work to rebuild from last month's tornados. Some are here through established organizations such as the Red Cross. Others from the Gulf Coast helped out, saying they're giving back because of what they received after Hurricane Katrina. But for two California nurses, they never imagined they'd find themselves in the thick of the response. WBHM's Andrew Yeager has their story.
Northern Beltline: The St. Clair Effect
St. Clair County is now one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama. Census figures show the county’s population grew by 29 percent from 2000 to 2010. Local leaders believe the nearby Northern Beltline will fuel even more growth.
Lynch vs Alabama: Federal Case Literally Puts History on Trial
A tax-policy trial in federal court recently put more than a century of Alabama history on the stand. The plaintiffs allege the state's property tax system and its effect on schools are direct outgrowths of the overt racism of the past.
Legislative Review and Preview 2011/05/06
The 2011 Alabama legislative session is underway and lawmakers have their plates full. A slow economic recovery means budget cuts are likely. A new governor is in town. And Republicans take the reigns of the legislature for the first time in 136 years. Friday mornings, WBHM's Andrew Yeager talks to two state lawmakers to update you on activity from the state house.
The 2011 Tornadoes: Churches
Governor Robert Bentley has declared Sunday a day of prayer for victims of the tornados which swept through the south on Wednesday. Alabama is a state where religious faith is ever present and a rallying point for communities. WBHM's Andrew Yeager offers this glimpse of how churches are weathering the storm.
The 2011 Tornadoes: Cullman
President Obama spent Friday morning touring tornado-ravaged neighborhoods in Tuscaloosa. He says he's never seen such devastation. Almost 300 people have died so far from tornados which blanketed the south Wednesday. More than two thirds of the deaths are in Alabama . For survivors, one of the biggest issues to deal with is no power. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Northern Beltline: Downtown Development
Birmingham's downtown has added many feathers to it cap in recent years. City officials point to last year's opening of Railroad Park, a growing restaurant scene, new office and hotel space in the works. It's a rebirth some critics of the northern beltline say could be muted by that bypass. This week we're taking a look at the proposed 52 mile highway planned for the northern half of Jefferson County. WBHM's Andrew Yeager examines what a new interstate bypass might mean for development in downtown Birmingham.
The 2011 Tornadoes: Birmingham’s Aftermath
Several southeastern states are digging out today after a violent storm system that spawned dozens of tornadoes. Alabama was hardest hit. The full scope of the devastation is still unknown, but at least 162 people are dead in Alabama and thousands of homes, businesses and government buildings were destroyed. Birmingham took a direct hit from a large tornado that skirted just north of downtown. WBHM's Tanya Ott spent this morning visiting affected areas.
Northern Beltline: Environmental Impact
Birmingham's Northern Beltline has been in the planning stages for decades. But there's a renewed sense of urgency to get the multi-billion dollar project moving forward. The Alabama Department of Transportation has said it could issue the first contracts by the end of this year. But as Tanya Ott reports environmental concerns could put the brakes on the project, at least temporarily.
Northern Beltline: Overview
$90 million per mile. That's the latest price tag for the proposed Northern Beltline around Birmingham. Proponents say it will spur economic development in the northern part of the county. Opponents say it's a price tag they can't afford for a road they don't need. This week, WBHM examines the Northern Beltline proposal.
WBHM Needs Your Input on Education Issues
WBHM's new Education Desk needs your help. We're conducting a survey to determine what are the biggest issues facing Alabama's schools.
Greg Mortenson Interview
Bestselling author and internationally recognized education advocate Greg Mortenson speaks with WBHM's Dan Carsen about issues facing education in the South, including teacher pay and tenure.
New Leadership at the BBA
Birmingham's regional economic development organization is under new leadership. The Birmingham Business Alliance hired Brian Hilson last month as its President and CEO. He comes from the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. He previously worked at the Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke to Hilson.
Alabama and the Oil Spill: Marketing Seafood
It's been almost a year since millions of barrels of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. If you're still a little leery about eating seafood from the gulf, you're not alone. One study found about 70% of consumers nationwide are concerned about seafood safety. Almost a quarter have reduced how much they eat. Alabama's seafood industry says the catch has been tested and is safe. But as WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports getting that message out isn't easy.
Alabama’s Immigration Bill
The Alabama House is set to take up bill today aimed at curbing illegal immigration. It's patterned after a similar law passed last year in Arizona and would punish individuals in Alabama without documentation for trespassing. That could mean jail, fines or being turned over to federal immigration authorities. WBHM's Andrew Yeager talks to some in the business community who are worried about what an Arizona-style law might mean for Alabama.
WBHM NAMED MOST OUTSTANDING RADIO NEWS OPERATION
For the third year in a row, WBHM-FM/WSGN-FM has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Radio News Operation in Alabama. WBHM/WSGN won a total of eight Alabama Associated Press (AP) awards, the most of any radio station in the state.
C-FISH Program Aims to Help Charter Boats Rebound
Salt water fishing is a $226 million a year business in Alabama. But the industry took a serious blow after last year's Deep Water Horizon oil spill. As the 2011 fishing season kicks off this month, many charter boat captains aren't sure how they'll fare. Some of them are pinning their hopes on a new educational program called C-Fish.
John Davis Treks East for Wildlife Conservation
There's nothing more enjoyable than a walk in the park, but what about a walk through several parks? Or better yet, what about a walk through several states? Not many people would take on such a long on a trek, but that's exactly what one man is doing.
Gil Shaham
Gil Shaham is widely considered to be one of the world's top violinists. This weekend, he performs Beethoven's Violin Concerto with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Shaham recently spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall.
A New Leader for Birmingham Southern College
Birmingham Southern College has new leadership today. General Charles Krulak will become the new president of the school, taking the reigns officially on June first. He's a retired U.S. Marine Commandant and former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Krulak has also worked in banking in the U.S. and Europe. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke with Krulak.
Jefferson County Tax Ruled Unconstitutional
Jefferson County's Occupational Tax is unconstitutional. That's according to a unanimous ruling issued by the Alabama Supreme Court, which upholds a lower court's ruling.
Bariatric Ambulance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says over 30 percent of Alabamians are obese. Obesity can cause a whole host of health problems, from diabetes to high blood pressure. And treating obese patients can be a challenge too.
Holy Family Cristo Rey School
The dropout rate in Birmingham city schools is nearly three times the state average, leading some parents to consider more costly alternatives to public education. One school in Birmingham is making the option available to families that otherwise couldn't afford a private education.
Tax Refund: Paper to Plastic
Are you waiting for your tax refund? A lot of people are. But now a handful of low income taxpayers have the option of putting their refunds on a prepaid debit card. It's faster, more secure and the government says it'll save money. As WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports, a lot of eyes will be watching how this countrywide experiment pans out.
Impact Alabama’s Savings Contest
If you've ever bought a lottery ticket or played a slot machine, you probably know the thrill that comes with a chance to win a fortune. Of course, if you don't make the long odds, you're out some cash. But what if that same excitement could be turned into savings? One Alabama organization is using the current income tax season as a savings contest for low income residents. But as WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports it's an untested idea.
