News
State Commission to Hear Birmingham Charter School Appeal
The Alabama Public Charter School Commission is scheduled to vote Monday on a proposed charter school in Woodlawn. The Birmingham school board recently rejected i3 Academy’s bid to open in the city, and organizers appealed to the state.
The Big Picture: Woodfin’s Team Updates Residents About Progress on Public Safety, Economic Opportunities and Other Initiatives
A black-and-white photo of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin — shot in profile, eyes fixed in an expression of steely determination — hovered over the stage of the Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Dorothy Jemison Day Theater on Thursday night.
Lawmakers Consider a Lottery, Medical Marijuana, and Common Core Repeal
Medical marijuana, a repeal of the Common Core, and a lottery bill were all on the legislative agenda this past week. We take a look at these and other measures lawmakers considered.
Lawmakers Tackle Alabama’s Persistent Prison Problems
Alabama’s prisons are overcrowded, understaffed, and plagued by violence. Mental health care for inmates is inadequate. There have been suicides and homicides within prison walls. Alabama Sen. Cam Ward explains how lawmakers are approaching the problems.
Scientists Track Alabama Bear Cub Survival Rate
Alabama’s black bear population could be in trouble. Scientists say young bears might be dying before they reach adulthood. Researchers at Auburn University will study the problem with a $1.1 million grant from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Another Pro Football League Takes the Field in Birmingham. Will This One Stay Afloat?
It’s almost become a tradition for football fans in the Magic City. Every few years, yet another professional football league comes to Legion Field, with aspirations to bring some semblance of high-level gridiron action to The Old Gray Lady on Graymont.
Report: Violence, Housing Costs Affect Health Outcomes
A report out Tuesday ranks the health of all 67 counties in Alabama. It found that things like violence and housing costs are important predictors of health outcomes.
Hoover Residents Seek Ways to Combat Racism in Schools
A viral video of students using blatant hate speech still has some parents in Hoover outraged. Many former students say this isn’t the first incident of its kind. Now, school officials are looking for ways to combat racism within the school system.
Hoover Parents, School Leaders Speak Out on Diversity
Hoover parents had their say on discrimination in city schools Thursday night, and their words could help shape how school leaders in Hoover deal with race issues.
Shipt Founder Leaves. Now what?
Shipt founder and CEO Bill Smith is stepping down. Now what?
Gas Tax Increase a Political Win for Ivey
It’s been a great week for Gov. Kay Ivey. Her proposed 10-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax increase passed overwhelmingly. The money will go toward infrastructure improvements.
175 Down; 3,701 to Go. Jefferson County Starts Chipping Away at Rape Kit Testing Backlog
With the help of a federal grant program, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office has begun to chip away at the county’s massive backlog of untested sexual assault kits.
Southern Poverty Law Center Dismisses Founder
The Southern Poverty Law Center, a Montgomery-based civil rights watch dog group, dismissed its founder Morris Dees, with little detail on what led to the ouster.
UPDATED 1:30 p.m. – Schools Dismiss Early Due to Severe Weather Threat
UPDATED 1:30 p.m.: A number school systems will dismiss early Thursday because of the threat of severe weather.
Hoover School Officials, Lawyers Seek Feedback on Discrimination for Ongoing Case
Tonight, Hoover school officials and lawyers representing black students in the system want to get community feedback on plans that would show various school policies and practices are not discriminatory. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Trace Crossings Elementary.
Doug Jones Recounts Church Bombing Prosecution in New Book
U.S Senator Doug Jones prosecuted two of the Klansmen who bombed Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church. Jones writes about his experience in his new book "Bending Toward Justice."
Building Mobile Homes to Withstand Tornadoes
One benefit of mobile homes is they tend to be relatively affordable. But these structures can be especially vulnerable during severe weather. Many of the 23 people died in last week's tornado in Lee County lived in mobile homes. Auburn University civil engineering professor David Roueche grew up in one and he wants to make them safer.
Alabama Says its $900 Million Prisons Plan Can Help Fix Mental Health Crisis. Some Disagree.
As Alabama prisons continue to grapple with a federal lawsuit over mental health care, officials say they have a plan: they want to build three big regional prisons for men.
Alabama House Approves Gas Tax Increase
The Alabama House of Representatives on Friday approved legislation to increase the state gas tax by 10 cents per gallon. The tax increase would be phased in over three years
Alabama House Set to Consider Gas Tax Increase
It's hard to know how much consensus there will be among Alabama House members on a proposed gas tax increase. The House is set to consider the bill Friday.
Cowboy Junkies: All That Reckoning
Their sound is quiet. And in a way, that came about by accident. We spoke with the Canadian band Cowboy Junkies about how they've managed the demands of family and band life over decades.
State’s Proposed Gas Tax Bill Places Fees on Electric, Hybrid Car Owners
State lawmakers went into special session today to consider a proposed gas tax increase to fund road and bridge construction. The bill would impact all motorists -- but some would pay significantly more than others.
Support for Gas Tax Increase Uncertain Among State Lawmakers
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s State of the State address Tuesday was typical. But shortly after finishing her speech, she issued a call for a special session around her proposed increase to the state's gasoline tax. That special session starts Wednesday morning.
Gov. Ivey Calls Special Session Around Gas Tax Proposal
A gas tax increase, more money for prisons, and a pre-kindergarten expansion were among the legislative priorities Gov. Kay Ivey highlighted in her State of the State address on Tuesday.
$25 Million Cyclotron Brings New Cancer Treatment to AL
A 90-ton cyclotron arrived Tuesday on the campus of UAB. The machine will be part of a new proton therapy center, bringing a specialized cancer treatment to Alabama.
Coroner Releases Names of 23 Tornado Victims
The victims in the Lee County tornado range in age from 6 to 89. Most seem to have died in their homes.
MLB Youth Foundation Reassessing Plans for Youth Academy at George Ward Park
Update – March 6, 2019 The City of Birmingham later provided to WBHM the mayor’s full comment, a portion of which appeared in the BirminghamWatch story below. “I’ll try to make this short. I received a lot of emails and calls and texts and I think I saw the word ‘my,’ ‘our’ more than […]
Five Ways to Help Lee County Tornado Victims
Got some furniture to donate? Want to give blood? Here are ways you can help the tornado victims in Lee County.
Weather Service Surveys Tornado Damage in Southeast Alabama
Teams from the National Weather Service in Birmingham are evaluating the damage from six potential tornadoes that touched down across parts of Alabama Monday. The storms killed at least 23 people in Lee County Sunday.
Crews Ramp up the Search for Lee County Tornado Victims
Crews in Lee County Monday kicked the search and recovery efforts into high gear, as officials expect the injury and death toll to rise.
Dozens Still Missing In Alabama After Deadly Tornadoes Hit
In Alabama, Lee County was hardest hit by the series of tornadoes that devastated the state. Authorities put the death toll at 23 so far, with dozens still missing.
Multiple Fatalities Reported After Tornadoes Rip Through Lee County
Several are dead in Lee County after multiple violent tornadoes touched down Sunday in southeast Alabama. The death toll stands at 22 with more expected as search crews look for more victims.
