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AG Strange: New EPA Rule Would Hurt Alabama’s Racing Economy
Alabama is joining eight other states petitioning the federal government to drop a proposal banning the modification of street vehicles into off-road race cars. Attorney General Luther Strange announced he is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to drop a proposed change to the Clean Air Act. The new rule would forbid the modification of […]
Sen. Cam Ward On Bill to Thwart Inappropriate Teacher-Student Contact
Recent reports have referred to Alabama as "ground zero" for incidents of teacher-student sex. Whether that's fair or not, most agree there's a serious problem. So state senator Cam Ward of Alabaster has sponsored a bill to mandate an hour of training for educators on appropriate teacher-student interaction in the age of social media.
Primary Runoff Voter Guide 2016
Voters go back to the polls April 12 to determine the nominees in several races that were undecided after the March 1 primary. For races in which no candidate got half of the votes or more, the top two candidates will compete for the nomination.
WBHM’s New Spring 2016 Tote Bag, Designed by Beth Conklin
Birmingham artist Beth Conklin’s design is featured on the tote bag for the Spring 2016 Fund Drive. Hear Conklin describe the design and encourage you to support WBHM. The tote bag is available as a thank-you gift beginning at $15/month as a sustaining member or a one-time gift of $180. Make your gift HERE.
WBHM Supporter Robert Sturdivant: “I LOVE the Fund Drive!”
Robert Sturdivant, pastor of student ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, defies conventional wisdom when it comes to WBHM’s on air fundraiser. “I love the fund drive!” Sturdivant exclaims. Yes, that’s right. Sturdivant says he enjoys the pledge drive. A lot. “I love being able to hear people in our community share about why […]
Kim Graham: Spring 2016 Pint Glass
Birmingham artists Kim Graham Smith’s design is featured on the pint glass for the Spring 2016 Fund Drive. Hear Smith describe the design and encourage you to support WBHM. The pint glass is available as a thank-you gift beginning at $7.50/month as a sustaining member or a one-time give of $90. Make your gift HERE. […]
What the Bentley Scandal Means for Economic Development
The scandal surrounding Governor Robert Bentley’s alleged affair with a former top advisor has grabbed attention from CNN to the New York Times to the Washington Post. With that national media attention, some Bentley opponents in the legislature have suggested his troubles have hurt the state’s economic development efforts. We explore that in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Why I Support WBHM: Ryan Iversen and Alexander
WBHM listener Ryan Iversen lives in Hanceville, Alabama. He installs heating and air conditioner equipment, and is on the road a lot for his job. He says WBHM helps keep him entertained during those long drives. “I really like the variety of what public radio brings to their stories,” says Iversen. “Music or movies or what’s […]
This Week in the Legislature: Bentley Impeachment Articles, Medicaid and More
The scandal surrounding Governor Robert Bentley took a new turn this week when a legislator filed articles of impeachment against the governor. Bentley’s been under fire since allegations of an affair with his former chief advisor surfaced last month. But that’s not all happening in Montgomery. As the 2016 legislative session moves into its final days, Don Dailey of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television say lawmakers have a lot on their plates. Dailey’s the host , and he tells WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley what’s next for the legislature and the embattled governor.
Problems, Protests Continue at Etowah County Detention Center
Protesters gathered again last weekend at the Etowah County Detention Center, one of the nation's most notorious holding pens. The center houses immigration detainees awaiting possible deportation. It's been under fire in recent years for poor conditions and treatment of prisoners, and some even engaged in a hunger strike last year.
Arc Stories: April 2016 Edition
Stories about serving, giving and the greater community. A young man commits himself to giving back to his community by serving the less fortunate; a father convinces his kids to give away all their Christmas presents to a needy family; and one man benefits from the generosity of strangers in a very cool way. (Originally […]
Why I Support WBHM: John Mitchell
When John Mitchell had to swap cars with his daughter, he made an unexpected discovery. “She had [the radio] on WBHM,” says Mitchell. “The first thing I heard was Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me and I’ve been hooked on it ever since.” Mitchell doesn’t just listen and support the station, he volunteered to answer phones this […]
Impeachment Effort Makes a Lame Duck Governor Weaker
The scandal around Governor Robert Bentley grew this week as fellow Republican Representative Ed Henry filed articles of impeachment against the governor. It’s the latest fallout after the governor admitted to making inappropriate comments to a top advisor, although he denies a physical relationship with her. Bentley says there are no grounds for impeachment and he’ll fight this political attack. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald, who says impeachment is premature, but weakens an already weak governor.
Rotary Trail Opens in Downtown “Magic City”
Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate the opening ceremonies of Rotary Trail along 1st Avenue South in downtown Birmingham. While sipping free champagne and eating popsicles, residents took pictures in front of the new “Magic City” sign – a throwback to an old sign that welcomed visitors to Birmingham more than 60 years […]
Evoking the “Goat Hill” Committee of the Alabama Legislature
A small delegation of Alabama lawmakers - led by a Republican Representative from Hartselle - announced plans to impeach Governor Robert Bentley, the Legislature overrides Bentley's budget veto and the role the Legislature's infamous "Goat Hill" committee will play in all of this. The latest from AL.dom's Kyle Whitmire.
Why I Support WBHM: Haruyo Miyagawa
For librarian Haruyo Miyagawa, WBHM is an essential part of her day. “I support WBHM because it helps me do my job better,” says Miyagawa. She’s currently head of Library Arts Literature and Sports Department at the Birmingham Public Library. “Librarians are in the business of connecting people with the information they want or need,” […]
Alabama Legislator to Start Impeachment Process Against Governor Bentley
An Alabama legislator says he’ll introduce articles of impeachment against Governor Robert Bentley.
UAB Names Ehsan New Men’s Basketball Coach
The UAB Men’s basketball team has a new coach. Robert Ehsan will be the sixth head coach of the program. He was formally introduced by UAN Athletics Director Mark Ingram during a Tuesday afternoon press conference at Bartow Arena.
Sensory-Friendly Performances Open Theater World to People with Autism
People with autism often get uncomfortable in situations like live theater. Sudden loud noises and bright lights can cause distress. With one in 68 children being diagnosed with the condition, lots of Alabama families don’t see musicals or plays. One theater in Birmingham wants to change that by offering one of Alabama’s first “sensory-friendly” performances.
Meeting Over Changes to Mayor-Council Act Incites More Debate
At a public meeting Monday night, more than a hundred people huddled into a tight room in the Jefferson County courthouse. Residents poured out into the hallway. They gathered to discuss proposed changes to the Mayor Council Act, legislation that divides powers between the mayor and city council.
Outlook on Alabama’s Economy Splits from National Picture
The U.S economy has been growing for almost seven years and analysts are debating when it will inevitably return to recession. One report from the bank BBVA Compass says it probably won't happen in 2016, but its prediction about Alabama's economy is less upbeat. We explain in this week's Magic City Marketplace.
Education Superintendent Tommy Bice Ends 39-Year Public Education Career
Bice isn’t leaving the education field. He’s the new education director for Birmingham based Goodrich Foundation.
Alabama Legislators Talk of Possible Impeachment, Recall of Governor Bentley
The firestorm continues a week after allegations that Alabama Governor Robert Bentley had an affair with top advisor Rebekah Mason, who resigned Wednesday. While Bentley and Mason deny an affair, he did admit to making inappropriate comments to her.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud, Files More False Refunds While Awaiting Sentencing
A Demopolis woman was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for filing more than $250,000 in false tax returns, and continued to break the law after pleading guilty last year. Eunice F. Plummer pleaded guilty in October to eight counts of filing false tax returns for other people and three counts of attempting to evade […]
One of Birmingham’s Oldest Homeless Shelters Has Big Plans
Leaders say the City of Birmingham needs more services to help the local homeless population. The operators of one of Birmingham’s oldest standing homeless shelters want to move and rebuild, creating a larger, more welcoming building in a more suitable location. And the change couldn't come soon enough.
Arc Stories: March 2016 Edition
Stories about a woman who learns you can’t always trust somebody just because they’re in a position of authority; a guy deals with a serious case of bad luck of his own making; another who has a brief flirtation with his childhood celebrity crush; and, a woman witnesses her mother fall in love with her childhood sweetheart […]
Pressure Mounting on Bentley to Resign
Governor Robert Bentley's senior advisor, Rebekah Mason, has resigned. This comes one week after the governor faced accusations from the former head of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency of having an affair with her. Both Mason and Bentley denied the affair but Bentley says he did make inappropriate comments to her. Meanwhile calls persist for Bentley to resign. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Taking on Tests: Opting Out in Florida
Millions of Florida’s public school students, from third grade through 12th, are preparing to take the Florida Standards Assessment. The test has drawn scorn from parents, teachers, school administrators, and even lawmakers—yet it remains the main measure of how schools and districts are graded, kids promoted, and teachers evaluated. Lynn Hatter of WFSU reports about how some parents and children are protesting -- choosing a form of civil disobedience by opting out.
Scandal Uncovers Bentley’s Involvement in Trial of Speaker Mike Hubbard
Following the eruption of a scandal involving Governor Robert Bentley and his now former top political adviser, Rebekah Caldwell Mason, the governor is refusing to step down, despite mounting pressure from Alabama lawmakers. And Bentley’s involvement in the ethics trial of House Speaker Mike Hubbard is made clear following disclosure by fired Alabama Law Enforcement […]
Alabama Joins Fight Against Obama’s Immigration Order
Alabama is joining 26 other states in filing a merits brief before the U.S. Supreme Court opposing the Obama administration’s order granting amnesty to roughly four million undocumented immigrants.
Senior Advisor at Center of Bentley Affair Scandal Resigns
Governor Bentley's Senior Political Advisor Rebekah Caldwell Mason has resigned. Mason was in the spotlight last week after former ALEA head Spencer Collier publicly described her alleged affair with the governor, calling her "the de facto governor," a reference for the extreme power people close to Bentley said she wields.
Taking on Tests: The Stakes Are High
It’s testing season in schools across the South and around the country. Students are flipping open booklets or logging onto computers to answer math and reading questions. For over a decade, annual standardized testing has been the law of the land. But it’s not without controversy or pushback – and some states and school districts are rethinking their approach.
