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Casinos, Lottery Possible Fix For Alabama’s General Fund Budget Crisis?
Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh told lawmakers on Tuesday he plans to introduce legislation legalizing some forms of gambling. Marsh said this could be the state's solution to the $250 million budget shortfall. We here more on this from Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for al.com and The Birmingham News.
Small Alabama Banks Move to Birmingham
Birmingham has seen some big names in banking from Wells Fargo to PNC to come into the city in the last decade. But it’s also attracting small banks from around Alabama who hope to gain a foothold in the city. We hear about that, changes to Medicare and a bike sharing program comes to Birmingham in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Governor and Lawmakers Still Split over Budget Crisis
This week, Governor Robert Bentley defended his agency heads from accusations they’re using scare tactics in describing the effects of possible budget cuts to the state’s general fund. To fill us in on this and other activity in Montgomery this week is Don Dailey. He’s the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television.
What Stands in a Storm
Monday marks the fourth anniversary of a massive tornado outbreak where 62 tornados raked across Alabama in a single day. More than 250 people died from those storms on April 27, 2011. Writer Kim Cross chronicles that time through several personal stories in her book What Stands in a Storm. It grew out of an article she wrote for Southern Living magazine. She spoke with WBHM’s Andrew Yeager.
A Republican Reversal on Ethics Oversight and Birmingham Festivals find they now owe the City
Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard faces trial on ethics charges this fall. The Republican representative is accused of using his political office for personal gain. Hubbard's defenders contend his prosecution is politically motivated. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says that refrain is familiar. Democrats used to say the same thing when they faced corruption scandals. He talks about this and how Birmingham festivals will now have to pay for city services that used to be provided for free.
NPR’s Cokie Roberts’ New Book, “Capitol Dames,” On The Women Of Civil War Washington
This month marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Much has been written about the men behind the military and political forces on both sides of the conflict. But what about the women’s stories? In her new book, Capitol Dames, Cokie Roberts tells the stories of how American women saw and influenced the war, from the sidelines of battle and the sidelines of political power. Roberts will speak and read from her book Tuesday, April 21 at the Doubletree Hotel in Birmingham. The event is presented by the Alabama Booksmith, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit WBHM.
Golf Courses Struggle to Stay Above Par
Drive by a country club now that the weather is warmer and you’ll likely see people taking in a round of golf. However the number of people who choose to do that has been steadily dropping over the last 10 to 15 years. That’s forced a couple of Birmingham country clubs to close and the others to look to a new strategy. We hear about it in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Birmingham Awarded 3-Star Sustainability Certification
Birmingham was awarded a three star rating by the STAR Communities on Friday. STAR stands for "Sustainability tools for assessing and rating communities." In a ceremony at UAB, Mayor William Bell addressed the crowd about his vision for a sustainable Birmingham. But, as the weekly newspaper WELD reports, the city still has a ways to go. Nick Patterson, the editor of WELD joins WBHM to explain where the city needs to show some improvement.
Accountability or Politics at the Statehouse and Connections in High Places at UAB
State lawmakers like to talk about accountability and keeping tabs on the taxpayers’ money. But keeping tabs on money can also be a tool of politics and influence. Two key members of the Alabama House have introduced a bill that Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says even though it’s ostensibly about accountability, politics is not far behind. He also talks about a position at UAB created last fall for a friend of Senior Vice President Shirley Salloway Kahn -- a position that pays $28,000 a month.
State Courts Underfunded Despite Rising Court Fees
In Cleburne County Alabama, a speeding ticket could cost you about $20. But after the fees kick in, you could end up owing almost $300. Alabama Media Group political commentator Kyle Whitmire reports that, while the state is staunchly against new taxes, rising court fees are being used more and more to fund general government operations.
Potential Changes to State Incentives
When it comes to attracting new or expanding businesses to Alabama, incentives are a tool state leaders say can make the difference. However, Alabama has been falling behind its southern neighbors when it comes to incentives. A bill in the legislature would make changes to that and we talk more from Birmingham Business Journal editor Cindy Fisher Crawford in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Heads of Alabama Prison, Medicaid and Mental Health Systems Say Budget Cuts Would Hurt
Alabama’s facing a general fund budget shortfall. Governor Robert Bentley told law makers Wednesday that state agencies would see sever cuts if taxes aren't raised. Here to recap the budget conversation in Montgomery this week, and more is Don Dailey. He’s the host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television, and he joins WBHM each Friday during the legislative session. To start, Dailey tells’ WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley how heads of the state’s prison, Medicaid and mental health systems described how’d they’d deal with budget cuts to state legislators.
A History Of Tuberculosis In Alabama
Homewood residents were startled late last month when Homewood City Schools announced that a freshmen at Homewood High School was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). For most people, the respiratory disease tuberculosis is an anachronism, but it still kills more than a million people each year, mostly in developing countries. "Not surprisingly, TB has a long history in Alabama as well," says Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD. Patterson recently wrote about TB's history in Alabama. He says, in the 50's, TB was a leading cause of death in Jefferson County.
Auburn’s Lesson for Alabama
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees usually operates without a lot of attention. But with UAB boosters angry over the loss of that university’s football program and two bills in the state legislature aimed at restructuring the panel, more people are taking note of how the board is made up. Several members have close ties to Bryant Bank, founded by long time board member Paul Bryant Junior, himself the son of legendary Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. The board also has self-selecting membership. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald has written about this and says it looks similar to a situation from Auburn University.
Alabama Bill Brings Religious Freedom Debate Into The Classroom
Kyle Whitmire from the Alabama Media Group joins WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley to discuss HB1, which would allow “the free exercise of student-led religion in school.” Plus more on Governor Robert Bentley and the harsh criticism he's facing from state politicians and the public over his proposed tax hikes.
Urban Food Project Brings Fresh Produce To Corner Stores
For some who live in Birmingham, it is easy to get healthy food, especially if you have a car and can drive to a large grocery store. But if you are one of the 88,000 people living in one of Birmingham’s food deserts, getting quality food can be a real challenge. A local revitalization organization, REV Birmingham, is working to change that through an initiative called the Urban Food Project.
Anthony Ray Hinton Released After Almost 30 Years On Death Row
After almost 30 years on death row, Anthony Ray Hinton was released from prison today after the prosecution dropped the charges. Ashley Cleek was at , when Hinton was released. Family and friends sobbed and rushed to hug Anthony Ray Hinton as he walked out of the jail in downtown Birmingham free man. Hinton been imprisoned since he was convicted of murdering two men in 1985. For WBHM, Ashley Cleek was at the jail in downtown Birmingham, when Hinton was released.
Mental Healthcare Community Worries More Cuts are on the Way
When Alabama Psychiatric Services suddenly closed in February, 28,000 people who depended on the company for mental healthcare found their treatment thrown into chaos. APS closed after the company said it couldn’t reach an agreement with the state’s largest health insurance company Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. A similar situation in Florida has some mental healthcare professionals wondering if more closures are possible or if something illegal is happening.
Senate Passes Prison Reform Bill,Draft General Fund Budget “Bleak”
Prison reform and the General Fund budget were at the top of the agenda for Alabama legislators this week. Thursday, the Alabama senate passed a comprehensive bill aimed at relieving Alabama’s overcrowded prison system. Earlier this week, state lawmakers got a sneak peek at what the budget could look like next fiscal year if the state pulls in no new revenue.
Poll Shows Majority Of Alabamians Would Pay Higher Taxes
Alabama General Fund faces a deficit of around $250 million. On Wednesday, the legislative General Fund committee circulated a draft of what Alabama’s budget would look like without adding any new revenue. State agencies could see cuts of 11.5 percent or higher next fiscal year. Even facing those numbers, many Republican Alabama lawmakers are balking […]
Man On Death Row For Almost 30 Years Will Be Freed
A man on Alabama’s death row for almost 30 years will be freed tomorrow Friday, April 3, after a judge dismissed the case. Prosecutors say the evidence that tied the man to two murders is not reliable. Anthony Ray Hinton was convicted and sentenced to death for killing two managers at Birmingham fast-food restaurants during […]
What’s In Alabama’s Prison Reform Bill?
Alabama's prison reform bill was approved today by a 31-2 vote in the Alabama Senate. The bill contains major changes to the state’s sentencing and probation rules with the goal of reducing prison over-crowding. Alabama's prisons are currently at almost 200 percent capacity. The bill was crafted by the Alabama Prison Reform Task Force with the help of The Council of State Governments, a nonprofit that works with policymakers across the country. WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley spoke with Andy Barbee, research manager with The Council of State Governments about some of the most important policy changes in the Alabama Justice Reinvestment Act and how Alabama’s challenges rank nationally.
The Ties that Bind the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees
As UAB football boosters continue to push to bring the team back after university leaders ended the program in December, more attention is being placed on the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. Members of that panel have insisted they had nothing to do with the decision to end UAB football. What is clear though are the close ties the board has with Bryant Bank.
Alabama Obstetrician Turned Lawmaker Withdraws Controversial Bill
Republican State Senator Larry Stutts got into some hot water this week after an unsettling connection between his past and a bill he proposed came to light. Stutts said Tuesday that he will no longer push legislation to repeal "Rose's Law." The 1999 law requires a minimum postpartum hospital stay— unless the woman gives written consent — and certain bloodwork before a woman is discharged from the hospital.
Antiques Roadshow from Birmingham!
Part history lesson, part story, and part suspense, public television's Antiques Roadshow comes to you from Birmingham!
Women, Manufacturing and Job Opportunities in Alabama.
Picture a factory worker and you might imagine a gruff man, covered in dirt working the line. That's not the reality for manufacturing today, but the industry is male dominated. And with Alabama a manufacturing-heavy state, that affects opportunities for women. We talk about that in this week's Magic City Marketplace.
President Obama Speaks in Birmingham
More than a thousand people gathered Thursday afternoon at Lawson State Community College in Birmingham to hear a speech by President Barack Obama. He used the visit to promote ideas he says will help working families and to tout proposed new rules on payday lenders. While the remarks were about policy, for many people, the fact they heard a sitting president speak in Birmingham represented a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Handling Heroin In The Courts
Heroin related deaths more than doubled last year in Jefferson county. All this week, WBHM has explored Alabama's heroin problem. With a rise in use of the drug, police report more heroin arrests, and judges say their dockets are filling up with cases. According to Birmingham's drug court, eight out of ten cases are for heroin. We conclude our series with a look at the courts. Ashley Cleek followed one addict into the criminal justice system to see what works and what doesn't.
Supreme Court Decision Causes Concern
Though the Alabama Legislature was on Spring Break this week a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court has state lawmakers concerned. On Wednesday a divided Supreme Court said a lower court must review whether Alabama's Republican-led legislature relied too heavily on race when it redrew the state's voting districts in 2012.
Arc Stories: March 2015 Edition
A man gets a chance to show a former girlfriend what she missed out on; a girl gets an audience for one of her first intimate moments; and a young woman meets some random strangers and gets into a fight.
Naloxone Access Bill
With heroin use increasing in Alabama the last few years, public health leaders are looking for ways to reduce heroin overdose deaths. Naloxone could be part of it. The drug, more commonly known as Narcan, can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose if administered to a user in time. It's not addictive nor does it produce a high. State Representative Allen Treadaway (R-Morris) refers to it as a miracle drug. Treadaway is also a Birmingham police captain and he's introduced HB 208 in the Alabama legislature to expand access to Naloxone.
UAB’s Football Decision May Have Been Made Earlier
UAB President Ray Watts faces calls for his resignation after documents released this week suggest university leaders considered announcing the end of the school's football, bowling and rifle programs months earlier than they did. The documents come from a public relations firm that was devising a strategy for handling the controversial decision and mentions a task list for an announcement in September. But Watts has said the decision to kill the football program was not made until shortly before the announcement was actually made in December. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
