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John Archibald: Don’t Despair about Political Corruption
Corruption seems to be gaining the spotlight in Alabama politics after being dormant for a few years. That's thanks to the indictment of Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard on 23 corruption charges. He's the latest in a long line of politicians wrapped up in corruption cases. But Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says don't despair.
A Guide to Alabama’s 2014 Constitutional Amendments
When voters head to the ballot box next week, they won't just be voting for governor, attorney general and other statewide offices. They'll also vote on five statewide constitutional amendments. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke with Anniston Star reporter Tim Lockette about the amendments.
The Races for Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District
As Alabama voters pick their members of Congress at the polls next week, only residents of the sixth congressional district will be guaranteed to have new representation. Long-time Congressman Spencer Bachus is retiring from the district that covers suburban Birmingham. The fight for Alabama's only open seat is heating up.
Representative Spencer Bachus Reflects On His Time In Congress
A fixture on the Alabama political scene will soon be no longer. Spencer Bachus has served in Congress since 1993. But this year the Vestavia Hills Republican is retiring. He's one of 24 incumbents to step down this term.Congressman Bachus spoke to WBHM's Sarah Delia about his time in Washington. He started off by explaining why he decided to retire.
A Dialogue on the Brain with the Dalai Lama
The brain is a changing organ that can heal itself after injury. That's the message from a dialogue involving the Dalai Lama and scientists at UAB's Alys Stephens Center Saturday.
“Neuroplasticity and Healing” — A Dialogue with the Dalai Lama
Birmingham is preparing for a visit this weekend from the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan leader will speak about religion and human rights. But the Buddhist figure will also indulge his personal interest of neuroscience. The Dalai Lama will participate in a talk with scientists Saturday at UAB.
Alabama House Speaker Hubbard Indicted on Corruption Charges
The Speaker of the Alabama House has been arrested on a 23 count indictment alleging an array of ethics violations.
Here & Now
Here & Now (Monday – Thursday from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. and Friday from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.) reflects the news as it’s happening in the middle of the day with timely, smart, and in-depth news, interviews, and conversation. The show’s daily lineup includes interviews with NPR reporters, editors, and bloggers, as well […]
Alabama Attorney General’s 1976 Letter Told KKK Off In 3 Short Words
As part of our series Letters of Note, former Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley tells NPR's Audie Cornish how he once replied to an angry letter from the Ku Klux Klan.
Federal Complaint Alleges Fund Misappropriation in Birmingham Schools
A Birmingham City Schools parent who's also president of the local chapter of the American Federation of Teachers has filed a complaint against the school system with the U.S. Department of Education over allegedly misappropriated Title One funds.
WBHM Presents Magic City Writers Read
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM presents Magic City Writers Read, a reading and book-signing event featuring author Carla Jean Whitley, Oct. 9, 2014 at UAB's Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.
John Archibald: Birmingham Schools Superintendent Resigns
The Birmingham City Schools is looking for a new leader. Superintendent Craig Witherspoon surprised many when he announced his resignation Tuesday. It's effective December 31st. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald offers his thoughts on the move.
BCS Superintendent Craig Witherspoon To Resign: Reaction And Perspective
Last night Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Craig Witherspoon announced he would resign at the end of the year. Neither he nor board members had much to say immediately after the announcement, but late last night WBHM's Dan Carsen caught up with some key players for reaction. We've put together links to some key moments in Witherspoon's tenure, too.
Kyle Whitmire: Politics is local, School and City Politics have a busy week
After renewing his employment contract, the Superintendent of the Birmingham City Schools resigns. Meanwhile, Birmingham City Council has voted to give themselves a lift in their expense accounts, future council members a raise in salary, and give the mayor more freedom to spend. We ponder these local political acts and what's next with Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for the Alabama Media Group.
CDC Ebola Training Center opens in Anniston
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated a training course at the former Army base in Anniston for health workers intending to help with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Birmingham Fashion Truck: Making The Magic City Rethink Fashion
Food trucks have become ubiquitous in many cities. Entrepreneurs have taken the same concept of retail on wheels and applied them to apparel. That trend has now come to Birmingham. WBHM's intern Morgan Smith has more.
John Archibald: Security and Service
The topic of security for public officials is getting special attention this week writ very, very large. The Secret Service in Washington has a very big task. Keeping public officials safe is important, and John has written about the topic on a more Alabama-focused level. Meanwhile, election day is about a month away. The final push has a lot of energy, rhetoric and money at play. After November 4th, what's next?
Kyle Whitmire: Judge Lifts Restrictions On The Montgomery Advertiser
Last week Jefferson County Circuit Judge Robert Vance lifted his ban that temporarily blocked the Montgomery Advertiser from publishing information from Alagasco documents. We take a look at why the ban was set in the first place as well as job numbers in the state.
Cutting-Edge Forensic Research At ASU Could Help Solve Murders
Believe it or not, in a healthy human body, microbial cells outnumber human cells by about ten to one. Scientists, doctors, and health-conscious people are learning more and more about our "personal ecosystems." But what happens to this individualized community of life after we die? Some Alabama State University forensics researchers are looking at patterns, which could -- among other things -- help investigators solve murder cases. WBHM's education reporter Dan Carsen has more:
Javacia Harris Bowser: Life Lessons From A Younger Generation
It's not uncommon to seek words of wisdom and advice from those who older and more experienced. But what about turning to a younger generation for new ideas and inspiration? Our guest blogger Javacica Harris Bowser believes that just because someone is younger than you, doesn't mean you shouldn't seek out their ideas and opinions.
Kyle Whitmire: The Practice of Law and the Practice of Journalism
The practice of journalism and the practice of law are getting deeply intertwined in Alabama and nationwide. Kyle Whitmire of Al.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss.
Shooter Kills Himself, Two Others At UPS Facility
Three people are dead after a shooting this morning at a UPS facility near the Birmingham airport. According to Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper, the gunman is among the deceased. Listen to comments from Roper here. The audio begins with a discussion of how BPD is gathering information from witnesses.
Calls for Federal Judge to Resign after Alleged Domestic Dispute
Mark Fuller, a federal judge in Alabama, is facing mounting calls for his resignation. Judge Mark Fuller was arrested last month for allegedly beating his wife. The calls for his resignation come amid increasing attention on domestic violence after several high-profile cases involving NFL players. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Interview: Tavis Smiley Explores MLK’s Last Year
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and message are widely celebrated, but author Tavis Smiley says some of his more controversial views -- including those expressed during the last year of his life -- are often overlooked. Smiley is the author of the new book "Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Final Year" written with David Ritz. Smiley discusses the book Saturday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The author sat down with WBHM's Greg Bass to explain why he chose to focus on King's last year.
John Archibald: A Not So Empowering “Empowerment Week”
This week marks the 51st anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham. The blast killed four girls and is a pivotal moment of the Civil Rights Movement. The City of Birmingham noted that event by bring back what's been dubbed "Empowerment Week." The series of speakers, festivals, and a day of service comes with an $180,000 price tag. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says it's not very empowering.
Kyle Whitmire: Domestic And Child Abuse In The South
Ray Rice, Mark Fuller, and Adrian Peterson. All of these men have been in the headlines in recent weeks for issues involving domestic or child abuse. As these acts of violence keep resurfacing in the news cycle we're left wondering: what needs to change in our culture to make the abuse stop? Kyle Whitmire of Al.com and the Birmingham News joins us now to discuss.
John Archibald: Preferential Treatment for the Governor’s Security Head
Those who protect prominent politicians often stay out of the limelight, But the head of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley's security detail is getting some unwelcomed attention. It's for how much he's making and for a promotion some say wasn't deserved. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald has the details.
The Uncertain Future Of The AEA
Paul Hubbert is the retired leader of the Alabama Education Association. This week he wrote a letter to the AEA board of directors saying the organization is in trouble. He says there are management, financial, and organizational problems. Kyle Whitmire of AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss the future of the AEA.
Reward or Waste? Contracts Bring Controversy In Vestavia Hills Schools
If you could keep your six-figure salary but work only "as needed," mainly from home, advising the person doing your old job, would you take that deal? After 14 years as Vestavia Hills schools superintendent, that's exactly what Dr. Jamie Blair is doing now. And that's raised some questions in this highly regarded school district. Some support the school board's decision, but others say it's just wrong. WBHM's education reporter Dan Carsen has much more.
VIDEO: AL.com and WBHM Investigate Alabama’s Prison Problems
VIDEO: Alabama's prisons are overcrowded, underfunded, and riddled with problems ranging from poor prisoner healthcare to inmate sexual abuse. With the threat of a federal takeover on the horizon, what's next for Alabama's prisons? Learn more in this video produced by AL.com. It highlights the recent prison reporting by the Alabama Investigative Journalism Lab, and features AL.com and WBHM reporters.
Churches Could Be Key To Ending HIV Stigma In Rural Alabama
According to the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans account for 75 percent of Alabama's HIV cases, but only about 25 percent of the state's population. In many neighborhoods, HIV is a disease spoken about in whispers. People are scared to get tested, and scared to be seen going to a clinic. In order to combat stigma and increase awareness, doctors and academics are going to an unlikely place -- the church -- in an attempt to break down some barriers. Ashley Cleek traveled down to the Black Belt to see how it's going.
Artwalk: Public Forum
Artist Steve Lambert likes to say his medium is "trouble." That's a creative way of saying he's less interested in pretty pictures than in artwork that challenges the audience. Or in the case of his latest, work that forces them to examine their own views. The New York-based artist is currently an artist in residence at Birmingham's Space One Eleven gallery. This weekend he brings his work called "Public Forum" to Birmingham’s Artwalk.
