Kyle Whitmire
Does Anything Look Encouraging in the Special Legislative Session?
The special session in the Alabama legislature is underway, and it turns out to be not much different than the regular session. Lawmakers are unable to agree on how to fund the state’s $200 million dollar shortfall. Here to discuss this is Kyle Whitmire. He’s the state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL […]
Taxes, Gambling, and the Special Session
Governor Bentley calls a special session and then it was promptly adjourned for three weeks. And Republicans face a choice between new taxes or gambling. Here to discuss this (and other news)is Kyle Whitmire. He’s the state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL dot com
Despite BP Settlement, Alabama’s General Fund is Still Ailing
Alabama will receive 2.3 billion dollars over 18 years through a settlement with BP over the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. One billion dollars of that settlement is to cover economic losses. Even though that money will go into the state’s general fund, Governor Bentley made it clear that there will still be special legislative session […]
If Everybody Can Get Married, Then Nobody Can Get Married?
The United State Supreme Court rules that gay and lesbian couples have a fundamental right to marry, but several counties in Alabama are not complying. Some probate judges are getting out of the marriage business altogether, while others are marrying heterosexual couples, but not gay and lesbian couples. WBHM’s Michael Krall talks about the state […]
Kyle Whitmire: Alabama Can Either Live In The Past or Future
Governor Bentley removes the Confederate flag from the Alabama Capitol Grounds; Google makes a $600 million dollar investment in Alabama; and the looming special legislative session session will aim to fix problems with Alabama’s general fund including the possibility of gambling. Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL.com, and he […]
Waiting for a Plan for Alabama’s Budget, and Birmingham – Destination City or Not?
Kyle Whitmire says he was certain that a small group of public officials, business leaders, and bureaucrats was busy working and drafting up a solution to the General Fund deficit. But when the session ended, no group was revealed. The Special Session later this summer should offer an ability to work out a deal, since the legislative rules allow leadership to limit the scope of what can be considered, focused on solving the budget crisis. Kyle and Scott also discuss another topic of debate – there’s a debate brewing within the pages, printed and digital, about whether or not Birmingham is a “destination city,” and what that may or may not really mean.
Kyle Whitmire Discusses UAB Football Future And The Legislative Session
The much anticipated College Sports Solutions’ report on University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) athletics is now public and the findings are somewhat ambiguous. In essence, it says UAB can control it’s own destiny. But the question remains should the university divert its football funding to running a championship-caliber basketball program, or beg and borrow […]
Family Values? Politicians On Maternity and Paternity Benefits For Alabama Patents
Sunday was Mother's Day and the love was flowing around the state and the nation, but there's not so much love for mothers and fathers when it comes to paternity and maternity benefits for Alabama parents. Despite all of our talk about family values, Alabama Media Group political columnist says the United States has family leave laws that are antiquated by even the healthcare standards of third world countries, and Alabama has an infant mortality rate worse than Ukraine. Whitmire discusses the landscape of political morality versus taking action with WBHM's Chris Osborne.
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.
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.
Obama To Speak On Payday Lending
President Barack Obama visits Birmingham Thursday. He'll speak at Lawson State Community College about payday lending. It's a big business in Alabama -- one of the states with the most payday lenders per capita.
Kyle Whitmire: Diluting The Birmingham Water Works Board
Alabama's largest water system is run by the Birmingham Water Works Board. Its holdings expand well beyond the city and even Jefferson county. The board's members are appointed by the Birmingham City Council, but in recent years the state legislature has stepped in, trying to change the composition of the board. Here to talk more about the issues behind the Birmingham Water Works Board is Kyle Whitmire. He’s a political commentator for the Alabama Media group, and he joins us most Wednesdays
Kyle Whitmire: Selma Boos Bentley and Remembering Gene Edelman
Thousands of people gathered in Selma last weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery. President Barack Obama spoke, along with Georgia Congressman John Lewis and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. But, as Alabama Media Group Political commentator Kyle Whitmire explains, Bentley's reception was less than warm. Whitmire also talks Gene "The Bean Counter" Edelman and Alabama education.
AL’s Resistance To Same-Sex Marriage Could Hurt The State’s Economy
Apple might be headed into the auto manufacturing business. Apple’s CEO -- Tim Cook -- is from Alabama, and the state is known as an auto-manufacturing hot-spot. Alabama sounds like a natural fit for the company's automotive expansion. But Alabama Media Group political commentator Kyle Whitmire says the state's recent bad press surrounding same-sex marriage might turn companies off of doing business here.
Alabama’s Top Stories, Harper Lee’s New Book and Same-Sex Marriage
Alabama has been in the national spotlight for two reasons this February: "To Kill A Mockingbird" author Harper Lee says she'll release a new book, and some Alabama started issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Monday. Both are controversial, for their own reasons. Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for the Alabama Media Group joins WBHM to discuss these stories and more.
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Tells Probate Judges They Don’t Have To Issue Marriage Licenses To Same-Sex Couples
Barring a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court, probate courts around Alabama will begin offering marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Monday, February 9. But Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore sent a letter to probate judges this week telling them they're not required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. And in some counties, probate judges say they'll stop performing marriage ceremonies. Alabama Media Group political commentator Kyle Whitmire joins WBHM to discuss this and more.
Kyle Whitmire: Alabama Leaders React To Same-Sex Marriage Decision
The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a judicial ethics complaint against Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. The complaint stems from Moore's criticism of a federal judge's ruling Friday striking down Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage. Moore called it "judicial tyranny." Meanwhile, State Representative Patricia Todd, Alabama's first openly gay legislator, said she would "not stand by and allow legislators to talk about 'family values' when they have affairs." Alabama Media Group political commentator Kyle Whitmire sorts through the reactions as Alabama moves towards possibly becoming the 37th state to recognize same-sex marriage.
Kyle Whitmire: Leadership in the Legislature and at UAB
The Alabama Legislature met for their organizational session this week, and much of their key leadership will remain the same. What does this mean for this year's legislative session? Kyle Whitmire from AL.com and The Birmingham News joins us to discuss this, along with the potential no confidence vote for UAB President Dr. Ray Watts.
Nancy Worley and Alabama’s Democratic Party in 2015
What's in store for Alabama's fractured Democratic Party in 2015? A humorous holiday letter sent from party chairwoman Nancy Worley has al.com and Birmingham News political commentator Kyle Whitmire concerned about the party's future.
New Year’s Resolutions for Alabama’s Political Leaders
2014 was a busy year for Alabama -- Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard was indicted on felony corruption charges, Republicans swept all the major elections in the state and Jefferson County had, arguably, its first slow news year in a decade. What's in store for 2015? Kyle Whitmire of al.com and the Birmingham News suggests some New Year's resolutions for Alabama's leaders.
Kyle Whitmire: Is Governor Bentley Now Open To Expanding Medicaid?
Governor Bentley has repeatedly said he's opposed to the state expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. But in a speech to legislators last week, Bentley seemed to change his tune. Is Medicaid expansion on the horizon for Alabama?
Could UAB Afford To Keep Football? Depends Who You Ask
It's been just over a week since the University of Alabama at Birmingham announced it's canceling the university's football, rifle and bowling programs. UAB president Dr. Ray Watts cited the rising costs of college athletics and a report from independent consultants Carr Sports. The decision, the process behind it and the numbers in the Carr Sports report have drawn heavy criticism. But others are calling it an unpopular-but-necessary move.
What’s Behind the Decision to End UAB Football?
University of Alabama at Birmingham football players, coaches and staff are trying to figure out what's next after the university announced Tuesday its ending the school's football program. UAB President Dr. Ray Watts says UAB made the decision after a campus-wide study conducted by a consulting firm over the past year. But there's a perception among some that the decision to end football was dictated by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees. Kyle Whitmire from al.com and the Birmingham News explains.
Just How Bad Is Alabama’s General Fund Budget Shortfall?
Alabama has had its fare share of budget trouble, and this fiscal year is no different. Governor Robert Bentley, in a speech last week, said Alabama's General Fund could be short about $250 million. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Kyle Whitmire of Al.com and the Birmingham News discusses the extent of the state's financial woes with WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley.
Leadership and Diversity in Alabama’s Democratic Party
Alabama's Democratic party has long been led by white democrats, a trend that has continued after the November 4 elections. But the overwhelming majority of Democratic elected officials are black. Kyle Whitmire discusses why party leadership doesn't accurately reflect the party, along with the latest on House Speaker Mike Hubbard's ethics charges and what's next for U.S. District Judge Mark Fuller.
Kyle Whitmire: Gerrymandering In Alabama
On Wednesday the US Supreme Court took up the complicated question of what kind of gerrymandering is acceptable and what kind is not. The court is being asked to decide whether a 2010 state legislative redistricting in Alabama overloaded some districts with black Democrats on the basis of race or party.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kyle Whitmire: Determining Lawmaker’s Salaries in 2015
State officials are working with a Birmingham law firm to try and determine the median household income in Alabama. The number could control the salaries of state lawmakers in the coming year because of a constitutional amendment approved by state voters in 2012.
