Series
Hear Highlights from “Issues & Ales: Crime in the Greater Birmingham Area”
There’s a perception that crime is on the rise in and around Birmingham. What’s really happening? Is fear changing our behavior and affecting relationships in our communities? How can Birmingham and surrounding communities work to reduce violent crime? On Thursday, March 10 Local law enforcement officials and community members met to discuss crime and brainstorm solutions for WBHM's “Issues and Ales: Crime in the Greater Birmingham Area.”
Former Mayor, Birmingham Officials on City’s Power Struggle
Tensions between the Birmingham City Council and Mayor William Bell have escalated over the past several months. There's also a move in the state legislature designed to change Birmingham’s Mayor-Council Act of 1955, which has determined the devision of power in the city for decades. A few weeks ago, draft legislation circulated that would transfer some powers from the city council to the mayor. Thursday evening at 6 pm, the Birmingham City Council holds an open meeting about these possible changes. We talk with Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD, about what former Birmingham officials think of the current battle in Birmingham government. Patterson also discusses the growth of small business in the Magic City, and what help entrepreneurs want from the city.
Prison Uprising Puts Governor’s Prison Plan in the Spotlight
Alabama lawmakers are considering a plan from Governor Robert Bentley to overhaul Alabama's prison system. It would use an $800 million bond issue to build four new prisons while closing most others. The proposal takes on renewed importance after two violent uprisings at the Holman Correctional Facility in south Alabama on Friday and Monday. In remarks after touring the facility, the governor says he can't guarantee the same thing won't happen again. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Senate Committee Approves Prison Consolidation Plan
A Senate budget committee approved a prison construction bill Wednesday. The bill would close 14 state prisons and build four large regional facilities. Senator Cam Ward was among the bill’s supporters, […]
Crime in Greater Birmingham: Literacy as Long-Term Prevention?
Police and prosecutors try to fight crime in the streets and in the courts every day. But how do you fight the long-term root causes of crime? Some people think you do it in small school rooms, one lesson at a time.
“I let go of all my personal hang-ups…that’s what dogs taught me.”
Mike Miller, a dog trainer from Birmingham…
An unusual goodbye…
Karen Weinrib from Homewood…
Fencing: An act of denial and wistfulness
Stefan Kertesz from Homewood, talks about fencing…
Crime in Greater Birmingham: Impact of Social Media
Elizabeth Sanfelippo is an energy consultant who lives in Birmingham’s upscale Highland Park neighborhood. She grew up outside of Birmingham, and lived in Vermont and New York before coming back to her beloved hometown. When she wants to know what’s happening in the area, she picks up her smartphone and presses a green icon with a white house on it, opening the Nextdoor app.
U.S. Marshal Talks Crime, Collaboration and Change
You probably remember westerns where with U.S. Marshals ride into town and take on criminals. Well in real life in North Central Alabama, it’s U.S. Marshal Marty Keely who leads the team capturing federal criminals and works through a regional task force to fight crime.
Crime in Greater Birmingham: Targeting the Violence
There was a spike in homicide last year and Birmingham is on pace to hit a new high this year. Studies show much of this violence isn’t random. According to data from the University of Cincinnati Policing Institute, less than one percent of a city’s population contribute to more than 73 percent of violent crime. Other cities have instituted programs to cut down on homicide, by targeting the groups and people most likely to be involved. Birmingham started its own initiative last year.
Crime in Greater Birmingham: An Increase or Perception?
Birmingham finished 2015 with an increase in homicides. That’s a reversal from the last several years where those numbers dropped to levels not seen in a generation. With that rise and the headlines that come with it, crime is pushing back to the forefront of community conversation. This week, we’ll explore crime in the greater Birmingham area. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager kicks off our series.
Community Banks Increase Lending to Small Business
We sort of know the broad outlines of starting a business. You have an idea, find an investor or lender for funding, then go at it. Around Birmingham community banks are increasingly getting in on that small business lending action. That's where we start the conversation in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Medicaid Funding Struggles Could Send Alabama Legislature into Special Session
Alabama is once again heading for a budget standoff. This week, the house committee approved a General Fund budget. The state's Medicaid commissioner says it would cause severe cuts to the program. The $1.8 billion budget steers an additional $15 million to Medicaid, but that's short of the $100 million the agency says is needed to maintain services. Governor Robert Bentley’s already threatened a veto, and state lawmakers are talking about a special session. Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal, told WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley more about the budget and the rest of this week's news from Montgomery.
What is the Mayor-Council Act of 1955?
The power struggle between Birmingham Mayor William Bell and the Birmingham City Council is escalating. Last week, Bell suggested changes to the Mayor-Council Act to state legislators. But what exactly is The Mayor Council act of 1955, and how did the city council and the mayor get to this point? Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD, says it’s a long battle that precedes this mayor and this council. Patterson told WBHM’s Rachel Lindley about the history behind the conflict.
Birmingham Mayor/Council Power Struggle Reaches State Level
A war of words and political posturing is escalating between the Birmingham City Council and Mayor William Bell. The mayor vetoed two ordinances last week, one of which would have granted the city council access to city equipment and facilities when the want it. The other would force the mayor to present budgets on time. Now the fight is rising to the state level with two bills that could be introduced in the legislature. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Payday Loan Bill Alive, But For How Long?
A public meeting was held in Montgomery Wednesday, March 9, to discuss legislation that would affect payday loans, a U.S. lawmaker from Alabama is chosen to advise Republican front-runner Donald […]
UAB — Going More Dense and Vertical
UAB has been jokingly referred to as the university that ate Birmingham because of the steady growth its campus has seen through the decades. It’s an anchor of the region’s economy and a new master plan outlines where university leaders want to take Birmingham’s largest employer. We talk about it in this week's Magic City Marketplace. Birmingham Business Journal editor Ty West also discusses plans for development around Birmingham's CrossPlex and why lower oil prices are bad news for banks.
This Week in Montgomery: PREP Act, Bentley’s Bond for Building New Prisons and More
This week in the Alabama Legislature, senator Del Marsh’s introduced the PREP Act. If it becomes law, Alabama teachers would be evaluated by student test scores and have to work longer before they get tenure.
Issues & Ales: Crime in the Greater Birmingham Area
Join us on Thursday, March 10 for "Issues and Ales: Crime in the Greater Birmingham Area.” Local law enforcement officials and community members will discuss crime and brainstorm solutions.
Protesters Hold Memorial for Deceased Former Etowah County Detainee
The Etowah County Detention Center has been under increasing scrutiny in recent months after complaints about poor inmate health care and a detainee hunger strike. The center is used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold unlawful immigrants. Over the weekend, protesters held a memorial service for Teka Gulema, a former inmate who died shortly after being released.
Simple Investigation or Attempt to stop Speaker’s Ethics Trial?
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is conducting an internal investigation into suspected wrongdoing. Details are few but the admission comes two weeks after Governor Robert Bentley placed ALEA Secretary Spencer Collier on medical leave. At the same time, Collier signed an affidavit related to the ethics trial of House Speaker Mike Hubbard, something the governor didn't want Collier to do Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the situation and why he suspects the investigation is part of an attempt by the governor to stop the Hubbard trial.
Looking Forward to the General Election
Super Tuesday has come and gone in Alabama. What was surprising and what to expect come November? Analysis of the primary elections. And House Speaker Mike Hubbard is back in court tomorrow - Thursday, March 3. A look at what's happening in that trial taking place in Lee County.
Storms Couldn’t Keep Alabamians Away From Polls
Alabamians hit the polls yesterday for what’s been dubbed the "SEC Primary" and voter turnout was high despite severe weather.
Senator Richard Shelby Avoids Runoff, Wins Primary Bid for a Sixth Term
Alabama’s top Republican on Capitol Hill came through the primary unscathed. Senator Richard Shelby fought off four challengers to claim a win in his primary bid for a sixth term. He told supporters at an election night event in Tuscaloosa that his long tenure is a good thing.
Election Results
Results of Tuesday's Alabama Primary
What to Watch on Super Tuesday
The SEC Primary. Super Tuesday. Call it what you will, but today’s the day Alabamians vote for everything from local judicial races to presidential nominees. Dr. Angela Lewis, director of UAB’s political science program, tells WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley what’s at stake in Alabama.
US Senator Richard Shelby Spends Big in Alabama Primary
What does $5 buy you in Chilton County? All the chili you could eat, line dancing, and door prizes galore. Oh, and a chance to meet Senator Richard Shelby, who spent a recent Saturday campaigning at the Chilton County Chili Cookoff.
Metro Birmingham’s Growth Hotspots
The Birmingham metro area has seen steady, albeit modest population growth since the great recession. However, that growth though isn’t even with some communities seeing growth rates far higher. We talk about this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Clinton, Rubio Among Presidential Hopefuls Pushing Through Birmingham
It was a politics-heavy weekend in the state as presidential candidates swept through in the days leading up to Super Tuesday. The Clintons, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, and Donald Trump all held events throughout Alabama.
Clinton, Cruz and Trump to Visit Birmingham and Huntsville this Weekend
Presidential hopefuls Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Senator Marco Rubio will each make a final push campaigning in Alabama this Saturday, just days before Tuesday's SEC Primary. They will campaign separately in Birmingham. Republican front-runner Donald Trump will hold a rally in Madison on Sunday.
Bentley Signs Bill Blocking Minimum Wage Hikes, Senate Approves Lean General Fund Budget
The fourth week of the Alabama legislative session ended with a bang. Governor Robert Bentley has signed a bill blocking local governments from setting their own minimum wage. The governor signed the bill yesterday afternoon just after the Alabama Senate approved the bill 23 to 10, largely along party lines. Republican legislators supported the bill to push back against the Birmingham City Council, which voted to raise their city's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.
