Series
John Archibald: Low Voter Turnout
What if you held an election and nobody showed up? That's practically what happened this week in a special election to fill the House District 53 seat in Birmingham. Out of almost 21,000 eligible voters turnout was just 2.6 percent. We hear more from Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Kyle Whitmire: The Reality of Exiting Bankruptcy
If things go according to plan, Jefferson County will exit municipal bankruptcy on December 3. However, many of its financial problems remain. Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss four things that will come out of exiting bankruptcy and four things that won't change.
Jefferson County Bankruptcy Round-Up
After multiple corruption trials, years of hand wringing and intense negotiations with creditors, Jefferson County has been cleared to exit municipal bankruptcy The $4.2 billion bankruptcy was the largest in U.S. history until Detroit's filing earlier this year. This is the collection of WBHM's stories to date.
John Archibald: An End to Jefferson County’s Bankruptcy
Jefferson County's municipal bankruptcy appears to be in its final days. County commissioners approved the sale of $1.7 billion in new sewer debt Wednesday. Meanwhile a federal bankruptcy judge began a hearing on the county's plan to exit bankruptcy. We talk about it with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
WBHM Hosts Issues and Ales Event Tuesday, Nov. 19 at WorkPlay
Make plans now to attend WBHM 90.3 FM's next Issues and Ales event on leadership and civic engagement on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at WorkPlay at 500 23rd St S. The evening will feature a panel discussion focusing on how can we work together to build stronger communities. Representatives from throughout Birmingham will focus on North Central Alabama's challenges with leadership and regional cooperation.
John Archibald: Remembering Maxine Parker
Birmingham Mayor William Bell called it "a sad day for our city" when reacting to news of city council president Maxine Parker's death. She died unexpectedly Tuesday leaving colleagues in shock. But they also remembered Parker as a quiet, fierce advocate for residents of her north Birmingham district. We remember Parker with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Kyle Whitmire: Maxine Parker’s Legacy
City Council President Maxine Parker died at the age of 69 on Tuesday. We'll take a look at Parker's legacy as well as what's next for the council. Plus, JeffCo gets another bad review from a major rating agency regarding the county's sewer debt. Kyle Whitmire from Al.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss.
Not quite “Mission Accomplished” for Jefferson County bankruptcy
Jefferson County commissioners are out talking to investors, pushing a revised plan which would allow the county to exit bankruptcy by the end of the year. It's a major accomplishment given that rising interest rates made a previous plan unworkable. But Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says its too early to say "mission accomplished."
Kyle Whitmire: The Pitfalls of Exiting Bankruptcy
There are still many hurdles Jefferson County must overcome before exiting bankruptcy. Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and the Birmingham News stops by to discuss worst case scenarios.
John Archibald: Fighting for Fighting’s Sake
After a two year legal battle, the fight over Alabama's toughest-in-the-nation illegal immigration law appears to be at an end. Tuesday, the state and a coalition of civil rights groups challenging the law announced a settlement. Alabama agrees to not enforce parts of the law, many of which had already been temporarily blocked by federal courts. But Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says this kind of fight seems to be part of Alabama's DNA.
Kyle Whitmire: JeffCo Commission Meeting
On Thursday the Jefferson County Commission will be holding a meeting regarding the major sewer creditor groups and the county's bankruptcy exit plans. Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss the possibilities of that meeting.
John Archibald: New Leadership on the Birmingham City Council
Birmingham seated its new city council this week, as expected. But what caught many by surprise is who will lead the board. Maxine Parker is the new council president, a dark horse candidate for the position. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald offers his perspective on the new council. He also says Birmingham could learn from the game of basketball.
John Archibald: What Alabama Power Spends to Influence
Large utility companies often spend millions to lobby and influence public opinion. Alabama Power is no different. But the amount of money Alabama Power spends puts the company far above its peers. We hear details from Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Kyle Whitmire: Audit Reveals Violations at Alabama State University
Birmingham orthopedic surgeon and former Alabama State University trustee Lawrence Lemak reportedly violated the university's conflict of interest policy. A forensic audit released by Governor Bentley’s office says Lemak’s businesses or entities that employed his family members benefited from contracts with the school. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News has the details.
John Archibald: Take a Hike, Joe Reed
Democrats are something of an endangered species in Alabama. There are no Democrats left in statewide elected office. Republicans hold solid majorities in the state legislature. A part of the reason for that political downward spiral is Alabama Democratic Conference President Joe Reed. That’s according to Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Kyle Whitmire: Bankruptcy Exit Plan
Kyle Whitmire with the Birmingham News and Al.com gives a detailed update on Jefferson County's bankruptcy exit plan.
John Archibald: Government Reboot and Mellencamp’s Advice for Alabama
The federal government shutdown is now in its third day with little sign of a breakthrough between Democrats and Republicans in Washington. But Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says we don't need a government shutdown. We need a government reboot. He also talks about what Alabama could learn from rocker John Mellencamp.
Kyle Whitmire: Birmingham’s New Budget
This week city officials finally approved a 2014 budget for Birmingham. Plus, Republican Representative Spencer Bachus announced he will not be seeking another term in Congress. Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss this week’s news in Alabama politics.
John Archibald: Grades for UA and Lessons from a Madame
The controversy involving race and sororities at the University of Alabama is subsiding. The student newspaper there detailed allegations earlier this month that sorority members were prevented from voting on accepting potential recruits because they were black. Since the dust up at least 11 black women have been granted bids. Al.com and Birmingham News Columnist John Archibald grades the parties involved. He also talks about what Hoover could learn from a famous Birmingham madame.
Kyle Whitmire: November Bankruptcy Court Hearing
A six-page letter from a California firm announcing a November bankruptcy court hearing has been mailed out to JeffCo sewer ratepayers. The letter has caused some concern and confusion. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us to explain.
John Archibald: Race and Greek Life at the University of Alabama
Students, faculty and administrators at the University of Alabama are trying to figure out what's next after a march Wednesday calling for an end to racial discrimination in campus Greek organizations. The march comes after the student newspaper published a story detailing allegations of racial bias in sorority recruitment. But the bias seems to be coming from alumna not currents students. We talk about the unfolding controversy with AL.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald.
Kyle Whitmire: JeffCo’s 2014 Budget
On Tuesday Jefferson County commissioners approved a budget that's more than $463 million. The budget includes more money to buy county equipment, a cost of living raise for county workers, and additional funds to reopen the JeffCo jail in Bessemer. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us to explain the specifics of JeffCo's budget.
John Archibald: How far has Birmingham come?
Birmingham is in the midst of what's been dubbed "Empowerment Week," a series of panels, concerts and commemorations leading up to Sunday, the 50th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. The blast killed four girls and severely injured a fifth. On this anniversary AL.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald is considering how far Birmingham has come since the civil rights era.
Kyle Whitmire: Remembering Demetrius Newton
Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News offers insights on the legacy of the late veteran legislator Demertrius Newton. He also discusses the impact of Empowerment week on the city of Birmingham.
John Archibald: Chris McNair Released from Prison
As Birmingham prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, one unexpected observer of the commemoration is Chris McNair. His daughter was one of the four girls killed in the bombing. It's expected though because until last week McNair was in federal prison serving a sentence for corruption. AL.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald talks about McNair's release under a new Justice Department policy.
Kyle Whitmire: JeffCo’s Receiver Updates
Kyle Whitmire with Al.com and the Birmingham News gives us a quick update on the receiver appointment for Jefferson County. He also has the details on where Alabama falls in the list of most corrupt states in America.
John Archibald: What the Birmingham Election Results Mean
Birmingham voters had their say this week as they went to the polls to select a mayor, city council and school board members. Many incumbents returned to office, with the exception of the Birmingham Board of Education, which will see a wave of new blood. We take a look at the post-election political scene with Al.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald.
Kyle Whitmire: Post Election Analysis
Citizens of Birmingham headed to the polls this week. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News offers his thoughts and analysis on the results.
Eric Essix Evolution
Alabama native Eric Essix has released his 20th record. "evolution" is a musical excursion from the times of Birmingham in 1963 to the progress of the city and its people, today.
Kyle Whitmire: JeffCo to Hire a Receiver
This week U.S. District Court Judge Lynwood Smith said the county needs to appoint a receiver. The receiver will select, hire, promote, demote, discipline, or fire Jefferson County employees. Kyle Whitmire with AL.com and the Birmingham News explains what the appointment of the receiver means for JeffCo residents and those employed by the county.
John Archibald: Discontent within the Birmingham Water Works
The split between management and workers can be a source of tension in many workplaces. But for employees of the Birmingham Water Works they seem to be particularly unhappy. AL.com and Birmingham News columnist John Archibald talks about a "no confidence" letter from employees, a sign criticism of the water works' leadership isn't just coming from the outside.
Kyle Whitmire: UPS Plane Crash
Kyle Whitmire joins us to discuss developments from Wednesday morning's plane crash. The UPS cargo plane crashed on the outskirts of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. The pilot and co-pilot were pronounced dead at the scene and the cause of the incident remains unknown.
