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Life After Prison: Interview With Robin, Student And Tutwiler Inmate
All this week, WBHM explores challenges people face after being released from Alabama's prisons. One barrier is a lack of skills. But some educators are working to smooth that transition even before the inmates get out: J.F. Ingram State Technical College has a new program at Tutwiler Prison that teaches vocations and life skills, including getting along with others, with the goal of reducing recidivism. WBHM's Dan Carsen sat in on those classes then spoke with a student -- an inmate named Robin. We agreed not to use last names, but Dan asked her about her plans once she's out ... and about why she's in.
Life After Prison: Ex-offenders Face Many Challenges When Reentering Society
Alabama's overcrowded prisons currently house more than 25,000 inmates. The vast majority - about 97% - will one day be released and return to the communities they left behind. After incarceration, former inmates face staggering challenges. All this week, WBHM's Life After Prison series will explore the stories of Alabama's recently released prisoners struggling to reintegrate into society. It's part of our investigation into the Alabama prison system, in partnership with al.com and the Center for Investigative Reporting. To start this series, WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley examines what stands between ex-offenders and a productive life outside of prison.
Issues and Ales: Alabama’s Prison System
Issues within the Alabama prison system impact the culture and economy of Alabama, affecting thousands of lives across the state every day. What are the causes for concern? Who is responsible? Why does it matter to you? WBHM explored this topic at 'Issues and Ales: Alabama's Prison System,' hosted in collaboration with AL.com/The Alabama Media Group and The Center for Investigative Reporting. Hear a broadcast of highlights from Issues and Ales on Wednesday, June 25, from 2-3 pm.
A Hispanic Church Reflects on Immigration Reform in Alabama
After House Majority Leader Eric Cantor primary defeat last week, immigration reform is taking center stage yet again. Alabama is no stranger to the immigration debate. The state's immigration law, HB 56, was known as the toughest in the nation when it passed in 2011. But a federal settlement last fall blocked several key provisions of the law. For WBHM, Nathan Turner Jr. visited a local Hispanic church to explore what's changed for the congregation since the settlement. He also hears what some say still needs to change in Alabama's immigration policies.
Problems in Alabama’s Prisons Pose Challenges For The State
It's been an eventful week for the Alabama Prison System. On Tuesday, Governor Robert Bentley announced initial plans for rebuilding the state's overburdened and underfunded prison system. Governor Bentley said Alabama would work in partnership with private agencies and the government to examine the prison system and suggest reforms. Bentley's announcement came on the same day the Southern Poverty Law Center released a highly critical report on medical care in Alabama prisons. For WBHM, Les Lovoy outlines the numerous challenges facing Alabama's prisons, and what the state is doing to solve the problems.
John Archibald: New Numbers Show Birmingham City Council Still Traveling A Lot
With summer here many people will be taking off on getaways to the beach. The Birmingham City Council has been traveling as well, although on the taxpayer dime. It's a pet peeve of Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald. He has new numbers that show city councilors are still spending more on travel than many other cities.
Some Airport Taxis in Birmingham May be Skirting the Rules
As summer travel season picks up, some people flying into Birmingham may take a taxi to leave the airport. That ride though isn't always a pleasant one. WBHM has discovered cases of airport taxi drivers skirting city rules, even refusing to offer service to passengers if they live close to the airport. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
It’s Actually Illegal to Hail a Cab in Birmingham
Cities around the country heavily regulate taxis and Birmingham is no different. The ordinance governing taxis, limousines and other "vehicles for hire" stretches 40 pages and covers everything from the types of credit cards taxis are supposed to accept to how frequently seats are wiped down. But it also says cab drivers aren’t allowed to drive around looking for passengers. Also, it's illegal for someone to hail a taxi outside of downtown or Lakeview.
Interview: Kim Thomas, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner
For the last several months, WBHM has joined al.com and the Center for Investigative Reporting as part of the Alabama Media Group's investigative journalism lab. Together, we're taking a look at Alabama's prison problems. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice accused Alabama of failing to protect prisoners at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women from sexual abuse and harassment from male officers. To hear more on the issues and challenges facing the Tutwiler prison, Les Lovoy spoke with Kim Thomas, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner.
Primary Election 2014 Results
Alabama voters made their selections in statewide, state legislative, congressional and local primaries Tuesday. Here are the results from key races with the winner declared by the Associated Press. If no candidate won a majority, the top two finishers advance to a runoff July 15th.
At The Polls in Lowndes Country With Alabama’s New Voter ID Law
As voters head to the polls for today's primary election, it's the first time people in Alabama will be required to show a photo ID to cast a ballot. Critics say the new law is a roadblock for the poor and minorities. It's a particularly hot issue in Alabama's Black Belt, where African-Americans during the civil rights era were met with violence when trying to vote. Supporters of the law say a photo ID will cut down on voter fraud. But as Ashley Cleek reports, the new law might not stop the type of fraud some say is rampant in the region.
Finding Home Again in Birmingham
Sometimes life can take you to surprising places, and sometimes the place you never thought you'd settle in becomes an unexpected home. For our guest blogger Javacia Harris Bowser, Birmingham was where she grew up, but wasn't necessary where she wanted to put permanent roots. She explores her loving yet complicated relationship with the Magic City in her monthly post for WBHM.
Commentary: How Politicians Send The Wrong Message To Alabama’s Teachers
Education is a hot topic for politicians in Alabama. This year we saw intense debates in the Legislature around Alabama's College & Career Ready Standards and the state's education budget, including pay raises for teachers. Commentator and rural education advocate Larry Lee thinks all the political rhetoric sends the wrong message to Alabama teachers. In this commentary, he says it can hurt morale, and even drive qualified educators out of state.
How Do Newspapers Affect Voting and Community Participation?
Since 2007, more than 250 newspapers have stopped publishing. As newspapers across the country fold or choose to publish less frequently, media experts are asking big questions. If newspapers scale back, will citizens know less, and even care less, about where they live? And does this affect how many people vote? Research says "yes." On the heels of Alabama's June 3 primaries, Les Lovoy reports on the challenges today's newspapers face, and what it means for civic life.
Interview: Mark Crosswhite, Alabama Power’s New CEO
Alabama Power is Alabama's largest utility and an influential force in the state. And the company just saw a leadership change at the highest level. Earlier this year, Charles McCrary retired after serving as CEO for almost thirteen years. Alabama Power's new CEO, Mark Crosswhite, started on March 1. Crosswhite is the former Chief Operating Officer at Southern Company, Alabama Power's parent company. Since taking on the top role, Crosswhite says he's traveled the state, meeting with employees and customers. He recently sat down with WBHM's News Director, Rachel Osier Lindley, to talk about economic development, renewable energy, and his plans for Alabama Power's future.
INTERVIEW: James Willig On The “Gamification” Of Medical Education
Medical education is always evolving. One way it's changed in recent years is that residents are not allowed to work the long, judgment-impairing shifts they used to. Most agree that's good. But how do you make up for all that lost teaching time? Some UAB researchers think they have an answer: video games. They created a competitive educational game called "Kaizen-Internal Medicine," or just "Kaizen-IM," and a small but promising study showed that busy young doctors learned from it in their off hours. UAB's James Willig sat down with WBHM's education reporter Dan Carsen to explain. Willig starts with a downside of limiting residents' work hours.
Maker Spaces come to Birmingham
There's a myth in business of an inventor coming up with the next big idea tinkering in his or her garage. Well, the next big idea might not come from a garage, but from a maker space. These are part community workshop, part science club. While maker spaces have been popping up around the country for several years, they've come to Birmingham more recently.
Interview: State Senator Cam Ward on Alabama’s Prison System
Alabama's prison system is under investigation by the Justice Department after a federal report detailed cases of rape and sexual abuse at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. If some big changes aren't made, the federal government could take over the prison system. State Senator Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, is fighting that. He's a vocal advocate of prison reform and chairs the Alabama Legislature's joint oversight committee on prisons. Ward spoke with WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley about what he believes the legislature needs to do.
John Archibald: A Miracle After the Tornadoes
Bessemer and Kimberly are among the towns cleaning up after a series of tornadoes plowed over Alabama Monday night. The storms killed three people statewide, tore off roofs and downed trees. It's a familiar sight to anyone who's lived in Alabama for very long. But the latest round of tornadoes has Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald thinking about one word -- miracle.
Alabama Recovers from Tornadoes Before the Next Round
At least 3 people in Alabama have died and more than 100,000 Alabama Power customers were without electricity after strong storms raked across the state Monday night. As many as 18 tornadoes may have touched down. But as residents dig out there's a second line of storms on the way.
A Look Inside the Thomas Jefferson Hotel With An Urban Explorer
Some of downtown Birmingham's iconic vacant buildings are about to see new life as retail and residential space. This summer, construction begins on a $59 million dollar renovation of the Pizitz building. Developers are also planning to revamp the Thomas Jefferson Hotel on Second Ave. North. It's no small undertaking. The 19-story building has been abandoned for three decades. What's it like inside an old luxury hotel that's been empty for over 30 years? WBHM freelancer Ashley Cleek takes a glimpse inside.
Finding Fashion in the Magic City
When you think about the world's most notable fashion hubs, places like New York, London, or Milan might come to mind - but probably not Birmingham, Alabama. But there are actually a fair amount of fashion forward thinking people right here in the Magic City, and their philosophy towards clothes goes beyond outward appearances. Our guest blogger Javacia Harris Bowser explores this in her monthly post for WBHM.
Interview: Reporter Brian Lawson Discusses Inmate Healthcare
For the next several months, WBHM joins AL.com and the Center for Investigative Reporting as part of the Alabama Media Group's Investigative Journalism Lab. We're taking a closer look at Alabama's prison problems. Earlier this year, a Department of Justice report detailed cases of rape and sexual abuse at the Julia Tutwiler prison in Wetumpka. As part of their continued investigation of Alabama prisons, the Department of Justice is seeing if inmate medical care and mental health care are constitutionally adequate. AL.com reporter Brian Lawson has been looking into inmate health care, and he's heard some troubling stories for former inmates and their families. WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley sat down with Lawson to find out more.
UAB’s Florence Nightingale Letters
As UAB nursing students take finals this week, they'll be drawing on what they've learned about the human body in class and in clinics. But students also have had a special way to connect with the history of the field. The school holds 50 letters written by the woman credited with founding modern nursing -- Florence Nightingale. WBHM intern Russ Timothy reports.
Interview: Birmingham Barons General Manager Jonathan Nelson
This Saturday, the Birmingham Barons kick off a five-game series against the Tennessee Smokies. The 2013 Southern League Champions are already off to a strong start for their second season at Regions Field. More than 35,000 fans attended the Barons season-opening homestand earlier this month. For more on what to expect this baseball season, WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley caught up with Birmingham Barons general manager Jonathan Nelson. This is Nelson's 21st season working in professional baseball, and his 10th season as the Barons general manager. In this conversation, Nelson talks about the pressures of following the 2012-2013 season, the impact of the new Regions Field downtown and his favorite Barons mascot.
INTERVIEW: Arnold Shober On The Importance Of School Board Leadership
Across the country, school boards have been losing power to state and federal authorities, and some experts see local boards as increasingly ineffective. But last month, an education policy think tank released a national report on the influence of school board leadership. According to the Fordham Institute, local boards really do impact student achievement. Given recent events in Birmingham City Schools and other area systems, WBHM's education reporter Dan Carsen caught up with co-author Arnold Shober, who says the overall vision of a school board is key, as is the way members are elected.
Birmingham Barons: National Anthem Tryouts
It's opening day at Regions Field for the Southern League Champion Birmingham Barons. Players and baseball fans have been anxiously awaiting the first pitch. But another group of Barons fans have been looking forward to the season for slightly different reasons.
Don Dailey: 2014 Legislative Session Review
The 2014 Alabama legislative session is in the books. Lawmakers wrapped up the session Thursday evening but there's a looming question about one key piece of legislation -- the education budget. We review the final days of the session with Don Dailey.
Going Natural: It’s Not Just a Hairstyle, It’s a Lifestyle
It was the summer of 2002, and I was probably on hour three of the tedious process of attempting to straighten my hair with all the heat my scalp could stand. This, of course, was in addition to the chemical hair relaxer occasionally applied to my tresses. While I wrestled with my hair, my roommate turned to me and said, "Maybe your hair doesn't want to be straight. Why don't you just wear it curly?"
WBHM Spring 2014 Membership Campaign to feature collaboration with local artist, guests
WBHM's Spring 2014 Membership Campaign will begin Wednesday, April 2. An exciting highlight will be the work of Alabama artist Charles Buchanan. In collaboration with WBHM's Junior Advisors, Buchanan has created a custom and public radio-inspired design for the station, depicting the interconnectedness of the public radio community with Birmingham, and the City with the world.
WBHM’s Spring 2014 Membership Campaign to Feature Collaboration with Local Artist
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM/WSGN 91.5 FM's Spring 2014 Membership Campaign will begin Wednesday, April 2, and feature a collaboration with local artist Charles Buchanan. In response to outreach from WBHM's Junior Advisors, Buchanan has created a custom and public radio-inspired design for the station with the theme "Around Your Block; Around the World" depicting the interconnectedness of the public radio community with Birmingham, and the City with the world. The art will be featured on a glass given as a thank-you gift from the station for contributions of $90 or more.
Interview: Reporter Kelsey Stein on Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women
For the next several months, WBHM joins al.com and the Center for Investigative Reporting as part of the Alabama Media Group's Investigative Journalism Lab. We're taking a closer look at Alabama's prison problems. As part of this project, al.com reporter Kelsey Stein has interviewed many former inmates of the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women. The prison gained national attention earlier this year after a Department of Justice report detailed cases of rape and sexual abuse at the prison.
