Alabama
A College For Inmates, And An Interview With Its President
The United States locks up people at a higher rate than anywhere else in the world. Some of the most overcrowded prisons are right here in Alabama. Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women is one of them. But some inmates there have access to a unique state-funded program that offers academics and "life skills" they'll need after release. The problem is, this J.F. Ingram State Technical College program, which could ease overcrowding, is struggling for funds. WBHM's Dan Carsen has the story and a full-length interview with J.F. Ingram's president.
INTERVIEW: Inmate And Horticulture Student Timothy Brown
Alabama's J.F. Ingram State may be the nation's only state-run two-year college exclusively for inmates. Its mission is to reduce recidivism by offering "three legs of the stool": academics, life skills, and vocational training. WBHM's Dan Carsen recently visited Ingram's Deatsville campus, where he met Timothy Brown, a 53-year-old convicted robber and burglar serving a life sentence but hoping for parole. Brown had walked over from the Frank Lee minimum-security facility next door. He'd been passing around organic cantaloupe and filling in for his horticulture teacher. Dan starts the interview by asking Brown if doing the latter makes him nervous.
Kyle Whitmire: Reaction To Representative Mo Brooks’s Remarks
This week Republican Representative Mo Brooks of Huntsville found himself in hot water after he made some controversial remarks about the Democratic Party. Brooks claimed that the Democratic Party is "wagging a war on whites" and politicians from both parties are taking issue with his comments.
Becky Anthony: Life With An Incarcerated Son
When a loved one is incarcerated, it can have a profound impact on their family members on the outside. These families are lifelines to the inmate. From sending money to traveling long distances to visit the inmates, it's work to provide that kind of financial and emotional care. We explore those challenges as part of WBHM's continued coverage of Alabama's prison system. WBHM's Sarah Delia has the story of one mother who has made countless sacrifices to keep her family afloat in order to support her incarcerated son.
Kyle Whitmire: Will Birmingham Host The Next DNC?
This week the Democratic National Committee visited Birmingham to see how the Magic City would perform if selected to host the 2016 national convention. We take a look at how the visit went and what the city's chances are of hosting the convention.
INTERVIEW: Trisha Powell Crain On Alabama’s Low NAEP Ranks
Alabama recently got some unflattering news about its students' proficiency, especially in eighth-grade mathematics. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, is a standardized test sometimes called "the nation's report card." On the 2013 test, Alabama eighth-graders ranked fiftieth out of 52 jurisdictions in math (schools on military bases and in the District of Columbia were counted separately). But as with most education topics, things are not quite as simple as they seem. WBHM's Dan Carsen sat down with Alabama School Connection executive director Trisha Powell Crain to go behind those results. She says we shouldn't put too much emphasis on one test, or be too surprised at Alabama's low showing.
INTERVIEWS With “Make Them Listen” Anti-Illegal-Immigration Protesters
Today was the first day of a two-day nationally coordinated protest against immigration reform and the recent "border surge" of undocumented minors. The effort was organized by the Facebook-based "Make Them Listen." Saturday's protest, also planned for Highway 280 near Walmart, looks to be bigger. WBHM's Dan Carsen caught up with local coordinator Deanna Frankowski during the first protest of two held during Friday's rush hours. She says illegal immigration poses health, economic, and security risks ... and she says much more than that.
Kyle Whitmire: Alabama Runoff Elections
Alabamians voted in state legislative, congressional, and local primary runoffs Tuesday. We take a look at voter turnout rate, issues at the polls, and the winners and losers with Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for AL.com and the Birmingham News.
INTERVIEW: New Jefferson County Schools Chief Craig Pouncey
Jefferson County Schools just hired away the Alabama State Department of Education's veteran Chief of Staff as its superintendent, for the highest salary of any superintendent in the state. WBHM's Dan Carsen caught up with Craig Pouncey, the new leader of Alabama's second-largest school district, on his first full day on the job. The former teacher and assistant principal says one reason for his move was to get away from politics and back to his roots.
Kyle Whitmire: Should Alabama Legalize Marijuana?
It's illegal to buy or sell marijuana in the state of Alabama, but some Alabamians and even lawmakers may be coming around to the idea of one day legalizing the use of the drug. We take a look at the polarizing debate over the legalization of marijuana with Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for AL.com and the Birmingham News.
Magic City Marketplace: Stunted Downtown Growth?
Birmingham's received a lot of attention for its downtown revival with more apartments and a grocery store slated to open in the next couple of years. But that has some business types warning that growth could be stunted because of the city's taxes. That's where we start with this week's Magic City Marketplace.
A Candidates Forum for the Republican Primary Runoff in Alabama’s 6th Congressional District
Republican voters will decide their candidate for Alabama's 6th Congressional District race in a runoff election July 15th. To help inform voters Jefferson State Community College hosted a forum June 24th at its Shelby-Hoover campus between the two candidates -- State Rep. Paul DeMarco and policy analyst Gary Palmer. WBHM airs this forum Thursday, June 26th at 2 p.m.
How Prison Shaped a Woman’s Career Path
For 10 years of her adult life, Jamie Faust was in and out of county jail and federal prison. In 2012 she entered Julia Tutwiler's Prison for Women as an HIV positive inmate. At the time, HIV inmates were segregated from the general population. She tells WBHM's Sarah Delia that living with HIV in prison wasn't easy, but the experience pushed her to follow a career path she might not have otherwise.
Hear Highlights from “Issues & Ales: Alabama’s Prison System”
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM hosted an "Issues & Ales" event concentrating on Alabama's Prison System on Tuesday, June 17 at WorkPlay. Listen for highlights from the event on WBHM at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. If you missed the event and the broadcast, listen here. This panel discussion focused on what Alabama residents want from the prison and criminal justice systems and how policy makers and communities can punish wrongdoing, rehabilitate offenders and, by extension, reduce crime in Alabama.
Kyle Whitmire: 6th Congressional District Campaign Tactics
Kyle Whitmire, of AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss the campaign tactics of the two Republican candidates battling to represent Alabama's 6th Congressional District. Paul DeMarco and Gary Palmer will face each other in a runoff on July 15. The winner goes to the November general election.
The City of Birmingham is Preparing for Uber
The ride sharing company Uber could be driving into Birmingham. The company has posted online ads for drivers although they won't say specifically whether they have plans to come to Birmingham. Such ride sharing operations have become common in larger cities around the country and the world. But many local governments have cried foul saying they're just unregulated taxi services. Birmingham City Councilwoman Kim Rafferty, who chairs the transportation committee, is trying to get ahead of that.
Kyle Whitmire: Is a State Lottery in Alabama’s Future?
In 1999, Alabama voters rejected a state lottery that would have paid for the college education of some students. Since then, GOP lawmakers have been relatively quiet on pushing the state lottery issue. But, some may be coming around to the idea as state education costs continue to rise. We discuss the possibility of a state lottery plus we’ll take a look at Governor Robert Bentley’s job performance with Kyle Whitmire, political commentator for AL.com and the Birmingham News.
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.
Joseph Ellwanger: “Strength for the Struggle”
Of the many people involved in the civil rights movement, Joseph Ellwanger's participation came from a unique position. He's white and in the 1960s pastored the predominantly black St. Paul Lutheran Church in Birmingham's Titusville neighborhood. He also led a group called the Concerned White Citizens of Alabama. They marched in Selma on what turned out to be the eve of Bloody Sunday. Ellwanger has written the book "Strength for the Struggle" which reflects on his experiences first in Birmingham and later in Milwaukee. He spoke with WBHM's Andrew Yeager.
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.
Kyle Whitmire: VA Healthcare and Alabama’s Prisons
On Tuesday Governor Robert Bentley announced a plan to overhaul the state's severely overcrowded prison system. Also this week, the Southern Poverty Law Center released a detailed report highlighting medical care problems in Alabama's prisons. Plus, we take a look at wait times for Alabama veterans to receive medical attention. Kyle Whitmire of AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us.
Kyle Whitmire: Alabama’s Primary Election
Alabama's primary election was held this week. We take a look at voter turnout rate, the results, and surprises of the primaries with Kyle Whitmire of AL.com and the Birmingham News.
Find Your Polling Place for June 3 and Learn About Alabama’s New Voter ID Requirement
Primary elections in Alabama are Tuesday, June 3. This is the first election where Alabama's new voter ID law will be in effect. Voters in all precincts in Alabama will be required to show a state issued photo ID or a student ID from an Alabama college or university. Here's all the information you need to be prepared for election day.
Kyle Whitmire: Changes In Governor Bentley’s Staff
The governor's office announced today that former House Speaker Seth Hammett has been named the interim chief of staff for Governor Robert Bentley. Hammett replaces David Perry, who also announced today he has accepted a new position in Birmingham. Kyle Whitmire from AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us to discuss.
AL.com, WBHM Event Yields Frank Talk On Hoover School Bus Fees
Today, AL.com and WBHM hosted a lunch discussion on the controversy over the Hoover school system's plan to impose fees on student bus riders. AL.com reporter Jon Anderson and WBHM's education reporter Dan Carsen were on hand to facilitate the sometimes heated discussion and answer questions. Afterward, Carsen spoke with WBHM's News Director Rachel Lindley. To start, Carsen recaps how the situation got to where it is today.
Kyle Whitmire: Public Prayer In Alabama
This week the Supreme Court ruled that it is lawful for prayers to be held before public events such as city council meetings. The ruling has spurred great debate especially in states like Alabama where public prayer is quite common. Kyle Whitmire of AL.com and the Birmingham News joins us to explain the ruling and offer his own thoughts on public prayer.
INTERVIEW: Rick Vest, Counseling Coordinator Of Two-Year College For Prisoners
J.F. Ingram State is a unique part of Alabama's two-year college system because one hundred percent of its students are incarcerated. Its new pilot program at Julia Tutwiler Prison focuses on life skills, not just vocational training. As part of our prison-reporting partnership with Alabama Media Group's Investigative Journalism Lab, WBHM's Dan Carsen spoke with Ingram State Counseling Coordinator Rick Vest outside Ingram's Tutwiler campus. Among other things, Vest says learning job skills isn't enough.
Kyle Whitmire: Lethal Injection Policies
In Oklahoma Tuesday night, Clayton Lockett was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection. But something went wrong. Lockett regained partial consciousness during the injection process. The execution was stopped and he died 20 minutes later from a heart attack. Death penalty politics and the sentiments behind lethal injection was a hot button issue during Alabama's 2014 legislative session. We take a closer look with Kyle Whitmire of AL.com and the Birmingham News.
Tornadoes Rip Through Alabama; School Closings and Delays
Powerful storms blew through Alabama Monday afternoon and overnight, killing at least three people in the state, overturning cars and destroying homes. Possible tornadoes hit Limestone and Madison counties before plowing through parts of Tuscaloosa and Jefferson counties.
Scenes Of Damage In Bessemer
Bessemer, Alabama was hit extremely hard by Monday night's storms. WBHM's Andrew Yeager visited Bessemer today to document the damages.
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.
