Alabama
Is Robinson Indictment the Beginning of “Alabama’s Watergate?”
Alabama is currently waiting to see what happens next in the situation involving former state Rep. Oliver Robinson. He pleaded guilty last week to federal charges of conspiracy, bribery, tax evasion and wire fraud. AL.com's John Archibald thinks there may be more indictments to come.
UAB Unveils Completely Solar-Powered House for Upcoming Competition
The project is part of the 2017 Solar Decathlon competition taking place in Denver this October. UAB is competing against 12 other teams from around the world to see which team can build the best, completely solar-powered, full-size home.
Alabama Receives Best Ever Report on Overall Child Well-Being
Alabama improved last year in 11 of 16 indicators used to measure overall child well-being, according to the national Kids Count Data Book released annually by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Mayor Bell Takes Interest in Delinquent Water Works Customers
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about why all of a sudden Mayor William Bell is voicing concern about the Birmingham Water Works' decision to start cutting off service to customers who are behind on their bills.
On the job problem solving…
Telephone technician, Matthew King, of Birmingham…
More than just the shoes…
Alabaster shoeshiner Ronald Grant…
Condoleezza Rice’s Book Explores Democracy, Segregated Birmingham
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has just come out with a new book, "Democracy: Stories from the Road to Freedom." While in Birmingham Monday, she told WBHM’s Sherrel Wheeler Stewart how memories of a segregated Alabama during her childhood have stuck with her and laid the foundation for her latest work.
First Public Charter School Approved for Birmingham
The Alabama Public Charter School Commission voted this month to approve a request to open STAR Academy, which will be the state’s first public charter school and will open in Birmingham. Charter schools are a contentious subject, with both opponents and supporters both citing statistics supporting their opinions.
The Heritage Band: Keeping Birmingham’s Big Band Spirit Alive
The Heritage Band was founded in 1976 by late saxophonist J.L. Lowe. The group is keeping the big band spirit alive in Birmingham, long after the days of the Duke Ellington-style big bands have disappeared.
Alabama’s Exotic Pet Laws Could Soon Change
Nick Patterson, editor of Weld, discusses how Alabama lawmakers are considering changing the state’s regulations on exotic pet ownership.
Income Inequality in Birmingham, Alabama
Officials say there are three main obstacles keeping people in Birmingham and Alabama from achieving prosperity: education, poverty and crime. These barriers also contribute to the growing wage gap. WBHM's Esther Ciammachilli talks about this with Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper Weld.
House Concerts: An Intimate Way to Enjoy Live Music
Imagine attending a concert in the comfort of your home surrounded by dozens of friends both old and new. That’s what it’s like hosting a house concert. This tradition has been around for decades and is a popular way to enjoy music in an intimate setting.
The Way Forward in Post-Bentley Alabama
Alabama is still absorbing yesterday’s historic news, the resignation of Governor Robert Bentley after he became embroiled in scandal amid allegations he used state resources and intimidation to cover up an alleged affair. But some state leaders are already looking ahead.
Governor Declares State of Emergency In Advance of Predicted Storms
The statewide declaration will be in effect until the threats have passed. The expected severe weather may include destructive and long-track tornadoes.
Bills Could Make it Harder for Gay Couples to Adopt
The pending bills currently before the Alabama Legislature would give faith-based adoption agencies the right to turn away couples they believe conflict with their religious beliefs.
TEDx Birmingham 2017: Possibility
This year's theme was “Possibility”. Each speaker challenged the status quo and looked for better ways to impact Birmingham and the world. Program Director Michael Krall attended and spoke about his experience with Andrew Yeager.
Potential Cuts to EPA Funding Threaten Alabama’s Natural Resources
President Donald Trump’s proposed budget calls for huge cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency. The Trump administration wants to reduce EPA funding from about $8 billion to about $5 billion. The budget would also slash the agency’s workforce by about 20 percent.
Suspected Bird Flu Poses No Risk to Food Supply, Officials Say
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Department issued a stop movement order on select poultry after three suspected cases of bird flu were discovered recently.
Jefferson County School Leaders Relieved After School Taxes Renewed
Education officials in Jefferson County are breathing a sigh of relief after voters approved the renewal of a property tax Tuesday that will provide about $100 million dollars for the county’s 12 public education systems.
Talladega College President Addressing Republican Leaders At HBCU Meeting
Hawkins has returned to D.C. this week to talk about improving funding for black colleges, an issue he discussed following his January trip.
Life After Hate: Leaving the White Supremacist Movement
Angela King was a neo-Nazi in her home state of Florida for eight years. After the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995, King started to question how far she was willing to go for her white supremacist beliefs. She tried to leave the group, but failed.
Al Sharpton Challenges Adults To Support Wenonah Students
“You are not responsible for how you was born or who your parents were,” he said, “but you are responsible for what you do with the rest of your life," Rev. Al Sharpton.
Congressman Gary Palmer Holds Town Hall Despite Recent Protests
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer fielded questions from constituents at a town hall in Hoover Saturday. Palmer’s visit follows a slew of contentious public meetings involving members of Congress and their constituents. Residents flooded the entrance to Hoover City Hall waiting to meet with Palmer. Some members of Congress are refusing to hold town halls after […]
Birmingham Immigrant Communities on Edge Following Crackdown
Raids in search of undocumented immigrants have yet to take place in Alabama, but many immigrant communities in the state fear it’s only a matter of time.
Pro-Life, Higher Ed Bills Gain Traction Days Into The Legislative Session
Funding cuts for public colleges and universities that don’t follow federal and state immigration law, and an amendment declaring Alabama a pro-life state were among the issues quickly making their way through the Alabama legislature this week. It mirrors a trend we’re seeing in other states where Republican lawmakers are acting quickly to approve legislation that […]
Rise in Anti-Minority Violence Appears Tied to Current Political Climate
There’s been a dramatic rise in hate-related crimes and anti-minority violence in the last year. The Levite Jewish Community Center in Birmingham was evacuated on Jan. 9 following a bomb threat. That incident turned out to be one of dozens of bomb threats at Jewish community centers around the country that day. Groups that track […]
Alabama GOP Leader on Trump, Protests and More
There's been no shortage of controversy about President Donald Trump's first days in office, but the Republican grass roots of Alabama generally support what he's done so far. So we checked in with state Republican party chair Terry Lathan to get her perspective.
Noise Music and Birmingham’s Growing Local Music Scene
When it comes to live, local music, Birmingham is still in it's infancy. From The Spring Street Firehouse, Saturn and WorkPlay have emerged as creative spaces where the city's many talented, local artists can perform and make a name for themselves.
Attorney General: Alabama Death Penalty Law “Constitutional”
The U.S. Supreme Court is refusing to hear arguments in a case involving Alabama’s death penalty sentencing scheme.
Birmingham Women’s March Draws Massive Crowd
Weather forecasters warned of severe thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes, but even that wasn’t enough to keep hundreds from gathering at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham for the Women’s March.
Birmingham: A Community that Speaks for the Trees
As you travel around Birmingham, you might notice signs that billing it as “Tree City USA.” The city was given the designation because of its sprawling urban forest. The term urban forest refers to the tree-top landscape seen in some major cities, especially ones in the South. However, the issue is how to balance the vitality and existence of Birmingham’s trees with the city’s planned renaissance and expansion.
Achievement, Graduation Rates Top State Superintendent’s Agenda
"There are certain schools, there are certain programs in this state that are as good as you’re going to find in the United States of America. We don’t have enough of them." Michael Sentance.
