Birmingham Crime
Mixed reaction to anti-crime program which blocks some Birmingham streets
Streets in Birmingham’s East Lake neighborhood are now blocked by brightly painted concrete barriers and houseplants in a new effort by Mayor Randall Woodfin to reduce crime. They’ve been placed there by the mayor’s office as part of a new initiative in a neighborhood plagued by shootings, drug dealing, prostitution and more.
Woodfin’s budget proposal would be another record high
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said budget highlights include funding for street paving, public transit and pensions.
Teens say Birmingham’s gun violence takes a heavy toll
At least 11 students in Birmingham have died due to gun violence since the beginning of the year, and their peers say the ongoing issue causes their mental health to suffer.
How Birmingham’s Police Chief Plans To Slow The City’s Homicide Rate
Birmingham finished 2020 with a 25-year high in homicides. This year shows no sign of that slowing. WBHM talked with the city's police chief about how he plans to respond.
Mayor Woodfin Seeks Community Help To Find Shooters Of Children
Five children have been killed or injured by gun violence in Birmingham this year, and city leaders are pleading for witnesses to come forward.
Birmingham Pastor Calls For A State Of Emergency Over Murder Rate
The number of homicides rose in the city in 2020. Birmingham started 2021 with three murders over three days.
Crime Down in Birmingham So Far in 2019
Birmingham is getting safer according to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. He says the latest statistics show many crimes are down compared to a year ago.
Living in Birmingham and Liking it — 30 Years On
UAB students started classes this week. But for students stepping onto campus 30 years ago in 1986, they had the opportunity to take a class that might sound a little odd. The course was called "Living in Birmingham and Liking it." Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald ran across this tidbit recently. He reflects on it and on Birmingham's changes over the last three decades.
Remembering “Street James”
A public memorial for James Griffin was held at Urban Standard in downtown Birmingham. He was homeless and beloved by many people throughout the city. He was found dead under Caraway Boulevard on August 17.
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.”
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: 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.
Birmingham’s Violence Reduction Initiative
Homicides are up in Birmingham for 2015, ending a three-year decline. The reasons for the increase aren’t clear. Some point to a rise in violent crime more generally in cities across the country. Others say Birmingham’s homicide rate had dropped so low it had nowhere to go but up. In any case, city leaders are trying to respond. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager spoke with Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD, about that response.
Birmingham Sees Highest Homicide Rate Since 2008
Birmingham is approaching its ninetieth homicide for 2015, making this the city's deadliest year since 2008.
