Politics
Birmingham’s newest voters: how the latest generation is approaching politics
While Alabama is not a swing state, these students represent an up and coming generation whose voices have not yet been heard in the political world. And this demographic of voters has already proven that they can make an impact.
LGBTQ doctors are leaving the Gulf South due to discrimination: ‘We weren’t welcome anymore’
The loss of specialized doctors due to the influx of anti-LGBTQ laws is the latest blow to a region already dealing with a shortage of health care providers.
Birmingham-Southern College to stay open — for now
The decision follows a few tense months after years of financial stress came to a head in December. The private college is asking for $37 million in public money. It hasn’t received that money, but the future's looking brighter for students.
Why now is the right time for Alabama to honor Hugo Black’s complicated legacy
Alabama native and Supreme Court justice Hugo Black became a civil rights champion after a brief time in the KKK. A new monument honors his complicated legacy.
One year later, where is the Birmingham Civilian Review Board?
A year ago, Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the launch of the Birmingham Civilian Review Board to offer independent accountability for police. But the board doesn't seem to be active.
‘Divisive concepts’ and school ‘bathroom bill’ advance to the Alabama Senate
An Alabama Senate committee gave two bills affecting schools the go-ahead Tuesday as lawmakers aim to end the legislative session this week. One requires students to use the bathroom that matches their biological sex. The other bans teaching students “divisive concepts.”
Alabama’s ‘ultimate school choice’ bill gets complicated when considering race and poverty
Parents could get about $5,600 per kid in state money to use for other schooling options. The proposal is currently in a legislative study committee. But experts told WBHM school choice brings up concerns around equity.
Alabama Gov. Ivey draws challengers in 2022 GOP primary
Lynda Blanchard and Tim James are joining the 2022 Alabama governor's race against incumbent Kay Ivey, county commissioner Stacy Lee George, and pastor Dean Odle.
Fans of Legion Field are concerned about its future
Once revered as the “Football Capital of the South,” Legion Field has lost some of its luster in the last 15 years.
Women will hold the majority on the Birmingham City Council over the next four years
Starting this Tuesday, the makeup of the Birmingham City Council changes when it swears in three new members.
Birmingham debuts new tech hub to help solve crime in real time
Birmingham leaders officially opened the city's Real Time Crime Center Tuesday, a project intended to give the Birmingham Police Department new technological tools to help resolve crime more quickly.
Jones Starts His Post-Senate Life As CNN Contributor
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones is taking on a new role as a political commentator at CNN.
Election Night Watch Party with WBHM and 1A
After the polls close, grab your friends and head down to Iron City to join WBHM and 1A as we watch and listen to (we are radio, after all) the results come in for the 2020 Primary Elections. WBHM will be broadcasting local election results and analysis live, and our hosts will be joined by […]
One Small Step: “There is more to you…”
Nicole Watkins has mobility issues as a result of spina bifida. She identifies as a liberal with strong feelings about healthcare. Austin Suellentrop, a self-identified conservative, has strong feelings about abortion.
Can Gov. Ivey Keep Doing Her Job During Cancer Treatments?
Gov. Kay Ivey says her radiation treatments for lung cancer will not interfere with her job as governor. We talk with an oncologist about the likelihood she could continue with business as usual.
Democrat Doug Jones Launches Re-election Campaign
Doug Jones launched his re-election campaign Sunday, challenging voters to look at his record instead of the labels cast on him by his opponents.
MAX Transit Weighs Cuts, Fare Increases
The Birmingham Jefferson Transit Authority (BJCTA) is considering cuts and fare increases to the MAX bus system. Many bus riders around Birmingham say the buses are unreliable and inefficient.
Democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris Campaigns in Birmingham
In her Friday speech in Birmingham, Sen. Kamala Harris promised to stand up for women's access to reproductive care, take on gun control and work to give all Americans quality healthcare.
Jones and Byrne Have Stacked Up Millions to Lead Fundraising in the US Senate Race
Incumbent Democrat Doug Jones and Republican Bradley Byrne already have millions of dollars in their campaign accounts as the field begins to form for Alabama’s 2020 U.S. Senate race.
State’s Proposed Gas Tax Bill Places Fees on Electric, Hybrid Car Owners
State lawmakers went into special session today to consider a proposed gas tax increase to fund road and bridge construction. The bill would impact all motorists -- but some would pay significantly more than others.
Activists Call for Resignations After Davis Controversy
Local activists called for leaders of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to resign today after the organization canceled plans to honor human rights advocate Angela Davis. The group planned to present Davis with the prestigious Fred Shuttlesworth Award next month.
State and Local Leaders Break Ground for BJCC Stadium
Local and state leaders turned the first dirt today on a lot that will become a new open-air stadium in downtown Birmingham. The $175 million stadium is part of a larger BJCC expansion.
Woodfin’s First Year: Priority Remains on Neighborhoods
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin began his second year in office Thursday. When he was elected, he pledged to improve the quality of life in the city, and make it a safer, more economically vibrant place.
A Top State Corruption Fighter Resigns. Now What?
He was a bulldog and an outspoken defender of ethics in state politics. As deputy attorney general, Matt Hart indicted several state and local leaders on corruption charges. Now Hart is out of a job. Attorney General Steve Marshall has already appointed Hart's replacement. What does this mean for the state's efforts to keep corrupt politicians in check?
New Jefferson County Commission Takes Office With Three New Members
Sheila Tyson and Lashunda Scales were sworn into office as Jefferson County commissioners Wednesday, along with Steve Ammons, a former Vestavia Hills City Council member. Tyson and Scales are Democrats; Ammons is a Republican. The Republican majority continues on the commission with incumbents Jimmie Stephens and Joe Knight.
Former AL Senator Jeff Sessions Resigns as Attorney General
The day after the 2018 midterms, Jeff Sessions has resigned as attorney general. In a letter to President Trump, Sessions told the president that he is stepping down “at your request.”
Jeffco Voters Elect County’s First African-American Sheriff and District Attorney
Mark Pettway upsets longtime Sheriff Mike Hale and Danny Carr wins Jefferson County District Attorney.
Ivey Wins: Alabama Gubernatorial Race Wrap-Up
Incumbent Kay Ivey takes the official title as first republican female governor of Alabama after winning Wednesday's midterm elections.
Local Party Leaders Hope the Midterms Turn Counties Purple
Shelby County is red, Jefferson County is blue. But party leaders hope to nudge the political landscape toward a shade of purple, especially in the local races.
State Elections Chief Faces Criticism Over Partisanship
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill has gotten into some intense partisan Twitter battles recently. Merrill is a Republican and he is running for re-election this Tuesday. Partisanship is to be expected among political candidates. But is it a problem when you are also the state’s top elections official?
UAB Medical Center West to Remain Near Bessemer
Officials in west Jefferson County at a press conference Monday welcomed UAB Medical Center West’s decision to build a new facility there. Prior to that announcement, UAB also considered moving the facility to Hoover.
Republican Circuit Clerk Candidate Staying in the Race
A Republican candidate for Jefferson County Circuit Clerk says he will remain in the race despite a recent court ruling against him in a church dispute over money.
