Safety

Some kids in Birmingham dodge trains and cars walking to school. More buses could help

Alabama only has to provide bus access for families that live within two miles of their school, which leaves some families having to walk in dangerous conditions. Birmingham City Schools is trying to add new routes to address these concerns.

School resource officers turn to mental health to make kids safer

Parents’ school safety concerns carry more weight this year after the mass shooting in May at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. School resource officers in Hoover are adjusting by placing a greater emphasis on mental health.

Businesses Eagerly Reopen As Others Take A Phased Approach

On the first day many businesses were allowed to reopen since the pandemic, not all opted to jump back in.

House Approves Autism Therapy Coverage, Monitors Church Day Cares

Members of the state House of Representatives on Thursday passed these two bills many parents across Alabama were watching. Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal talks with WBHM’s Gigi Douban about them.

Bill Would Require Licensing for Religious Day Care Centers

Gigi Douban talked with Reveal reporter Amy Julia Harris, who investigated incidents of abuse and neglect at Alabama’s religious child care centers.

Tips for Driving in Bad Weather

Though bad weather can contribute to traffic accidents, there are ways to lessen the risks. Here are tips from area law officers.

Hoover Cuts Buses, Ignites Controversy

Hoover’s school board recently voted to end its bus service, effective a year from now. District leaders say they have to cut costs as enrollments rise and revenues fall. But as WBHM’s Dan Carsen points out in a recent national report, many in the hilly, sprawling Birmingham suburb don’t believe that’s the whole story. Click above for more.

Hoover Stakeholders React To School Bus Cut

Hoover school leaders recently made their case for last month's controversial decision to end the system's regular-ed busing program, effective next August. In light of the outcry, the school board set up a public forum, held Thursday night at Spain Park High School, where system leaders explained school finances and heard stakeholders' numerous concerns. WBHM has archived the entire meeting as a matter of public record and broken out 10 key exchanges for listeners. Click above to listen.

Carsen & Ott: Weekly Interviews on Education in Alabama

Carsen & Ott Talk Explosions and Explosive Issues Several Alabama school communities are reeling after incidents last week shook things up. E.P.I.C. Elementary School in Birmingham had to be evacuated Friday after a propane tank exploded. No one was hurt, but down in Mobile County, a teacher was taken to the hospital after an incident with a student. Nice, tame topics like charter-school propaganda, same-sex prom dates, and Louis Farrakhan round out this week's interview, which ends on a positive note.