Violence
DOJ Sues Alabama Over Violence In Prisons
The lawsuit is an attempt by federal officials to force the state to remedy a prison system long riddled with violence.
Inmate Deaths Prompt Alabama Prisons To Take Steps to Curb Violence
The Alabama Department of Corrections announced this week it is taking measures to cut down on prison violence. This follows the deaths of two inmates. One death allegedly involved the use of force by corrections staff.
Governor’s Study Group Meets on Prison Operations
Gov. Kay Ivey's task force on criminal justice policy convened Wednesday in Montgomery to discuss the state's troubled prison system.
Birmingham Sees Conflict Resolution as Key to Breaking Cycle of Violence
Violent crime remains high in Birmingham, particularly among young black men. Now, the city is partnering with several nonprofits to teach skills they hope will prevent conflicts from escalating.
DOJ Alleges Alabama Prisons Violate the Constitution
The Department of Justice released a report Wednesday alleging that violence and other dangerous conditions in the state’s male prisons violate the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.
Jeffco Health Officials: Violence is a Public Health Issue
Violence is the newest strategic focus for the Jefferson County Department of Health. It was one of several topics discussed in Tuesday's annual State of Health in Jefferson County address.
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 […]
Barbecuing to Stop Violence in Selma
For Tamalyn Whatley, living in Selma, Alabama, violence is always nearby. “It’s an everyday thing,“ the 24-year-old explains as she plays with her youngest son in the front yard of family’s her home. “I see it and deal with it.” She grew up in this house, where she lives now. It’s also where her mom […]
Mayors Gather in Birmingham to Discuss Violence Against Black Men and Boys
Mayors from across the country are in Birmingham this week for a conference addressing violence against African-American men and boys. It's the third annual gathering for Cities United, a coalition of mayors formed to curb such violence.
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.
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.
