Governor Bentley to Refuse Syrian Refugees
Governor Robert Bentley has announced he is refusing Syrian refugees relocating to Alabama. In a news release Sunday Bentley said, "After full consideration of this weekend's attacks of terror on innocent citizens in Paris, I will oppose any attempt to relocate Syrian refugees to Alabama through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. As your Governor, I will not stand complicit to a policy that places the citizens of Alabama in harm's way."
Winston Groom — The Generals
George Patton, Douglas MacArthur, and George Marshall have become almost mythical figures after fighting in the U.S. Army during World War II. They’re also the subjects of Alabama author Winston Groom’s new book called The Generals. Marshall served as chief of staff of the army. McArthur commanded troops in the South Pacific. Patton fought in North Africa and Europe. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager spoke with Groom about the book.
Potential Threats to Alabama’s Automotive Industry
Alabama leaders love to tout the state’s automotive industry. What started with the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa County in the mid-1990s now includes Honda and Hyundai plants plus numerous suppliers. While the auto industry has increasingly moved to the Deep South, Alabama’s success could be threatened by a place further south. We talk about it in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
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Feds Wont Sue Alabama Over “Motor Voter” Non-compliance
The U.S. Department of Justice announced today a settlement agreement with Alabama in connection with the state’s violation of the National Voter Registration Act. The move follows an investigation by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Birmingham City Schools Enrollment Shows Slight Increase For First Time In Decades
Something happened in Birmingham schools this year, that hasn’t happened in more than three decades – the system didn’t have a drop in enrollment.
Long Wait to Return Home for Displaced Seniors
Eighty, mostly elderly, residents are still displaced almost three weeks after a fire forced them from their homes in an apartment building on Birmingham’s south side. City officials say the fire was contained to just two units, but damaged much of the building and it’s unclear how long repairs will take. WBHM’s Esther Ciammachilli reports on the long road that lies ahead for these seniors.
NPR News
StoryCorps: “The difference is in everybody’s heads.”
Jonathan Hankins and partner Maura Barnett are expecting their first child and discuss raising him with their gender nonconforming values. They had a conversation at Storycorp's mobile booth in Birmingham, AL
Issues and Ales Extra: How to Help Teachers
WBHM’s recent Issues and Ales forum delved into the future of education in Alabama. Panelist and Phillips Academy PTA president Jerry Tate took a moment away from the discussion to answer a simple question: “How can someone, who isn’t a teacher, support education?” Listen to excerpts from Issues and Ales: The Future of Education […]
Highlights From Issues and Ales: The Future of Education in Alabama
This year, the Alabama Legislature voted to allow charter schools in the state and expanded the Alabama Accountability Act. What does this mean for the future of Alabama’s public and private schools? Can public education adequately prepare all Alabama children for career success?
Sewer Overflows Persist Despite Billions Spent
Jefferson County's sewer system has been troubled for decades. First it spewed sewage into area rivers. Then, years of corruption prevented repairs from being done and forced the county into what was then the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history. The county has spent billions to fix the sewer system, but some neighborhoods in Jefferson County haven't seen much improvement at all.
Questions Surround Tuscaloosa Police Video
Police in Tuscaloosa are under scrutiny after video of them using a stun gun and baton in an incident involving University of Alabama students went viral. It happened early Sunday. It shows police arguing with students in an apartment. When the occupants refuse to leave, police storm in and drag out two men and woman. A police officer can be seen using the stun gun on one man. Another officer hits the man repeatedly with the baton. We talk about the situation and police response with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Kyle Whitimire: Could gambling become legal in Alabama?
Gov. Bentley wants to take authority to enforce Alabama’s gambling laws away from Attorney General Luther Strange and vest that power in local sheriffs and district attorneys. And, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill goes on a voter registration drive. Kyle Whitmire is state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL.com and he spoke […]
