National & International

Metro & State

Dan Carsen Speaks with Education Icon Diane Ravitch

Diane Ravitch has been a key figure in American education for decades. The prolific author and outspoken advocate was Assistant Secretary of Education and Counselor to the Secretary of Education under the first President Bush. She was a pioneer in the accountability movement, but has since made friends and enemies by changing some of her views. She spoke with Southern Education Desk reporter Dan Carsen, who asked her about issues hot in Alabama right now, including charter schools, charter advocate Michelle Rhee, and much more.

Carsen & Ott Talk Charters, Creationism, Pepper Spray

When it comes to education in Alabama, it's safe to say there's enough going on to keep a journalist busy. In our third installment of a new weekly series, Southern Education Desk reporter Dan Carsen sits down with WBHM News Director Tanya Ott to break down some of it.

Capitol Journal Update

Opponents of Alabama’s tough immigration law descended on Montgomery this week, offering a Valentine’s Day message to state lawmakers. They say legislators need to love and respect immigrants by repealing the law. But backers of the immigration law don’t seem to be heeding that message. We hear about that and other legislative matters from Don Dailey, co-host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal.

Sam Frazier Jr and the Long Lonesome Blues

The Blues run through the blood of Birmingham musician Sam Frazier Jr. He grew up in Edgewater, the son a coal miner who brought home stories that would eventually inspire Frazier's songwriting. His family would host local barbeques and shows at his mom’s house. Performing next to big name artists such as Howl’n Wolf and Jimmy Reed was a typical thing in Frazier's life. Frazier’s latest album is 'The Long Lonesome Blues'.

John Archibald

Jefferson County has worked out an interim agreement with a sewer bond trustee in the nation’s largest municipal bankruptcy filing. The county has agreed to pay up to $5.5 million a month and says it will no longer withhold sewer system revenues for certain expenses. John Archibald talks about that and other regional news...