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Alabama's Prison Problem

Alabama's Prison Problem Alabama faces a potential $400 million shortfall in the general fund budget this year. And that could leave the state’s already-strapped prison system at a tipping point -- so overcrowded Alabama could face the possibility of a federal lawsuit. As WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reports lawmakers are searching for ways to fix a system bursting at the seams.

Local Government with Kyle Whitmire

Local Government with Kyle Whitmire Jefferson County’s bankruptcy is working its way down the legal roadway in fits and starts. The latest dust up is over sewer system revenues. Also this week, some changes in Alabama’s sixth congressional district primary race. We talk about that in our weekly survey of Birmingham area politics with Kyle Whitmire. He’s senior writer and new media editor at Weld for Birmingham.

Interview with Education Reformer Michelle Rhee

Interview with Education Reformer Michelle Rhee Michelle Rhee is an education reformer known for making controversial moves. After closing schools in Washington D.C., she was featured on the cover of Time magazine holding a broom. Her group "StudentsFirst" is in Alabama pushing for charter schools and new ways to evaluate teachers, among other things. She spoke with Southern Education Desk reporter Dan Carsen, who asked her about what her group's goals mean for people around here.

How Much Do You Know About Charter Schools?

How Much Do You Know About Charter Schools? Alabama Governor Robert Bentley says charter school legislation will pass in the 2012 legislative session. Bentley outlined his education priorities in his State of the State address last night. The head of the Alabama Education Association vehemently opposes bringing charter schools to Alabama, calling them experimental and untested. Proponents say the taxpayer-funded schools that operate outside some of the rules that affect public schools offer more flexibility and accountability. Who's right?

Legislature Considers Immigration Law Tweaks

Legislature Considers Immigration Law Tweaks The Alabama Legislature begins its regular session today and one of the big issues lawmakers will consider is changing the state’s immigration law. That law, HB56, is considered the nation’s toughest crackdown on illegal immigrants. When it passed last year it got very little attention from Alabama’s business community, but as WBHM's Tanya Ott reports, business leaders are driving the latest efforts to modify the law.

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