Langford takes over
On Monday, November 26, a challenge by second place mayoral candidate Patrick Cooper alleging Langford was not a legal resident of Birmingham (and therefore not qualified to run for mayor) was dismissed by Judge Allwin Horn. The case went to court the day after Langford was inaugurated with evidence on both sides of the argument. Judge Horn ruled that Langford showed reasonable evidence that he indeed was a resident of the city and did qualify to run and hold office. No word from Cooper as yet whether he plans to appeal the ruling.
~Steve Chiotakis, November 12-26, 2007
For Homewood’s spotted salamanders, a win and a warning
A grassroots effort successfully pushed back on a development in that would have destroyed a critical salamander habitat. Still, amphibians face constant risks.
Federal judge strikes down Trump order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie
The ruling from U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell is the first to permanently block an executive order issued by President Trump punishing a law firm for representing clients or causes he dislikes.
The Trump administration says it will cut EPA staffing to Reagan-era levels
EPA announced plans to reorganize the agency, moving science-focused staff into different roles and reducing the overall number of employees.
Australians vote in election, with high prices and housing shortage major issues
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's center-left Labor Party is seeking a second term. His opponent, conservative opposition leader Peter Dutton, wants to become the first political leader to oust a first-term government since 1931.
Man sentenced to 53 years in prison in attack on Palestinian American boy, mother
An Illinois landlord who killed a 6-year-old Muslim boy and severely injured the boy's mother in a brutal hate-crime attack days after the war in Gaza began was sentenced to 53 years in prison.
Radio Free Asia announces mass layoffs amid funding fight with Trump administration
Radio Free Asia is laying off about 90 percent of its staff. It says it can no longer pay people after its funding was cut off by the Trump administration.