Birmingham City Budget
The budget includes $1 million in appropriations for a study into the feasibility of a streetcar system in downtown and another $1 million in funds to help restore Bethel Baptist Church, an instrumental civil rights meeting place.
Councilors have been critical of the mayor for not providing a formal capital projects budget. William Bell says the mayor is in violation of the Mayor-Council Act for not doing so. Royal says there could be fear of reprisal in the city’s legal department if something is said about it.
WBHM’s Steve Chiotakis spoke with Councilor Roderick Royal about the budget process, some of the things he approves or rejects and what to expect in the ultimate vote.
Trump pick to lead watchdog agency withdraws after offensive text messages revealed
President Donald Trump 's pick to lead a federal watchdog agency withdrew from consideration Tuesday evening, after his offensive text messages were made public and GOP senators revolted.
Pardoned Capitol rioter arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries
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Reversing peanut advice prevented tens of thousands of allergy cases, researchers say
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Israel takes steps to shut down international aid groups in Gaza and the West Bank
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5 things to know about Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister
Japan ranks low in gender equality among developed nations. The first woman to lead the country is an ultraconservative who cites Margaret Thatcher as a role model. She also loves heavy metal.
Books about race and gender to be returned to school libraries on some military bases
The order is to be implemented at school libraries on military bases in Kentucky, Virginia, Italy and Japan. Students and their families claimed their First Amendment rights had been violated when officials removed the books to comply with President Trump's executive orders.