Mayor Langford Arrested
Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford is free on bond after being arrested today on a 101 count federal indictment alleging conspiracy, bribery, fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns. He pleaded not guilty to what U-S Attorney Alice Martin says was a “classic pay to play scheme”. Langford allegedly accepted $235,000 in exchange for funneling millions of dollars of Jefferson County bond deals to Montgomery investment banker William Blount. Blount and lobbyist Al LaPierre also face charges. Birmingham City Councilwoman Valerie Abbott tells WBHM’s Tanya Ott it’s a sad day for the city.
Abbott says race could become a factor in Langford’s prosecution.
European allies step up plans for Ukraine stabilization, with U.S. attending meeting
The force is expected to provide logistical and training experts to help reconstitute Ukraine's armed forces, secure Ukraine's skies and the Black Sea.
Protesters and federal agents clash during raid at Southern California farm
A confrontation erupted Thursday between protesters and federal officials carrying out a raid, with authorities throwing canisters to disperse the crowd.
Since COVID, threats to local school officials have nearly tripled, research finds
Researchers at Princeton University say some instances corresponded with national attacks on DEI initiatives as well as on LGBTQ+ policies and that the targets held a variety of political views.
UNAIDS report warns HIV progress at risk as U.S. funding cuts take hold
The UNAIDS annual report warns that Trump era HIV funding cuts could lead to 6 million more infections and 4 million deaths by 2029 — as low-income countries struggle to fill the gap.
Brazil’s Lula warns of 50% tariffs on U.S. goods after Trump trade threat
Brazil's President Lula is firing back at Trump's 50% tariff threat — saying Brazil is ready to match any U.S. import taxes, dollar for dollar.
Thousands celebrate baby hippo Moo Deng’s first birthday at a Thailand zoo
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo was overrun with Moo Deng fans on the first of four days of activities marking the birthday of the adorable social media sensation.
