Austin Reelected Birmingham City Council President
The Birmingham City Council reelected Council President Johnathan Austin by one vote, 5-4, on May 10. The council was required to hold new elections because of a bill passed by the Alabama Legislature this session. It approved controversial changes to the law defining Birmingham’s balance of power, the Mayor-Council Act.
Elections for council president and president pro-tem will now be held every two years, rather than four. The council selected Steven Hoyt as the new president pro-tem, over incumbent Jay Roberson.
Under this new bill, the council also needs approval from the mayor in writing to change the general budget.
After months of disagreement between Mayor William Bell and the Council, Austin says he’s looking forward. One of his missions is to “[c]ontinue to focus on the neighborhoods, focus on our communities, work to rebuild our neighborhoods.”
“They’ve been languishing for so long and it has been neglected for so long,” he continued.
“I hope that the mayor is certainly willing to work with the council. In the past he’s not been, but I believe that we always have an opportunity to hit the reset button.”
4 essential conversations every interracial couple should have
For a strong and lasting relationship, don't be afraid to talk about each other's racial differences — and do enjoy the process of creating a new, blended family culture.
Opinion: ‘Free speech doesn’t work just when you agree with it’
NPR's Scott Simon recalls a First Amendment case from the late 1970s involving the rights of a neo-Nazi group to march through a predominantly Jewish suburb of Chicago.
‘Rocky Horror’ is 50! We propose a toast. (You know what to do)
Rocky Horror aficionados used to attend screenings of the film over and over to take notes on the details. Accurately mirroring every line and dance move has gotten easier over time.
NPR-Ipsos poll: Americans don’t broadly support Trump’s National Guard deployments
Americans are concerned about crime, but don't broadly support President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities, according to a new NPR-IPSOS poll.
How a Toledo tattoo artist helps turn scars into art
Brian Finn is a tattoo artist in Toledo, Ohio who has been offering free and discounted tattoos for people covering trauma scars for more than 10 years.
How the beloved state fair grew from livestock showcases to cornucopias of amusement
The state fair dates back to the 1800s, and its agricultural roots go back even further. Ever since, states have been putting their own spin on the annual event while staying true to tradition.