Mayors Gather in Birmingham to Discuss Violence Against Black Men and Boys
Mayors from across the country are in Birmingham this week for a conference addressing violence against African-American men and boys. It’s the third annual gathering for Cities United, a coalition of mayors formed to curb such violence.
Organizers say they’re discussing ideas and policy solutions so city leaders can take them back to their communities. That includes examining topics such as access to jobs and the juvenile justice system, but also trauma in neighborhoods plagued by violence. Philadelphia youth leader Jamira Burley grew up in a violent, drug-infested community. She says she watched all ten of her older brothers go to prison, including one shot and killed in 2005.
“These stories and these issues have to become personal for all of us for all to find solutions and opportunities for young people to be able to thrive and grow in their communities,” says Burley.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell says it’s incumbent on groups such as Cities United to convince people, regardless of political persuasion, that working to stop violence against black boys and men is a worthwhile cause to take part in.
A New Orleans garden paid hundreds of dollars in fees for a sewer that doesn’t exist
Galvez Garden owner Lissie Stewart has been fighting the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board over inaccurate billing for years.
Alabama coal mine keeps digging after hundreds of fines and a fatal explosion
Following the death of a grandfather, Crimson Oak Grove Resources has left a community afraid for their homes and lives. An expert warns one resident may need to evacuate her home while she still can.
Florida’s 6-week abortion ban will have a ‘snowball effect’ on residents across the South
Abortion rights advocates say the ban will likely force many to travel farther for abortion care and endure pregnancy and childbirth against their will.
Attitudes among Alabama lawmakers softening on Medicaid expansion
Alabama is one of ten states which has not expanded Medicaid. Republican leaders have pushed back against the idea for years.
Birmingham is 3rd worst in the Southeast for ozone pollution, new report says
The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report shows some metro areas in the Gulf States continue to have poor air quality.
Why haven’t Kansas and Alabama — among other holdouts — expanded access to Medicaid?
Only 10 states have not joined the federal program that expands Medicaid to people who are still in the "coverage gap" for health care
