Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper Steps Down
After weeks of speculation, Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper is stepping down. Mayor Randall Woodfin confirmed today that Roper did not reapply for his position.
“After a considerable amount of prayer, my family and I decided I would not submit a resume for consideration,” Roper said in a prepared statement. “I advised Mayor Woodfin on Nov. 8, that this is perfect timing since Nov. 26 would be my 10-year anniversary.”
Roper said Woodfin has asked him to stay on during the search for a new police chief. Woodfin says there will be a national search for a new police chief and local candidates also will be considered.
“Serving as Chief of Police in the amazing city of my birth has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Roper said.
Woodfin says there will also be new leadership in at least three other city departments. Human Resources Chief Peggy Polk is retiring. The directors in the Community Development and Economic Development departments will be replaced and those departments will be restructured, Woodfin says. John Colon had led Community Development four years and Lisa Cooper has led Economic Development three years.
Russia attacks Kyiv, killing 1 and wounding many ahead of Ukraine-US talks
Russia attacked Ukraine's capital with missiles and drones early Saturday morning, killing one and wounding over 20 people a day before talks between Ukraine and the U.S., local authorities said.
Myanmar is set to hold phased elections. Here’s why they’re being called a ‘sham’
Myanmar's military rulers are holding a general election in phases starting Dec. 28 amid the country's civil war. The head of the U.N. says the vote will be anything but free and fair.
Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65
Perry Archangelo Bamonte, longtime guitarist and keyboardist for the influential goth band The Cure, has died. He was 65. The band announced his death on their official website on Friday.
Judge to hold hearing on whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being vindictively prosecuted
A federal judge this week canceled the trial of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and scheduled a hearing on whether the prosecution is being vindictive in pursuing a human smuggling case against him.
Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting
In addition to ending fighting, the agreement calls for no further military movements by either side and no violations of either side's airspace for military purposes.
Top Instagram reels from Goats and Soda in 2025: Plumpy’Nut, aid cuts, soccer grannies
Our most-viewed Instagram videos include reports from a Rhode Island factory that makes special food for malnourished children and from a tournament for soccer-playing "grannies."

