Crowded Field of Eight Battle For District 2 Council Seat
There’s only one seat for the Birmingham City Council in District 2, and eight people want it – including the incumbent.
The district, which includes the east Birmingham communities of East Lake, Roebuck Springs, Liberty Highlands, Crestwood South, Huffman, and several others, has attracted a combination of young professionals and community leaders.
Friday night, all eight candidates faced off in a debate at East Lake United Methodist Church. Among the top issues: the district’s crumbling infrastructure and the need for more funding to support Ruffner Mountain.
Candidates talked about the repairs needed on Oporto-Madrid Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the district. Others questioned why Ruffner Mountain, a 1,038-acre urban nature preserve in the middle of the district, does not get government attention and dollars comparable to other parks.
The debate, hosted by I Believe in Birmingham, drew more than 80 people. The organization grew out of an internet Facebook group focused on civic engagement and activities.
City Councilwoman Kimberly Rafferty has represented District 2 almost eight years. Her competition includes:
- Crestline Neighborhood Association President Hunter Williams
- Jordan Thompson, a recent law school graduate
- Deanna Reed, a marketing professional
- Stephen Murphy, a social worker and manager at a behavioral center
- Lawrence Conway, founder of a non-profit serving youth and adults
- Tyrone Williams, a former Birmingham City Schools hearing officer
- Kimberly Jeanty, a nonprofit program director who was once a council assistant to Rafferty
District 2 candidates say voter turnout is key in this election. In some District 2 polling locations, less than 20 percent of voters turned out in city elections.
Spanish Flamenco thrives in New Mexico, with its own unique flavor
A lot of folks know New Mexico for green chiles, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, and the birthplace of the bomb. But it's also a global center of flamenco—the passionate dance, song and music of the Roma people of southern Spain.
With $2.7 billion settlement approved, college sports’ big money era is officially here
The settlement in House v. NCAA brings an end to the NCAA's long-standing tradition of amateurism. Starting this fall, schools will be able to pay players directly up to a salary cap of $20.5 million.
ICE raids grow tense as protesters confront immigration agents
Bystanders and protesters have been confronting ICE agents as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement.
Deportees are being held in a converted shipping container in Djibouti, ICE says
Deported migrants have been stuck at a military base in Djibouti for over two weeks — and ICE officers are also there, guarding them 24 hours a day.
Supreme Court grants DOGE access to confidential Social Security records
The order, for now, overturns actions that limited DOGE's access to sensitive private information. In a separate case, the court said DOGE did not have to share internal records with a watchdog group.
Trump admin asks SCOTUS to intervene and allow Ed Dept cuts
In an emergency appeal, the administration is asking the Supreme Court to lift a lower-court order blocking mass staffing cuts at the Education Department.
