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.
The 2026 Golden Globe awards are Sunday. Here’s how to watch
The 2026 Golden Globes air on Sunday night starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
National Portrait Gallery removes impeachment references next to Trump photo
A new portrait of President Trump is on display at the National Portrait Gallery's "America's Presidents" exhibition. Text accompanying the portrait removes references to Trump's impeachments.
America’s top figure skaters dazzled St. Louis. I left with a new love for the sport.
The U.S. Figure Skating National Championships brought the who's who of the sport to St. Louis. St. Louis Public Radio Visuals Editor Brian Munoz left a new fan of the Olympic sport.
DHS restricts congressional visits to ICE facilities in Minneapolis with new policy
A memo from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, obtained by NPR, instructs her staff that visits should be requested at least seven days in advance.
Historic upset in English soccer’s FA Cup as Macclesfield beat holders Crystal Palace
The result marks the first time in 117 years that a side from outside the major national leagues has eliminated the reigning FA Cup holders.
Venezuela’s exiles in Chile caught between hope and uncertainty
Initial joy among Venezuela's diaspora in Chile has given way to caution, as questions grow over what Maduro's capture means for the country — and for those who fled it.
