Woodfin Presents First City Budget Proposal
The Birmingham City Council heard Mayor Randall Woodfin’s first proposed spending plan today, then set a budget hearing for May 14.
Woodfin proposes spending $436 million dollars in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. That’s an $8 million increase over the current year. He says the city is projected to take in more money from tax revenue.
During his budget presentation, Woodfin said neighborhood revitalization is his number one priority. He proposed increased spending on street lights, tearing down dilapidated structures and trimming weeds.
The mayor also plans to change the way the city handles economic development. The city’s new Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity will help residents open businesses and lend support to existing businesses.
The council approved a $1.5 million loan and incentives toward a new development, Lakeview Green. Developers say the project is expected to create 200 jobs and generate $550,000 in annual city revenue. It will include restaurants, shops and condos.
South Korea halts propaganda broadcasts along border with rival North
The South resumed the daily loudspeaker broadcasts in June last year in retaliation for North Korea flying trash-laden balloons toward the South in a psychological warfare campaign.
Immigration enforcement ramps up, tensions persist in big cities
Cities prepare for nationwide protests on Saturday.
Federal judge says he could release Mahmoud Khalil as soon as this week
Judge Michael Farbiarz said the government cannot keep Khalil detained based on its accusation that he threatens U.S. foreign policy goals. But the judge gave the government time to appeal.
RFK Jr. names new slate of vaccine advisers after purging CDC panel
Two days after firing vaccine experts who help set the nation's immunization policies, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has picked eight successors for the CDC panel.
Leaders of ‘orgasmic meditation’ company were convicted of forced labor: What to know
OneTaste billed itself as a sexual wellness business centered on "orgasmic meditation." Prosecutors said former leaders subjected victims to sexual and emotional abuse.
LA braces for Marines as California sues to stop military involvement
With the federalized National Guard deployed against the state's wishes and the Marines on the way to L.A., there are growing concerns about the policing role of the military.