Solomon Crenshaw, Jr.
BirminghamWatch
Solomon Crenshaw, Jr is a reporter with BirminghamWatch, a nonprofit, independent news site. WBHM and BirminghamWatch collaborate through a content-sharing partnership.
Jefferson County released from sewer consent decree
A federal judge on Thursday released Jefferson County from a decades-long consent decree ordering rehabilitation of its sewer system. As part of the agreement, the county committed to completing several additional capital improvement projects by early 2027 that are planned and funded to further reduce sewer overflows.
Bolin Elected to Jefferson County Commission
Mike Bolin is retired no more. The former Alabama Supreme Court justice has a new job as the newly elected District 5 representative on the Jefferson County Commission.
Wise drops out of Jefferson County Commission race
Jeff Wise’s decision to drop out leaves only Alabama Supreme Court Justice Mike Bolin and developer David Silverstein in Tuesday’s election.
Commission approves billing agreement with Birmingham Water Works Board
The agreement between the Jefferson County Commission Tuesday follows months of negotiation between the two entities.
Suit accuses Jefferson County of racial gerrymandering in commission districts
The lawsuit accuses the commission of intentionally packing Black voters into two supermajority Black commission districts based in and around Birmingham.
BSC prez ‘disappointed’ legislature didn’t approve funding but will continue push to stay open
The Alabama Legislature opted not to spend some of the state’s $1 billion-plus allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act to keep the financially troubled liberal arts college open.
JeffCo Commission agrees to support Magic City Classic for 1 year, will consider longer contract later
The annual football game between Alabama State and Alabama A&M Universities has been played 80 times at Birmingham’s Legion Field.
Commission considering funding to keep Magic City Classic in Birmingham
The Jefferson County Commission is deciding on a resolution about the level of support the county will provide to the annual football game.
Jefferson County approves $5 million toward construction of amphitheater
The appropriation is a key step in making the $50 million amphitheater development on the campus of the former Carraway Hospital a reality.
Underground landfill fire still contained; smoke could be worse for a few days
While rain would typically aid in fighting an above-ground fire, it likely can’t reach fire that is smoldering under the surface.
Fire department says landfill blaze that spread smoke more than 20 miles away is ‘contained’
The Moody Fire Department determined that a landfill fire that has been burning largely underground has been contained.
Commission rejects opening courthouse for Saturday absentee voting
Commissioner Sheila Tyson presented the resolution to open the Jefferson County Courthouse for Saturday absentee voting. Others felt the special circumstances of the pandemic had passed.
Jefferson County Commission approves extra money for The World Games
Commissioners approved allotting an additional $4 million to help offset the deficit incurred by organizers of The World Games. The matter passed on a 4-1 vote.
Jefferson County Commission delays discussion on World Games deficit
The World Games officials have asked the commission for an additional $4 million to help close a reported $14 million debt after the July event.
Jefferson County Commission to look for other absentee voting space after alleged voter suppression
Bessemer Absentee Voting Clerk Karen Dunn Burks last week accused Jefferson County government of voter suppression because of plans to move her office from the courtroom basement to another office also in the basement. She contended the plan created unfair conditions and accommodations for voters and was inhumane.
Security measures for The World Games will muck up downtown but will not close it
With all the activity scheduled in downtown Birmingham during The World Games, some have wondered whether they’ll be able to get to government offices. The answer for the most part is yes, but it’s going to take some planning.
The stadium bid for Woodlawn High School is approved. It could be built by the fall
The Birmingham Board of Education has approved a bid for Woodlawn High School's new football stadium. It could be built by fall 2022.
JeffCo Commission announces $1.1 billion deal with Smucker’s
Food maker J.M. Smucker, known for its peanut butter and jelly products, is bringing a manufacturing and distribution plant to McCalla.
Board rejects bid for Woodlawn High School stadium
The Birmingham Board of Education rejected the bid to build a stadium and fieldhouse on the campus of Woodlawn High School. This comes just months after the ceremonial groundbreaking.
JeffCo considers kicking in $500K to bring USFL to Birmingham
On Thursday, the Jefferson County Commission is set to consider approving $500K to help bring the United States Football League to Birmingham next year.
JeffCo commissioners begin redrawing district lines
Jefferson County Commissioners are deciding between three proposed maps for redistricting.
JeffCo Employees Getting 3% Raises In Budget Passed Thursday
The Jefferson County Commission unanimously passed a $882,750,611 budget last week. It includes a 3% across-the-board raise for county employees.
‘Can-Do Cal’ Takes A Customer-Focused Approach To New Job As JeffCo County Manager
Cal Markert will start his new role of Jefferson County Manager on Oct. 1, 2021.
COVID Drives Up Costs At Jefferson County Jails
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office asked for more money during the final weeks of the 2020 fiscal year. The apparent reason was a hefty cleaning bill at the two county jails. But commissioners learned that increased expenses for feeding prisoners brought on by pandemic protocols contributed to the large request.
Health Official Warns About The Danger Of Being In Crowds As High School Football Fully Kicks Off
High school football games are set to fully kick off this week. Health experts say you should continue to wear a mask even if you're fully vaccinated because these events are likely to spread COVID-19.
JeffCo Commissioner Cautions About Travel Expenses
The commissioner's eye was drawn to a trip someone from the county compliance office will next month to the Compliance & Ethics Institute Conference in Las Vegas. That trip will cost $3,354.55.
No Place Like Home As Woodlawn High Breaks Ground For New, On-Campus Football Stadium
The new stadium is expected to be ready for the 2022 football season. It'll accommodate 2,800 spectators, and it will include an artificial turf athletic field, renovated field house and a stadium lighting and sound system.
JeffCo Commissioners Look Forward To Dropping Social Distance At Meetings
Restrictions prompted by Gov. Kay Ivey's coronavirus public health orders will expire at the end of the month.
Governor Shuts Down Extra Help For The Unemployed, Says Workers Needed To Invigorate The Economy
Alabama will stop participating in all federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs beginning June 19. Gov. Kay Ivey says she made the decision because of the increasing difficulty of business owners and employers to find workers to fill jobs.
Jefferson County Nears Deal For New Humane Society
The plan is for Jefferson County to purchase lots one and two of the property, which would remain under county ownership. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society would purchase lot three and build an animal hospital and adoption control facility there.
JeffCo Commission Moves Toward Buying Land Next To Shady Grove Fire Station, Selling Old West End Health Center
Jefferson County wants to buy property from the state of Alabama. The land is located next to the Shady Grove Fire Department.
JeffCo’s County Manager Plans Retirement After 10 Years Helping To Navigate Rough Waters
Jefferson County’s one and only county manager says he plans to retire this year.
