Government

Mayor Woodfin Seeks Community Help To Find Shooters Of Children

Five children have been killed or injured by gun violence in Birmingham this year, and city leaders are pleading for witnesses to come forward.

Environmental Groups Appeal Judge’s Cahaba River Ruling To The Supreme Court

Two local environmental groups are appealing a Jefferson County Circuit Court’s recent decision to throw out the lawsuit against the Birmingham Water Works Board.

Bang, Bang. You’re Closed: Birmingham Threatens To Close Clubs With Violent Episodes

A drive-by shooting at Club Euphoria in west Birmingham left 21-year-old Lykeria Taylor dead and another male injured. Earlier that night, gunfire broke out at the club, leaving three others with non-life-threatening injuries.

Five Ways Birmingham Is Celebrating Its 150th Birthday

Mayor Randall Woodfin and the CEO of Vulcan Park and Museum announced this week a series of events to celebrate Birmingham’s 150 anniversary.

People in Alabama Prisons Confused, Frustrated As State Officials Withhold Their Stimulus Checks

Thousands of people in Alabama prisons received COVID-19 stimulus payments from the federal government, but state officials are holding the checks. They say people in prison will get their money, but maybe not all of it.

Birmingham Mayor Combats Violence Against Children With $125K Incentive

Since January of this year, six children under the age of 10 have been shot in Birmingham, according to police reports. Only one of the shooting incidents has led to an arrest.

54% of support comes from members

Birmingham City Council To Hear $13 Million Vaccine Sweepstakes Proposal Tuesday

Council President William Parker's plan includes gift cards, savings bonds, college scholarships and drawings in an attempt to encourage more people get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Five Things You Need To Know About Alabama’s New Medical Marijuana Law

Alabama's new medical marijuana law is more than 100-pages long. We did the hard work and pulled out the highlights that may impact you.

Ivey’s Prison Construction Plan Meets Financial Roadblock

State officials are back to the drawing board after Gov. Kay Ivey’s plan to lease three privately-owned prisons missed a major financial deadline this week.

Gov. Kay Ivey Launches Reelection Campaign for 2022 Gubernatorial Race

In a campaign video, Ivey, 76, noted the state's economic growth, low unemployment and critical improvements in education and to the state’s infrastructure.

City of Birmingham Employees Could Receive One-Time Premium Pay

Birmingham’s 3,500 city employees could see extra “premium pay” later this month. The city council approved the one-time payments as a “thank you” for their work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Birmingham Seeks Dollars For Its Entertainment Venues

The city will seek federal funding for Boutwell Auditorium, Sloss Historic Landmark Furnace, the Southern Museum of Flight, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Arlington Historic House.

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.

Woodfin Presents $455 Million Proposed Operating Budget

Employee pay raises and restored funding to agencies around the city are among the highlights of the proposed fiscal 2022 plan.

Legislative Wrap-Up: What Died And What Passed On The Final Day

Many bills made it out before Monday's deadline. But the lawmakers also expect a special session later this year.

Alabama Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Legislation

Lawmakers had a change of heart after decades of debate on the issue.

Woodfin Won’t Resign In Controversy Over Police Shooting

The Birmingham chapter of Black Lives Matter has called for the resignation of Mayor Randall Woodfin and Police Chief Patrick D. Smith following the fatal police shooting of an armed Black man.

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.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Medical Marijuana And Yoga Bills Pass, Gambling Bill Stalls

A medical marijuana bill goes to the governor. Meanwhile a gambling bill looks unlikely to pass this session.

Alabama Legislature Drops Resistance, OKs Medical Marijuana

The bill faced strong resistance among House lawmakers.

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54% of support comes from members

Birmingham City Council Approves Incentives For HBCU Classic At Legion Field

Legion Field is adding another HBCU football classic to its schedule.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Updated Sex Ed Language, DA’s Fight Medical Marijuana Bill

Alabama lawmakers have been more receptive to bills that ease restrictions on alcohol this year. Senators approved a wine delivery bill this week without much debate.

Analysis: President Biden Addresses Congress

(Wednesday, April 28, 2021) President Biden is addressing a joint session of Congress on the eve of 100 days in office. Watch his remarks live. Live annotations, with fact-checking and analysis by NPR journalists, will be available below for both President Biden’s address and for the Republican Party’s response. EDITOR’S NOTE: (4/29/21) The link to […]

Alabama Avoids Loss Of Congressional Seat With Slight Population Gain

Alabama avoided the loss of a congressional seat as its population grew from 4.8 million in 2010 to 5.03 million last year, according to figures released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

A Decade Later, Tuscaloosa Continues Rebuilding From Deadly EF-4 Tornado

Of the 62 tornadoes that struck Alabama on April 27, 2011, the largest twister hit Tuscaloosa, killing 53 people and destroying more than 5,000 homes and businesses. A decade later, much of the city has redeveloped, but communities are still recovering.

Local, Federal Officials Launch Partnership To Reduce Gun Violence In Birmingham

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin launched a partnership with federal and local law enforcement agencies to impose stiff penalties for people who have unauthorized guns.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Racial Profiling, Voting, Vaccine Passport Bills Considered

A bill to ban racial profiling has failed to win support for almost a decade, but it was one of many measures debated this week in the Alabama Legislature.

Erasing The Stain: 15,000 Pardoned Of Marijuana Possession Convictions

Mayor Randall Woodfin plans to pardon more than 15,000 Birmingham residents convicted of marijuana possession.

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.

Financial Controversy Over Two Prison Contracts Gives Bibb Opponents Hope

Major banks have backed off of financing two of the three proposed new prisons in Alabama. The banks’ sudden resignation as lead underwriters for the bond sale is considered highly unusual.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Senate Moves To Nullify Federal Gun Control, Passes Gambling Bill

Alabama is one of several conservative states where lawmakers are considering a measure making it a crime to enforce federal gun regulations.

Redevelopment Of Southtown As Mixed-Use Property To Begin In June

The redevelopment plans have been several years in the making.