Government
Business Exec, A Self-Proclaimed “Full-Throttle Conservative,” Enters Senate Race
A fourth candidate has joined the race for Alabama U.S. Senator Richard Shelby's seat.
Birmingham Council Looking At Candidates To Fill Seats On Several Boards
Seats on several Birmingham boards and authorities will be up for grabs next month, including city council-appointed positions on the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority and the Birmingham Land Bank Authority.
Economic Opportunity, Community Policing Among Solutions To Birmingham’s Gun Violence
Birmingham has been riddled with crime for decades, and people are concerned about the increasing number of homicides. So far in 2021, there have been at least 60 homicides in the city of Birmingham, according to data from the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.
As Other States Drew Fire For Passing Restrictive Election Laws, Alabama Skirted The Limelight
National attention fell on Georgia for changes to its election laws earlier this year, but Alabama made changes too.
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.
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.
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.
