Government

Two Birmingham Water Board Leaders Reappointed, Two New Members Named

The Birmingham City Council approved four appointments to the Birmingham Water Works Board on Tuesday.

Jefferson County Emerges From Consent Decree After 45 Years

After 45 years, Jefferson County has been released from its consent decree.

Birmingham Revenue Appears Stable, Council Extends Funding For Rickwood, McWane And Ruffner

The city of Birmingham has approved contracts with three area nonprofits — Friends of Rickwood Field, McWane Science Center and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. These nonprofits previously had their funding cut by the city because of the pandemic.

Bus Rapid Transit Line Coming To Birmingham

Construction on the Birmingham Xpress will start in January and is scheduled to finish in time for the World Games in 2022.

DOJ Lawsuit Could Lead To Federal Oversight Of Alabama Prisons

More than a year after finding unconstitutional conditions in Alabama's male prisons, federal officials are taking legal action against the state.

Birmingham Will Apply For Grant To Revitalize Smithfield Court

With the grant month, the city plans to improve the area around Smithfield Court, including infrastructure improvements such as street paving, sidewalks, lighting and parks as well as beautification and anti-blight efforts.

Spend It All: JeffCo Commission Makes Sure to Leave No Cares Act Money On The Table

The county commissioners sought to tie up any loose ends for Cares Act money at its meeting on Tuesday.

Predictable Prejudice: Predictive Policing Software Promises Unbiased Crime-Fighting, But Can It Deliver?

Predictive policing software programs such as PredPol was adopted by the Homewood Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 and Birmingham Police Department in 2019.

Birmingham Officials Reject Defunding, But Plan Police Reforms With Civilian Oversight

The city of Birmingham’s Public Safety Task Force released a report Thursday morning that outlines four areas that the city can improve on.

DOJ Sues Alabama Over Violence In Prisons

The lawsuit is an attempt by federal officials to force the state to remedy a prison system long riddled with violence.

Slated For A Mega Prison, Brierfield Residents Demand Answers

Gov. Kay Ivey recently announced where she wants to build three new mega prisons. Residents are pushing back on the plan.

Jones Calls For Bipartisanship In Farewell To Senate, Does Not Address Talk Biden Favors Him For AG

Democratic Senator Doug Jones gave his farewell speech Wednesday on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Gov. Ivey Extends Mask Order Into 2021

Governor Kay Ivey is extending Alabama’s Safer-at-Home order until January 22, 2021.

Cam Ward Plans New Direction For Pardons And Paroles

State Sen. Cam Ward is replacing Charlie Graddick as director of Alabama's Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Under Graddick's leadership, paroles rates declined significantly.

State Finance Chief: All Coronavirus Relief Money Will Be Spent

The state is working through a backlog of requests from local governments, nonprofits, and others for CARES Act funds.

Jeffco Commission To Consider Mortgage Assistance

The Jefferson County Commission is expected Thursday to amend its disbursement of Cares Act funds to include mortgage assistance for residents adversely affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Birmingham Bringing Back Up to 132 Furloughed Employees

The city will borrow money from its general fund reserve amid concerns from some council members.

Alabama Nears Deadline To Spend Coronavirus Relief Money

Alabama must spend its remaining coronavirus relief funds by Dec. 30. Advocacy groups are urging Gov. Kay Ivey to fund immediate needs across the state. But, getting the money out isn’t an easy task.

Council Postpones Vote On Holiday Pay, Says Woodfin Expects Them To Make Budget Decisions “Blindly”

The Birmingham City Council delayed a proposal to pay city employees for an unpaid holiday on Black Friday.

Commission OKs Cares Act Funding In Quick Session

"We don’t want to send money back to Washington. We want to make sure that it’s spent here and for us to do that, we need to make sure we’ve looked at every avenue possible," said Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons.

Birmingham Council Balks At Mayor’s Plan To Bring Back Some Workers, Wants More Information

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin wants to use $7 million from the reserve fund to bring back more than 130 furloughed city employees. But the city council is not sold.

Birmingham City Council Approves Carraway Hospital Rezoning

Birmingham's Carraway Hospital, which has been closed since 2008, will be redeveloped to include retail, dining, residential, office and entertainment spaces.

New Microtransit Program Coming To Birmingham

The Birmingham City Council approved deals with this week with two bike- and scooter-sharing companies.

Alabama Democrats Celebrate Biden Victory

Alabama Democrats celebrated the news that Joe Biden was declared the winner in the 2020 presidential race.

With New Flag Design, Mississippi Ushers In A New Symbol Of Hope

Mississippi voters overwhelmingly approved a new design for a state flag to replace the Confederate-themed flag that had been in place since 1894.

Big Turnout But No Major Problems At Jefferson County Precincts

About 64% of registered voters in Jefferson County turned out to vote in Tuesday's general election, according to the county's website.

Ivey Extends Mask Mandate Through December 11

The extension comes as new COVID-19 cases rise in Alabama.

Alabama Moves One Step Closer To Removing Racist Language From State Constitution

Alabama voters approved an amendment to remove racist language from the state constitution. But change won't be fast and there are more hurdles to clear.

Voters Change Constitution With Votes For At Least Five Amendments

Five of the six statewide amendments on Alabama’s ballot passed Tuesday.

Trump Sweeps Alabama, Tuberville Ousts Jones for Senate Seat

Trump won Alabama overwhelmingly Tuesday night over Democrat Joe Biden.

Tommy Tuberville Wins Alabama U.S. Senate Race

Tommy Tuberville will serve as the next U.S. senator from Alabama. He'll serve alongside current U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby.

Live: 2020 Election Updates And Results

November 3rd was the final voting day of the 2020 election. The presidency as well as several key Senate, House and gubernatorial races were on the line. Follow NPR’s coverage […]