Government
Jefferson County Election Officials Consider Offering Absentee Voting On A Weekend
"The volume of absentee voting that we're seeing is truly unprecedented and we're doing it in the midst of a pandemic," said Jefferson County Probate Judge James Naftel.
Jefferson County Clerk’s Office Redesigns To Handle Throngs Of Voters
It was a working weekend of those in the clerk’s office as they set the stage for what they hope is a more efficient processing of in-person absentee voters.
Watch Live: Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding hearings on President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Barrett would fill the seat left vacant with the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Watch the hearings live. (Oct. 12-14 starting at 8 a.m. Central. This special coverage will preempt our regular schedule.)
Secretary of State Intervenes As Frustration Mounts Among Jefferson County Voters
The Alabama Secretary of State's Office created a new plan to help Jefferson County with its long absentee voting lines and understaffing, but specifics of the plan remain unclear.
Live: The 2020 Vice Presidential Debate
Vice President Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris debated in Salt Lake City. Their only face-off of the 2020 campaign comes with a wave of uncertainty with President Trump undergoing treatment for COVID-19. Follow updates and fact-checks on the debate.
Municipalities In Jefferson County Elect New Mayors In Runoffs
The cities of Homewood and Center Point have named new mayors. Meanwhile, the city of Fairfield has reelected its mayor after a runoff election.
Nonprofits Adapt To Harsh Financial Conditions After Birmingham Budget Cuts
The city of Birmingham's newly passed 2021 fiscal budget is nearly $50 million smaller than last year. Among the numerous budget cuts was funding to external nonprofits.
With Voters More Polarized, Alabama Straight Ticket Voting Expected to Increase
Alabama is one of six states that still allows straight ticket voting, and it is increasingly popular.
What You Can Do About Election Disinformation
Disinformation this election is not just about Russia. But there are ways to be on guard.
State Republicans Criticize Doug Jones For Opposing Supreme Court Nominee
Republican party leaders say Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones is making Alabama look weak by refusing to meet with Supreme Court nominee Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
Birmingham Passes “Phantom” Budget, Unchanged From Woodfin’s Proposal
The Birmingham City Council approved Mayor Randall Woodfin’s proposed 2021 city budget this week. The $412 million budget includes nearly 250 indefinite furloughs with more than half coming from the city’s library system.
Jones Hopes To Defy Political Odds Again
Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones won a special election in deeply conservative Alabama in 2017. He maintains he can do it again in November.
Gov. Ivey Extends COVID-19 Mask Order
Alabama's mask mandate will remain in place through Nov. 8.
Live Updates: 1st Presidential Debate Between Trump And Biden
Follow NPR’s live coverage of the first 2020 presidential election debate, including fact-checking and analysis. President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden were in Cleveland for the event, moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News.
‘The Whole South Goes Dark’: What Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death Could Mean For Abortion Access
The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has brought about concerns over reproductive rights. Some worry that if President Trump's Supreme Court Justice nominee is approved that access to abortion will grow even narrower, especially in the south.
Everything You Need To Know To Vote Absentee In Alabama
Want to cast your ballot by mail in Alabama? Here's a guide.
Protesters Not Allowed Into Birmingham Council Meeting To Speak On Drastic Cuts To The Library Budget
Protesters gathered outside Birmingham City Hall on Tuesday morning, but they weren’t allowed to speak at the City Council meeting going on three stories above them.
Doug Jones: Supreme Court Nomination Is ‘A Political Power Play’
Debate over the future of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat is the latest political clash. The divide is reflected in Alabama too.
Officials Urge Residents to Stay Away As Hurricane Sally Cleanup Begins
One person died from the storm as forecasters warn rivers will remain flooded into the weekend.
Birmingham City Council Seeks Halt To Closing Of Recreation Centers
A proposal to close 12 of Birmingham's recreation centers is facing pushback by city council members.
Woodfin’s Constantly Changing Budget Leaves Library Board, City Council to Wonder: “What the Heck Is Going On?”
A proposed budget for the city of Birmingham wants to cut funding to the Birmingham Public Library for the third time.
Three Jeffco Cities Pick Mayors as Six Municipalities Hold Runoffs on Oct. 6
Voters return to the polls next month for municipal runoffs around Jefferson County.
JeffCo Commissioners Discuss $199 Million Budget With One-Time Longevity Bonuses For County Employees
Jefferson County commissioners are set Thursday to consider a budget that would include $1.485 million for a one-time longevity payment to each county employee.
Alabama’s New Prisons Planned For Bibb, Elmore and Escambia Counties
State officials announced the latest development in their plan to replace most existing male prisons with three regional prisons.
Jefferson County Bids for Release From HR Consent Decree
Jefferson County's attorney filed a motion yesterday asking that the county be removed from its consent decree.
Fact Check: Trump’s RNC Speech
President Trump is accepting the Republican nomination for president on Thursday. NPR reporters are providing analysis of his remarks live.
Ivey Extends Face Mask Order Through Oct. 2
State officials caution the downward trend in coronavirus infections might reverse itself if the mask order is lifted.
City Notifies Birmingham Library Employees Of Furloughs; Library Board President Contests City Authority
The city and the library board are at odds over whether the mayor has the right to furlough hundreds of employees.
RNC Live Coverage: Wednesday, August 26
Follow live updates and analysis of Day 3 of the Republican National Convention. Vice President Pence headlines the night. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central.
Brocato Claims Second Term As Hoover Mayor As Jeffco Cities Elect Leaders
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato easily defeated his challenger in Tuesday's election, City Council President Gene Smith.
Budget Blows To Birmingham Schools and Transit Cushioned, Other Groups Not As Lucky
The Birmingham Public Library is among several organizations slated to take a significant financial hit next fiscal year under Mayor Randall Woodfin's proposed budget.
RNC Live Coverage: Tuesday, August 25
Follow live updates and analysis of Day 2 of the Republican National Convention. First lady Melania Trump headlines the night. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central.
