Government
Birmingham mayor proposes largest city budget ever
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin introduced a $517 million budget proposal, the largest in city history, during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Judge’s ruling a “sigh of relief” for families of transgender youth
A federal judge in Alabama ruled to block part of a law that makes it a felony to provide gender-affirming care to minors on Friday. Families with transgender kids tell WBHM they are cautiously relieved.
Transgender medication law in Alabama blocked by judge
The law made it a felony to prescribe gender-affirming puberty blockers and hormones to transgender minors. U.S. District Judge Liles Burke issued a preliminary injunction to stop the state from enforcing the medication ban, which took effect May 8, while a court challenge goes forward.
JeffCo Probate Judge: tightened security will delay voting returns in the primaries
Jefferson County’s chief election official is warning that a new voting security measure will delay returns from the May 24 primary elections.
Judge weighs request to block Alabama transgender law
Barring a judge's order, a new law is set to take effect Sunday in Alabama that would outlaw the use of puberty blockers and hormones to treat transgender minors.
Birmingham targets motels over illegal activity and blight
Since last fall, Birmingham city officials have sued or taken other measures to shut down the businesses.
Judge hears testimony in challenge to Alabama’s ban on gender-affirming care
A group of parents and doctors want the judge to stop the law from going into effect while a lawsuit continues.
Biden visits Alabama Lockheed plant as weapons stockpile strained
President Joe Biden credited the assembly line workers at a Javelin missile plant in Troy for doing lifesaving work in building the antitank weapons that are being sent to Ukraine.
“Still in shock.” Abortion defenders, foes stunned by leak
People on both sides of the abortion divide have been expecting the Supreme Court this summer to reverse the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide. But many said the draft opinion was nevertheless stunning.
State signs $623 million contract for 4,000-inmate prison
The new prison contact is part of a sweeping construction plan partially paid for by pandemic relief funds.
Alabama signs prison construction contract, quiet on details
The Alabama Department of Corrections declined to release a copy of the contract. A spokeswoman said it needed to be redacted and that would take some time because it is a lengthy contract.
Parents challenge law outlawing treatment of trans kids
The new Alabama law makes it a crime for doctors to treat trans people under 19 with puberty blockers or hormones to help affirm their gender identity.
Birmingham Council OKs New Districts Despite Dissent
Councilors sparred Tuesday over the maps which were redrawn based on numbers from the 2020 census.
One year later, where is the Birmingham Civilian Review Board?
A year ago, Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the launch of the Birmingham Civilian Review Board to offer independent accountability for police. But the board doesn't seem to be active.
EXPLAINER: What do new Alabama laws say about transgender kids?
Alabama has become the first state to criminalize the use of puberty blockers and hormones to treat transgender people under age 19. So what do these laws mean?
Families, doctors contest Alabama transgender treatment ban
The new law makes it a crime for doctors to treat trans youth under 19 with puberty blockers or hormones to help affirm their gender identity.
Transgender issues dominate end of the legislative session. Second special session to come
Alabama now has its own version of a Florida law derided by opponents as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Trans kids fear Alabama laws targeting medicine, bathrooms
Transgender kids and their parents say they feel attacked by a wave of Republican-sponsored legislation and policies aimed at trans youth. Bills have been introduced to ban gender-affirming care and block transgender children from using school restrooms or playing on sports teams that don’t match their sex at birth.
Alabama Legislature votes to ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender kids and advanced a separate measure prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity, a bill critics have dubbed "Don't Say Gay."
‘Divisive concepts’ and school ‘bathroom bill’ advance to the Alabama Senate
An Alabama Senate committee gave two bills affecting schools the go-ahead Tuesday as lawmakers aim to end the legislative session this week. One requires students to use the bathroom that matches their biological sex. The other bans teaching students “divisive concepts.”
Struggling Democrats hope growing union support will provide boost in midterms
With support for unions at its highest point since 1965, Democrats hope they can capitalize on that sentiment as they struggle to connect with voters on other issues.
Trump rescinds Brooks endorsement in Senate race in Alabama
Former President Donald Trump has rescinded his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in Alabama’s Republican primary for Senate, dealing a major blow to the congressman’s campaign.
Birmingham mayor issues pardon for unpaid traffic fines
The City of Birmingham pardoned all negligent traffic fines and parking violation tickets that were issued prior to January 1, 2011.
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination sparks Black Girl Magic in local judges
Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to the high court. But in Jefferson County, Black women already hold many judgeships in the court system.
‘Divisive concepts’ bill passes Alabama House
The measure faced a questionable future just a week ago when a House committee failed to act on it.
JeffCo, Birmingham spend federal money on housing assistance, other needs
More than $359 million in federal dollars flowed through the hands of Jefferson County and Birmingham city officials in the past two years.
Kamala Harris marks ‘Bloody Sunday’ anniversary in Selma
Vice President Kamala Harris visited Selma, Alabama, on Sunday to commemorate a defining moment in the fight for equal voting rights.
Alabama lawmakers advance a record-setting education budget
Legislators also took up measures to improve math education and attack what's known as "period poverty."
Birmingham leaders say decision to ban Russian athletes from the World Games ‘a show of solidarity’
The World Games ban was in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week.
Birmingham residents rally in support of Ukraine
More than 50 people showed up at Railroad Park Saturday for a rally in support of Ukraine. This comes days after Russia's invasion of the country.
Alabama educators push back on bill banning ‘divisive concepts’ from the classroom
Lawmakers also took action this week on a delay to a school reading requirement and a ban on transgender treatments for youths.
The 2021 Jackson water crisis and the cracks that remain in a long-damaged system
A year ago, below freezing temperatures collapsed Jackson, Mississippi’s water system, revealing longstanding cracks in its infrastructure.
