Issues
One-Third of Alabama’s Failing Schools Are in the Birmingham Metro Area
The Alabama State Department of Education has posted its list of the state’s failing public schools, and 25 Birmingham metro-area public schools are on it. Statewide, 76 public schools are on the list.
UAB Police Chief Named President of National Accreditation Group
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, or CALEA, has chosen UAB Police Chief Anthony Purcell to lead the national organization. The commission sets hundreds of standards for law enforcement agencies on everything from body cam usage to bias training.
Uniontown Hopes to Finally Fix its Sewage Problem
The city of Uniontown is set to receive more than $31 million in mostly federal money to address a decades-old sewage issue. But some say the problem should have already been fixed.
Alabama Licenses Midwives for the First Time in Decades
For the first time in more than 40 years, Alabama has licensed professional midwives. Last week, the newly formed Alabama State Board of Midwifery issued credentials to five women.
North Birmingham Neighborhoods ‘Have Taken a Beating,’ Work to Unite Over Pollution Concerns
The EPA Superfund cleanup and ABC Coke’s proposed air emissions permit have dominated health concerns of residents in northern Birmingham neighborhoods for months. Now officials and residents of several neighborhoods there are attempting to form a coalition to broaden the concerns to other sources of possible pollution.
Organist Hired by MLK Still Plays at Historic Church
The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church from 1954-1960. King hired an organist named Althea Thomas. More than 60 years later, Thomas still plays at the historic church.
After the Destruction, Wetumpka Begins to Recover
Wetumpka began what will likely be a long road to recovery on Sunday, one day after a powerful tornado ripped through the town causing extensive damage to a number of buildings and homes.
Shutdown Leaves Some Alabama Farmers in Limbo
Tuesday marks one month for the partial federal government shutdown and it’s not just federal workers feeling the pinch. Farmers in Alabama are also seeing its effects.
This Weekend’s Super Blood Wolf Moon … or Something Like That
Alabamians, along with millions in many parts of the world, are getting ready for a show Sunday night. There will be a total lunar eclipse. Some call it a ‘super blood wolf moon.’
Grand Jury to Decide Fate of Man Charged in Mall Shooting
A Jefferson County judge sent the case of Erron Brown to a grand jury following a Thursday preliminary hearing. Brown is charged with attempted murder in the mall shooting that injured two people and left one dead on Thanksgiving.
Experts: Alabama’s Mask Law is Outdated
For almost 70 years it's been illegal to wear a mask in public in Alabama, unless it's Halloween or Mardi Gras. Some activists and experts say the state's mask provision is unconstitutional.
A Fresh Look at the Man Considered Alabama’s First Historian
In 1851, Albert Pickett published what would become the definitive history of Alabama's early years. That history has had an update of sorts with a new annotated edition.
Judge Overturns Confederate Monuments Law
A Jefferson County circuit judge struck down a state law around preserving Confederate monuments, handing Birmingham a victory. The state attorney general says he plans to appeal.
Woodfin Mournful but Optimistic in His Second State of the Community Address
Following a tragic week for Birmingham, Mayor Randall Woodfin delivered his second State of the Community address Monday night. His speech was equal parts elegiac and hopeful, addressing the death of former Mayor Larry Langford and the murder of Birmingham Police Sgt. Wytasha Carter while casting an optimistic eye toward the future.
A Life Remembered: Hundreds Line Up to Pay Their Respects to Larry Langford
Hundreds of mourners had already walked by the rose-covered casket in the center of Bill Harris Arena at the Birmingham CrossPlex by the time the visitation for Larry Langford was scheduled to begin.
Gov. Kay Ivey Praises Past Progress, Outlines Future Route in Inaugural Address
Gov. Kay Ivey was sworn in this morning along with other constitutional officers in a ceremony of pomp and circumstances on the red carpet-lined steps of the Alabama Capitol.
Jefferson County’s First African American Sheriff Wants to Boost Diversity
Mark Pettway begins his job as Jefferson County sheriff today. He’s the first African American to hold that post after defeating longtime Republican Sheriff Mike Hale in November. One of his priorities is to hire and promote more women and minorities in law enforcement.
Birmingham Police Officer Killed, Another Wounded in Downtown Shooting
A Birmingham police officer was fatally shot downtown Sunday morning and another critically wounded. The slain officer has been identified as Sgt. Wytasha Carter, 44, of Birmingham.
Proposed Birmingham Charter School Draws Mixed Reviews
Birmingham’s first charter school would open in Woodlawn next fall for students in grades K-5 under a proposal before the Birmingham Board of Education. School leaders heard mixed feedback on the plan at a Thursday night hearing.
Alternative Events Planned To Recognize Birmingham Native Angela Davis
More developments came today in response to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute's decision to cancel an award presentation for scholar and activist Angela Davis. The top three leaders on the Institute’s board resigned and another group announced alternative events to honor the Birmingham native.
Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, 72, Dies
One of Birmingham’s most colorful and memorable mayors died Tuesday. Larry Langford, 72, died Tuesday evening at a Birmingham hospital.
Rosedale Residents Skeptical of Homewood’s Master Plan
Along 18th Street South in Homewood, there is a mix of trendy restaurants, boutique fitness studios and coffeehouses. It is easy to miss the sign for Rosedale, the city’s predominantly African American community. Some residents there wonder whether the city overlooked their priorities in crafting its master plan.
Gas Tax Is a Top Priority in 2019 Legislative Session
A gasoline tax increase to fund road improvements is expected to be a major topic of the 2019 Alabama legislative session.
Push to Rewrite Mayor-Council Act Shaping up at Birmingham City Hall
In a recent meeting during which two new Birmingham City Council members were appointed, councilors gave clear signals that they’re ready to take on a rewrite of the law that governs separation of powers in Birmingham’s municipal government.
Alabama School Report Card Shows Mostly Improvements, and Some Big Leaps, by Birmingham-Area Schools
Several schools in the Birmingham metro area show significant improvements in achievement in this year’s Alabama State Report Card, which grades the performance of public schools.
Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford Released Early From Prison
An attorney for former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford says he will be released from prison after years of being sick.
Not Just Galleria Shooting, AG Takeover of Local Cases Common
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall was criticized for taking over the case of the shooting death of a black man by police, but his office says intervening in cases held by local district attorneys is common.
LeFleur Still Feeling the Sting From Advocacy Groups’ Condemnation, Responds to Their Criticism
Months after testifying in the North Birmingham bribery trial, the state’s top environmental regulator is firing back at watchdog groups calling for his dismissal or resignation.
Jeffco Commission Approves Rebranding, Bicentennial Promotion Contract After Scales Raises Questions
The Jefferson County Commission unanimously agreed to a contract with Big Marketing and Communications today, but not without Commissioner Lashunda Scales again expressing her opposition to contracts that don’t reflect the county’s need to increase its dealings with historically under-represented businesses.
With $30 Million Gift, UAB Says Cancer Research is the Future of Birmingham
Leaders of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB have big plans to use the recently announced $30 million gift from O’Neal Industries. They want to triple the number of clinical trials.
State Attorney General Asks Supreme Court to Rule on Banning Abortion Procedure
Alabama’s attorney general Steve Marshall wants the US Supreme Court to weigh in on restricting a certain abortion procedure.
Birmingham City Council Appoints Two New Members
Two new representatives will join the Birmingham City Council next year, after being appointed Tuesday to fill vacancies left when former council members Lashunda Scales and Sheila Tyson were elected to the Jefferson County Commission.
