News
Crisis Center Hopes to Reach Rural Survivors with Mobile Unit
Victims of sexual assault can often have trouble finding help, especially in rural communities. This year, the Crisis Center launched a mobile response unit to try to change that.
Amid Slow Sales, Charlemagne Records Closes its Doors
Charlemagne Records has been open for more than four decades. But at the end of the year, the store is set to close. Like many brick-and-mortar music retailers, Charlemagne has struggled with sales in the digital age.
Aniah Blanchard Remembered for Smiles, Laughter and Encouragement
Friends and family remembered Aniah Blanchard Saturday, a Homewood native who was abducted and killed this fall. Speakers at the funeral told of her caring nature and her faith.
“Just Mercy” Sheds Light on Lack of Change in AL Justice System
The film “Just Mercy” premieres Friday in Montgomery. It’s based on civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson’s efforts to free a man who was wrongfully sentenced on death row. That was in 1989. But not a lot has changed since then.
Proposed Center for Birmingham’s Civil Rights District Draws Skepticism
A proposed $40 million development in Birmingham's civil rights district is being received with caution in some parts of the community.
New Proposal Plans To Connect Birmingham’s City Center to Northwest Neighborhoods
A new urban development proposal plans to connect Birmingham's City Center to neighborhoods in the northwest quadrant of downtown which are separated by the interstate.
Schools Cancel After-School Activities due to Expected Severe Weather
As severe weather moves toward Alabama, several school districts are closing early.
John Archibald says Former Birmingham Water Works Board President’s Sentence a Slap on the Wrist
Sherry Lewis, the former chair of the Birmingham Water Works Board, will not go to prison despite being convicted of two felony ethics charges. A judge sentenced Lewis Thursday.
Sloss Furnaces Marks Alabama’s Bicentennial with the Children’s Bell
Industrialization is a major part of Alabama’s history and perhaps the most visible reminder of that in Birmingham is Sloss Furnaces. The historic site is marking the bicentennial with an object in line with that past of iron and steel: the Alabama Bicentennial Children’s Bell.
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. Talks Alabama Bicentennial and the State’s Reputation
The grand finale of Alabama’s Bicentennial commemoration is this weekend in the state’s capital. There will be concerts and parades throughout the weekend and appearances from the state’s more notable residents. Alabama native and comedian Roy Wood Jr. is one of them.
Inmate Deaths Prompt Alabama Prisons To Take Steps to Curb Violence
The Alabama Department of Corrections announced this week it is taking measures to cut down on prison violence. This follows the deaths of two inmates. One death allegedly involved the use of force by corrections staff.
Birmingham School Superintendent Receives 3.55 out of 5 in Evaluation
Birmingham’s school superintendent has “met expectations and goals for improvement” according to an evaluation presented at Tuesday’s board meeting.
School Delays for Wednesday, Dec. 11
Some Alabama schools will delay school Wednesday because of wintery conditions.
Alabama Young Dems Focus: Re-Elect Doug Jones
The Young Democrats of America wrapped up their national conference in Birmingham Sunday. More than 200 Democrats participated in training sessions to learn to organize in red states like Alabama.
Don’t Look at Us, Jefferson County Commission Tells People Upset Over Rising Property Taxes
Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens used the commission’s committee meeting Tuesday as a platform to dispel the misconception that county government is raising property taxes through reappraisals.
Woodfin Touts Neighborhood Revitalization Work, Cuts in Crime Rates in Update on his Administration’s Progress
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin marked the halfway point of his first term in office Tuesday evening with a presentation highlighting his administration’s accomplishments and broadly gesturing toward his plans for the next two years.
Alabama Broadband Expansion to Improve High-Speed Internet Access
Alabamians, especially in rural areas, will see improvements in their internet access. A new partnership announced today plans to expand current broadband infrastructure and provide faster fiber optic cables throughout the state.
Relatives of Alabama Inmates Call on Prisons Task Force to Improve Conditions
Advocates and relatives of Alabama prisoners called on Gov. Kay Ivey's criminal justice study group to implement reforms. Concerns at Wednesday's meeting ranged from violent prison conditions to the lack of re-entry services.
Buttigieg Calls for Pay Equity During Visit to Birmingham
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg spoke about economic and racial inequality at a community leaders meeting in Birmingham Wednesday. It was part of a multi-day campaign swing through the South.
Remembering Slain Alabama Sheriff ‘Big John’ Williams
Funeral services were held today for "Big John" Williams. He was a popular sheriff allegedly killed by the son of a deputy from a neighboring county. His death has resonated nationwide.
High Court Rules Confederate Monument Outside Birmingham City Hall Cannot Be Covered, Fines City
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the city of Birmingham had violated state law by covering a Confederate monument outside City Hall.
Police Positively Identify Aniah Blanchard’s Remains
The remains found Monday in Macon County have been positively identified as those of Aniah Blanchard, according to the Auburn Police Division.
Birmingham Water Works Board Approves Rate Increase
Birmingham Water Works customers will have slightly higher monthly water bills starting in January 2020.
Humans Remains Found in Macon County Could Be Those Of Aniah Blanchard
The human remains found Monday in Macon County could be Aniah Blanchard's, according to Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes. But Macon County Coroner Hal Bentley says his office hasn't received a call about the remains.
Birmingham Initiative Pardons Low-Level Marijuana Convictions
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin launched a new initiative to pardon thousands of people with misdemeanor marijuana convictions, a move meant to ease a significant barrier to employment.
Bradford Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The family of Emantic “EJ” Bradford Jr., a young black man killed by a Hoover police officer a year ago, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Friday over his death. Attorneys for the family allege the officer did not follow proper procedure.
PSC Hears Arguments for Raising or Abolishing Alabama Power’s Fees for Solar Users
Spectators – many wearing ‘Let It Shine’ stickers – packed a Public Service Commission hearing room this morning to hear testimony about the fees Alabama Power Company charges residents to use solar panels or other alternative means of power generation.
Walter Gonsoulin Named New JefCoEd Superintendent, Its First African American Leader
Walter Gonsoulin, who has served as interim superintendent of the Jefferson County Schools since the departure past month of Craig Pouncey, now holds the position for good.
Questions Loom One Year After Hoover Mall Shooting
The police killing of 21-year-old Emantic “EJ” Bradford Jr. happened a year ago at the Riverchase Galleria Mall after officers wrongly thought he was the shooter. Alabama’s Attorney General cleared the Hoover police officer of any criminal wrongdoing and so did the Department of Justice. But a lot of questions remain unanswered.
Alexander Retains Seat in Birmingham City Council District 7 Runoff
Despite strong opposition from challenger Ray Brooks, incumbent District 7 City Councilor Wardine Alexander appears to have retained her seat on the Birmingham City Council.
New UAB Initiative Seeks to Improve Health Statewide
Alabama often ends up at the bottom in health rankings on indicators such as obesity and high blood pressure. A new initiative launching Tuesday aims to pull Alabama out of the bottom ten among states over the next decade.
Public Hearing to Consider Future of Alabama Power’s ‘Solar Tax’
Solar power is becoming cheaper and more accessible nationwide. But in Alabama, residents face a roadblock. State regulators will hold a public hearing this week on Alabama Power's fee for solar panel users.
