News
Alabama Representatives Flip Votes on Two Measures Involving Cleanup of PFAS Pollution
Alabama’s representatives in the U.S. House flipped votes on two issues last week concerning regulation of PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to cancer. These chemicals have been found in drinking water and land in northern Alabama.
Three Dead in Alabama After Severe Weather Sweeps Through the South
Three people in Alabama died after severe storms hit the area on Saturday.
Jefferson County Commission Delays Vote on Fee for Card Payments
The Jefferson County chief financial officer says discussion about a 1% debit and credit card convenience fee should be tabled for another two weeks.
Severe Weather Threatens Most of Alabama on Saturday
Forecasters in central Alabama say the storm system threatens to spin off tornadoes. Officials say residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and should not depend solely on outdoor warning sirens.
Education Town Hall Set for Jan. 15
A town hall meeting on the status of education in Birmingham has been set for Jan. 15, 6-8 p.m.
Jefferson County Commission Moves to Preserve Downtown Jail Where Martin Luther King Jr. Was Held
The Jefferson County Commission Thursday took the first steps toward acknowledging and preserving remnants of the jail where Martin Luther King Jr. was held.
Jefferson County Gets New Human Resources Director, Raising Hopes for Lifting Consent Decree on Personnel Practices
Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight offered a predictable straight line after Caroline Brown was introduced as Jefferson County’s new human resource director at Tuesday’s commission committee meeting.
Birmingham and UAB Partner to Offer Free Tuition to City Graduates
The University of Alabama at Birmingham will offer a full tuition scholarship to some graduates of Birmingham City Schools as part of a new partnership with the City of Birmingham.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Holds State of the City Address
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced new fundraising partners for the Birmingham Promise Initiative at Tuesday's State of the City address.
Paighton Houston’s Remains Found In Hueytown
Authorities identified a body found behind a house in Hueytown Thursday as that of Paighton Houston, according to Trussville Detective Ben Short.
Birmingham City Council Delays Vote on Five Points West/CrossPlex Grant
The Birmingham City Council on Monday delayed voting on an item granting funding to the Five Points West/CrossPlex Business Alliance under the city’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) initiative.
Helping Walker County Families Destroyed by the Opioid Crisis
Tens of millions of prescription pain pills flooded Walker County from 2006-2012, according to data released by The Washington Post. But the effects of the opioid crisis are still evident, especially for children who lived through it.
Slow Food Movement Fuels Birmingham’s Burgeoning Bakery Scene
In recent years, several artisanal bakeries have opened in Birmingham offering a wider selection of homemade bread. But will people make an extra stop to pick up a loaf?
Court Says Gardendale Must Pay Opponents’ Legal Fees in Failed School System Breakaway
The City of Gardendale will have to pay $850,000 to the lawyers of black students, according to a new court ruling.
Doug Jones Weighs in on Trump Impeachment
When the U.S. Senate returns from the holiday break, there will be one overriding issue: impeachment. Democratic U.S. Senator Doug Jones shares his thoughts on this and other actions on Capitol Hill.
Church Fundraiser Forgives Millions in Medical Debt
A Mountain Brook church raised enough money to help pay off medical debt for thousands of Alabama families.
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.
