Sections

Alabama Leaders Oppose Clean Car Standards Rollback

Elected leaders and others gathered in Birmingham to oppose to Trump administration's plan to roll back clean car standards, including those setting targets for fuel efficiency.

Bribery Trial Guilty Verdict Sends Message Through Alabama Politics

Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald reacts to the bribery conviction of a Birmingham attorney and a coal company executive saying it sends a message to those who believe this is business as usual.

Birmingham Attorney, Coal Executive Found Guilty of Bribing State Lawmaker

An attorney with Birmingham firm Balch & Bingham and an executive with coal company Drummond have been convicted of bribing a state lawmaker to stop expansion of an environmental cleanup site around north Birmingham.

Relatives of Unaccompanied Minors Fear Deportation

As the court-imposed deadline for the Trump administration to reunite unaccompanied minors with their parents nears, relatives across the U.S. including Alabama are reluctant to step up.

City Offers Help to Renovate Homes in Blighted Neighborhoods

Two big economic development projects in Birmingham might pay off for city neighborhoods. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced a program today to spend $1 million on home renovations in blighted neighborhoods.

Alabama Primary Runoff Election Wrap-Up

Alabama Republican Attorney General Steve Marshall defeated former Attorney General Troy King in Tuesday's primary runoffs. State Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh lost her bid for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor to state Rep. Will Ainsworth. Here's your election results roundup.

Etowah County Sheriff Accused of Sex with Underage Girls

An Alabama woman says she had sex with Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin four times in 1992, when she was 15 and he was 29. The incidents allegedly took place at drug-fueled parties the sheriff hosted. Entrekin denies the allegations.

Residents Weigh in on 10-Block Downtown Attraction

The open space beneath the interstate downtown Birmingham will cover 10 blocks once the massive bridge replacement project is completed. Designers and ALDOT officials are getting public input today at the Boutwell Auditorium what to place in what was once an open parking area. Other feedback sessions are set for July 24.

It’s Back to the Polls Across Alabama. Voters to Decide Party Nominees

Alabama's primary runoffs include statewide races for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and a number of local races. Here's everything you need to know.

Federal Bribery Trial Digs into Lobbying Around Birmingham Superfund Site

The prosecution has rested its case in the federal corruption trial of two Birmingham attorneys and a coal company vice president. The question is whether they bribed a state lawmaker to fight efforts to clean up a polluted Birmingham neighborhood.

Sloss Fest Becomes Sensory Inclusive

The Sloss Music & Arts Festival is this weekend! Organizers recently announced this year's event will be certified "sensory inclusive." It's meant to attract individuals with autism and other disabilities.

2018 Runoff Voter Guide: What Races Are up in the Air and Who’s on the Ballot?

In this edition of the BirminghamWatch Voter Guide, you will find lists of candidates on the ballot and their profiles, which include basic information about each of the candidates such as the top contributors to their campaigns, the main issues they’re citing in their campaigns and links to their web or social media sites.

Racking Up Tickets in Birmingham? It’s Amnesty Time

If you have unpaid parking tickets in Birmingham or tickets for minor traffic offenses, the city is giving you two months to pay. No extra fines. It's part of the city's latest amnesty program.

Hoover City Council to Consider Sales Tax Increase

The Hoover City Council is expected to vote Tuesday on increasing its sales tax by a half cent. The council will also consider boosting some lodging taxes and rental property fees.

Data Center Announced for North Titusville Land

A major data center is coming to downtown Birmingham. Atlanta-based DC BLOX announced it will build what it is calling a technology and innovation campus at the former Trinity Steel site. The development has the potential to invest $785 million over 10 years.

Why People Are Talking About Gov. Ivey’s Age

There's a lot of chatter among political pundits and voters about whether Gov. Kay Ivey is up to the task of leading the state for a full term. Is it a question that comes up often for older female political candidates?

Uncertain Immigration Policy Takes a Toll on Area Youth

There have been a series of developments in recent weeks on immigration policy and a lot of uncertainty around the fate of undocumented residents. That's rubbing off on children in Alabama.

Judge Helen Shores Lee Remembered For Equity and Fairness

Judge Helen Shores Lee, the first African America female elected to the Jefferson County Circuit Court, died today. She was 77.

Birmingham Rallies Against Trump’s Immigration Policy

Demonstrators in Birmingham gathered at Kelly Ingram Park to speak out against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

Trump’s Budget Wish List: What It Could Mean for Alabama

How President Trump's proposed budget cuts could affect Alabama's urban and rural residents.

New Birmingham Police Chief: ‘We Are Not The Enemy’

Tuscaloosa native Patrick Smith, a long-time leader in the Los Angeles Police Department, started work this week as Birmingham’s new police chief. He’s taking the reins in the midst of a rising homicide rate and growing public concerns about violence – especially among young people.

Report: Alabama Children Improve on Health, Family Measures

An annual survey of child well-being found Alabama continues to improve.

AG Marshall Speaks Out About Wife’s Mental Health Struggles

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall shed light today on circumstances around his wife's death this past Sunday. In an emotional press conference, Marshall set the record straight about his family.

Amazon Expected to Change Bessemer’s Economy

Bessemer city officials and Amazon have confirmed that the nation’s largest e-commerce company will build a $325 million fulfillment center along I-20/59 near Bessemer City High School.

Tuskegee Researchers Find Key to Earlier Breast Cancer Diagnosis

A team of researchers at Tuskegee University has developed a new test they say may help detect an aggressive form of breast cancer earlier, especially among African American women.

Teachers, School Funding Among New Schools Chief’s Priorities

Eric Mackey is Alabama’s new superintendent of education. Before this, he was a lobbyist for state school superintendents. Mackey says Alabama schools must address poverty, teachers, and school funding.

Birmingham City Council Approves $436 Million Budget

The $436 million budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 includes basic support for city services and a small cost of living adjustment for employees. But some funds and requests will be handled differently.

Alabama Power Withdraws from BCA

Alabama Power has withdrawn from the Business Council of Alabama amid concerns over leadership. A spokesman for Alabama Power said there are questions surrounding the organization’s effectiveness. The BCA says it plans to change its executive leadership.

Facebook to Build $750 million Data Center in Huntsville

State and city leaders announced Facebook's plans to build a $750 million data center in Huntsville. Gov. Kay Ivey discussed the project during a news conference Thursday in Huntsville. Ivey's office said the center will employ 100 people with an average annual salary of nearly $80,000.

Birmingham’s Love Moor is Grabbing Ears Beyond the Magic City

Birmingham singer Love Moor has been attracting attention around the Magic City. But she's pushing beyond her hometown, including an appearance at South by Southwest this spring.

Birmingham Student Puts Braille Skills to the Test

Birmingham-area student Rachel Hyche will compete this weekend in the Braille Challenge. It's her second trip to the finals in Los Angeles.