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Birmingham delays ICE agreement, wants to assure it won’t lead to police involvement in deportations
The Birmingham City Council has delayed approving an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would allow several city police officers to act as officers for the federal agency’s Homeland Security Investigations division.
JeffCo considers kicking in $500K to bring USFL to Birmingham
On Thursday, the Jefferson County Commission is set to consider approving $500K to help bring the United States Football League to Birmingham next year.
How outreach helped Gulf States outpace national COVID vaccine rate for Black residents
COVID-19 vaccination rates among Black residents in the Gulf States are surpassing that of Black residents in the U.S. Health officials say building trust has been key to reaching this point.
Why nearly $910 million meant to prevent evictions in Gulf States has been left unspent
New data shows about $910 million meant to prevent evictions had yet to be used by the end of September in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Montgomery, Ala., drops Confederate street name to honor famed civil rights attorney
Despite a threat from Alabama's attorney general, Jefferson Davis Avenue in Montgomery will be no more. The street once named for the Confederate figure will now honor civil rights attorney Fred Gray.
Women will hold the majority on the Birmingham City Council over the next four years
Starting this Tuesday, the makeup of the Birmingham City Council changes when it swears in three new members.
COVID vaccines for young children could be approved soon. Are Gulf States prepared?
Kids between the ages of 5-11 years old might be able to get vaccinated in the near future. Here’s why it would be a game-changer for the Gulf States, and how they’re preparing for the shot’s rollout.
Birmingham takes part in Embrace Mothers guaranteed income pilot
Single-mother households represent about 60% of all Birmingham households with children, according to Mayor Randall Woodfin's office. The mothers involved in the program will receive $375 a month for a year.
The Birmingham Library delays plans to close four branches after city officials protest
The Birmingham Public Library Board of Trustees has delayed a proposed vote to shut down four library branches after receiving criticism from city leaders, including Mayor Randall Woodfin.
No more Euphoria. The Birmingham City Council revokes license of infamous club
The Birmingham City Council has revoked the business license of Club Euphoria, an Ensley nightclub deemed a “nuisance” by the surrounding neighborhood.
Federal covid relief funds enabled churches and other religious organizations to pay employees
A review by BirminghamWatch of federal records listed about 321 applicants from Jefferson County who received millions of dollars under the Paycheck Protection Program. These applicants identified themselves as religious organizations.
A bad day for incumbents: 2 Birmingham councilors, 1 BOE member defeated in runoffs
Two incumbent city councilors and one incumbent school board member were unseated during Birmingham’s municipal runoff election Tuesday.
JeffCo commissioners begin redrawing district lines
Jefferson County Commissioners are deciding between three proposed maps for redistricting.
Ivey signs a $1.3 billion prison construction plan into law
The action caps a special legislative session that lasted only five days.
Alabama Will Follow CDC Guidelines For COVID-19 Booster Shots
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has authorized a third shot of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups.
Alabama Lawmakers Will Take On A $1.3 Billion Prison Construction Plan In A Special Session
As Alabama faces mounting federal pressure to address violence in state prisons, lawmakers begin a special session Monday to vote on a proposal that includes two new mega prisons for men and a new women's facility.
There Were More Deaths Than Births In Alabama Last Year, A Grim First For The State
Alabama's top health official says the state has "literally shrunk." According to preliminary data, it saw 64,714 total deaths and 57,641 births in 2020.
Yes, It Is Safe To Get The COVID And Flu Vaccines At The Same Time
Alabama is gearing up for flu season. Health professionals say it's okay to get the COVID-19 vaccine in conjunction with the flu vaccine.
Hoyt Leaves Legacy In District Eight After Sixteen Years
For the last sixteen years, Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt has represented areas like Ensley, West End and Five Points West. But Hoyt will leave office next month after choosing not to run for reelection. His last meeting is October 19.
JeffCo Employees Getting 3% Raises In Budget Passed Thursday
The Jefferson County Commission unanimously passed a $882,750,611 budget last week. It includes a 3% across-the-board raise for county employees.
Birmingham Applies For Grants To Beef Up Surveillance, Readies To Open Real-Time Crime Center
The city of Birmingham will apply for a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to purchase and maintain license plate readers in an effort “to improve the [Birmingham Police Department’s] response to violent crime.”
You Know Delta, But Have You Met Mu And The Rest Of The Relatives?
Researchers say there always will be new variant strains of the COVID-19 virus, although all the strains won’t be as deadly as delta.
Animal Shelters In The Gulf South Are Literally Overflowing With Animals
With staffing shortages and high intake, shelters in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana are overwhelmed with the number of animals they have.
A Man Died After Being Turned Away From 43 ICUs At Capacity Due To COVID, Family Says
Ray DeMonia didn't die from COVID-19, but after the 73-year-old experienced a cardiac emergency, he was turned away from dozens of packed ICUs, his family says.
Alabama Hospitals Hit Plateau With COVID Patients But Facilities Still In Crisis
Alabama still has more ICU patients than available beds. Hospital officials need more nurses too.
As COVID Rages On, Gulf States Hospitals And Their Staff Look For A Helping Hand
As a field hospital closes up shop in Mississippi this weekend, the state, along with Louisiana and Alabama, still has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country as the pandemic looks to be far from over.
COVID Policies Vary By School District, Causing Confusion For Parents
The state of Alabama has issued recommendations to school districts on how to handle COVID-19 in the classroom. But many of them are just recommendations, giving districts lots of flexibility in setting their own COVID-19 protocols.
COVID Infusion Therapy Effective At Reducing Severity Of Disease — If You Get It Soon Enough
Monoclonal antibody therapy does not work unless it is given in the first 10 days of COVID symptoms, according to health experts.
Alabama Hits New Mark With More Than 700,000 COVID-19 Cases
“If you take all of the ICU beds in Alabama and how many beds are being used right now, we actually have a net negative - which is unheard of," said Dr. Rachael Lee, a UAB infectious disease expert.
Project To Turn Old Ensley High Project Into Apartment Complex Moves Forward
Plans to redevelop the former Ensley High School into a 244-unit apartment complex took another step forward Tuesday, despite pushback from one councilor.
COVID Drives Up Costs At Jefferson County Jails
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office asked for more money during the final weeks of the 2020 fiscal year. The apparent reason was a hefty cleaning bill at the two county jails. But commissioners learned that increased expenses for feeding prisoners brought on by pandemic protocols contributed to the large request.
Two Incumbents, Including President, Ousted From The Birmingham School Board Of Education
Incumbent and Board President Daagye Hendricks (D4) was defeated by Derrick Billups. Incumbent Terri Micha (D2) was defeated by Neonta Williams. And District 1 will go to a runoff between incumbent Douglas Lee Ragland and Sherman Collins Jr..
