Search Results for birmingham chief of police
City officials want parents to combat gun violence. Community leaders say it’s not that simple
Officials point to parents and the need for strong community networks to stop gun violence in Birmingham. They say it takes a village. But it’s not just the people in charge saying that, it’s also kids, activists, and the parents themselves.
Chance the Rapper will not turn the other cheek
STAR LINE recasts the affable indie rapper as something sharper-eged — a skeptic of the state and champion of the collective, who is ready to scrap if necessary.
Bessemer residents want answers about a four-million-square-foot data center coming to their backyards
Residents in and around Bessemer are furious over Project Marvel, a plan to build a 4.5-million-square-foot data processing facility on 700 acres of wooded land. Public officials have been sworn to silence.
What was approved, and what failed, in the 2025 Alabama legislative session
Alabama lawmakers ended the 2025 legislative session on Wednesday. Here is a look at a few of the notable bills that passed, and some that failed, during the session.
Tax cut bills under consideration in final days of the legislative session
Alabama has already knocked off 1% of its state sales tax from groceries. A bill that would reduce it further is under discussion in the legislature. But there are just a couple of days left in the session to get things done.
Homicide commission report offers strategies to reduce gun violence
Following a record breaking year of homicides in Birmingham, a city commission submitted a report on potential solutions for the crisis to the mayor’s office on Monday. The report lays out strategies for how the city can reduce its homicide rate, particularly those stemming from gun violence.
Barely Legal: Some officials in Alabama want to outlaw delta-8. Others want to make it safer
Delta-8, which comes from hemp, is processed to create a concentrated form of THC. It’s legal for sale in Alabama … at least for now.
Suspect arrested in Five Points South mass shooting
Damien Laron McDaniel III is charged with capital murder in the case. The 22-year-old is also charged with the murder of two other people.
Woodfin tasks new commission with reducing homicides
Leaders in law enforcement, the business sector, religious groups and others will draw inspiration from violence reduction methods proven by cities from around the country.
For small cities across Alabama with Haitian populations, Springfield is a cautionary tale
Amid mounting tension, a bipartisan group of local religious leaders, law enforcement officials and residents across Alabama sees the fallout in Springfield as a cautionary tale. They've been taking steps to help integrate the state's Haitian population in the small cities where they live.
In the fight against gun violence, this Gulf South city is searching for ways to save lives
As violent crime slows down across the South, Shreveport, Louisiana, is reckoning with the aftermath of an unusually deadly 2023.
Video shows high school band director shocked with stun gun, arrested after refusing to stop music
State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, who is representing band director Johnny Mims as his attorney, said Tuesday that the incident is an “alarming abuse of power” that instead “should have been should have been deescalated.”
Hoover woman confesses to fabricating kidnapping
The Hoover Police Department announced the development five days after casting doubt on Carlee Russell’s story. It is possible Russell could face charges.
Hoover woman returns home following disappearance and search after reporting child on interstate
Police said Carlethia “Carlee” Nichole Russell had returned to the home she shares with her parents in Hoover. Russell was the after being the focus of a two-day search by police and family members who reported her missing after she stopped to check on a child who was walking along a highway.
At least 4 people were killed in a shooting at a teen’s birthday party in Alabama
The attack in the city of Dadeville came as people were gathering to celebrate a teen's 16th birthday. Authorities said there were "multiple injuries" in addition to those killed.
New exhibition driving bill would stiffen penalties, including fines and jail time
People have been injured, even killed, in exhibition driving-related incidents in Birmingham. Now, lawmakers are addressing the issue on a statewide level.
Despite pushback, the organizers of Cullman’s first pride event are pushing forward
The announcement of Saturday’s event drew threats and calls for counter-protests. In response, LGBTQ+ communities across the state have offered their support.
New mental health crisis center aims to interrupt revolving door of jail and ER visits
The new clinic in Jefferson County will offer short-term crisis care to people who might otherwise wait hours at a hospital or wind up in jail.
Across the bridge: Alabama Dem carries torch for voting bill
Rep. Terri Sewell's voting bill collapsed in the Senate last month, but she is determined to press on. In March, Selma will mark the anniversary of the “Bloody Sunday” voting rights march.
Alabama Republicans pass bill to hike penalties for removing Confederate monuments
Republicans also advanced a bill that would require jail time for those who participate in a riot, plus another banning certain therapies for transgender youth.
What Is Going On With Tarrant’s City Leaders?
There's been an overwhelming amount of drama in Tarrant over the last year, a small town with less than 7,000 people. Many believe the tensions are rooted in racism and Tarrant’s changing demographics.
Business Exec, A Self-Proclaimed “Full-Throttle Conservative,” Enters Senate Race
A fourth candidate has joined the race for Alabama U.S. Senator Richard Shelby's seat.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Transgender Sports, Abortion, Riot Bills Advance
Alabama is one of several states considering bills restricting transgender minors. The sports bill is the second one related to transgender youth introduced this session.
Lawmakers Continue Debating Controversial Anti-Riot Bill
The sponsor of the bill says it would protect first responders from being attacked at tumultuous protests. But the measure has been a sore spot for state Democrats and others who fear the bill’s language is too vague, and that it'll only serve to criminalize peaceful protests.
Legislative Wrap-Up: Gambling, Medical Marijuana, No-Excuse Absentee Voting
One of the measures that passed with very little debate in the Alabama Senate this week would authorize the use of medical marijuana. But the measure could face bigger challenges in the House.
Tornado Destroys Areas In North Jefferson County Killing At Least One
There's been extensive damage to homes, businesses, and schools in the area.
Predictable Prejudice: Predictive Policing Software Promises Unbiased Crime-Fighting, But Can It Deliver?
Predictive policing software programs such as PredPol was adopted by the Homewood Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 and Birmingham Police Department in 2019.
Dogs, Firehoses Were A Precursor To Today’s Violent Protests
“You will never be Christ, but that doesn’t mean that you stop pursuing that Christ-like behavior. What we have to do is be in relentless pursuit of having a positive relationship with the community we serve," said Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith.
Remembering the Alabamians Who Have Fallen To COVID-19. Who Were They?
We know very little about the Alabamians who have lost their lives due to the coronavirus and related illness during the pandemic.
Generation After Generation, The Need For Black Parents And Children To Have ‘The Talk’ Continues
“Many people who look like me suffer through some of the same situations and are humiliated just because of the color of their skin," said Alabama Democratic Party Chair Chris England.
Crime Slows As People Shelter From Coronavirus
Crime isn’t taking a coronavirus holiday, but law enforcement statistics show it headed in a positive direction as more people shelter from the pandemic.
JeffCo Commission Approves Fees for Credit, Debit Card Payments to Revenue Department
The Jefferson County Revenue's Office will now apply a 1% convenience fee on debit and card payments after passing with unanimous consent on Thursday.
