Jefferson County
The first general election ballots are going in the mail as the presidential contest nears
While the ballot milestone is relatively quiet and comes in a state that is not a political battleground, it is a sign of how quickly Election Day is approaching after this summer's party conventions and Tuesday's first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump.
Jefferson County released from sewer consent decree
A federal judge on Thursday released Jefferson County from a decades-long consent decree ordering rehabilitation of its sewer system. As part of the agreement, the county committed to completing several additional capital improvement projects by early 2027 that are planned and funded to further reduce sewer overflows.
Birmingham area receives poor grades on air quality report
The American Lung Association’s 2023 State of the Air report used research from the Environmental Protection Agency to measure air quality by year-round particle pollution, short-term particle pollution and ozone quality.
JeffCo Commission agrees to support Magic City Classic for 1 year, will consider longer contract later
The annual football game between Alabama State and Alabama A&M Universities has been played 80 times at Birmingham’s Legion Field.
Jefferson County drug overdose deaths hit new peak in 2022
Drug overdose deaths topped gun and vehicle-related deaths investigated last year by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Private Alabama college seeks bailout, warning it may close
State legislators warn that Birmngham-Southern College may close within months without money from the state and county.
Cameras, iPads part of plan to improve garbage collection
The City Council approved a software that they say will streamline garbage routes and and improve accountability.
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.
Security measures for The World Games will muck up downtown but will not close it
With all the activity scheduled in downtown Birmingham during The World Games, some have wondered whether they’ll be able to get to government offices. The answer for the most part is yes, but it’s going to take some planning.
The World Games were delayed for a year, but did it help with preparedness?
The World Games was originally set to come to Birmingham July 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the large event for a year.
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination sparks Black Girl Magic in local judges
Jackson is the first Black woman to be nominated to the high court. But in Jefferson County, Black women already hold many judgeships in the court system.
JeffCo, Birmingham spend federal money on housing assistance, other needs
More than $359 million in federal dollars flowed through the hands of Jefferson County and Birmingham city officials in the past two years.
Jefferson County judge removed from bench for behavior
Circuit Judge Nakita Blocton was removed from the bench after the Alabama Court of the Judiciary ruled she demonstrated a pattern of inappropriate behavior.
Trash is piling up around some apartments in Birmingham. It is not just about the pandemic
Some people who live in apartments or operate a business around the Birmingham area have complained about trash piling up this fall. It’s reasonable to assume the city should be picking up that garbage, but that’s not the case.
Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Increase 100% In Jefferson County
The powerful synthetic opioid is now being mixed with drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, leading to more overdose deaths.
JeffCo Commission Moves Toward Buying Land Next To Shady Grove Fire Station, Selling Old West End Health Center
Jefferson County wants to buy property from the state of Alabama. The land is located next to the Shady Grove Fire Department.
JeffCo’s County Manager Plans Retirement After 10 Years Helping To Navigate Rough Waters
Jefferson County’s one and only county manager says he plans to retire this year.
UAB And JeffCo To Expand Vaccine Outreach In Underrepresented Communities
As of Wednesday, UAB had administered roughly 80,000 vaccine doses, but Black residents remain disproportionately underrepresented.
Bruno Event Team Takes Over JCDH Vaccine Call Center
The Jefferson County United Command Center will bring in a sporting event group to answer more calls to the COVID vaccine hotline.
Jefferson County Emerges From Consent Decree After 45 Years
After 45 years, Jefferson County has been released from its consent decree.
Big Turnout But No Major Problems At Jefferson County Precincts
About 64% of registered voters in Jefferson County turned out to vote in Tuesday's general election, according to the county's website.
Some Jeffco Absentee Ballots In Jeopardy After Court Rulings
Local election officials say they're doing what they can to ensure every vote counts.
County Commission Votes To Open The Courthouses For Saturday Absentee Voting
The Jefferson County Commission voted unanimously Friday to open the courthouses in Birmingham and Bessemer for in-person absentee voting.
Jefferson County Election Officials Consider Offering Absentee Voting On A Weekend
"The volume of absentee voting that we're seeing is truly unprecedented and we're doing it in the midst of a pandemic," said Jefferson County Probate Judge James Naftel.
Jefferson County Clerk’s Office Redesigns To Handle Throngs Of Voters
It was a working weekend of those in the clerk’s office as they set the stage for what they hope is a more efficient processing of in-person absentee voters.
Secretary of State Intervenes As Frustration Mounts Among Jefferson County Voters
The Alabama Secretary of State's Office created a new plan to help Jefferson County with its long absentee voting lines and understaffing, but specifics of the plan remain unclear.
Municipalities In Jefferson County Elect New Mayors In Runoffs
The cities of Homewood and Center Point have named new mayors. Meanwhile, the city of Fairfield has reelected its mayor after a runoff election.
JeffCo Commissioners Discuss $199 Million Budget With One-Time Longevity Bonuses For County Employees
Jefferson County commissioners are set Thursday to consider a budget that would include $1.485 million for a one-time longevity payment to each county employee.
Jefferson County Bids for Release From HR Consent Decree
Jefferson County's attorney filed a motion yesterday asking that the county be removed from its consent decree.
Jefferson County Board Of Education Unanimously Approves ‘School Roadmap’
Parents can choose between traditional in-person classes, remote learning with Jefferson County teachers, or virtual learning with outsourced teachers.
Jefferson County Commission Considers Higher Rent For Polling Places
Polling places in Jefferson County could be in line to receive more money to host elections, according to a new report.
Amid Statewide Reopening, Jefferson County Keeps Entertainment Venues Closed
Entertainment venues across Alabama reopened Friday, but not in the state’s most populous county.
