Virginia Martin

Birmingham Council to Hear Arguments on Zoning for Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

The Birmingham City Council has set a Nov. 29 public hearing over proposed changes to the city’s zoning code that would allow for medical cannabis production facilities and dispensaries within city limits. It’s the next step in a process the council started last month when it approved an ordinance broadly authorizing medical cannabis dispensaries in Birmingham. The Alabama State Legislature, which legalized the production and distribution of medical marijuana last year, will maintain strict control over the licensing process via the newly created Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, which is not expected to issue distributor licenses until July. The new zoning code also would change zoning definitions for opioid replacement therapy treatment facilities, moving them from the “special exception” category to “permitted with conditions.” Read more.

by Sam Prickett

Outdoorsy Black Women Helps Change the Face of Outdoor Activities

Outdoorsy Black Women is a national organization with more than 3,000 members across the country. The Birmingham chapter began in early 2022 and it already has 160 members. Read more.

by Cody Short, WBHM

Allen Treadaway, Alabama House of Representatives, District 51

Allen Treadaway Party: Republican Residence: Morris, Alabama Political experience: Member, Alabama House of Representatives, District 51, 2006-present Professional experience: Retired assistant police chief, Birmingham Police Department.    

by BirminghamWatch

Neil Rafferty, Alabama House of Representatives, District 54

Neil Rafferty Democrat: Democrat Residence: Crestwood North Professional experience: Has worked with Birmingham AIDS Outreach; membership services representative, MedjetAssist, 2011-2013; English and composition teacher, self-employed, 2011; corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, 2005-2009. Education: Bachelor’s in political science, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Main issues: Expand Medicaid and increase postpartum coverage for new mothers to one year.

by BirminghamWatch

Rolanda Hollis, Alabama House District 58

  Rolanda Hollis Residence: Birmingham Political experience: Elected Alabama House of Representative District 58, 2017-present. Professional experience: Real estate broker.

by BirminghamWatch

Mary Moore, Alabama House District 59

Mary Moore Party: Democratic Age: 73 Residence: North Birmingham, ACIPCO Finley Political experience: Member, Birmingham School Board, 1998-2002; Alabama House of Representatives, 2002-present. Professional experience: Medical technologist, Veteran’s Administration Hospital, 1970-2000, retired. Civic experience: Past President, ACIPCO Finley Neighborhood, 1993; member, Birmingham Industrial Water Board, 1990-1994. Education: B.S. in biology, Tuskegee Institute, 1970; certificate of medical technology, University of Alabama

by BirminghamWatch

Juandalynn Givan, House of Representatives District 60

Juandalynn Givan Party: Democrat Residence: Birmingham Political experience: Alabama House Representatives, 2010–present; assistant liaison, Capital Projects and Development for the City of Birmingham under Mayors Richard Arrington, Bernard Kincaid and William Bell, 1996-2000. Professional experience: Givan & Associates Law Firm, 2004-present; Birmingham Housing Authority Hope 6 Administrator for Metropolitan Gardens and Tuxedo Terrace, 2000-2010. Education: Graduated from Miles

by BirminghamWatch

Devin Cordell, Jefferson County Commission, District 3

Devin Cordell Libertarian Age: 34 Residence: West Jefferson Political experience: First run for political office. Professional experience: Served in the U.S. Marine Corps, 2006-2015; worked for six years as a defense contractor and a federal employee. Currently a facility security officer & information systems security manager. Main Issues: Giving people a choice on the ballot;

by BirminghamWatch

Crime Stories Are Everywhere, but You Really Can Go Outside

The news media love crime stories, which, of course, is the fault of the audience for giving them clicks and ratings. But some commentators on the press offer unreservedly brutal words for how journalists do crime coverage: —Tauhid Chappell and Mike Rispoli of Free Press wrote for Nieman Lab in 2020: “Crime coverage is terrible. It’s racist, classist, fear-based clickbait masking as journalism. It creates lasting harm for the communities that newsrooms are supposed to serve.” —Kelly McBride of Poynter told an online seminar in 2021 that years from now, “newsrooms will issue apologies for the harm they caused” with their crime reporting. For good measure, she called it “journalistic malpractice.” Yikes. Read more.

by Tom Arenberg

Will the Magic City Classic return to Legion Field next year?

With Legion Field nearly 100 years old and Protective Stadium opening last year in downtown Birmingham, people have questioned if the Magic City Classic will find a new home. Read more.

by Cody Short, WBHM