Author: Virginia Martin
City Extends Deadline for Community Survey on Reducing Violent Crime
Birmingham leaders are asking members of the community to fill out a survey seeking suggestions for mitigating Birmingham’s crime problem. Read more.
Naftel Praised by Former Probate Judge as ‘the Best’
The Jefferson County Commission presented Probate Judge Jim Naftel II, who will step down next month, with a proclamation that recognized and thanked him for his service. Read more.
Ho, Ho, Ho: Jefferson County Commissioners to Dole Out Econ Dev Funds, but Two Say Stockings Aren’t Being Filled Fairly
Jefferson County Commissioners will be deciding Thursday how much money to allot to three economic development drivers, an issue that made onto the upcoming agenda after a spirited debate about equity. Read more.
Birmingham Council OKs Public Transit Expansion Under Grant
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved an agreement that will use $1 million in federal grant money to consolidate two bus routes and expand the city’s microtransit services in two areas. It also gave official approval to the mayor’s budget and laid out its legislative agenda for next year. Read more.
16th Street Baptist Fund Drive for Visitor and Education Center Gains Steam
UPDATED — The Rev. Arthur Price, pastor of Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, said a planned Education and Visitor Center on the church’s campus is a way to help people remember the church’s history and its place in the Civil Rights Movement. Read more.
BWWB Employees Renew Confidence in Management, Board to Address Potential Disparities
Birmingham Water Works employees who expressed no confidence in the utility’s senior management last year now say they have a voice in processes and decisions related to salaries, promotions and disciplinary actions, and they believe all their issues will be resolved. Read more.
SWAC Doubles Down on Birmingham With Baseball, Track Championships
The Southwestern Athletic Conference is bringing the baseball championship tournaments to Birmingham for 2025-2029, continuing its track and field championships here and adding another as-yet unnamed championship in an expansion of its decades-long relationship with the Magic City. Read more.
Birmingham Council Approves $250K to Expand Teaching Farm’s Program in City Schools
The move expands the program to serve 3,700 more students in western-area city schools. Read more.
JeffCo Commission President Diagnosed With Treatable Cancer
Jimmie Stephens said he has begun treatment for cancer. Read more.
McCalla-Area Residential Development Inches Closer to Approval
A developer that had wanted to develop patio garden homes reduced the number of residences and now will rethink its entrance plan before returning to the Jefferson County Commission in February. Read more.
