Category: Government
Alabama’s Prison Population Sees Troubling Growth in Latest DOJ Report
For the first time in nearly a decade, U.S. prison populations are trending up. Alabama’s numbers are a part of troubling gains across the Gulf South. Read more.
Hendrix Declared House District 55 Winner
Travis Hendrix has been named as the next legislator to represent Alabama House District 55.
Hendrix ran for the seat in a special Democratic primary and won the nomination in an October runoff with Sylvia Swayne. Because no Republican ran for the seat, Hendrix would not have had competition in the special general election on Jan. 9, and so he was declared winner. Read more.
Never Again: JeffCo Commission Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Bankruptcy Resolution
The longest-sitting members of the Jefferson County Commission on Tuesday recognized the 10-year anniversary of the county being removed from bankruptcy.
Commission President Jimmie Stephens and Pro Tempore Joe Knight were reminded of the occasion by text messages from David Carrington, a commissioner with them at the time of the bankruptcy along with Sandra Little Brown and George Bowman.
“It was a very traumatic experience that we went through,” Stephens said during Tuesday’s commission committee meeting.
He said the anniversary “has a great deal of significance to us.” Read more.
Jefferson County Targets ARPA Funds Against Food Desert
UPDATED — A Jefferson County allocation of ARPA funds could provide healthier grocery options for residents along the U.S. 78 corridor.
County commissioners on Thursday approved spending American Rescue Plan Act funds to address food insecurities. The pilot program supports a food pantry to create a low or no-cost grocery store.
Federal funds totaling $472,782.96 will enhance a program that’s in place and sponsored by Daniel Payne Legacy Village Foundation.
“It’s focused on areas where there’s no grocery store,” County Manager Cal Markert said. “If you’ve only got Dollar Generals and gas stations, there aren’t as many fresh fruits and vegetables. This will kind of try to supplement that and get packages of more healthy foods for families to have.” Read more.
City OK’s $5 Million to Help Keep BSC Open
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved $5 million in funding to help keep Birmingham-Southern College operating.
The city will provide BSC a $2.5 million loan that will be forgiven provided BSC opens classes in the fall and a 20-year loan for the same amount to be repaid at a 1% interest rate. Read more.
Results from Birmingham’s Guaranteed Income Program for Mothers To Be Presented Tuesday
Last year, 110 Birmingham residents received $375 a month for a 12-month period through the Embrace Mothers guaranteed income program funded by Mayors for a Guaranteed Income.
Forty-eight mayors have adopted these pilot programs, so what have we learned about guaranteed income?
Community members can find out at a program Tuesday that will include screening of the new film “It’s Basic.” Read more.
Prepping for Super Tuesday
With Super Tuesday looming, political pundits across the country have been scrutinizing Alabama and the state’s newly redrawn Congressional District 2 because it offers the possibility of a second Democratic representative being elected from the state. As dominoes fall, that could affect the split between Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House. A big spotlight will be turned on Alabama all election season because of that.
But that’s hardly the only race on Alabama’s ballot.
Two congressional districts that cover Jefferson County are on the ballot, and incumbents have challengers from their own parties in each.
State and local judges populate a lot of the ballot. And party nominees will be selected in Jefferson County races such as tax collector and Board of Education members. Read more.
For more information on candidates up and down the ballot, read:
Alabama and Jefferson County Democratic Candidates
Alabama and Jefferson County Republican Candidates
21 Candidates Qualify for Alabama 2nd Congressional District Race
21 Candidates Qualify for Alabama 2nd Congressional District Race
Alabama and Jefferson County Democratic Candidates
Alabama and Jefferson County Republican Candidates
