William Bell in charge

As a native Californian, I was excited when I moved to Birmingham in November 1999. From all appearances, the Magic City had nothing but an upside. How could a place with three fouryear colleges, including a major medical school; thriving nightlife; a burgeoning food scene; and a great music tradition be anything but exciting and ready to burst at the seams?

Politics

Special Mayoral Election Results Rundown

Cooper vs. Bell, and just how the hell we got there.

By Madison Underwood

The vote tallies are the unofficial results of the Dec. 8 2009 special election for Birmingham’s mayor, as posted in City Hall at 9:21 p.m. on Tuesday night. The commentary is ours. Patrick Co

Politics

Birmingham Election Night Live Blog

Birmingham mayoral results live as they come in.

By Kyle Whitmire

Birmingham Mayoral Election Live Blog

Politics

Royal elected Council President, Smitherman reacts to loss

Smitherman says Hoyt broke a pledge of support, and Hoyt's election to Pro Tem might not be valid.

By Madison Underwood

In a five-to-four vote, Birmingham’s City Council elected Councilor Roderick Royal as its new President Tuesday morning, making him acting mayor until voters select a new mayor in a special election.

Politics

Can Jefferson County break the bank?

Jefferson County has declared war on JPMorgan.

By Kyle Whitmire

Don’t believe for a second that this saga ends with the conviction of Larry Langford. This story is just beginning. And if you think the $235,000 worth of jewelry, clothes and cash Langford received i

Politics

Arrington's out

Former mayor says he won't seek election to his old office, despite supporters drafting him to run.

By Kyle Whitmire

Former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington said today that he will not run for the office he left a decade ago. Earlier this year, Arrington helped form the New Jefferson County Citizens Coalition,

Politics

Jefferson County sues JPMorgan

Nearly two years after its complicated debt structure collapsed, Jefferson County is taking its financial architects to court.

By Kyle Whitmire

Almost two years after its debt structure collapsed, Jefferson County is suing JPMorgan, among others, for fraud, conspiracy and unjust enrichment. In a lawsuit filed Friday in Jefferson County Cir

Politics

Buckelew sentenced to three years probation

Former Jefferson County commissioner must pay $20,000 and do community service.

By Weekly Staff

Former Jefferson County Commissioner Mary Buckelew was sentenced to three years of probation, community service and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine on Thursday. [caption id="attachment_10321" align="

Politics

Considering the conspiracy that killed JeffCo

Larry Langford didn't shop alone.

By Kyle Whitmire

To screw things up this badly requires a group effort. Sure, there was the Montgomery investment banker, Bill Blount. And the lobbyist Al LaPierre. But the plot that did in Jefferson County went much

Politics

William Bell Campaign Kickoff

Embracing Larry Langford's agenda, William Bell seeks to replace the convicted former mayor at Birmingham City Hall.

By Kyle Whitmire

Embracing Larry Langford's agenda, William Bell seeks to replace the convicted former mayor at Birmingham City Hall.