Category Archives: News

The other guys cover the Mims situation

First of all, here’s a link to the report that everyone’s been talking about surrounding the city of Birmingham’s school system.

Now let’s take a look at how the local media’s been covering this story since it broke yesterday…

Throughout most of last night’s coverage, outlets stressed Mims’ acceptance of responsibility for the existence of two reports. Perhaps the best example of this is in NBC 13’s coverage. They were also able to provide the opinion of the state superintendent, who was in town for the proceedings.

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Yes, Parliament House hotel’s coming down on Sunday

UPDATE: 2.16.2008 – Street closing information

We were hoping we’d be able to get that news up this evening before anyone else did, though the Birmingham Business Journal ended up beating us to the punch. We actually confirmed it with sources yesterday morning.

As far as a time goes, let’s just say that you’ll probably want to wake up pretty early this coming Sunday morning if you want to watch history take place – maybe some time around dawn. So there will probably be a few folks doing a double take as they drive down 20th Street on the way to church later Sunday morning.

We’d also not recommend trying to get too close if you do go down to “watch”; there’s a reason they normally keep you a few blocks away…

Still wondering what to do tomorrow? Lectures and writing workshops among options

Now that you’ve had a chance to recover from yesterday’s “2nd most watched television event of all time,” why not start thinking about what you may want to do tomorrow… after voting (or getting your friends to) that is.

For those of our regular visitors of high school age, you’ve got a chance to take part in the Writing Today High School Workshop. It goes from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. tomorrow (February 5) on the campus of Birmingham Southern College. The workshop will include sessions led by University of North Alabama professor and author Daryl Brown; Birmingham News reporter Victoria Coman; and UAB English professor Tina Harris, with a performance by spoken word artist Sharrif Simmons. It’s part of the upcoming 28th annual Writing Today conference on March 8 & 9.

Afterwards you can head on over to Vulcan Park tomorrow evening as their Collective Perspectives series in honor of Black History Month begins with The Women of Sloss Furnaces. A reception begins at 5 p.m. with the lecture starting at 6 p.m.

Follow-up: BCRI formally receives National Medal in Washington, DC

BCRI receives IMLS award

Left to right: Mrs. Laura Bush, community member Shirina Davenport, President and CEO Lawrence Pijeaux, Jr., and IMLS Director Anne Radice. Photo credit: Bob Burgess/IMLS

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute formally received its 2007 National Medal for Museum and Library Service that was first announced in mid-November. On hand to receive the award in Washington, DC from First Lady Laura Bush and IMLS director Anne Radice were BCRI CEO Lawrence Pijeaux, Jr. and Birmingham City Schools family involvement coordinator Shirina Davenport (to Pijeaux’s left as you are looking at the image). Head on over to IMLS’ site to view the official general release and the one recognizing the Institute’s achievement.

Another four years for Miss. governor

This is only interesting due to the large border we share with Mississippi. Haley Barbour won re-election Tuesday. The Republican counts his Katrina recovery efforts and landing the state its second car manufacturer as reasons enough to leave him in office.

At least we’re not fighting this neighbor for water.

Roper appointed police chief

Mayor-elect Larry Langford gave Hoover Asst. Police Chief A.C. Roper a special birthday present Tuesday: he announced Roper as Birmingham’s new police chief at yesterday’s Jefferson County Commission meeting.

“He had his birthday today, but the real gift is to the City of Birmingham,” Langford said of Roper’s appointment.

Roper, who turned 44, is likely one of the youngest police chiefs in the city’s history. He said Langford chose him because of his youth, his energy and the military background he will bring to the police department.

Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis – whom Langford said was never a candidate for the job – approached Roper at Langford’s request to help recruit his second in command. “I hate to lose him,” Derzis said of Roper “but I think it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Both Derzis and Langford said Roper’s appointment will mean more cooperation with Hoover and other police departments and law enforcement in the county.

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Three Alabamians are called “influential” overseas

Britain’s self-proclaimed #1 quality newspaper, The Telegraph, released their annual list of the most influential liberal and conservative persons in American. To be considered for the list, the person must both live and work in the United States. This year’s liberal list includes Congressman Artur Davis (#89); the conservative list includes Birmingham native Condoleezza Rice (#12) and current presidential candidate (and Muscle Schoals native) Fred Thompson (#54).

Stateside accounts of the listings have been quite interesting, including these two stories from The Tuscaloosa News and TimesDaily.com here in Alabama.

Davis, Rice, among most influential Americans, British paper says, The Tuscaloosa News, 11.2.2007

State claims 3 on influential list, TimesDaily.com, 11.4.2007