Category Archives: Statewide

A look at the new bishop

Posted on August 15, 2007 | 2 comments

Bishop Baker Portrait - Catholic Diocese Of Charleston Considering that Birmingham’s (and the state of Alabama’s) been waiting for the appointment of a new bishop since 2005 to replace retiring Bishop David Foley (it was originally delayed due to the death of Pope John Paul II), we figured it would be interesting to see just what makes this new guy tick. There’s no better way than by hearing from the man himself, so take a look at how Bishop Robert Baker, the new head guy at St. Paul’s and the state of Alabama, started his goodbyes at his current post in Charleston, SC.

He assumes his post here in Alabama on October 2.

UPDATE: 10.2.2007, Click here to learn more about the event and find out where to watch it online

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Posted in 35203, Alabama, Birmingham, Religion, Statewide

State Access to Justice Commission formed

Posted on August 6, 2007 | Leave a comment

Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb and the Alabama Law Foundation (ALF) announced the formal creation of the Access to Justice Commission back on July 19.

The 19-member commission is comprised of citizens from varied backgrounds that share an interest in improving civil justice for the poor and whom are commited to work together to develop ways to better meet the civil legal needs low income residents in Alabama both financially and through improved legal services. These include legal professionals, the business sector, members of the religious community and volunteers. The press release includes the names of all of the members of the commission. According to Chief Justice Cobb, the state currently ranks 51st in spending for legal aid to low income residents.

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Posted in Alabama, Birmingham, Good News, Statewide

Jim Skinner passes away

Posted on August 6, 2007 | 3 comments

Saturday brought the sad news that James Skinner, Sr., owner of two auto dealerships including Jim Skinner Ford in Birmingham, passed away at the age of 87. Many will remember him from local commercials, others for his contributions to the automotive sales industry (highlighted by the bestowing of a lifetime achievement award on him by the state legislature in 2003. The Dothan Eagle provides a brief account of the the Michigan native’s life within its coverage; NBC 13 provides information about a public visitation on Monday evening in advance of Tuesday’s private funeral.

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Posted in Alabama, Birmingham, News, Statewide

Evening roundup: Reporting on the MN bridge collapse in Birmingham

Posted on August 2, 2007 | Leave a comment

It seems that everybody is concerned with the state of our local bridges after watching the aftermath of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis yesterday afternoon. The numbers of structurally deficient bridges in our state seems to differ depending on who you talk to.

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Posted in Alabama, Birmingham, Media, News, Statewide

Take a moment: Help Alabama receive books for low-income children

Posted on July 31, 2007 | Leave a comment

If you visit the First Books site today before 12 a.m., you’ll give children from low income families in our state a chance to receive 50,000 books for the state of Alabama. The folks in charge of the Vulcan After Tunes MySpace profile here in Birmingham posted a bulletin encouraging people to visit the site and vote today.

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Posted in Alabama, Birmingham, Education, Statewide, Take a moment

Baseball’s all time greats from Alabama on parade

Posted on July 12, 2007 | Leave a comment

David Knox over at The News has compiled a list of MLB all-star Alabama natives in time for the start of the second half of the MLB season.

It’s definitely a unique list, with everyone from The Say Hey Kid, to the Wizard of Oz, to a guy that knew it all. An interesting way to get ready for the 2nd half of the season, even if the biggest story may be taking place this weekend in The City of Brotherly Love as the Phillies will inevitably become the first professional sports franchise in modern history to record 10,000 losses (on Friday the 13th even).

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Posted in Alabama, Quirky, Sports, Statewide

2007 Drought: What do you think of the governor’s proclamation?

Posted on July 6, 2007 | 2 comments

Governor Riley’s recent proclamation urging Alabama residents to pray for rain has drawn a wide range of opinions about his use of power. Here are two differing views of last week’s announcement:

Drought stricken Alabama has a prayer for relief, Change of Subject (Chicago Tribune), 7.6.2007

Rain Of Error: Constitutional Drought In Alabama, The Wall of Separation, 7.2.2007

What are your thoughts?

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Posted in 2007 Drought, Alabama, News, politics, Statewide