Rep. Sewell Celebrates Decision to Make Alabama Home to Space Command Headquarters

By

-

September 3, 2025

7804765 — Building 1 at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., shown in 2022, is the provisional headquarters of U.S. Space Command. (U.S. Space Command)

The Birmingham Times

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) joined her colleagues in the Alabama delegation on Tuesday in celebrating the final decision to make Huntsville, Alabama the home of U.S. Space Command headquarters.

“Huntsville, Alabama is unequivocally the best place for Space Command,” said Sewell.

“The Rocket City and the entire State of Alabama are thrilled to continue playing a central role in advancing the United States’ dominance in the frontier of space.”

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that U.S. Space Command will be located in Alabama, reversing a Biden-era decision to keep it at its temporary headquarters in Colorado.

The long-expected decision from Trump caps a four-year tug of war between two states and opposing administrations about where to locate U.S. Space Command, an intense fight because the headquarters would be a significant boon to the local economy. Alabama and Colorado have long battled to claim Space Command, with elected officials from both states asserting their state is the better location.

“The U.S. Space Command headquarters will move to the beautiful locale of a place called Huntsville, Alabama, forever to be known from this point forward as Rocket City,” said Trump, repeating a nickname the city has used for decades already because of its early role in NASA and the U.S. space program. “We had a lot of competition for this and Alabama’s getting it,” added the president, flanked in the Oval Office by Republican members of Alabama’s congressional delegation.

Trump said Huntsville won the race for the Space Command headquarters, in part, because “they fought harder for it than anybody else.”

“I have been an outspoken proponent for bringing Space Command to its rightful home in Alabama, and I have repeatedly joined my colleagues in the Alabama delegation—under both Democratic and Republican administrations—to make clear that Huntsville is the best location based on the merits,” said Sewell.

In this photo released by the U.S. Air Force, Capt. Ryan Vickers stands for a photo to display his new service tapes after taking his oath of office to transfer from the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Space Force at Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sept. 1, 2020. (Staff Sgt. Kayla White/U.S. Air Force via AP, File)

Huntsville is known worldwide as the birthplace of the Saturn V rockets that put man on the moon, and it remains the hub for America’s space and missile defense program. The Marshall Space Flight Center pioneered human space exploration and continues to design state-of-the-art space systems and technology. Moreover, Redstone Arsenal is home to a number of mission critical military organizations, including the Missile Defense Agency, Space and Missile Defense Command, and Aviation and Missile Command.

In January 2021, following a comprehensive assessment of all eligible locations, the U.S. Air Force identified Huntsville as the ideal home for the permanent headquarters of Space Command. Subsequent reports by the Department of Defense Inspector General and Government Accountability Office confirmed that the Air Force’s process for selecting Huntsville was reasonable and complied with the law.

GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor of Alabama, said Huntsville is the “perfect place” for the headquarters and suggested it be named after Trump. And Alabama Republican Sen. Katie Britt, who stood next to Trump during the announcement, thanked Trump for “restoring Space Command to its rightful home.”

“The Biden administration chose to make this political,” she said. “What we want to do is put the safety and security of Americans first. We want to make sure our American war fighter is put first.”

Huntsville, Alabama, has long been home to the Army’s Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command is also located in Huntsville, which drew its nickname because of its role in building the first rockets for the U.S. space program.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said about 1,400 Space Command jobs will transition to Redstone Arsenal over the next five years.

“This decision is not about what’s best for Huntsville – it’s about being mission-focused,” said Battle. “The decision to locate U.S. Space Command at Redstone ensures our nation is prepared to meet growing challenges in space. Huntsville is ready with our experienced workforce, resilient infrastructure and deep commitment to national defense.”

The saga stretches back to 2021, when the Air Force identified Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the preferred location for the new U.S. Space Command. The city was picked after site visits to six states that compared factors such as infrastructure capacity, community support and costs to the Defense Department.

Associated Press contributed to this post.

Birmingham City Council Approves $170,000 for Exhibit at McWane Science Center

By

Birmingham Times

-

September 3, 2025

0

McWane 2 — The Birmingham City Council approved $170,000 for a new exhibit and learning opportunities at McWane Science Center on Tuesday morning. (File)

By Scott Minshall | CBS42

The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved $170,000 for a new exhibit and learning opportunities at McWane Science Center.

“What you see behind me is our ‘Making Moves Experience,’” said Annie Strong, the museum’s creative director. “It’s going to be part of the ‘Dropping Science’ exhibit, which is an exhibit focused around STEM and hip-hop and the science behind all of that.”

Strong said Birmingham City Schools students will get to experience the exhibit for free.

“We have a program called ‘McWane for All’ that allows Title I schools to experience McWane, experience our exhibits and learn about STEM for free,” Strong said. “So Birmingham City Schools are included in that.”

Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn said it’s money well spent.

“it’s important for us to support them,” O’Quinn said. “They’re doing innovative types of projects there. The city of Birmingham is doing its part in terms of supporting the organizations that provide additional learning opportunities to our city school students.”

Ingrid Smiley has a 7-year-old granddaughter who is enrolled in Birmingham City Schools. Smiley said she’s excited about the investment from the city and thinks it will help students get excited about learning.

“That’d be great for a lot of kids,” Smiley said. “That’s a lot of kids may not be able to afford to even go, so that would be great.”

Theres no exact timeframe on when the new “Dropping Science” exhibit will open at McWane Science Center, but it should be before the end of the year.

‘He Chose to Ask Me to Marry Him While I’m Dripping Wet, Standing in a Towel’

By

Birmingham Times

-

September 3, 2025

0

BY JE’DON HOLLOWAY-TALLEY | Special to the Birmingham Times

LATONYA & D’ANDRE WRIGHT

Live: Hoover

Married: Feb. 6, 2010

Met: April 2000, on campus at the University of Alabama in Smithwood Circle where the Kappa house and Delta house shared a parking lot. Latonya is a Delta, and D’Andre a Kappa, and they were introduced by a mutual friend.

“I knew who he was — everybody knew he was,” Latonya said. “I knew who he was since freshman year.”

“I was sitting in the car with my best friend doing what college students do,’ D’Andre laughed, “and I saw Tonya walking by with our mutual friend and knew I had to meet her. When I got inside the party, I walked up to my friend [who was Tonya’s best friend] and told her to ‘put me on’.”

After the party, the two exchanged numbers, and hung out the next day. They would hang out socially and casually dated over the next two years but did not become serious. However, they did form a great friendship that contained some romantic moments, one of which D’Andre pointed out and had Latonya share: “One night after hanging out, he walked me to my car and we shared our first kiss, and right after that I looked up and saw a shooting star,” Latonya said.

They graduated in 2002 and both left Tuscaloosa. Latonya returned to Birmingham and D’Andre had moved back home to Montgomery to attend Auburn University at Montgomery to pursue his MBA. During the holiday season of 2002, D’Andre called Tonya to let her know he’d be in Birmingham to get his car serviced– “He called me because he needed a favor,” Latonya laughed, “he needed me to pick him up from the dealership and took me to dinner to kill time.”

First date: December 2002, at Applebee’s in Brookwood Village [no longer existing], after picking D’Andre up from the dealership. They said it was like picking up where they left off.

“I just remember wanting to remain great friends with him, we always had a great connection whenever we were together,” Latonya said.

“Whenever we hung out we always had great conversation and good times, and she was just as beautiful as I remembered,” D’Andre said.

The turn: Latonya and D’Andre gradually started seeing each other more and after receiving his MBA, D’Andre took a job in Atlanta with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and the two continued seeing each other and spending occasional weekends together. However, in 2006, Latonya delivered an ultimatum “She told me that we would never be in a serious relationship as long as I lived out of state,” D’Andre said. “So, I moved to Birmingham in 2007, and we began seriously dating.” “And it’s been worth it ever since,” Latonya added.

Latonya and D’Andre Wright met at the University of Alabama, and were introduced by a mutual friend. The couple married in 2010. (Provided Photos)

The proposal: April 2009, at their new home in McCalla.

“We had just purchased a house and we also [got our first fur baby], an English Bulldog named Ralphie. And one morning I was getting out of the shower getting ready for work, and when I walked into the bedroom he was down on one knee with the ring in one hand, a Starbucks coffee in the other, and Ralphie kneeled down beside him,” Latonya recalled.

“First of all, it wasn’t just a ring box, it was a Tiffany’s blue ring box,” D’Andre corrected. “I can’t remember a long speech, I know I said something about how long we’d been together and how much I loved her and asked her if she would marry me.”

“And the first thing out of my mouth was, ‘Are you serious?’ and he said, ‘Dead ass’,” Latonya laughed. “I knew the proposal was coming because we were setting up our lives together, we had purchased a house, and he had just spent the weekend in Atlanta with his mom, so I knew he was going to pick up the ring we had picked out, I just didn’t know when he was going to do it. And he did it at a time I’d least expected, that’s why I asked him if he was serious, because he chose to ask me to marry him while I’m dripping wet, standing in a towel,” she laughed.

The wedding: At Ross Bridge Resort & Spa in Hoover, officiated by Reverend John Henry Williams III, of Greater Saint John Baptist Church in Birmingham. Their colors were brown and green. “I look back and don’t know what we were thinking choosing those colors,” Latonya laughed.

Most memorable for the bride was their first look and a visit from one of their groomsmen. “I really wanted D’Andre to be happy with my appearance, and I achieved that. He kept smiling and telling me how beautiful I was, and I was happy,” Latonya said. “And the funniest moment was when one of the groomsmen came to my hotel suite to get the wedding rings from me. He told me that he had been arguing with D’Andre and the best man about socks and that they had spent the morning running around trying to find socks for them to wear with their tuxes … He said he told them ‘he ain’t got time for this [expletive], and came to my suite to get the job done,’” Latonya laughed.

Most memorable for the groom was a few moments: “It was snowing outside while we were taking the wedding pictures, and for it to be snowing in Alabama, and on our wedding day was huge. And I also remember the reception feeling like a huge party, we had a great band. Everybody had a good time, everybody was dancing and drinking, it was like a huge family event. And after the wedding ceremony, the wedding planner [orchestrated] a moment for Tonya and I to have a little time to ourselves before we joined everyone else, and we’re sitting in this private room, taking in the moment, and Latonya’s cousin and her husband busted in the room with a plate of nachos, plopped down beside us totally interrupting our moment and said this is the best wedding I’ve ever been to, and they would not leave,” De’Andre laughed. “And that was the vibe of the wedding– family, a lot of fun, and everybody having a great time.”

They honeymooned in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. “It was lots of eating, lots of drinking and the making of a honeymoon baby,” Latonya said. “We came back with what’s now a 14-year-old,” D’Andre added.

Words of wisdom: “Make sure you are marrying your best friend because even when you’re mad you’ll still want well for them. And marry someone you can laugh with; laughter is always important. You have to be with someone you can have a good time with,” Latonya said.

“Effective communication. Make each other a priority and [establish] that leaving is not an option. You have to know that regardless of what happens: arguments, ups and downs, y’all are going to be there and get through it together, and that’s the refreshing part for me. Knowing that I have someone to get through the good and bad times with,” said D’Andre.

Happily ever after: The Wright’s attend Mountain Top Community Church in Vestavia Hills, where Latonya serves in the hospitality ministry. They have two children: a son, Brayden, 14, and a daughter, Riley, 12.

Latonya, 45, is a Denver, Colorado native and moved to Forestdale in 1993. She is a Minor High School grad, and attended the University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice; Troy University where she obtained a master’s degree in public administration, and Penn State University where she received a master’s in information security systems. Latonya is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and works as a subcontracts manager for Northrop Grumman based out of Baltimore Maryland.

D’Andre, 45, is a Montgomery native, and Robert E. Lee High School grad. He attended the University of Alabama where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Auburn University at Montgomery, where he obtained an MBA and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. D’Andre works as the vice president of external affairs and communications at Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood, Alabama.

The Wright’s are members of the Birmingham Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc.

“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Barnett Wright bwright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.

Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney | Guster Law Firm, LLC

After Being Locked Out of Office, Alabama Town’s First Black Mayor Wins Election

By

Birmingham Times

-

September 2, 2025

0

Newbern 1 — Patrick Braxton was the only candidate to qualify for mayor of Newbern, Alabama, in 2020, but he was locked out of the town hall. In 2024, a court settlement handed him back the keys to the town. (Kyle Whitmire/AL.com, File)

The Associated Press

NEWBERN, Alabama — The first Black mayor of a tiny Alabama town overwhelmingly won election this week, four years after white residents locked him out of the town hall and refused to let him serve.

Incumbent Mayor Patrick Braxton was elected as the mayor of Newbern, winning 66 votes to his opponent’s 26, according to results posted by the town. His victory puts a punctuation mark in the dispute over control of the town government that drew national attention.

“The people came out and spoke and voted. Now, there ain’t no doubt what they want for this town,” Braxton said in a telephone interview Wednesday night.

The election Tuesday was the town’s first since at least the 1960s, held under a federal settlement. Black residents had sued, challenging what they called the town’s “hand-me-down governance” and refusal to let Braxton serve after he ran unopposed for mayor in 2020.

Newbern’s residents number just 133 people. A library, the town hall, a mercantile and a flashing caution light anchor the downtown, about 40 miles west of Selma.

What the town had been without is elections.

Newbern’s mayor-council government had not been put to a vote for six decades. Instead, town officials held “hand-me-down” positions, with each mayor appointing a successor who appointed the council members, according to the lawsuit filed by Braxton and others. The result was an overwhelmingly white government in a town where Black residents outnumber white residents 2-1.

Braxton, a volunteer firefighter, qualified in 2020 to run for the nonpartisan position of mayor, and since he was the only candidate, he became the mayor-elect without an election. He then appointed a new town council, as other mayors have done.

But the locks were changed at the town hall, and Braxton was denied access to the town’s financial accounts. His lawsuit also alleged that outgoing council members held a secret meeting to set up a special election and “fraudulently reappointed themselves as the town council.”

“I didn’t get a chance to serve but one year out of the five years,” said Braxton, who finally occupied the office last year after a three-year legal battle.

Town officials had denied wrongdoing, arguing in court filings that Braxton’s claim to be mayor was “invalid.”

The settlement agreement included a promise to hold a mayoral election in 2025.

Braxton had one challenger this time — a white auctioneer and Realtor, Laird Cole.

“Mayor Braxton’s election represents a turning point for Newbern, restoring democratic governance, ensuring fair representation, and reaffirming that every resident has a voice in their local government,” Madison Hollon, program manager of political campaigns for the SPLC Action Fund, said Thursday. The group endorsed Braxton in the race.

The mayor said his lopsided victory should eliminate any “doubts people had hanging in their heads on if people want me.”

“It feels good the second time,” Braxton said.

UAB Anticipates Record-Breaking Freshman Enrollment for Fall 2025

By

Birmingham Times

-

September 2, 2025

0

Enrollment 2 — Preliminary data projects a 25 percent increase in UAB’s freshman class for fall 2025. (UAB)

By Brianna Hoge | UAB News

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is on track to welcome its largest freshman class in history this fall, according to preliminary enrollment figures.

While final data will not be available until UAB calculates its official census in October, early estimates point to a nearly 25 percent increase in freshman enrollment for fall 2025 compared to the previous year. Pre-census numbers show an increase of approximately 500 first-time, full-time freshman students who registered for the fall 2025 semester. UAB’s largest freshman class before this year was 2,415 in 2021, with approximately 2,500 freshmen estimated this semester.

This surge reflects growing interest in UAB’s expanding academic offerings, innovative learning spaces and vibrant campus life — all part of the university’s SUCCESS Initiative.

“We are encouraged by the early data showing a strong increase in freshman enrollment,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “This growth reflects the excellence of our faculty and the transformative opportunities our students have inside and outside of the classroom, as well as our SUCCESS Initiative led by Provost Janet Woodruff-Borden and Vice President for Student Affairs John Jones. By aligning our academic, advising and student support services from initial interest through graduation, the initiative is creating a more seamless and empowering experience for our students. It’s a testament to UAB’s commitment to student success.”

New state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge degree and certificate programs, and a revitalized athletic student organization are also helping drive this momentum.

“The SUCCESS Initiative is fundamentally reshaping how we support students from the moment they express interest in UAB through graduation,” Woodruff-Borden said. “By integrating academic advising, student services and data-informed decision-making, we’re creating a more personalized and proactive experience for every student. This anticipated increase in freshman enrollment reflects the growing confidence in our approach and the university’s commitment to helping students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”

Gorrie Hall 1 — Gorrie Hall, which opened this summer, is Phase 2 of the Science and Engineering Complex. (UAB)

Debuting This Semester

As UAB welcomes a likely record-breaking freshman class, students will also find a campus transformed by new facilities, programs and opportunities.

Students in the School of Engineering will get to experience their first fall semester in the newly opened Frances and Miller Gorrie Hall.

Gorrie Hall, which opened this summer, is Phase 2 of the Science and Engineering Complex, powered by sophisticated technology and design, featuring “showpiece” spaces throughout the approximately 110,000-square-foot facility. It joins the East and South Science Halls, which opened just two years ago. Together, the Science and Engineering Complex aims to accelerate innovation, economic development and the training of a 21st century workforce for the state of Alabama.

The new Student Assembly Building, which opened in 2024, also welcomes its first freshman class this year. The single-story building, operated by Student Affairs, reflects the continued growth of UAB’s physical campus and its vibrant student experience. Student organizations can use the facility to engage their membership in important meetings and events, recruit new members, and collaborate on new and effective ways to serve our community.

As UAB welcomes a likely record-breaking freshman class, students will also find a campus transformed by new facilities, programs and opportunities.

Unique Opportunities

UAB’s undergraduate degree in cancer biology is the only one of its kind in the United States, and its biomedical engineering program aligns the expertise of UAB’s schools of Engineering and Medicine to prepare students to tackle the most daunting health problems facing society.

The Bachelor of Science in eSports Performance Management and Coaching is the first of its kind in the state of Alabama. Through this program, students will learn how to create training programs, support mental and physical health, and communicate with individual competitors or organized teams.

“There is something for everyone at UAB, from liberal arts to engineering, education and business, to health and medicine,” Woodruff-Borden said. “And student life on our modern campus is more vibrant than ever.”

Gang Green — a student-led organization that connects students with UAB Athletics — is back and ready to blaze the trail for student involvement at athletic events. The refreshed organization has had more than 1,100 members join in the past month and offers exclusive benefits for its members and a renewed mission: to unite the Blazer community, amplify game day energy and make every athletic event an unforgettable experience.

Alabama HBCUs Take Part in Labor Day Battle of the Bands (VIDEOs)

By

Birmingham Times

-

September 2, 2025

0

rsw_1200h_600cg_true-1024x512 — The HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands featured 10 of the nation’s top HBCU marching bands. (File, hbculabordayclassic.com)

Birmingham’s Roy Wood Jr. on New Film: ‘It’s Some of [My] Best Acting…And I’ve Never Been Married’

By

Birmingham Times

-

September 1, 2025

0

PPT1121 1 — Birmingham native Roy Wood Jr. stars in a new film, "Love Brooklyn," which will be shown at the Sidewalk Film Center. (File)

By Chanda Temple | City of Birmingham

In between bites of a croissant dressed in strawberry jam, Birmingham native Roy Wood Jr. sits in a Washington, D.C. hotel room, waiting for a flight back to New York.

He is fresh off comedy tour appearances at U.S. Air Force bases and still catching his breath after a quick trip to Scotland for a conference. But on this day, the comedian, actor and writer isn’t talking about stand-up or global travel. He is talking about love, the kind that drives his new film, “Love, Brooklyn,’’ which will be shown Sept. 5 – 18 at Birmingham’s Sidewalk Cinema in downtown Birmingham.

In the film, Wood plays Alan, who is married and is the best friend to Roger, the main character played by Bessemer native Andre Holland. As single Roger tries to make decisions about relationships, Wood provides comic relief.

“Every character is going through a change, except for me, to a degree,’’ says Wood, 46. “I’m considering whether or not I’m happy in love, and Andre’s character is trying to decide who he wants to be in love with.’’

Wood adds that this film is not one where someone comes begging for the other person to “Please love me,’’ or “Do you choose me?’’ But rather, it’s more like, “Hey, this is what I’m going to do with myself and for myself.’’

“The women in this film have just as much power as Andre,’’ Wood says.

The film was presented during the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, where Wood watched himself on the big screen. Though he’s done two previous movies that went straight to streaming or digital, this is his first movie with a wide theatrical release.

“I’ve always tended to downplay my accomplishments, but I think what I’m most proud of in this film is that Andre Holland and (executive producer) Steven Soderbergh trusted me to bring the character to life,’’ Wood says. “It’s some of the best acting that I’ve ever done. And I’ve never been married.’’

Bessemer native André Holland. (Reginald Allen, File)

So how did Wood get the part? It was a mix of timing, talent, and ties. Both Holland and Soderbergh were familiar with Wood, and when they started discussing the role of Alan, the men mentioned Wood’s name at the same time. What followed was a call from Holland, who has appeared in a long list of television and film projects, including the Academy-award winning “Moonlight.’’ Wood read for the Alan role, and later met with the director, Rachael Abigail Holder. He was offered the part, which he shot in early 2024.

Now, he’s doing promotions for the film. On Wednesday, Aug. 27, he joined Holland for a premiere in Brooklyn.

“To be alongside someone as talented as Andre Holland is a blessing for me (because I’m) able to sit, and watch and learn,’’ Wood says. “But I also think it’s amazing because he’s from the same streets as me. There’s a lot of talent in Alabama, so, it’s dope to be a part of this.’’

Wood and Holland will be unable to make an appearance at Sidewalk during the movie’s run, but they plan to record a message, which will be played at the Birmingham theater.

Chloe Cook, executive director of the Sidewalk Film Festival, says Sidewalk loves showcasing the incredible talents of others.

“Our whole team is excited about it and based on the responses we’ve received since hanging the (“Love, Brooklyn”) poster at the Cinema and adding the trailer to our pre-show, I think our audience is excited as well,’’ Cook says.

Corey Craft, Cinema programmer at Sidewalk, has seen the movie, which he says is a fun, relationship comedy-drama. “It paints a really real portrait of what it means to date as you approach middle-age,” Craft says.

When asked what advice Wood would give his 9-year-old son, Henry, about love, Wood got serious.

“Be up front with what you want. Don’t lie to people,’’ Wood says. “If you leave people armed with the truth, you will always leave with respect.’’

Such wisdom has grown from what Wood has picked up from father figures he’s met throughout his career. In his new memoir, “The Man of Many Fathers,’‘ the two-time Emmy-nominated writer and producer shares what he’s learned from various men after his father and legendary Birmingham journalist, Roy Wood Sr., died when he was 16 years old. Wood will launch a book tour in late October, and he hopes to add Birmingham to the schedule.
Besides a book tour, Wood is set to return for a third season on Saturday, Sept. 6 for his CNN series, “Have I Got News For You.” He’ll also be in the movie, “Outcome,’’ with Jonah Hill and Keanu Reeves. It will appear on Apple TV+ Plus.

Projects like these and others have kept Wood busy since October 2023, when he departed The Daily Show after having served as a correspondent for eight years.

“In the instance, at that crossroads of my life, I felt like it made more sense for me to leave,’’ he says. “Because, if I’m going to grow and go to the next thing, I felt like that was the time to do that.’’

He has no regrets in leaving, and offers advice for those doubting what to do about their next.

“My advice to anybody is just stay focused to what is important to you and surround yourself with positive and motivated people. Strip your life of any negativity and negative people, and that includes family,’’ he says. “They are not trying to feed you emotionally.’’

And somehow, in between the jet lag, set lists and an unbuttered croissant coated in jam, Wood serves up real talk, with a side of Birmingham and Brooklyn in every bite.

It’s layered, soulful and built to rise.

Law Takes Effect in Alabama Today that Exempts Sales Tax for Menstrual and Baby Products

By

Birmingham Times

-

September 1, 2025

0

Portrait of cute black baby sucking fingers looking at camera — A new tax exemption applies to products needed for pregnancy and caring for infants, like maternity clothing, bottles, diapers, wipes, formula and breast pumps. (Adobe Stock)

By Kayla Smith | CBS 42

A law taking effect in Alabama today is meant to make purchasing menstrual and maternity products a little cheaper.

About 16 percent of Alabama families live below the poverty line, according to 2023 U.S. Census data. For many, products used for menstrual hygiene, pregnancy and caring for babies are a necessity.

Beginning today, shoppers will not be charged state sales tax for some of these items.

“This sort of bill is a step in the right direction to show young people that, hey, if you want to build a family, this is how our government is going to remove the barriers,” said Shante Wolfe, the URGE Southeastern States Field Director.

URGE is a group advocating for reproductive and gender equity, including equal access to menstrual hygiene and family care products.

“One thing that we need in the state is financial relief for families,” Wolfe said. “This removes about 4% of the sales tax on essential products and especially in lower-income communities. This means not having to choose between simple things like medication or food or gas. You know, we can give people a little breathing room back.”

The tax exemption includes pads, tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual sponges and cups. It will also apply to products needed for pregnancy and caring for infants, like maternity clothing, bottles, diapers, wipes, formula and breast pumps.

Earlier this year, the Alabama Legislature determined passing this bill would decrease state revenue by about $10 million, but lawmakers decided the benefit to families would outweigh the cost. The legislation passed with bipartisan support.

The bill does not automatically exempt these products from municipal and county sales tax, but it does create the framework for local governments to choose to opt into offering the exemption.

Jefferson County Dept. of Health Marks International Overdose Awareness Day with Life Saving Resources

By

Birmingham Times

-

August 30, 2025

0

Over-The-Counter Narcan Spray — JCDH is committed to overdose prevention and offers free naloxone (Narcan) kits and training to the public. The medicine can also be purchased in store to help revive someone who has overdosed. (Darwin Brandis, stock.adobe.com)

By Sunasia Mims | Special to The Times

The Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) has observed International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) with a weeklong tribute that began August 25, leading up to the official day on Sunday, August 31. IOAD is a global campaign held annually to raise awareness about overdose, remember those we have lost, and promote evidence-based strategies to prevent further tragedy.

“Overdose doesn’t discriminate—it affects families, friends, and communities across Jefferson County,” said Dr. David Hicks, Jefferson County Health Officer. “By recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day, we’re not only honoring those we’ve lost, but we’re also standing up for those we can still save. Our community partners and dedicated staff are working tirelessly to reduce overdose deaths and ensure that life-saving resources like naloxone are accessible to everyone.”

As part of this observance, purple flags were placed on the front lawn of JCDH’s Central Health Center (1400 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233). Each flag represents a life lost to overdose in Jefferson County last year. In solidarity with communities around the world, Birmingham City Hall will be illuminated in purple, joining a global movement of landmarks lit in remembrance to further raise public awareness and visibly support grieving families and communities affected by overdose.

JCDH is committed to overdose prevention and offers free naloxone (Narcan) kits and training to the public. Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

Since 2024, JCDH has distributed more than 20,000 opioid overdose kits to Jefferson County residents—and over 70,000 kits since the beginning of the initiative. In fact, by July of last year, there were a confirmed 264 opioid-related deaths. As of July 2025, there has been a 42 percent decrease compared to the same time last year.

Community members are also encouraged to download OpiRescue AL, a free mobile app that provides overdose response guidance, naloxone administration instructions, and local resources, available in the Apple Store and Google Play.

These efforts—combined with ongoing community outreach, education, and partnerships—have contributed to a measurable decrease in opioid-related deaths across Jefferson County. By equipping residents with the tools and knowledge to respond to overdoses, JCDH continues to turn awareness into action.

For more information about JCDH’s overdose prevention efforts or to request free naloxone, visit JCDH.org/naloxone.

Josh Coleman Elected Chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Party

By

Birmingham Times

-

August 30, 2025

0

JoshColeman 1 — Josh Coleman, center, with Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, left, and U.S. CongresswomanTerri Sewell. (Provided)

Special to the Times

The Jefferson County Democratic Party has elected Josh Coleman as its new Chair, choosing a proven organizer and activist to lead Alabama’s most Democratic county into a new era of grassroots strength, unity, and action.

Coleman has built a career at the intersection of public service, party leadership, and grassroots activism. After playing a strategic role in the election of Randall Woodfin as Mayor of Birmingham, Coleman was appointed by Mayor Woodfin as the City’s first LGBTQ+ Liaison, the first role of its kind in Alabama.

He later became Deputy Director of the Office of Social Justice and Racial Equity and Director of the Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE), where he helped graduate more than 1,400 Birmingham residents into civic leadership roles.

Beyond City Hall, Coleman has been a fixture in Democratic politics across Alabama and nationally. He has served as President of Central Alabama Pride, expanding the reach of one of the state’s most visible grassroots organizations, and previously as President of the Alabama Young Democrats, where he spearheaded the 67 County Strategy to bring Democratic organizing to every corner of the state.

Nationally, he has partnered with the Democratic National Committee on campaign trainings, was elected to represent Alabama on the DNC, and worked as statewide Volunteer Director for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in 2016.

Coleman has also advised and managed winning campaigns at every level, including Randall Woodfin’s election as Mayor of Birmingham, the re-election of State Representative Neil Rafferty, the special election victory of State Representative Travis Hendrix, and the ongoing efforts to elect new voices like Josh Vasa (District 3) and Brian Gunn (District 4) to the Birmingham City Council.

In his first remarks as Chair, Coleman stressed the importance of unity and urgency:

“I am honored by the trust of my fellow Democrats. The future of our party begins here in Jefferson County. We must be a party that organizes year-round, invests in grassroots leadership, raises the resources to compete, and delivers results. We will not wait until 2026 to act — we will start building now.”

Coleman emphasized that Jefferson County Democrats are uniquely positioned to model what a modern, inclusive, and effective local party can look like in Alabama. His priorities as Chair include launching training programs for candidates and activists, expanding small-dollar grassroots fundraising, and building the infrastructure to support Democratic wins up and down the ballot in 2026 and beyond.

“Democrats in Jefferson County have the talent, the energy, and the vision,” Coleman added. “Now we must match it with organization, with resources, and with a strategy to win. Together, we can build a party that lifts people up, reflects our values, and leads with courage.”

Coleman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Miles College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a graduate of the Obama Leaders USA Program and the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, further cementing his role as a next-generation leader for Alabama Democrats.