MONTGOMERY — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday urged the board that oversees Alabama Public Television to delay any decision on severing ties with PBS until it has studied Alabamians’ opinions on the matter and developed a plan for what comes next.
The Republican governor sent a letter to the Alabama Educational Television Commission ahead of a Nov. 18 meeting in which commissioners were expected to discuss disaffiliation.
Gov. Kay Ivey
Some commission members had pushed the idea of dropping PBS due to federal budget cuts, President Donald Trump’s dislike of public broadcasting and accusations of bias against NPR and PBS news programs from him and other conservatives. A decision to separate from PBS would mean Alabama Public Television would no longer air PBS programs, including “Sesame Street,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Antiques Roadshow” and “PBS NewsHour.”
“While I’m sympathetic to the concerns that may be prompting this proposal, such a sweeping, immediate action, especially if taken unilaterally by the executive branch, should be undertaken only after a thorough planning process and only with a thorough understanding of public opinion,” Ivey wrote.
Ivey asked the commission to conduct an extended survey of Alabama voters “to ensure their voices are heard.” She said the commission should also develop a separation plan that “should be available for public review for a considerable length of time before any vote is taken.”
The idea of dropping PBS arose at the October commission meeting. Alabama Public Television Executive Director Wayne Reid said some commissioners asked him to research the possibility and ramifications of ending the contract with PBS.
Commissioners were divided at an Oct. 28 meeting, according to the Alabama Reflector and al.com.
“I just, I don’t want to fund it, PBS has made themselves the enemy of what I stand with, and so I do not like them, and I don’t follow the philosophy of feeding the beast,” commission member Les Barnett said during the meeting, according to the Alabama Reflector.
Alabama Public Television pays about $2.2 million yearly for PBS programming.
The governor said it is imperative that APT programming “align with Alabama values,” but said the decision should be made in “collaboration among stakeholders.”
The possibility of dropping PBS prompted a backlash from Alabama public television viewers and donors. Petitions and posts were shared across social media, urging people to “Save PBS for Alabama Children” and “Don’t let Alabama send Elmo packing.”
The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority (FAHA) manages 298 public housing units across two communities: Demetrius Newton Gardens and Mattie Gill Jackson Gardens.
fairfieldha.org
The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority (FAHA) is has announced the appointment of Julius D. Howard as its new Executive Director. With a distinguished career spanning multiple housing authorities across Alabama, Mr. Howard brings a wealth of experience, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to community service.
Julius Howard, executive director, The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority
Howard began his career at the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, serving as an Occupancy Specialist and Asset Manager. His journey continued through impactful leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer at the Selma Housing Authority, where he oversaw more than 500 public housing units and over 1,000 Housing Choice Vouchers. He also served as Director of Property and Asset Management at the Bessemer Housing Authority, leading day-to-day operations for a portfolio of 708 public housing units.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Howard is a graduate of Stillman College with a bachelor of arts in mass communications and holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He further enhanced his leadership credentials by completing the Executive Director Education Program through PHADA/Rutgers University in 2021.
Howard is known for his people-first approach, believing that success in public housing begins with recruiting top talent and equipping teams with the tools and training needed to thrive. He is passionate about meeting residents where they are, fostering personal growth, and promoting pathways to self-sufficiency.
“I consider myself a servant for the people,” said Howard. “My goal is to bring people together, provide quality services, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.”
Outside of his professional life, Howard is a family man, married to Tracey Howard with whom he shares three adult children. He remains actively engaged in community initiatives and is committed to lending his time and talents wherever they are needed.
In a statement, Howard said, “I am honored to serve as the new Executive Director of the Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority (FAHA). It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into this role, committed to advancing our mission of providing safe, affordable, and quality housing for the residents of Fairfield.
As winter looms on the horizon, so do viruses and bacteria prepared to usher in annual colds and flu. The immune system is the first line of defense against these types of viral infections and illnesses. Two University of Alabama at Birmingham professors offer tips to build and protect the immune system before cold and flu season fully arrives.
What is the immune system?
From birth, the human body begins learning how to protect itself from environmental threats. The immune system is the body’s internal network working to combat foreign pathogens to maintain good health. This consists of cells, internal organs and even the skin of the body itself.
The immune system is built through the overcoming of previous illness and the receipt of vaccines. These forms train the immune system to block and defend against future encounters with the pathogen that has already been introduced to the body. However, there are multiple ways to protect the immune system before viruses and bacteria can infiltrate.
(Jody Potter, UAB)
Wash hands consistently
Handwashing is one of the most efficient ways to prevent the entrance of bacteria, viruses or allergens into the body.
“Throughout the day, our hands often go to our mouth, eyes and nose,” Russell said. “The more we can keep our hands washed and cleaned, the more we can protect ourselves from things that can be on our hands.”
Eat a nutritious diet
Eating a diet that is full of fresh fruits and vegetables is an important step in protecting the immune system.
“The nutrients that exist in whole foods act synergistically,” Cohen said. “Fruits, vegetables and a colorful plate in general can work to strengthen your immune system.”
Cohen says there are certainly specific nutrients that dietitians emphasize to make sure the immune function is optimized.
“Vitamin C is pretty abundant in fruits and vegetables and works as a natural immune support,” Cohen said.
Foods rich in vitamins C and D serve as efficient immune boosters and supporters. These include:
citrus fruits
kiwi
berries
bell peppers
fatty fish
milk
egg yolks
mushrooms
A diet that is predominantly made up of processed foods has a significant decrease in the nutrient intake that helps improve the immune system. Shelf-stabilized foods have had many of the immune supportive benefits significantly decreased. This loss in nutritional attributes makes whole foods greater sources of immune system support.
“Generally speaking, a colorful plate is a great framework to have,” Cohen said.
Exercise regularly
Maintaining an active lifestyle is an important element in the effective regulation of the immune system. Russell says getting an age-appropriate amount of exercise can help provide additional support for your body’s immune system. “For most adults, this translates to about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise for five days a week,” he said.
Get enough sleep
Adequate rest is an essential piece of the body’s ability to defend against infection. During sleep cycles, the body works to replenish and repair itself. This can take the form of healing from any exposures during the day and improving the immune system itself.
Are supplements sufficient?
While social media and modern trends encourage and promote many different forms of immune support in the form of supplements, doctors say there is no pill that can completely replace the benefits of a strategic, well-balanced diet.
“Unfortunately, we do not have much strong scientific data that supports that supplements are going to be more beneficial than a well-rounded and healthy diet,” Russell said. “While supplements are beneficial for individuals depending on their lifestyle or diagnosed deficiencies, nutrients through whole foods are always going to be the preferred approach and suggestion for initial immune support.”
Dan Williams is the new President and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau. (Provided)
By Don Rhodes II | For The Birmingham Times
Since taking the reins as President and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau this summer, Dan Williams has been driven by one aspiration: “I want our destination to be the standard,” he told the Birmingham Times.
“I want us to be the organization that’s looked to positively in the destination, marketing, organization (DMO) space — but I also want us to be looked at locally as a people-first organization.”
Williams’ move to Birmingham was not all business; his ties to Alabama can be traced back decades via family ties.
“My uncle [Ray Greene] coached at Alabama A&M in Huntsville, Alabama, for eight years [from 1979–1983 and 1986–1990] and in between that time he also was offensive coordinator at Alabama State for one year in Montgomery, Alabama,” Williams said. “As a kid, I’d spend my summers with him and my aunt and cousins in Huntsville. I’d come to the Magic City Classic, so I have roots here.”’
Williams got a chance to enjoy this year’s Magic City Classic, which he said was a showcase for the City of Birmingham and the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) experience. “Our organization looks forward to having a larger presence at the Classic for the foreseeable future,” he said.
After more than 35 years away, Williams returned to Birmingham in 2024 when the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals held an event in the Magic City. “I got here and said, ‘My God, Birmingham has grown. It’s a cool city — diverse, vibrant, beautiful,’” he recalled. “When the opportunity came up, it all fell into place. I wanted to lead the next phase of tourism in Birmingham.”
That all became a reality when he was contacted by the search firm Searchwide regarding the Birmingham job and went through the interview process. “The rest is history,” he said.
The reception he’s received from taking the leadership role on June 16 has been amazing, said the CEO. “I’ve been welcomed with open arms by my staff and the community. I’m extremely excited about all of the great things we can do here.”
Williams credits his family, particularly his uncle, with molding his leadership style. “He didn’t lead with fear — he led with compassion,” he said. “If I ever got to lead my own organization, I promised myself I wouldn’t be the CEO sitting in an ivory tower. I’d be one with my people.
“It’s about my people — making sure they’re taken care of, empowered, and have a sense of place within this organization. The better off our people are, the better they’ll be at promoting this community.”
Leading with Empathy
The COVID-19 pandemic also reshaped his approach to leadership. “It became less about numbers and more about how people are doing mentally,” he said. “Checking in on people, asking, ‘Are you okay?’ That empathetic approach means everything.”
Williams’ vision for tourism in Birmingham includes education, alignment, and storytelling. “We have to do a better job of educating people on what our organization does,” he said. “Tourism brings jobs and dollars to our community, but many don’t realize how it impacts them.
“A strong tourism economy means jobs for our people, support for local businesses, and tax revenue that helps improve schools, roads, and public services,” he said. “It also helps preserve our culture from historic sites to local art and gives young folks a path into careers in hospitality, the arts, and entrepreneurship.”
Last year, Williams pointed out that tourism in Greater Birmingham generated a record $2.57 billion in economic impact, supported 51,887 jobs, and contributed $302 million in state and local tax revenue.
He also wants to connect Birmingham’s many efforts. “Everyone’s doing great work, but in silos,” Williams said. “We need to be conveners. We’ve got to come together city, county, corporate, education to understand each other’s pain points and work toward the greater good.”
Redefining The City Through Tourism
GBCVB President Dan Williams wants Birmingham to be recognized nationwide. (Provided)
While Birmingham’s Civil Rights history is foundational, Williams insists that it’s time for people to share how the city has evolved as he found during his visit since being away. “The Civil Rights history here changed the world,” he said. “It will never be forgotten but we’ve got to show how Birmingham has progressed. This city is innovative, dynamic, and forward thinking.”
Williams also acknowledges how deeply personal that progress feels. “My dad still hasn’t come down here from Akron, Ohio, because of what he remembers from traveling through the South as a young man,” the CEO said. “But I tell him, ‘It’s not like that anymore.’ Birmingham has moved forward in such a beautiful way.”
The leadership motto for Williams, who joined the agency with over 25 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, is simple: “Everyone belongs in the room … “Ideas can come from anyone — interns, staff, executives. My job is to remove barriers and empower people to make decisions. We’ll make mistakes, but we’ll correct them together.”
Looking ahead, Williams wants Birmingham to be recognized nationwide. “I want people talking about how innovative and progressive this community is,” he said. “Birmingham is a place where you have a voice, where you can grow.”
“Often, we see our relatives working in hospitality doing tough, front-line jobs, and we don’t see the leadership side,” he said. “But there are executives, vice presidents, and marketing strategists who look like us. We want to open that world up.”
The GBCVB is already working with local schools to make that vision real. “We have four interns from [Birmingham’s] Wenonah High School, and in January we’ll start with Miles College students,” Williams said. “We’re opening our doors to show them what hospitality truly means and how it can be a phenomenal career.”
But in the end, his message was clear: “Tourism drives this community,” Williams said. “When we empower our people, educate our residents, and align our efforts Birmingham doesn’t just meet the standard. We become the standard.”
Rotimi Kukoyi, a Hoover High School graduate, was named one of 32 students to the American Rhodes Scholar Class of 2026. (File)
By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times
Hoover High School graduate Rotimi Kukoyi, now at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has been named one of 32 students to the American Rhodes Scholar Class of 2026.
Kukoyi was selected from a pool of 965 candidates who had been nominated by their colleges and universities. He will commence his studies at Oxford in October.
“My first reaction was absolute disbelief,” Kukoyi said in a text message late Sunday. “I never could have imagined being selected for the world’s oldest and most prestigious postgraduate award. In so many ways, I feel incredibly lucky for the opportunities and blessings that have brought me here.”
He continued: “My second reaction was pure excitement: for the doors this will open, for the community I’ll be joining, and for the ways this experience will deepen my journey and commitment to transforming our healthcare system.”
Kukoyi has said his education in the Birmingham metro area provided him with a solid foundation.
“I’m very interested in public health and Birmingham has some of the South’s best public health infrastructure,” Kukoyi told The Birmingham Times in April. “You have UAB Hospital, I did research with UAB surgery when I was in high school; the public health department in Jefferson County is great and having that proximity to all those resources prepared me in terms of getting guidance from people, getting inspiration and encouragement.”
Kukoyi, is also a past winner of the prestigious Finley award in Hoover, which is given each year to the senior from each Hoover high school and one faculty member from throughout the school system who best demonstrates the character of former Berry High School coach Bob Finley, who was known for his outstanding character.
A senior at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), Kukoyi majors in Health Policy and Management. As an intern in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, he developed policies to advance value-based care for residents across the state.
While a summer intern in Nigeria, he designed and built digital tools to support the implementation of better health care decision-making and has worked with the UNC Student Health Action Coalition to help provide free health services to uninsured and underinsured state residents.
He was elected senior class president and also recently completed his first marathon. At Oxford, Olurotimi will pursue the M.Sc. in Health Improvement and Evaluation and the M.Sc. in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation.
Nearly 2,800 students began the application process, and 965 candidates received formal endorsements from their colleges and universities. The endorsed applicants represented more than 264 different institutions.
This spring, Kukoyi pointed to the “positive relationships” he developed in the metro area for his academic success.
“My resume might look like I’m doing these things alone but behind each bullet point, behind every achievement, it’s a village, it’s my family, it’s my friends, it’s my professors, who are opening doors for me,” he said, “ … nothing happens in a silo. It’s all community and really investing in the right relationships and showing gratitude for their investment in you.”
Among this year’s Rhodes Scholars-elect are:
Three student body presidents, including Rotimi, and two local public officials
An aspiring physician who helped build an eye bank in Ukraine
A paralympic athlete who is also a bioengineer and advocate for athletes with disabilities
An aeronautical engineer fluent in four languages who plays piano, guitar, and drums
An international affairs scholar who paints portraits and competes in triathlons
More than 2,100 American Rhodes Scholars are living today in communities across the United States and around the world.
Established in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and one of the most recognized international academic awards. The Scholarship provides full financial support for two to three years of study at Oxford and may extend to a fourth year, depending on the degree program.
Operation Warm and volunteers from Diversified Energy distributed new coats and gloves to students at Tuggle Elementary School. (BCS)
Birmingham City Schools
Nonprofit organization Operation Warm and volunteers from Diversified Energy distributed new coats and gloves to students at Tuggle Elementary School last week.
More than 400 coats were available for students, with volunteers helping the students with fitting.
Operation Warm’s mission has always been focused on the whole child. Their tagline, ‘more than a coat’, means that coats and shoes provide children with not just physical warmth, but also emotional warmth, the confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope for a brighter future.
Over the past 26 years, these gifts have become a bridge between families in need and the organization’s partners offering access to critical resources.
Operation Warm’s Guiding Principals
Warmth: Operation Warm creates brand-new, high-quality coats and athletic-style shoes for children in need, offering both physical and emotional warmth.
Confidence: The gift of a brand-new coat or pair of shoes empowers children by sparking self-confidence in a way that second-hand clothing cannot. This gift can help students attend school, socialize with their peers and play outside with pride.
Hope: Many families living in poverty struggle to afford necessities like food, housing, clothing and child care. The gift of a brand-new coat or pair of shoes offers hope to both children and their parents, reminding them their community cares about their well-being and future.
Operation Warm and volunteers from Diversified Energy distributed new coats and gloves to students at Tuggle Elementary School. (BCS)
The city hosted a meeting to give neighbors an update on the Community Choice Neighborhood Initiative on Wednesday at Legion Field. The project is expected to revitalize three neighborhoods — College Hills, Smithfield and Graymont. The project will plant more trees, create dedicated bike lanes, give people the opportunity to own homes and create funding for people to renovate their homes and businesses.
Adrienne Pearson, president of the College Hills neighborhood association. (Barnett Wright, The Birmingham Times)
“We’re learning more about it,” Pearson said. “I would like it to go faster as far as the process — the advancements on it — but it’s an exciting time. We as residents have to do our due diligence, and I would like to see more residents being involved, and that’s all across the board. That’s all across Birmingham … Everybody needs to put on their tennis shoes and have that passion and just go full force.”
Cory Stallworth with the city told WVTM 13 that staff are taking their time to be intentional. He said there’s a lot of behind the scenes work like engineering, architecture and finances that make the project move forward.
“We also want to ensure that people have opportunities for housing, whether that is rental, whether that is home ownership,” he said. “We also want to make sure that our youth and that our families have a safe place to thrive. A lot of times blight may bring issues to people with that. We want to make sure that that we remove all of the obstacles—all of the barriers—that may hinder folks from having thriving and healthy neighborhoods and healthy families.”
Residents like Ratashia Boykin are looking forward to the difference the federal money will make in her Smithfield community.
“It’s going to help so many of our neighbors, and I think it will build pride,” Boykin said. “I think anytime things become beautiful people start to feel a little joyous and maybe that will help a little bit. We need to feel a little more joy right now. It’s dismal, but we have to do it ourselves too, and with this help, I think it’ll get done.”
The city said it expects to break ground on phase one of the project this spring. That’s the redevelopment of the former Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity building.
Phase two of the project is already in development and construction is expected to begin in 2027. That will be a multi-family housing development near A.H. Parker High School.
The City of Birmingham is partnering with AmFirst and CBS 42 to collect toys for children in the city.
“A lot of people depend on this toy drive to provide the joy and support for their families during this season,” said Austin Sledge, project manager with the Department of Youth Services.
The city says hundreds of families are able to receive toys each year through the Magic City Toy Drive.
“Myself, including the entire team here, would say this is our favorite part of the year,” Sledge said. “To see the smiles and the joy on these families’ faces, and the young people that receive these items, it really is the greatest part of the season.”
The city says toys will be given to children from 0 to 10 years old in low income households.
“It’s really tough to get toys for 8–10-year-olds,” he said. “For our young boys, for sure any basketball, football, baseball glove. They’re getting to the age where they’re doing sports so those items are always good. For our young ladies, anything with makeup, you know, wellness kits, health kits, anything of that nature is always great for them to start practicing as they get older.”
Any toy can be donated as long as it is new and unwrapped.
“This one is a tea party. Hopefully I get the invite to this one whenever the young lady receives it for Christmas,” Sledge said. “And this is the one I would have picked up when I was that age. These monster trucks, literally, monster trucks. But it’s really great, the kids love the race cars. It’s something they can play with throughout the rest of the year.”
New books can also be donated for kids at varying reading levels.
“We try to make sure that we give some educational items as well to our young families, so they can read along for the holiday season,” said Sledge.
You can find a list of donation locations and suggested toys at the link here.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, and, wife, Kendra, enjoy the City of Birmingham's fun filled tree lighting and holiday block party in downtown on Sunday, Dec. 3. 2023. (Marika N. Johnson, For The Birmingham Times)
For a generation of Magic City dwellers, the December holiday season was a rose-tinted time downtown.
Holiday decorations in department store windows. Seasons’ carols. Christmas sales wars for the perfect present. All were ingredients to lure shoppers and revelers to Birmingham’s sidewalks.
Now a slate of events being planned by REV Birmingham is hoping to conjure up more merriment for the 21st century.
“We have been talking for years about wanting to inject a little more magic into downtown Birmingham for the holiday season,” said Julie McKinney, vice president of people and places for REV Birmingham.
Tucked away in REV’s downtown economic vitality report released last month was a list of events that are scheduled to kick off this week to rekindle some of those memories, and create new ones.
Jackson Dean, a data and research manager for REV, said there’s still a great many people who venture downtown for holiday events, such as the Alabama Theatre with its Holiday Film Series. The BJCC, Lyric Theatre and Red Mountain Theatre also attract visitors, as well as events like the menorah and tree lightings.
The Alabama Theatre by itself drew more than 30,000 visitors last December, Dean said.
But it’s also the slowest month for downtown workers and students. Even though the city center sees five times as many people as, say, Homewood during the holidays, much of that foot traffic is spread out among events, he said.
“We know there are some really good holiday traditions that exist downtown,” McKinney said. “But there’s not a ton that’s festive to do, so we wanted to fill in that experience.”
Visitors to the Pizitz Food Hall can already see local artists working on fixtures for an ornament trail planned for 20th Street North to Linn Park.
Other efforts planned include:
Lighting along 20th Street North medians.
Live music along 20th Street.
Surprise carolers dropping in high foot traffic areas.
Window and facade decorations at underused storefronts.
A scavenger hunt for “children of all ages.”
More social media promotion of downtown shops.
The events are being paid for through the Downtown BHM Business Improvement District (BID), an organization of downtown businesses.
“We’re wanting to give people some connective tissue, to give people some options of things to do,” McKinney said. “It’s an extra dose of festivity.”
Some events will roll out ahead of the annual Birmingham tree lighting Dec. 7.
Mark Sullivan, Ed.d, Birmingham City Schools superintendent, surrounded by more than a dozen current and former BCS board members, teachers, and staff as he reports on the system's highest-ever grade state department of education report card. (Sym Posey, The Birmingham Times)
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
Success starts in Birmingham City Schools (BCS) but administrators are determined not to let it end.
BCS on Thursday reported earning a 77, its highest-ever grade on the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Report Card for 2025.
Other highlights from the BCS Report Card included:
The number of schools with an “F” letter grade decreased by 93 percent, from 15 schools in 2023 to one in 2025
15 schools improved by at least one letter grade
Two schools improved by two letter grades
The chronic absentee rate decreased from 29 percent in 2023 to 14 percent in 2025
All high schools increased or maintained their letter grade
The 77 represents a three-point increase over last year and a 7-percent rise in just three years, said Mark Sullivan, Ed.D, BCS superintendent at the Board of Education building surrounded by more than a dozen current and former BSC board member, teachers, and staff.
While the accomplishment marks a turning point for the district’s 20,000 students, educators, and the local community “we know that a C is not where we want to but it’s a long way from where we were,” said the superintendent.
“The success that we have seen that does not happen by accident,” he continued. “It was a result of intentional strategies implemented after the COVID 19 pandemic. We focused on learning laws. We challenged every scholar to reach higher. We equipped our teachers, our educators, with the tools they need to deliver a high-quality construction.”
The ALSDE Report Card is an annual assessment that measures the performance of the state’s public schools and districts. The report card evaluates critical areas including academic growth, attendance, college and career readiness, and graduation rates.
BCS officials celebrated another noteworthy achievement: for the first time since the report card’s inception, only one school in the district received an ‘F’ grade.
“In Birmingham City schools, we have reduced the number of schools rated as an F by 93 percent. In 2023, we had 15 schools that were rated an F. That was most of the state. Today, I stand before you, we have one school rated as an F,” said Sullivan. “All of our high schools have increased or maintained their letter grade.”
Sullivan pointed to a number of programs that have helped with academic progress. One of those is Breakthrough Results to address fluency and comprehension for third graders. “Three years ago, we started this program with our third graders in math, and we saw a huge increase in math performance.” In reading, 81 percent of students were reading proficiently up from 53 percent one year, he said.
School officials say they are not resting on Thursday’s progress and will continue to abide by its #SuccessStartsHere motto.
“We will continue to strengthen our instructional practices. We want to expand academic and enrichment opportunities,” said Chief Academic and Accountability Officer Pam Williams. “We are going to continue to invest in professional learning for all, teachers and staff, and then we want to deepen our partnerships to ensure that every student at Birmingham City schools receives exceptional education for their continued growth and success.”
