Alabama News

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Birmingham launches support program for inmates leaving prison: How it will work

The City of Birmingham has announced a one-year pilot program to assist ex-offenders when they are released from prison.

Birmingham partnered with organizations to form The Birmingham Re-entry Alliance to serve those released from state prisons.

“We believe that those who have paid their debt to society deserve the same basic living essentials of housing and gainful employment as any of us,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin.

“Together, with our partners, we plan to support them in returning into a welcoming community. We are committed to decreasing their recidivism and increasing their restoration.”

Each year, hundreds of men and women are released from Alabama state prisons and return home to Birmingham. Many of them end up living on the streets or in dangerous situations. The pilot program will provide housing, case management, and other services for 30 to 50 ex-inmates in the first year.

“It’s wishful thinking to expect people leaving prison with no resources, and no safe place to sleep or shower to safely find their way to a good job and affordable housing,” said Carla Crowder, executive director of Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, a legal non-profit that assisted in the creation of the Alliance.

“Thankfully, the City of Birmingham and this committed group of partners understand that wishful thinking is not creating public safety and stability for our community. But the services and case management envisioned by this Alliance will.”

Participants will enroll as soon as they leave state prison, either through parole, mandatory early release, or at the end of their sentence. A case manager will guide them through the available services to meet their needs for up to one year.

“Having a strong, healthy supportive structure in place, and resources readily available is a vital component for a successful transition from incarceration,” says Dena Dickerson, Chief Operating Officer at the Offender Alumni Association, a justice-impacted, peer-led non-profit that does intense peer navigation and support work.

“Re-entry looks different for everyone. We look at the whole person while working with individuals from a person-centered place and wrapping services around them, in real-time has been our re-entry navigation model. We are grateful that the City of Birmingham and the partners here believe in investing in people.”

This pilot is being funded with $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and $100,000 from the Regions Foundation. The Alliance Partners include:

· Offender Alumni Association, providing peer support

· Salvation Army, offering job training and workforce development

· Community on the Rise, assisting with identification and government documents

· Hope Inspired Ministries, providing life skills training and job placement

· Jimmie Hale Mission, offering its Reclaiming Hope Program

· Aletheia House, providing substance use treatment services

· Alabama Regional Medical Services, offering healthcare

· Canterbury United Methodist Church, developing welcome home starter kits

· Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), providing housing vouchers

For more information, go to https://www.bhmreentry.org/.

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UAW president Shawn Fain on May Day calls on unions to prepare for strike in 2028

The president of the United Auto Workers, on the cusp of a vote to unionize an Alabama auto plant, is calling on all labor unions to structure contracts toward a “general strike” in four years.

“We are fully preparing to strike on May Day 2028,” Shawn Fain wrote in a proposal on May Day, or International Workers Day.

Fain said it is the only way workers can “win universal healthcare and the right to retire with dignity.”

In an op-ed for progressive publication In These Times, Fain said the union’s recent auto contracts were all aligned to expire on April 30, 2028. He called on other unions to do the same as way to mass power to “reshape the economy into one that works for the benefit of everyone.”

“They want us to believe that corporate bosses gave workers decent wages, benefits and safer working conditions out of the goodness of their hearts. That justice and equality for people of color, for immigrants, for women and for queer communities were gifts benevolently handed down from above,” Fain wrote.

“But we know the truth. Every law passed, every union formed and contract won—every improvement made at the workplace—has been won through the tireless sacrifice of the working class.”

Fain went on to talk about how “workers in Michigan are pitted against workers in Alabama, workers in the United States are pitted against workers in Mexico, workers in North America are pitted against workers in South America,” as companies threaten to shift production to places were labor and production costs are cheaper.

Voting will take place May 13 and 17 on whether workers at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa County will join the UAW. Vote totals are expected May 17.

The election is the capper to a whirlwind six months where the union was able to gather a supermajority of the workforce to sign union cards and petition for an election. The union drive is also facing opposition from some workers at the Vance plant.

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How to watch: ‘Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview’, where to stream

The all new ABC 20/20 special Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview will premiere Wednesday, May 1 at 10/9c.

According to reports from ABC News, tonight’s interview will focus on WNBA star Brittney Griner who opened up for the first time about her harrowing months-long detention in Russia and the “mistake” that got her sentenced to nine years in prison in a special edition of 20/20.

“Griner, 33, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a nine-time WNBA All-Star who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was detained on Feb. 17, 2022, at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki after she was accused of having vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is illegal in the country,” reports from ABC News states.

Where can I watch the Brittney Griner interview?

Those without basic cable can still live stream the premiere of Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview Wednesday night with Fubo or DirecTV Stream.

Both live streaming services offer free trials for new subscribers who can watch tonight’s interview special for free before committing to anything.

What is the difference between Fubo and DirecTV Stream?

Both Fuboand DirecTV Stream are set up like any other streaming service, but rather than offering exclusively on-demand content, they both offer a plethora of exclusive live TV channels. So like regular cable, but without the hassle.

Fuboconsiders itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but overall, its standard package comes with over 100 live TV channels for $79.99 a month after its free trial. These channels include ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, TLC, MTV and much more.

Fuboalso comes with a variety of shows and movies users can watch on-demand along with the option to record your favorite TV shows.

DirecTV Stream is similar to FuboTV in that it offers many of the same channels and features. At $84.98 a month after its free trial, the base package comes with a little over 75 live TV channels.

Those interested can check out all of DirecTV Stream’s channel packages here.

What time is the Brittney Griner interview?

The ABC 20/20 special Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview will premiere at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and 9 p.m. Central Standard Time.

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This Florida neighborhood has passed Beverly Hills as the nation’s most expensive

A Florida neighborhood known as a haven for the rich and famous is now the most expensive in the U.S., surpassing Beverly Hills — and it isn’t alone, with Florida now boasting of seven of the 10 most expensive neighborhoods in America, according to Zillow.

Gables Estates, located in Coral Gables, Fla., has an average home price of 19.4 million — nearly double that of Beverly Hills Gateway at $10.79. Beverly Hills Gateway, in fact, has fallen to third place, behind Port Royale near Naples, Fla., which has an average home price of $16.9 million.

It should be noted, however, that neighborhoods in Beverly Hills take up the three spots in the top 10 not occupied by Florida locations.

In February 2020, prior to the pandemic shutdown, California and New York City had six of the 10 most expensive neighborhoods.

But the rise in housing prices, coupled with a continuing influx of people into the Sunshine State, has flipped the script.

“COVID brought this whole new group of buyers that realized they could live wherever they wanted to live,” said Ron Shuffield, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, according to MSN.com.

Although Zillow found the overall average home price in Gables Estates to be $19.4 million, the four homes currently on the market have an average asking price of $40.2 million.

Here’s the top 10 most expensive neighborhoods in the U.S., with their average home price:

1. Gables Estates, Coral Gables, Fla.: $19.4 million
2. Port Royale, Naples, Fla.: $16.49 million
3. Beverly Hills Gateway, Calif.: $10.79 million
4. Old Cutler Bay, Coral Gables, Fla.: $10.22 million
5. Beverly Hills The Flats, Calif.: $9.28 million
6. Rivo Alto Island, Miami Beach, Fla.: $9.1 million
7. Bear’s Club, Jupiter, Fla.: $8.99 million
8. Aqualane Shore, Naples, Fla.: $8.88 million
9. San Marino Island, Miami Beach, Fla.: $8.84 million
10. Trousdale Estates, Beverly Hills, Calif.: $8.5 million

Currently, there are only four homes in the entirety of Alabama selling for $8 million or more.

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‘Dance Moms: The Reunion’ 2024: How to watch, where to stream free

The much anticipated TV special event Dance Moms: The Reunion is set to premiere on Wednesday, May 1 at 8/7c on the Lifetime channel.

According to Lifetime, Dance Moms fan favorites JoJo Siwa, Chloe Lukasiak, Brooke Hyland, Paige Hyland, Kendall Vertes and Kalani Hilliker will reunite during the two-hour special on Wednesday as they take a look back at the show that made them household names.

Also, immediately following the reunion, Lifetime will air Dance Moms: Epic Showdowns. Each half-hour episode is hosted by Christi Lukasiak and takes a look at the most explosive dance battles and jaw-dropping meltdowns from the series.

Where can I watch the 2024 Dance Moms reunion?

Those without a basic cable set up can still live stream the premiere of Dance Moms: The Reunion on Wednesday with a Philo subscription.

Philo offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers who can watch for free before committing to a paid subscription.

Those who do have a cable provider can also watch the Dance Moms special using the Lifetime app.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the cheaper live streaming services available as it allows users to stream over 70 live TV channels for just $25 a month after its free trial.

Other than Lifetime, popular channels offered with Philo include the Hallmark Channel, MTV, AMC, HGTV, History Channel, Discovery Channel, CMT, TLC, BET and more.

Philo also offers unlimited DVR along with various movies and TV shows users can watch on-demand.

Why is Nia not in Dance Moms reunion?

According to reports from E!, Nia Sioux has chosen to not partake in the Dance Moms reunion.

“Nia Sioux isn’t interested in rehashing her days at Abby Lee Miller’s dance studio. That’s why the Dance Moms alum didn’t join former costars JoJo Siwa, Brooke Hyland, Paige Hyland, Kalani Hilliker, Kendall Vertes and Chloé Lukasiak in the new Lifetime documentary special,” E! reports.

Is Abby going to be in the Dance Moms reunion?

According to reports from Forbes, Abby Lee Miller will not be present at the 2024 Dance Moms reunion special on Lifetime.

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Birmingham woman, 66, missing more than 2 weeks

Authorities are searching for a 66-year-old woman missing for more than two weeks.

Audrey Woods Haygood was last seen Friday, April 14.

According to Birmingham police, she does not have any known mental or physical impairments.

Haygood could be driving a turquoise 2012 Nissan Altima with license plate 1A1OUOU.

She is 5-feet, 7-inches and weighs 120 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 205-328-9311.

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2024 Kentucky Derby odds and favorites: Who is favorite to win the race?

The 2024 Kentucky Derby is almost here, and the early odds and favorites have been released for the 20 horse field in the event.

The upcoming race will be the Kentucky Derby’s 150th anniversary, making it a particularly special year for the annual event. The starting positions have been decided for the upcoming race, so people can start to select who they want to cheer for at the Derby. You can watch live from Churchill Downs May 4 starting at 2:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. CT).

In the week leading up to the race, one of the horses scheduled to compete became injured and will be unable to participate. Encino was the horse set to compete from the ninth post position, but he has been replaced by Epic Ride. Instead of Epic Ride acquiring the ninth post position in Encino’s absence, all the other horses moved up one spot. So, Epic Ride will be racing from the 20th post position for the Derby on Saturday.

Below is a list of important information for Saturday’s race, and the information was available through the courtesy of the official Kentucky Derby website.

2024 Kentucky Derby horse starting positions and odds

2024 Kentucky Derby Favorites

15 of the 20 horses in this year’s Kentucky Derby have 20-1 odds or worse to win the race. The remaining five horses have at 10-1 odds or better to emerge victorious from the event.

The horse with the best odds to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby is Fierceness, who will be jockeyed by John Velazquez. Fierceness’s odds are currently 5-2, equating to +250. These odds mean that a person could win a profit of $25 when wagering $10.

Sierra Leone has the second-best odds to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby with 3-1 odds, which is the same as +300. These odds indicate that a person could win a profit of $30 when wagering $10.

Catching Freedom has the third-best odds to win the event with 8-1 odds or +800. A person wagering correctly with these odds could profit $80 from a $10 bet.

Just a Touch is currently sitting at 10-1 odds to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby, which is equivalent to +1,000. These odds will give winning bets a $100 profit for a $10 bet.

Forever Young is a horse entrant from Japan that is also entering the competition with 10-1 odds, similar to Just a Touch. If Forever Young wins this year’s Derby, then it will be the first Japanese horse to ever win the event. Forever Young will be joined by another Japanese horse in this year’s competition, T O Password.

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Reports: Auburn wide receiver Koy Moore to enter the transfer portal

Following two seasons with the Tigers, Auburn senior wide receiver Koy Moore is expected to enter the transfer portal, as first reported by 247Sports.

The veteran wide receiver and punt returner appeared in 10 games last fall and hauled in just three catches for 24 yards — a big drop off from his production the year prior, when he logged 20 catches for 314 yards and a touchdown.

Moore did not appear in Auburn’s A-Day spring game on April 6 as he was one of several wide receivers who spent some of spring camp dinged up.

Before coming to Auburn, Moore started his college career at LSU, where the Louisiana native caught 27 passes for 248 yards across two seasons.

Now, on the heels of the Tigers’ signing a historic wide receiver class and bringing in a handful of transfer pass catchers, Moore will be looking to transfer for the second time in his career.

Should Moore go on to complete the transfer process and leave The Plains, Auburn’s room of wide receivers will feature senior Penn State transfer KeAndre Lambert-Smith, senior Georgia State transfer Robert Lewis, junior Camden Brown, junior Cal transfer Sam Jackson, sophomore Caleb Burton, freshman Cam Coleman, freshman Bryce Cain and incoming summer enrollees Malcolm Simmons and Perry Thompson.

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3-year-old boy among 4 people shot in 2 linked Anniston shootings

A 3-year-old boy is among four people wounded in two linked shootings in Anniston over the past couple of days.

The first shooting happened at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the 3300 block of Eulaton Road.

Sgt. Jason Hawkins said police were dispatched to the scene on a report of multiple people shot. They arrived to find the child, as well as two adults – a 28-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man – injured.

The man was shot in the foot and treated at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center.

The woman was shot in the inner thigh. She was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham.

The child sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh, and two bullet graze wounds to the abdomen. He also was flown to Birmingham – Children’s of Alabama – for treatment.

All three are in stable condition, Hawkins said.

Then, about 12:20 a.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a report of gunshot victim at the intersection of Brown Avenue and West 15th Street.

A 20-year-old man was found with wounds to the shoulder and chest.

He was taken to Grady Hospital in Atlanta. Hawkins said he is expected to recover.

Investigators processed both scenes and canvassed the areas for witnesses and video.

“We have received very little cooperation from the victims,’’ Hawkins said.

He said the two shootings are believed to be connected to each other and were not random. He did not elaborate.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call Anniston detectives at 256-240-4000.

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Colorado’s Deion Sanders defends Shedeur Sanders after QB rips former teammate

Deion Sanders took to social media to defend his son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, for calling out a former teammate.

In a story published by The Athletic published a big piece, former safety Xavier Smith talked about the Colorado’s lack of compassion.

“We sat on the sofa, and he’s talking to us, but he’s not even looking at us,” Smith said. “I’m looking Coach Kelly dead in his eyes. (Sanders) said he felt like I should hit the portal. He didn’t want me to waste a year thinking I could earn a spot.

“I was actually getting mad, like tears coming to my eyes. Because, bro, you never even tried to get to know me.”

The comment sparked a reaction from Sheduer Sanders, calling Smith “mid.”

“(I don’t) even remember him (to be honest),” Shedeur Sanders posted on “X,” the social media platform formerly known as Twitter on Tuesday. “Bro had to be very mid at best.”

.Social media then appeared to turn on the younger Sanders, and the Colorado coach jumped in.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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