Alabama News

General

Rocky rollout possible for STAR ID – here’s how to cut your chance of delays after May 7

A federal enhanced ID requirement for flyers will go into effect as planned, law enforcement officials in Huntsville said Tuesday, and travelers should prepare for delays on and after May 7.

That’s the day STAR ID will be required for commercial air travel, as well as to access certain federal complexes and nuclear power plants. Although Alabama has offered STAR ID since 2012, about one in five Alabamians has not yet acquired it, according to a senior Transportation Security Administration official.

“Without a REAL ID you will face delays, additional security and possibly a denial of entry into the checkpoint,” said Tara Corse, the TSA’s federal security director for Alabama.

STAR ID is Alabama’s version of the federal REAL ID, designed to help prevent the sort of ID-based security lapses that terrorists exploited Sept. 11, 2001. It requires additional documents to verify identity and is signified by a white star in a gold circle in the top left of a state driver license.

There are alternatives to the STAR ID driver license. They include passports, Department of Defense ID cards and a handful of other forms, AL.com has reported.

Beginning May 7, travelers who arrive at a TSA checkpoint with a noncompliant ID will be taken to a different checkpoint area and will “face significant delays” as they go through enhanced identity-verification process, Corse said.

Travelers on and after May 7 who have received a paper version of their STAR ID but are awaiting the hard card should also bring their former ID card – which will have a hole punched in it, she said.

States are allowed to issue non-compliant IDs, and most, like Alabama, continue to issue both, Corse said.

“You have individuals who don’t need a REAL ID or don’t travel, and [states] want to make sure they have the option [for a standard ID],” she said.

Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey, a spokesperson for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, said ALEA has 75 examining offices statewide, which may issue STAR ID. Faced with long lines as the May 7 deadline nears, ALEA has started allowing appointments to be made 120 days in advance, he said. Previously, bookings were available only nine days out.

Extended hours are not possible, he said, because many driver license offices are located in courthouses or other buildings with set closing hours.

“We understand that people are panicking right now — there’s an influx into all of our driver license offices,” he said. “[But] we want to emphasize, even after May 7, you can still get the STAR ID.”

TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz said travelers should plan for delays as STAR ID rolls out.

“Get to the airport early – very early,” she said. “There may be some delays in the first few days of this implementation.”

To speed up security lines, she said, flyers should pack their bags according to the rules.

Anything flammable, explosive or corrosive cannot fly even in checked baggage. Sports equipment that could be used as a bludgeon cannot go in a carry-on but can be checked. Firearms can fly if they’re checked, in cases and declared to the airline.

Above all, Koshetz said, trying to sneak things past security screeners will only lead to unnecessary delays.

“Our officers are very well trained to find threats that could be either camouflage as an everyday item or hidden in an everyday item,” she said. “They’re trained, they’re gonna find it.”

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Longtime ESPN football, basketball play-by-play broadcaster dead at 80

Mike Patrick, a long-time ESPN play-by-play man who achieved a degree of infamy in this state with one awkward moment during the 2007 Alabama-Georgia football game, has died. He was 80.

Patrick’s death was announced by ESPN, for whom he called games in a variety of sports from 1982-2017. He died of natural causes on Sunday in Fairfax, Va.

A West Virginia native, Patrick was the original voice of ESPN’s Sunday Night Football NFL package from 1987-2005, working alongside former quarterback Joe Theismann for much of that time. He also called numerous college sporting events, including 30 ACC basketball tournaments, 14 women’s Final Fours, several College World Series and dozens of Thursday night and Saturday night football games.

The most talked-about moment of Patrick’s career came during a Saturday night SEC telecast 18 years ago in Tuscaloosa. With Georgia and Alabama locked up in an overtime battle at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Patrick out of nowhere asked color commentator Todd Blackledge, “what is Britney [Spears] doing with her life?”

Blackledge responded with confusion, Georgia scored a touchdown on the next play to win 26-23 and the moment went viral. Patrick later said he was simply trying to add some levity to a tense moment in the game.

Here’s video:

A U.S. Air Force veteran and graduate of George Washington University, Patrick began his career in radio in Somerset, Pa., in 1966. He later worked in television in Jacksonville, Fla., and Washington, D.C., before being hired at ESPN some three years after the network was founded.

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Alabama actor in ‘Terrifier’ adds new villain to his portfolio with ‘Screamboat’

A Huntsville native has been solidifying his career path playing fan-favorite baddies like Art the Clown in the “Terrifier” series and a thinly-disguised version of a furry green villain in “The Mean One.” David Howard Thornton, 45, added another role to his portfolio this month with the release of “Screamboat,” a horror parody of the 1928 cartoon “Steamboat Willie.”

Thornton, 45, portrays an evil mouse in “Screamboat,” which debuted this month in theaters and is available for preorder on Fandango. As usual with his roles, Thornton is unrecognizable in his makeup and never speaks a line – and horror fans love him.

Watch the trailer below.

If you’re wondering how anyone could turn Disney’s famous family friendly Mickey Mouse into a horror film, here’s how – the copyright expired on the cartoon “Steamboat Willie,” created by Ub Iwerks and directed by Walt Disney, and it is now in the public domain, according to Temple University law professor Donald P. Harris. The 1928 version can be used in any way by anyone. The features of the current version of Mickey Mouse are copyrighted and trademarked.

The expiration of copyrights on iconic childhood characters has led to other parody films, including 2023’s “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey,” and the recently released “Popeye the Slayer Man.”

The synopsis of “Screamboat” on IMDb says: “On the last ferry of the night in New York, passengers and crew are hunted by a merciless rat and what should have been a peaceful crossing turns into a bloody massacre.”

Add another villain

Thornton will add another villain to his roster with the release of the indie horror film “The Dead Place.”

Although no release date has been set, the trailer for the film dropped in January. Watch it below.

An article by Horror Society said Thornton’s role as “The New Kid” in “Dead Place” will mark a departure from his previous roles. “It’s worth noting that David Howard Thornton will speak and show more of his acting chops in this one. A fact that is sure to whet the appetite of genre fans who are used to seeing him as the mute clown from the Terrifier films,” Horror Society wrote.

In the film, Thornton portrays a “demonic and sarcastic dark soul” who collaborates with another baddie, The Entity (portrayed by Bill Oberst Jr.).

The synopsis of the film on IMDb says: “Troubled High School Senior Isaac suffers from visions of malevolent spirits whose hauntings intensify amidst an onslaught of bullying and familial tragedy, pushing him to discover a capacity for violence he never knew he possessed.”

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Have you visited this Alabama ghost town that was once a busy trade center?

A grouping of dilapidated buildings at a rural crossroads in Conecuh County makes up the community of Brooklyn, Ala. The original wooden volunteer fire station, a general store, a Masonic Lodge and a few collapsing homes flank Conecuh County Road 6, east of the intersection of Brooklyn Road.

The community also has some well-maintained homes where people continue to live. Some of those residents may take umbrage to calling Brooklyn a “ghost town,” but it fits the definition – its once-thriving business section has been abandoned, it is unincorporated, the post office closed in 2011 and, as Merriam-Webster says, it is “nearly deserted … as a result of the exhaustion of some natural resource.” In this case, transportation advances such as highways and railroads led to a decrease in the reliance on the nearby Sepulga River to transport cotton.

Located almost in the center of the triangle between Evergreen, Brewton and Andalusia, Brooklyn was founded in 1820. For a time, its location on the Sepulga River, a “large subdrainage of the Conecuh River,” made it a prosperous town, according to historian and author Dale Cox. Brooklyn once had grist mills, stores and a school.

“Keel boats and at times even small steamboats carried cargo from the Alabama community down the Conecuh and Escambia rivers to Pensacola,” Cox said in a YouTube video about the ghost town. “Railroads and highways replaced waterways and the community all but faded away.”

According to the 1881 book “History of Conecuh” by Rev. Benjamin Franklin Riley, “The first settler of the village of Brooklyn was a man whose name was Cameron. He established a ferry service across Sepulga River” in 1820.

Edwin Robinson later bought out Cameron’s interest in the business, opened a store and named the community Brooklyn after his hometown in Connecticut. “A church was erected in 1821, under pastor Alexander Travis, a school opened wit a Mr. Scruggs as teacher, a grist mill and other businesses opened and Brooklyn became “the emporium of trade to Conecuh, and the river, which runs hard by, became the commercial outlet of the entire region of the country.”

A historical marker located at outside the old Masonic Hall on County Road 6 tells the story of Brooklyn: “Brooklyn was founded by Edwin Robinson in 1820 and named for his hometown in Connecticut. A U.S. Post Office opened in 1827 and Brooklyn became a thriving trading center due to farming of cotton and the ability to ship products on the Sepulga River to Pensacola, FL. Brooklyn remained a prosperous community due to farming and later the harvesting of timber for the next 100 years.”

Brooklyn today

Brooklyn still has a few useful buildings, including historic Brooklyn Baptist Church and a modern, utilitarian Volunteer Fire Department that replaced the original. The old Masonic Lodge and Old Brooklyn Country Store are closed but the historic buildings provide great photo ops.

The old combination store and post office burned in 2010.

Here’s more about the remaining structures:

Brooklyn Baptist Church: Built in 1861, this church is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. The church, one of the oldest in Conecuh County, was organized in 1821 in a log cabin that also served as the community’s school, according to Billy Millstead of RuralSWAlabama.org. “On September 4, 1860, the church purchased three acres of land for $15.00 and the present church was built on this property in 1861,” Millstead said. A cemetery adjoins the old church.

Brooklyn General Store: The old general store is part of the Brooklyn Historic District as designated by the State of Alabama in 1993. From time to time, it has reopened as a convenience store.

Bull Slough Bridge: Spanning the Sepulga River, the Bull Slough Bridge was built in 1924. The 252-foot-long bridge has a pony truss design. According to RuralSWALabama.org, it is a part of the Sepulga River Canoe Trail. “Located at this end of the bridge is a concrete canoe put-in ramp,” Milstead said.

Dean Masonic Lodge: This lodge is part of the Brooklyn Historic District but there was no construction date listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.

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Donald Trump may have found a way to make money off Gulf of America

Never to miss a money-making opportunity, Donald Trump’s company is selling facsimiles of the Gulf of America hat he wore on Easter.

“Yet another Trump development… this Gulf of America hat is soon to be your favorite,“ reads the advertising copy on Trumpstore.com — the retail website of the Trump Organization.

”A playful twist on the original Make America Great Again hat, this red and white hat features a fully embroidered front.”

Trump was photographed wearing the hat on Easter as he returned to the White House.

Earlier on Easter Sunday, the president unleashed against his enemies, sarcastically sending well wishes on social media:

The Gulf of America hat, advertised “as seen on President Donald J. Trump,” can be yours for $50.

According to the product description, the hat is made in America.

Its unclear how many potential buyers will purchase the hat, as renaming the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America is Trump’s most unpopular policy.

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‘Street Outlaws: Locals Only’ season 2 episode 4: How to watch, where to stream free

An all new episode of the hit reality series Street Outlaws: Locals Only premieres on Discovery Tuesday, April 22 at 8/7c.

On this week’s episode, the dynamic racing duo comprised of Farmtruck and AZN travel to Kentucky to meet another group of local small-tire racers. Once the locals race for $5,000, the last one standing gets to take on Jerry Bird.

For those unfamiliar with the show, Street Outlaws: Locals Only follows fan-favorite wheelmen Farmtruck and AZN as they travel across the country to different racetracks in search of the fasted local driving heroes.

Each episode, top local drivers race against each other in a bracket-style, single elimination challenge. The winner not only gets to take home a prize of $5,000 but also gets the chance to race against a veteran Street Outlaw driver from the No Prep Kings series for another five grand.

Where can I watch Street Outlaws: Locals Only season 2?

Those interested in watching this season of Street Outlaws: Locals Only can stream the show even without access to traditional cable through Philo or DirecTV Stream—both of which offer free trials to new subscribers. Philo is the cheaper option out of the two at just $28 a month after its free trial expires.

You can also catch the show through Sling, and although there is no free trial, new users can enjoy half off their first month and one month free of AMC+ through an ongoing promotion.

What is Philo?

Philo is known for being one of the top entertainment-focused streaming platforms in the space. Subscribers can access over 70 top TV channels such as MTV, TLC, BET, A&E, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

Explore Philo’s extensive library of hit TV shows and movies and customize your flow of content even more by including add-ons in your subscription.

Along with thousands of hours of content available for streaming, Philo users can take advantage of key features such as the unlimited DVR feature, which allows subscribers to record favorite content easily.

What is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream is a top streaming service that offers subscribers with a plethora of live TV channels and helpful features. The Entertainment package, also known as DirecTV Stream’s base package, starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

Recently, DirecTV Stream introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV Stream’s channel packages and genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to stream live TV channels like Discovery. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those interested in committing to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

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Update: Thunderstorms with quarter-sized hail and damaging winds in Pickens and Sumter counties Tuesday

At 4:19 p.m. on Tuesday, the National Weather Service released an updated severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 4:30 p.m. for Pickens and Sumter counties.

Anticipate quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

“At 4:19 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Panola, or 15 miles southwest of Aliceville, moving southeast at 10 mph,” says the weather service. “Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Geiger, Panola, Gainesville and Warsaw.

According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Slow down and stay cautious:

If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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Thunderstorms with marble-sized hail in St. Clair and Talladega counties Tuesday – wind gusts reaching 50 mph

The National Weather Service issued a report at 3:36 p.m. on Tuesday for strong thunderstorms until 4:15 p.m. for St. Clair and Talladega counties.

Prepare for marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 3:36 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Alpine, or 9 miles northeast of Childersburg, moving north at 10 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Country Club Estates, St. Clair County Airport, Alpine Bay Resort, Jackson Shoals, Alpine, Logan Martin Dam, Logan Martin Lake, Cropwell, Howells Cove, Pell City, Talladega and Lincoln.

The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of swollen waterways:

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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Alabama legislators OK big change for Birmingham Water Works Board

Some Alabama legislators today endorsed a plan to transform the Birmingham Water Works Board into a regional system, despite opposition from city officials.

Birmingham city leaders say proposed legislation will dilute local control; supporters of the legislation, including its sponsor, say change is needed to keep the utility accountable and affordable.

“Failure in the management of water systems will lead to unreasonable high rates that oppress residents and are barriers to economic development,” Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, told the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee.

The bill, SB330, advanced out of committee on a party line vote of 6-3. Co-sponsors are Republicans Sen. Jabo Waggoner and Sen. Shay Shelnutt.

What would the bill do?

It would shrink the nine-member board to five and reduce Birmingham’s members to just one. Sponsors call the bill a move to reform the utility after years of complaints about customer service, excessive spending and missing representation from customers outside Birmingham and Jefferson County.

However, those against it call it a hostile takeover of an asset that belongs to the people of Birmingham.

“Today is a day in history where you will be able to reflect back where there was governmental taking of the assets of the citizens of Birmingham and Jefferson County,” said Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

The legislation would transform the water works board into a regional authority with new members, and give new appointment powers to the president of the Jefferson County Commission and the Alabama Lt. Governor.

The nine-member board currently has six seats from Birmingham, one from the Jefferson County Mayors Association and one each from Blount and Shelby Counties.

Reactions from lawmakers, councilors

Smitherman said the bill has racist undertones where Birmingham, with a 70% Black population, would cede control of the utility to people who would be appointed from outside the city and county in predominantly white communities.

“What you’re doing is, ready to strangle. Birmingham you’re ready to try to bring her to her knees. You’re ready to try to put her in a situation where she can’t support her own self,” Smitherman said. “It’s a public lynching,” “You have to call it for what it is.”

Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn also called the bill an unfair ceasing of the city’s asset.

“This bill is fundamentally about control and represents a taking from the city of Birmingham,” he said. “We want all the reforms to happen at the water works board and we think we are moving in that direction. But what’s being proposed is fundamentally opposed to the interests of the city of Birmingham.”

Sen. Merika Coleman, who sits on the committee, chided Roberts for what she called a lack of transparency in the process.

Coleman said Roberts shirked the normal process and submitted the bill without talking to her colleagues in the Jefferson County delegation – the Democrats from Birmingham.

“It has been ushered through the process, so there has been a lack of fairness when it comes to fair hearing,” Coleman told Roberts. “You came to see us after the fact, not prior to.”

Coleman said the latest bill and the way it was presented has damaged the progress to unify Jefferson County’s legislative delegation.

Still, Waggoner, who sponsored the last major reform of the utility in 2015, said he has returned to support Roberts because some reforms have gone unmet. He said improvements ushered in with his earlier legislation have lapsed.

“I’m receiving the same complaints today that I received 10 years ago. If I had received no complaints I would not be standing here today,” Waggoner said. “They are calling again.”

Responses from Birmingham Water Works

Water Works leaders touted recent improvements at the utility.

General Manager Mac Underwood, who returned to lead the utility in February, said the board took action to address customer service issues and changed management in 2024.

In recent months, he said 10,000 monthly billing errors have been reduced to less than 500 a month.

“We made a tremendous effort in improving the operation of the system.”

Underwood also contradicted the sponsor’s figures on the population serviced by the utility. He said 41% of the customer base comes from Birmingham and 92% percent comes from Jefferson County.

The utility’s other customers come from Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties.

Board member Butch Burbage, who lives in Shelby County, came on the board after the last reorganization was mandated by the legislature and also spoke against the bill.

Burbage said improvements have been made at the utility since the earlier reforms were mandated.

“It was a real mess, everybody knows that,” said Burbage, who is vice chairman of the board. “We are doing everything we possibly can to get this in the right place.”

Burbage said current leadership continues to make improvements.

“We have the best board in there. We work together and we understand the problems,” he said. “We put our confidence in the management group, they understand what we need and they are working toward that.”

He said momentum would be stifled if the system changed now.

The committee now moves closer to the floor for a vote. Waggoner is chairman of the rule committee.

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Trump’s approval rating plummets to new lows: New poll shows why he’s losing support and where

President Donald Trump may be getting too overzealous in waging the culture wars, according to a new poll that shows his approval rating plummeting.

Just 42% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded Monday approve of how Trump is handling his job — the lowest mark since began his new term Jan. 20, the six-day survey showed.

Trump stood at 43% approval three weeks ago and enjoyed a 47% approval rating when he was inaugurated.

Americans believe Trump has been too aggressive in seeking to punish Harvard and other universities deemed to be liberal, the poll found.

Just 28% of adults said their president should withhold funding from universities they disagree with, while 58% said their president should not take that action, the poll found.

Respondents were also uneasy about the president overhauling the Kennedy Center board and installing himself chairman.

Only 14% said their president should control national museums and theaters compared to 66% who said presidents should not assume control of those institutions.

A strong majority of Americans also disagreed with Trump disobeying the court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to a brutal prison in El Salvador.

Of the more than 4,300 U.S. adults polled, 83% said a president should obey a court order they disagree with, while 13% said the president should not obey such an order.

Americans are also adamant about Trump not seeking a third term.

Although the Constitution is clear that Trump cannot be elected president again, he has floated the idea of running.

Americans want him to stop thinking about it, according to the poll.

About three-fourths of respondents said they don’t want Trump seeking a third term.

A majority of Republicans — 54% — also said Trump should not run again.

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