@newsmanbryant.bsky.social
Birmingham Mayor @randallwoodfin.bsky.social goes face to face to confront the regional water board over its leadership and lack of transparency in the secretive process to hire its CEO.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Birmingham mayor makes surprise visit to confront water board over its leadership
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin made a surprise appearance at Central Alabama Water meeting to criticize leaders for a transparency and 'integrity' in CEO hiring process.
www.al.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Birmingham Mayor @randallwoodfin.bsky.social goes face to face to confront the regional water board over its leadership and lack of transparency in the secretive process to hire its CEO.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
This new Alabama mayor gets candid about her town's financial condition: "We don't have any cushion."
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Alabama mayor details tough financial situation: ‘We don’t have any cushion’
With just $1.57 million in the bank and ongoing lawsuits, Tarrant's new mayor is making immediate cuts to prevent the city from running out of money.
www.al.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
This new Alabama mayor gets candid about her town's financial condition: "We don't have any cushion."
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
More employee payouts appear in store at the water works. The newly hired regional water works CEO has placed all senior executives on leave while bringing in his own leadership team, triggering more than $3.5 million in contract buyout provisions.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Birmingham water shakeup could top $3 million in payouts as top executives get paid to stay home
New water works CEO Jeffrey Thompson placed all senior executives on leave while bringing in his own leadership team, triggering expensive contract buyout provisions.
www.al.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
More employee payouts appear in store at the water works. The newly hired regional water works CEO has placed all senior executives on leave while bringing in his own leadership team, triggering more than $3.5 million in contract buyout provisions.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Central Alabama Water in turmoil: The new CEO of Birmingham's regional water utility places all executives on leave while two members of the board sue to block his appointment.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Water in turmoil: New CEO benches executives as board members sue to block his hiring
Two board members claim they were excluded from the selection process as the new CEO places all senior managers on administrative leave.
www.al.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Central Alabama Water in turmoil: The new CEO of Birmingham's regional water utility places all executives on leave while two members of the board sue to block his appointment.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Birmingham’s regional water system has a new CEO after a vote to hire a candidate who had been rumored as the favorite since the secretive search process began. The meeting was tense as some members pushed back & questioned the fairness of the process.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Birmingham utility CEO hired despite document barring his return, will be paid $446,000 a year
Board members Jarvis Patton and Sheila Tyson criticized the selection process, noting Jeffrey Thompson was the only candidate whose resume was presented to the board.
www.al.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Birmingham’s regional water system has a new CEO after a vote to hire a candidate who had been rumored as the favorite since the secretive search process began. The meeting was tense as some members pushed back & questioned the fairness of the process.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Birmingham's regional water board is considering one candidate for a $750,000 CEO role during a vote Thursday. Secrecy in the process remains a source of conflict among the board where only a few have details.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Water utility only considering one candidate for $750,000 CEO role during vote
Jeffrey Thompson's selection as Central Alabama Water CEO has sparked accusations of favoritism and violated promises of transparency made by the board.
www.al.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Birmingham's regional water board is considering one candidate for a $750,000 CEO role during a vote Thursday. Secrecy in the process remains a source of conflict among the board where only a few have details.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Birmingham’s regional water board will hold a meeting Thursday to hire a CEO. Jeff Thompson, a former assistant general manager at the utility, was rumored for weeks as preferred candidate. He is now on the agenda. Secrecy in the process was a source of conflict among the board.
November 19, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Birmingham’s regional water board will hold a meeting Thursday to hire a CEO. Jeff Thompson, a former assistant general manager at the utility, was rumored for weeks as preferred candidate. He is now on the agenda. Secrecy in the process was a source of conflict among the board.
This Alabama town's police chief survived years of firing attempts only to be ousted by the new council in their first major decision. Here's the latest from Tarrant, Ala. www.al.com/news/birming...
Alabama police chief out of job after contentious vote: ‘We would like to hear an explanation’
The split council vote ends Wendell Major's tenure despite support from the new Tarrant mayor and years of protection from the previous council.
www.al.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:56 PM
This Alabama town's police chief survived years of firing attempts only to be ousted by the new council in their first major decision. Here's the latest from Tarrant, Ala. www.al.com/news/birming...
Alabama town’s new mayor takes a hard at finances and repairing a broken reputation. The new mayor says the city can make payroll but warns of tough decisions ahead as she works to restore order after years of political turmoil.
Here's the latest from Tarrant, Ala.
www.al.com/news/birming...
Here's the latest from Tarrant, Ala.
www.al.com/news/birming...
Madam Mayor: Alabama town’s new leader looking hard at finances and a broken reputation
Tracie Threadford says city can make payroll but warns of tough decisions ahead as she works to restore order after years of political turmoil in the Birmingham-area town.
www.al.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Alabama town’s new mayor takes a hard at finances and repairing a broken reputation. The new mayor says the city can make payroll but warns of tough decisions ahead as she works to restore order after years of political turmoil.
Here's the latest from Tarrant, Ala.
www.al.com/news/birming...
Here's the latest from Tarrant, Ala.
www.al.com/news/birming...
Alabama pastor and activist says churches have a Biblical duty to show a documentary detailing abuse in state prisons and take action. www.al.com/news/birming...
Prison reform advocate: Churches have Biblical duty to watch documentary
Kenneth Glasgow urges pastors to show HBO's "The Alabama Solution" in churches nationwide that reveals dangerous and deadly prison conditions captured on smuggled phones.
www.al.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Alabama pastor and activist says churches have a Biblical duty to show a documentary detailing abuse in state prisons and take action. www.al.com/news/birming...
Is a political showdown in the works between two long political rivals? "Stay tuned." Former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones hints at 2026 rematch with current GOP Senator Tommy Tuberville in Alabama governor's race . www.al.com/politics/202...
Alabama Democrat hints at 2026 rematch with Tommy Tuberville
The former senator took a swipe at Tuberville for his loyalty to Trump, saying he’s an example of new ultra-partisan Washington leaders.
www.al.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Is a political showdown in the works between two long political rivals? "Stay tuned." Former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones hints at 2026 rematch with current GOP Senator Tommy Tuberville in Alabama governor's race . www.al.com/politics/202...
A groundbreaking program erases barriers between students and industry leaders. Miles College and U. Mass Boston collaborate to use AI technology to connect students with accomplished mentors they would never meet otherwise.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
How AI is being used to erase barriers between Alabama college students and mentors
Miles College and UMass Boston collaboration use AI technology to connect students with accomplished mentors they would never meet otherwise.
www.al.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
A groundbreaking program erases barriers between students and industry leaders. Miles College and U. Mass Boston collaborate to use AI technology to connect students with accomplished mentors they would never meet otherwise.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
He didn't even get an interview: Accusations of secrecy 'backroom deals' and favoritism surrounding the search for a CEO for Birmingham’s regional water system intensify after a veteran executive was rejected early in the process without explanation. www.al.com/news/birming...
Water board CEO controversy continues: Questions swirl after veteran exec passed over
Tony Petelos led Jefferson County through bankruptcy but couldn't get past first round for water utility CEO position that serves 770,000 customers.
www.al.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:30 PM
He didn't even get an interview: Accusations of secrecy 'backroom deals' and favoritism surrounding the search for a CEO for Birmingham’s regional water system intensify after a veteran executive was rejected early in the process without explanation. www.al.com/news/birming...
This retired executive is challenging Alabama's political status quo in her bid for the state legislature. Toni Vaughn says she’s ‘a fighter with some fight left’ as she runs as a Democrat from Shelby County. www.al.com/news/birming...
Retired executive challenging political status quo says she’s ‘a fighter with some fight left’
Toni Vaughn, a former insurance industry executive from Shelby County says state legislators focus on "culture wars" instead of citizens' everyday needs.
www.al.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:21 PM
This retired executive is challenging Alabama's political status quo in her bid for the state legislature. Toni Vaughn says she’s ‘a fighter with some fight left’ as she runs as a Democrat from Shelby County. www.al.com/news/birming...
A secret search for a new water board CEO is ‘all a lie,’ Birmingham mayor says. Mayor Randall Woodfin derides the process as dishonest and hypocritical as the board seek a leader who will collect a $650,000 to $750,000 salary.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Secret search for new water board CEO ‘all a lie,’ Birmingham mayor says
Mayor Randall Woodfin says the board's promises of transparency were "all a lie" as three-member committee conducts a closed-door hiring process.
www.al.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:52 PM
A secret search for a new water board CEO is ‘all a lie,’ Birmingham mayor says. Mayor Randall Woodfin derides the process as dishonest and hypocritical as the board seek a leader who will collect a $650,000 to $750,000 salary.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Birmingham's regional water utility secret CEO search has narrowed with a familiar industry frontrunner for the $650K to $750K top job. The process has been murky with little public disclosure. www.al.com/news/birming...
Birmingham water utility’s secret CEO search narrows with familiar industry frontrunner
A former utility executive confirms interview for role that could pay up to $750,000 annually as board conducts search behind closed doors
www.al.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Birmingham's regional water utility secret CEO search has narrowed with a familiar industry frontrunner for the $650K to $750K top job. The process has been murky with little public disclosure. www.al.com/news/birming...
Seeing double: Radio personality Lady Woo's Halloween transformation into an Alabama politician and former Birmingham mayoral contender even impressed the real thing. www.al.com/news/2025/10...
Radio host’s Halloween transformation into an Alabama politician even impressed the real thing
“The question is, who wore it best?,” Juandalynn Givan said. “Make it make sense Birmingham.”
www.al.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Seeing double: Radio personality Lady Woo's Halloween transformation into an Alabama politician and former Birmingham mayoral contender even impressed the real thing. www.al.com/news/2025/10...
Birmingham's regional water board rehires fired longtime attorney as a consultant, ending bitter legal dispute that included accusations of slander and contract violations. Mark Parnell will be paid $2.4 million. www.al.com/news/2025/10...
Water utility attorney just won a $2.4 million victory against the board that fired him
Mark Parnell returns to Central Alabama Water four months after being fired, settling his legal battle with a lucrative three-year consulting deal.
www.al.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Birmingham's regional water board rehires fired longtime attorney as a consultant, ending bitter legal dispute that included accusations of slander and contract violations. Mark Parnell will be paid $2.4 million. www.al.com/news/2025/10...
What's the big $750,000 secret? The CEO search to lead Alabama's largest water utility continues to be shrouded in mystery, rumors and board division.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
CEO search to lead Alabama utility shrouded in secrecy, mystery and board division
Secrecy, expense and exclusivity surround process to hire next leader of Birmingham’s regional water system with salary up to $750,000.
www.al.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:04 PM
What's the big $750,000 secret? The CEO search to lead Alabama's largest water utility continues to be shrouded in mystery, rumors and board division.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Power, Politics & Pipes: A $183 million lead-fix stalls amid bitter feud between Birmingham's mayor and the regional water board. The board accuses Mayor Randall Woodfin of holding Birmingham residents "hostage" with his "ludicrous" requests.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Water board leaders say Birmingham mayor holding residents ‘hostage’ fighting over lead pipe loan
Central Alabama Water officials accuse Mayor Woodfin of "holding residents hostage" while city supporters urge him to maintain leverage in utility control dispute.
www.al.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Power, Politics & Pipes: A $183 million lead-fix stalls amid bitter feud between Birmingham's mayor and the regional water board. The board accuses Mayor Randall Woodfin of holding Birmingham residents "hostage" with his "ludicrous" requests.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
From the barbershop to city hall: Former Bessemer mayor remembered as a trailblazer and political pioneer.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Former Bessemer mayor remembered as trailblazer: ‘He worked on both sides’
Quitman Mitchell, who served from 1990 to 2002, made history as the first Black mayor of his city. Mitchell died Monday at age 85.
www.al.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:35 PM
From the barbershop to city hall: Former Bessemer mayor remembered as a trailblazer and political pioneer.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Her protest came too late. A judge rules a winner can take his seat in a disputed Alabama school board race. www.al.com/news/birming...
Judge rules winner can keep his seat in disputed Alabama school board race
Pamella Bass in her lawsuit alleged that Antwon Womack, who defeated her by 25 votes, did not live in the Birmingham district he was elected to represent.
www.al.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Her protest came too late. A judge rules a winner can take his seat in a disputed Alabama school board race. www.al.com/news/birming...
Comedian Katt Williams was in Birmingham, Ala. this week decked in a cap and gown. And he left with a new title. Here's why.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
Here’s why comedian Katt Williams was in Alabama decked in a cap and gown
The entertainer received an honorary doctorate from Miles College and discussed a partnership for students at his upcoming Alabama movie studio.
www.al.com
October 18, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Comedian Katt Williams was in Birmingham, Ala. this week decked in a cap and gown. And he left with a new title. Here's why.
www.al.com/news/birming...
www.al.com/news/birming...
A $183 million loan request from Birmingham's regional water board has exposed the area’s deep political, racial and geographic divide. Here's how. www.al.com/news/2025/10...
$183M loan request exposes Birmingham area’s political, racial and geographic divide
Critics say it is insulting the utility seeks Birmingham's guarantee for the loan after the board was restructured to favor suburban representation.
www.al.com
October 18, 2025 at 3:35 PM
A $183 million loan request from Birmingham's regional water board has exposed the area’s deep political, racial and geographic divide. Here's how. www.al.com/news/2025/10...
Case dismissed: A judge tosses a case against an Alabama town's court official who pulled a gun from her purse during an exchange outside city hall. Here's the latest from Tarrant, Ala.
www.al.com/news/2025/10...
www.al.com/news/2025/10...
Judge tosses case against Alabama court worker who pulled gun from purse outside city hall
Security footage captured the Tarrant magistrate drawing a gun during an altercation that began in traffic court and continued outside the building.
www.al.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Case dismissed: A judge tosses a case against an Alabama town's court official who pulled a gun from her purse during an exchange outside city hall. Here's the latest from Tarrant, Ala.
www.al.com/news/2025/10...
www.al.com/news/2025/10...