Heads and tales: Thirst for more
By Wade Kwon
How dry we am: Dying crops, potential for sweeping forest fires, no rain expected for one to three months — it can only mean one thing … football drought season in Alabama. This one’s gonna be a scorcher, with predictions of an abnormally dry season lasting six to 12 months. Birmingham water officials joined other cities today in asking residents to curb water use. The region’s only hope? A tropical storm or hurricane, says one meteorlogist. All we are, for now, is dust in the wind.
• Drought looming as one of worst [Birmingham News]
Runoff reminder: State primary runoffs are Tuesday, so go out and vote. While turnout is expected to be low (can turnout be negative?) and contested races are few, at least one interesting contest is on the ballot. In our House district, white lesbian activist Patricia Todd and black businesswoman Gaynell Hendricks are competing in the Democratic race. No Republicans ran in the majority black district. Todd would be the first openly lesbian state representative, and either candidate would slightly increase the abysmally low number of women legislators.
• Voters to decide Jeffco, Shelby legislative races [Birmingham News]
Red all over: Dear Black and White: We’re a little worried. Well, more concerned and sad than worried. We say this as a friend and former contributor who wants you to succeed as an alternative publication. In the latest issue, one reporter openly trumpets her inability not only to land an official comment from McWane Science Center and the Birmingham police, but also to cultivate other sources or, at worst, have a backup story ready to go. A columnist spends nearly 2,000 words cataloging his poor parents’ battles with the county roads and sheriff’s departments. While it is lamentable that those in power don’t always cooperate fully or at all with the news media, it’s even more lamentable to validate such behavior with unattributed articles. Another columnist decries inoffensive double-talk and longs for “plain talk.” We hope we have succeeded. Signed, Bummed in Birmingham
Also:
- Bowl game sponsorship to be awarded to 100th ticket purchaser
- Huffman family returns from vacation, vow never to do it again
- Incoming students to be tagged like cattle
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