Civic Vox

Crisis in Prichard: Corruption and Challenges in the Water and Sewer Department

Here’s a one-paragraph description you can use to hook listeners into your podcast: A multi-million dollar corruption scandal has rocked the Prichard Waterworks and Sewer Board, where federal investigators uncovered a sophisticated kickback scheme that siphoned at least $2.4 million from an already struggling utility in one of Alabama’s most underserved communities. In our latest episode, we dig into the dramatic federal raids, the luxury items displayed in suspects’ front yards, and the systemic failures that allowed this fraud to flourish for years. This isn’t just about missing money—it’s a story about historic neglect, broken infrastructure, and a community left to deal with the consequences.

Birmingham City Council Meeting Agenda April 1, 2025

In summary, the April 1, 2025, Birmingham City Council meeting agenda covers a broad spectrum of municipal affairs, with a significant focus on approving alcohol licenses, addressing public nuisances related to vehicles and overgrown properties, authorizing various agreements and expenditures, and setting public hearings for future zoning and nuisance abatement considerations. The extensive "Consent Agenda" suggests a considerable amount of routine business to be addressed efficiently.