Activists Meet With Hoover; UAB Wins Bowl Game: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A variety of stories hit the headlines during the week of December 16-22, ranging from politics to sports, and including multiple communities in the Birmingham metro. The protests surrounding the death of EJ Bradford in Hoover have continued, but ground may have been broken in finding peace between the city and activists. As well, the UAB football team traveled to Boca Raton, Florida, for the Boca Raton Bowl, and emerged victorious.

Here are some of the headlines from the past week on Patch:

Birmingham BOE Extends Superintendent's Contract Through 2022

Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring will stick around - which in recent years has not been the norm for the system's leaders - after the Birmingham Board of Education Tuesday night voted to extend Herring's contract through 2022.

UAB Makes History With First Bowl Game Win

One of the most improbable stories in college football this year ended Tuesday night as UAB won its first bowl game in school history with a resounding 37-13 victory over Northern Illinois in the Boca Raton Bowl.

Justice League Temporarily Halts Hoover Protests

The Birmingham activist group, the Justice League, met with Hoover city leaders Tuesday to discuss the ongoing protests in the city over the Thanksgiving night death of Emantic "EJ" Bradford, and a statement by the group indicates the talks were productive in finding common ground.

Cremated Remains Of Birmingham Family Member Stolen In Las Vegas

A memorial service was held Saturday for 77-year-old Joel Pugatch, who died last month. However, Pugatch's Birmingham family members were informed that day that his cremated remains had been stolen.

Birmingham Fills City Council Vacancies

For the first time in months, the Birmingham City Council will operate at full capacity, as the two council seats vacated by Sheila Tyson and Lashunda Scales have been filled.

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