Ruling Over Monument, Bama QB Transfers: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The week of January 14-19 included a heavy dose of sports news, with the Birmingham Barons naming a new manager for the upcoming season, and University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts announcing where he will transfer for the 2019 season.

On the legal front, a judge determined that the City of Birmingham was within its rights back in 2017 when it used wooden boards to cover a Confederate monument in Birmingham's Linn Park.

Here are five of this past week's big headlines on Patch:

Judge: City Covering Confederate Monument Is Legal

A storm of controversy surrounded the City of Birmingham's decision in the fall of 2017 to place a black wooden barrier around a Confederate monument in Birmingham's Linn Park. Defenders of the monument claimed the city violated the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act. A judge this past week has ruled that Birmingham was within its rights to put up the shield around the monument.

Barons Name Gold Glove Winner Omar Vizquel As Manager

The Birmingham Barons are getting ready for the 2019 season, starting with announcing this week their coaching staff for the new season, which includes a new manager in 11-time Gold Glove winner Omar Vizquel. Vizquel played 24 seasons in the majors, including a stint with the Barons' parent team, the Chicago White Sox.

New Jefferson County Sheriff Rescinds 21 Promotions

Less than two weeks on the job, new Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway rolled back the promotions of 21 deputies who were recently given new ranks by the previous administration. Several civilian employees were also rolled back.

Bama QB Jalen Hurts Headed To Oklahoma

After weeks of speculation, Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts announced Wednesday he will be taking snaps next season at the University of Oklahoma. Hurts graduated from Alabama in December, and under NCAA transfer rules, is immediately eligible to play for the Sooners in the fall.

Suspect In Murder Of Woodlawn High School Student Indicted

The suspect in the shooting death of Woodlawn High School football star William Edwards has been indicted. A Jefferson County grand jury last week issued the capital murder indictment against 17-year-old Rodrick Hodges.

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