Judge Forces Fluoride Back in Birmingham Water

0:00It's March 31st, from your city to your ears. This is Birmingham News Today, powered by AI. A Jefferson County judge just slapped central Alabama water with a temporary restraining order, forcing them to pump fluoride back into Birmingham's. Drinking water right away. The ruling came Monday after the utility ditched fluoridation without the required advance notice under state law. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfinn is now calling for full transparency on the whole mess. The judge made it clear that skipping those notices is a big no-go and warned about serious long-term health risks if fluoride stays out. This order holds until April 2nd when they'll argue whether to keep it going. Woodfinn says he's fed up with all the politics messing with local or state water control. Folks are reacting strong, especially the mayor, who's pushing past the court-win to demand real answers. He's tired of the back and forth that's left residents in the dark about their tapwater. Public health hangs in the balance here, and people want to know why this even happened.

1:04Reporters hit up central Alabama water with tough questions. Has anyone independent checked if the fluoridation gear at Shades Mountain is really busted or gone? What's the real cost to fix it? They threw out $4 million before, and is there a timeline now? Did board members give reports before the March 20th call? With that hearing coming up fast, eyes are on whether the utility steps up with facts or if the fight drags on, keeping Birmingham's water future on. Edge.