André Natta
@acnatta.bsky.social
I've been a journalist, a planner, and a hotel general manager. It's always about buying the ticket and taking the ride. Bronx native. Executive director/Executive editor, @bhamwatch.bsky.social
Grateful to know folks like @danhaugen.bsky.social at @minnpost.bsky.social and the child at @sahanjournal.bsky.social at moments like this. Hopeful they're able to continue to be safe at this moment
January 24, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Grateful to know folks like @danhaugen.bsky.social at @minnpost.bsky.social and the child at @sahanjournal.bsky.social at moments like this. Hopeful they're able to continue to be safe at this moment
I took a mini-rant about how smaller nonprofit journalism organizations need to face this moment financially and turned it into my first @bhamwatch.bsky.social "About News" column. Let me know what you think (and share it if you'd like).
The Hard Truth: Nonprofit Journalism Needs More Than Good Intentions - BirminghamWatch
As some national funders step away from supporting journalism, nonprofit media organizations must take the necessary steps to give themselves the best chance at sustainability. For many, it means stre...
birminghamwatch.org
January 23, 2026 at 2:49 PM
I took a mini-rant about how smaller nonprofit journalism organizations need to face this moment financially and turned it into my first @bhamwatch.bsky.social "About News" column. Let me know what you think (and share it if you'd like).
Why, yes, that's a byline at the start of 2026. Unlike 2025, you'll be seeing it for a while as we try to build out our staff (and coverage). If this project proceeds, it's fills out a key space adjacent to Parkside.
This is the third proposal for the redevelopment of Block 268 since 2022. It received conceptual approval by the city's Design Review Committee on Jan. 14. It must still return for final approval before any demolition can begin.
Latest Proposal to Redevelop Former Sherman Industries Site Takes Step Forward - BirminghamWatch
The latest effort to transform the former Sherman Industries property into a multifamily development received conceptual approval by the city's Design Review Committee on Jan. 14. It must still return...
birminghamwatch.org
January 15, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Why, yes, that's a byline at the start of 2026. Unlike 2025, you'll be seeing it for a while as we try to build out our staff (and coverage). If this project proceeds, it's fills out a key space adjacent to Parkside.
About two weeks ago, I checked the @bhamwatch.bsky.social P.O. box before a board meeting to find the largest single unsolicited donation in the organization's history ($25,000!!!). It's unrestricted and it arrived at a pivotal moment as we consider the organization's future.
December 30, 2025 at 10:55 PM
About two weeks ago, I checked the @bhamwatch.bsky.social P.O. box before a board meeting to find the largest single unsolicited donation in the organization's history ($25,000!!!). It's unrestricted and it arrived at a pivotal moment as we consider the organization's future.
If your city has one, a skyline can help tell your story more than you realize. In a city as young as Birmingham is in relation to its peers, it can also give you an idea of where it is on its journey, especially as it feels as though the focus is shifting back into the city center from UAB.
During yesterday's Design Review Committee meeting, we learned the Birmingham skyline will look a little different from the south very soon, as the current sign on the John Hand Building will be replaced with one for a newer area bank.
Downtown Birmingham Preps for A Signage Change to Its Skyline - BirminghamWatch
The Birmingham skyline will look a little different from the south very soon as the Landing sign on the John Hand Building will soon be replaced with one for a newer area bank.
birminghamwatch.org
December 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
If your city has one, a skyline can help tell your story more than you realize. In a city as young as Birmingham is in relation to its peers, it can also give you an idea of where it is on its journey, especially as it feels as though the focus is shifting back into the city center from UAB.
We're in the early days of our end-of-year campaign for @bhamwatch.bsky.social. I just published a piece about how we plan to use any monies raised. Take a look and give (or share) if you can. Thanks!
Help BirminghamWatch continue to serve you into 2026 and beyond - BirminghamWatch
Our year-end fundraising campaign will continue through December 31, 2025. Your support will help continue to power us as we strive to be a primary resource for Birmingham.
birminghamwatch.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:48 PM
We're in the early days of our end-of-year campaign for @bhamwatch.bsky.social. I just published a piece about how we plan to use any monies raised. Take a look and give (or share) if you can. Thanks!
It's quite meta to watch the BBC ask hard questions about what happened at the BBC… on the BBC
November 9, 2025 at 8:10 PM
It's quite meta to watch the BBC ask hard questions about what happened at the BBC… on the BBC
Reposted by André Natta
Exclusive: Warner Bros Discovery board rejected Paramount Skydance buyout offer, source says reut.rs/47zDvuJ
Exclusive: Warner Bros Discovery board rejected Paramount Skydance buyout offer, source says
The Warner Bros Discovery board on Tuesday morning rejected a Paramount Skydance offer of nearly $24 per share to buy the company, a source familiar with the matter said.
reut.rs
October 21, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Exclusive: Warner Bros Discovery board rejected Paramount Skydance buyout offer, source says reut.rs/47zDvuJ
Yes, I did. @bhamwatch.bsky.social has had a great journey so far. Here's to what's next... and to finding ways to feed the interests of those civically curious in #bham for some time to come!
Yesterday marked ten years of serving Birmingham as a nonprofit news source. Our @acnatta.bsky.social took a moment to reflect on our past and hint at what our future may hold.
BirminghamWatch Celebrates 10 Years of Coverage - BirminghamWatch
BirminghamWatch executive editor André Natta recognizes the publication's upcoming tenth anniversary on Sept. 27 and asks for input as it prepares to evolve into a resource for the city's civically cu...
birminghamwatch.org
September 28, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Yes, I did. @bhamwatch.bsky.social has had a great journey so far. Here's to what's next... and to finding ways to feed the interests of those civically curious in #bham for some time to come!
Reposted by André Natta
The proposed ordinance would empower city officials to pursue foreclosure on nuisance properties in certain cases.
“This is a judicial process that targets the property and not the person,” Katrina Thomas, director of the city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, told councilors.
“This is a judicial process that targets the property and not the person,” Katrina Thomas, director of the city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, told councilors.
Birmingham Council Presented With Law to Allow Foreclosure on Nuisance Properties - BirminghamWatch
The move would give the city the power, and the money, to take over dilapidated properties.
birminghamwatch.org
September 3, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The proposed ordinance would empower city officials to pursue foreclosure on nuisance properties in certain cases.
“This is a judicial process that targets the property and not the person,” Katrina Thomas, director of the city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, told councilors.
“This is a judicial process that targets the property and not the person,” Katrina Thomas, director of the city’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, told councilors.
I'm just going to think positive starts as we get this thing going again. Yes, it's Tuesday, but it's time for the Monday Morning Watch.
Monday Morning Watch | Week of Sept. 1, 2025 - BirminghamWatch
BirminghamWatch's weekly rundown of public meetings and agendas in the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County. Our goal is to help you keep your elected officials accountable.
birminghamwatch.org
September 2, 2025 at 2:36 PM
I'm just going to think positive starts as we get this thing going again. Yes, it's Tuesday, but it's time for the Monday Morning Watch.
Amid cheers of threepeat and “Randemic,” Randall Woodfin won his third election for mayor of Birmingham on Tuesday night, a feat not achieved since former Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. ended his five-term run in 1999.
Third Time’s a Charm as Woodfin Swept Back Into Mayor’s Office - BirminghamWatch
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin was reelected Tuesday with almost 75% of the vote in a nine-candidate race.
birminghamwatch.org
August 27, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Reposted by André Natta
Our voter guide for next week's municipal elections in Birmingham, Alabama, is now available to peruse! Find candidate bios and profiles, sample ballots + a what-you-need-to-know primer as you head out to vote for mayor, City Council, and the school board.
2025 Birmingham Municipal Elections - BirminghamWatch
Your central resource for all things associated with the upcoming Aug. 26 municipal election in Birmingham, Ala, produced with support from NPR member station WBHM. This includes the current lists of ...
birminghamwatch.org
August 22, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Our voter guide for next week's municipal elections in Birmingham, Alabama, is now available to peruse! Find candidate bios and profiles, sample ballots + a what-you-need-to-know primer as you head out to vote for mayor, City Council, and the school board.
It's official. "The Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism is suspending publication of BirminghamWatch until at least early September, as it is unable to secure enough bridge funding to operate until grant funds are scheduled to arrive in October."
BirminghamWatch Temporarily Suspends Publication through August - BirminghamWatch
The Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism is suspending publication of BirminghamWatch until at least early September as it is unable to secure enough bridge funding to operate until grant fun...
birminghamwatch.org
August 1, 2025 at 2:19 PM
It's official. "The Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism is suspending publication of BirminghamWatch until at least early September, as it is unable to secure enough bridge funding to operate until grant funds are scheduled to arrive in October."
Hello, everybody! The nonprofit I run and its publication @bhamwatch.bsky.social need your assistance if possible. We'll need to suspend publishing late next week for a while if we're not able to secure some funds. Here's the 411:
BirminghamWatch needs you. Now, more than ever. - BirminghamWatch
The Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism will temporarily suspend publication of BirminghamWatch at the end of July 2025 until early fall if it is unable to secure enough bridge funding to op...
birminghamwatch.org
July 22, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Hello, everybody! The nonprofit I run and its publication @bhamwatch.bsky.social need your assistance if possible. We'll need to suspend publishing late next week for a while if we're not able to secure some funds. Here's the 411:
I figured it was a good morning to wear my @jskstanford.bsky.social reunion T-shirt, especially considering how much this week felt like a roller coaster. The thumbs ups and first bumps made it feel like it was the right choice.
July 19, 2025 at 6:53 PM
I figured it was a good morning to wear my @jskstanford.bsky.social reunion T-shirt, especially considering how much this week felt like a roller coaster. The thumbs ups and first bumps made it feel like it was the right choice.
Reposted by André Natta
“It is not possible financially. It’s not realistic” for the city to maintain these properties for absentee owners, the mayor said. He added it would take roughly four years to cut this amount of lots one time with the city’s current personnel. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/09/b...
Birmingham Council Declares Emergency Over Rainfall Hampering Weed Abatement Efforts - BirminghamWatch
The declaration lets the city hire contractors to catch up on cutting abandoned lots.
birminghamwatch.org
July 9, 2025 at 10:40 PM
“It is not possible financially. It’s not realistic” for the city to maintain these properties for absentee owners, the mayor said. He added it would take roughly four years to cut this amount of lots one time with the city’s current personnel. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/09/b...
Reposted by André Natta
While most service lines in the local system are not made of lead or galvanized metal requiring replacement under the new EPA rule, 471 lines are known to be made of those materials, and the material type of about 39,000 service lines is unknown. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/09/b...
Birmingham's Water Line Work Can Temporarily Increase Lead Levels in Some Tap Water - BirminghamWatch
As part of its water main replacement project, the water works is partially replacing smaller service lines, which can release more lead into the water for a time if the pipes are made of lead or galv...
birminghamwatch.org
July 9, 2025 at 10:36 PM
While most service lines in the local system are not made of lead or galvanized metal requiring replacement under the new EPA rule, 471 lines are known to be made of those materials, and the material type of about 39,000 service lines is unknown. birminghamwatch.org/2025/07/09/b...
Thanks for sharing some info about us today, @brianlyman.bsky.social - and for collaborating with @bhamwatch.bsky.social this summer!
Programming note: We're collaborating with the good people at @bhamwatch.bsky.social this summer to cover elections in the Magic City. Birmingham Watch is a nonprofit news site like ours providing local coverage; give them some support here: birminghamwatch.org/donations/do...
Via Andrea Tinker, in collaboration with @bhamwatch.bsky.social: Crime is looming as a major issue in Birmingham's municipal elections this year, though there are signs that violence is in decline.
July 9, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Thanks for sharing some info about us today, @brianlyman.bsky.social - and for collaborating with @bhamwatch.bsky.social this summer!
It was fun serving on the @opennews.bsky.social community panel for @srccon.bsky.social 2025. It's also one of the reasons I'll spend a lot of time in Minneapolis this summer. Looking forward to seeing folks there! 2025.srccon.org
SRCCON 2025 — July 10-11, Minneapolis, MN
A peer-led conference from OpenNews for journalists who want to transform their work, their organizations, and their communities.
2025.srccon.org
May 15, 2025 at 2:40 PM
It was fun serving on the @opennews.bsky.social community panel for @srccon.bsky.social 2025. It's also one of the reasons I'll spend a lot of time in Minneapolis this summer. Looking forward to seeing folks there! 2025.srccon.org
When Frank Woodson initially announced his candidacy for mayor of Birmingham via an interview with @bhamwatch.bsky.social, it became one of the busiest weekends for the site in recent years. Check it out.
Mayoral Candidate Frank Woodson Says He's the Leader Birmingham Needs Now - BirminghamWatch
Woodson has thrown his hat into the ring to run for Birmingham mayor.
birminghamwatch.org
May 15, 2025 at 2:08 PM
When Frank Woodson initially announced his candidacy for mayor of Birmingham via an interview with @bhamwatch.bsky.social, it became one of the busiest weekends for the site in recent years. Check it out.
There's a reason for a long-term backyard garden project - a reminder to fully disconnect when needed.
May 15, 2025 at 1:08 AM
There's a reason for a long-term backyard garden project - a reminder to fully disconnect when needed.
Today's the day!
Thursday Is the Deadline for City Students to Apply for Birmingham Promise Scholarships - BirminghamWatch
The scholarships allow students to go to universities, colleges and certificate programs.
birminghamwatch.org
May 1, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Today's the day!
“At no point has a state legislator ever reached out to me or any of my colleagues to sit down with us and share their concerns,” [Birmingham City Council president] O’Quinn said. “This is not being done with us. This is being done to us.”
Senate Bill 330, which could get final passage by the as early as Thursday, would decrease the number of members of the board and reduce the influence of Birmingham. birminghamwatch.org/2025/04/29/c...
City Leaders Call on Public To Stop Bill That Would Change BWWB - BirminghamWatch
Members of the Birmingham City Council and Mayor Randall Woodfin say the bill would dilute the city’s influence over the water works but do nothing to improve water quality.
birminghamwatch.org
April 30, 2025 at 3:43 PM
“At no point has a state legislator ever reached out to me or any of my colleagues to sit down with us and share their concerns,” [Birmingham City Council president] O’Quinn said. “This is not being done with us. This is being done to us.”
Reposted by André Natta
Listen: Thanks to Bob Irving, creator of Chicago Architecture Center’s boat tours, millions have seen Chicago’s skyline from the best seat in the house: the river. Irving died earlier this month at the age of 93. Reset reflects on his life and legacy. www.wbez.org/reset-with-s...
Chicago says goodbye to the father of the city’s famous riverboat architecture tours
Bob Irving, beloved creator of the Chicago River architectural boat tour, has died at the age of 93.
www.wbez.org
April 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Listen: Thanks to Bob Irving, creator of Chicago Architecture Center’s boat tours, millions have seen Chicago’s skyline from the best seat in the house: the river. Irving died earlier this month at the age of 93. Reset reflects on his life and legacy. www.wbez.org/reset-with-s...