Editor’s note: PIease read entire column before jumping to conclusions–the proposed change may not be what you expect.
I was asked by al.com to write about the best thing that happened to Birmingham in 2025.
I’m still thinking.
Meanwhile, huge economic development announcements keep rolling in from across the South. Many come from Huntsville. If you’re tired of reading about their wins inComebackTown, I understand. But I’m writing about them because Birmingham isn’t making these headlines–not because I’m jealous of Huntsville.
If you look at an aerial photograph of downtown Birmingham, you’ll notice something peculiar: Interstate 59 and Interstate 20 make a sharp, inexplicable bend as they pass through the city center. That bend tells a story—one of the darkest chapters in American urban planning. Continue reading Birmingham: Ingenious idea in peril→
One of the plot lines involved Alabama competing against other states for a giant, blockbuster pharmaceutical plant. In my novel, the Birmingham metro won the project.
Sam Tenenbaum Jr., aka “The Great Kaiser” when he wrestled at Boutwell Auditorium and venues throughout the Southeast,. (Photo by Tamika Moore/AL.com)Tamika Moore
Bill Smith speaks on May 17, 2022 in Birmingham (William Thornton / wthornton@al.com)
By David Sher
I just finished listening to a podcaston how Chip and Joanna Gaines built a business empire and the extraordinary impact it had on Waco, Texas, their hometown.
Birmingham has so much to offer, especially for visitors.
From our important civil rights sites, to our unique industrial heritage, to our amazing parks and greenways, to our nationally recognized foodie scene, we punch above our weight as a destination. Continue reading The day Birmingham goes dark→
Rodney Scott, left, and Nick Pihakis are pictured here at the opening of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ in Birmingham, Ala., on Feb. 20, 2019 (Joe Songer/jsonger@al.com)
On the morning of October 31, 2025, a fast-moving fire began in a long-vacant commercial building on Cobb Lane in Birmingham’s Five Points South and tore through an entire block, destroying multiple historic structures and leaving nearly two dozen people displaced. Continue reading It’s Not Just the Arsonist Who Started the Devastating Southside Fire→
Singing Santa at Brookwood Village (Photo–Brookwood Village)
By David Sher
I still remember the thrill of Brookwood Mall’s opening in the early 1970s.
My fondest memories include celebrating birthdays at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour with its famous drum roll and free ice cream, enjoying crepes at The Magic Pan, and sitting joyfully as the singing Santa performed during the holidays. Brookwood was where we lived, laughed, and created lasting memories. Continue reading Brookwood Mall vs. Riverchase Galleria—And the loser is…→
