By David Sher
I couldn’t believe my eyes or ears.
It was like a scene from a science fiction movie. Continue reading Birmingham robs Hoover, and the winner is…
Birmingham robs Hoover, and the winner is…
Category Archives: David Sher posts
The Surprising Change That Could Save Greater Birmingham in 2026
By David Sher
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 in ComebackTown, I understand. But I’m writing about them because Birmingham isn’t making these headlines–not because I’m jealous of Huntsville.
Huntsville’s successes are great for our state and prove what’s possible. Continue reading The Surprising Change That Could Save Greater Birmingham in 2026
Birmingham: Ingenious idea in peril
By David Sher
Editor’s note: This column is based on the podcast, Talking Headways: A Streetsblog Podcast. Episode 552: Under a Highway in Birmingham, Alabama.
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
My Regret After Death of Mountain Brook Wrestling Legend and Opera Singer
By David Sher
I never met anyone like Sam Tenenbaum.
You likely haven’t either.
Sam passed away on December 5th at age 81.
He was four months younger than me, and we went through elementary school together. In fact, we graduated in the last eighth-grade class at Crestline Elementary. Continue reading My Regret After Death of Mountain Brook Wrestling Legend and Opera Singer
Let’s harness the power of Birmingham as Chip and Joanna did in Waco
By David Sher
I just finished listening to a podcast on how Chip and Joanna Gaines built a business empire and the extraordinary impact it had on Waco, Texas, their hometown.
We can do the same for Birmingham. Continue reading Let’s harness the power of Birmingham as Chip and Joanna did in Waco
Birmingham’s hidden restaurant empire
By David Sher
What’s it about Birmingham with food and drink?
Birmingham knows how to create culinary and beverage success stories. Continue reading Birmingham’s hidden restaurant empire
Brookwood Mall vs. Riverchase Galleria—And the loser is…
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…
Stitt and Saban fundamentally transformed Alabama
By David Sher
Nick Saban likely never met Frank Stitt on a field or in a kitchen together, but they share something profound: both men fundamentally transformed their domains and elevated Birmingham and Alabama in the eyes of the nation. Continue reading Stitt and Saban fundamentally transformed Alabama
Downtown Birmingham Needs Free Parking Now
By David Sher
Sometimes you have to take a chance. Do the unexpected. Be different.
Birmingham has always been risk-averse. But there comes a time when we have to say enough is enough. Continue reading Downtown Birmingham Needs Free Parking Now
Inexcusable we lose our children to other cities
By David Sher
I got up this morning, grabbed my gym bag, and headed to my workout.
I ran into a friend in the gym I hadn’t seen in a while and asked him about his two adult daughters. Continue reading Inexcusable we lose our children to other cities