By James L. Baggett
The story of the 1963 Birmingham civil rights demonstrations, and the brutal response from Birmingham officials has been told many times and often told well.
But missing from these accounts is an explanation for why and how Birmingham acquired police dogs, armored cars, and firefighters trained in riot control. Continue reading Birmingham prepared for battle
Today’s guest columnist is Maury Shevin.
The City Council of Birmingham appears to be wrestling with the issue of permitting Short Term Rentals (think VRBO and Airbnb) within residential neighborhoods of the City zoned for single families. Why this “no brainer” issue has so tied up the Council in knots is beyond reason. Continue reading Birmingham throwing its homeowners under the bus?
Today’s columnist is Michael Sznajderman.
It’s a new year, a time when folks reflect on the past and ponder what’s ahead.
2025 marks 25 years I’ve lived in the Birmingham area. So much has happened in our region over the past quarter-century – some good, some not so much.
With this in mind, I present – in no particular order – 25 thoughts for 2025 about our greater Birmingham community, and beyond. Let the constructive criticism and commentary begin! Continue reading The future of Highlands Bar and Grill and 24 other things for Birmingham to ponder in 2025
By Ted Smith
Imagine a high-speed rail service that whisked us from Birmingham and dropped us off in downtown Atlanta near stadiums and arenas and/or the airport in about 90 minutes.
If we had this capability at our doorstep, it would bring growth to the Birmingham area and eventually connect us to places like Charlotte, New Orleans and Dallas at speeds much faster than a car or shuttle bus. Continue reading Birmingham moving towards high-speed rail to Atlanta
Today’s guest columnist is Jay Taylor.
Do lower airfares out of Atlanta really save you money?
Recently, al.com published an article about the cost of flying out of Birmingham and Huntsville, citing a study that claims Birmingham is one of the most expensive airports in the nation for travelers. Continue reading Birmingham: Does it make sense to fly out of Atlanta?
Todays guest columnist is Joseph Mungenast.
When I left Birmingham at 18, I didn’t imagine I’d come back after college.
Like many young people, I was eager to escape the place I’d always called home.
The idea of a bigger city with more opportunities, excitement, and a faster pace was appealing. Continue reading I was eager to escape Birmingham, now I’m thrilled I came home
Today’s guest columnist is Bob Stewart.
There are all kinds of ways to define comeback.
Is Birmingham the ComebackTown or the come back town? Continue reading Birmingham, there’s more than one way to mount a comeback
Today’s guest columnist is Randy Adamy.
I want your help.
I need your help.
Friends, shoppers and Costco lovers lend me your ears.
We need a second Costco in Birmingham. Continue reading Huntsville gets 2nd Costco–When is it Birmingham’s turn?
Today’s guest columnist is Jay Taylor.
Three years.
That’s how long it’s been since the tumbleweed started rolling through Brookwood Village.
It seems longer, doesn’t it? Brookwood’s demise was slow and predictable. Continue reading The case for an iceplex at Brookwood Village
By George McMillan
Music legend Carlos Santana knows a thing or two about music festivals, having performed at Woodstock and headlined dozens of the very best ones over his stellar career.
After exploring Birmingham’s signature event, the ten-time Grammy winner said, “City Stages is like acupuncture. It opens up the flow of consciousness.” Continue reading City Stages: A wild ride that’s still paying dividends