Former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban at the Regions Tradition Pro-Am in Birmingham on May 8, 2024.Patrick Greenfield (al.com)
By David Sher
Coach Saban seems to understand what we give up by living in Alabama.
This spring my wife and I attended our grandson’s high school graduation in Atlanta.
We’re so proud because our grandson had been accepted to Georgia Tech.
But then it struck us. Continue reading What we give up by living in Alabama, ask Nick Saban →
Mac Moorer
Today’s guest columnist is Mac Moorer.
I recently attended an evening event in the City Center and was amazed by what I saw and heard driving down 2nd Ave North – crowded sidewalks, music, bars, restaurants, dogs being walked, and bustling activity. Continue reading Why downtown Birmingham is flourishing →
Alexander Shunnarah billboard atop Two North Twentieth Building downtown Birmingham
By David Sher
It dominates the Birmingham skyline.
Some folks are okay with it and some are not.
But you have to admit, it’s genius from a name recognition standpoint. Continue reading Is it okay for Alexander Shunnarah to dominate Birmingham skyline? →
Hundreds of purple ribbons displayed around Mountain Brook as teens recover from shark attack
Today’s guest columnist is Jennifer L. Greer.
I was vacationing on the Gulf of Mexico last month when three young men , in their 20s, drowned in a rip current within hours of arriving in Panama City Beach, Fla.
They were from my adopted hometown, Birmingham, Ala. It was painful to hear the tearful sister of one young man describe how she longed for one last brotherly hug. She told a TV reporter: “I wish we had done more research (about the currents) before we went.” Continue reading What we can learn from Mtn. Brook and Birmingham beach tragedies →
David Fleming
Today’s guest columnist is David Fleming.
Local media outlets have recently shared that Shipt Tower in downtown Birmingham has entered receivership.
The implications of the headlines and articles suggested declining occupancy played a key part in contributing to the tower’s current circumstances. Continue reading Media reports about Shipt Tower don’t reflect strength of downtown real estate →
Major League Baseball at Rickwood Field 2024
By David Sher
This is painful, but at a time when we should be celebrating one of Birmingham’s biggest moments, we must take a moment to reflect.
It’s not that I didn’t love the ‘Field of Dreams’ major league baseball game at Rickwood. I loved it with all my heart. Continue reading Hosting Major League Baseball affirms how far Birmingham has fallen →
Maury Shevin
Today’s guest columnist is Maury Shevin.
Birmingham has done it!
After decades of stagnation and missteps, Birmingham continues to make decisions that prove to the world that we are not the Birmingham of old. Continue reading We showed the world what Birmingham is today →
The Birmingham St. Patrick’s Day in Five Points South. (Mary Colurso | mcolurso@AL.com)
By David Sher
We’re counting down the days.
Graffiti will be disappearing one by one.
Trash and litter on the sidewalk and streets will become rare.
Our homeless neighbors will receive regular outreach to help connect them to services and resources they need. Continue reading Finally 5 Points South gets it right →
Michael Sznajderman
Today’s guest columnist is Michael Sznajderman.
Hey Birmingham. Why do we have such low self-esteem?
Yes, we have a dark history.
Yes, our steamy summers can be trying.
And yes, we’ve got some tough issues that aren’t easily solved. Continue reading Don’t be surprised: People love Birmingham! →
Michael Pizitz
Today’s guest columnist is Barbara Keight Staub.
“I would’ve beaten King if those damn merchants hadn’t given in.” — Bull Connor, Commissioner of Public Safety, 1963
Nine years after Brown vs. Board of Education ordered the integration of public schools, most private facilities in the Deep South were still segregated in 1963. Continue reading The secret meeting that changed Birmingham →
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