Birmingham AL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

At 61 and retired, R. Eric Thomas has cut ties with friends who’ve shown bigotry—ghosting them without explanation because he won’t waste energy on people whose views clash with his. The advice? You don’t owe everyone a lesson, but calling out harmful words can make others pause—and maybe reveal relationships that weren’t worth saving in the first place. He suggests seeking communities aligned with your values to build deeper, more meaningful bonds.

Meanwhile, a friend of 45 years is trapped caring for her husband’s decades-long alcoholism, sacrificing her own well-being while he denies the pro...

Samford’s women’s basketball team is firing on all cylinders for the 2026-27 season, diving headfirst into a brutal non-conference slate that includes five marquee matchups against major conference foes like Georgia Tech, Indiana, Purdue, Alabama, and Mississippi State. After a historic run to the NCAA tournament and a stunning conference tournament win over the top-seeded team, they’re proving they belong on the national stage—and now they’re building their schedule around it. Six home games at the Pete Hanna Center give fans plenty of chances to cheer them on as they kick off November 2 with road tests...

Connecticut is taking bold steps to rein in soaring healthcare costs by holding providers accountable—setting spending targets and threatening consequences if they’re exceeded. Unlike past years of passive data tracking, the state now actively uses that data to drive change, with lawmakers approving new powers to intervene. This move aims to curb rising costs without disrupting care, offering a potential blueprint for other states grappling with consolidation and private equity’s grip on medical practices. While skeptics question enforcement strength and the balance between cost control and access, Connecticut’s experiment could reshape how healthcare affordability is tackled...

Birmingham’s film scene is exploding, with Hollywood blockbusters and Oscar-winning talent calling the city home—and local filmmakers are stepping up to build a thriving, inclusive future. From Matthew McConaughey’s new rom-com to indie gems like Funny Feelings, the city’s creative energy is undeniable. Rising stars and visionaries are collaborating, sharing success, and pushing for change—especially around access and funding for underrepresented voices. With new distribution companies, festivals, and school programs in the works, Birmingham is laying the groundwork for a cinematic renaissance that puts its own storytellers front and center.

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The Spain Park Jaguars honored their moms in a heartfelt “Mom’s Night” event, celebrating the unsung heroes who fuel the team—from early practices to laundry and endless support. Coaches thanked parents for their trust, treating players like their own, while also building community for new families. Senior players spoke of the powerful brotherhood forged through shared struggles and trust, driving them to fight together on the field. This Friday night, the Jaguars take on Sparkman at 7 PM, ready to bring that unity and spirit to the game.

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Mayor Bobby Scott is hosting the Black Contractors Association Alabama Chapter for a powerful networking night this Thursday—perfect for building relationships and driving local business growth. Meanwhile, the city’s pulse is alive with culture: jazz happy hours, karaoke, comedy, and film screenings are popping up everywhere. From professional gatherings to blues jams, there’s something for every vibe. And don’t miss the free Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival this Saturday—or the Boiling N’ Bragging event raising funds for Children’s of Alabama’s life-saving transport program. This is your city—vibrant, connected, and full of chances to enga...

A two-vehicle crash on I-65 in Fultondale late Wednesday night caused major traffic chaos, blocking three southbound lanes near mile marker 267—emergency crews worked for hours to clear the scene, and all lanes reopened by 9 PM, while ALEA continues investigating the cause.

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Will Anderson Jr. made draft night unforgettable by getting drafted by his dream team—the Houston Texans—after trading up to secure him, proving their unwavering belief in him. Visiting Houston and bonding with coach DeMeco Ryans, who told him he didn’t need to be Superman but just needed to be himself, sealed the deal. Anderson’s raw passion for playing for Houston, combined with Ryans’ personal encouragement to stay consistent and focused, turned a moment of destiny into a career-defining triumph.

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St. John Paul the Second Catholic High School’s football program is in chaos as head coach Kevin Creehan abruptly stepped down—just before their season opener—after two underwhelming seasons. With interim coaches James Poldiak and Justin Lewis taking the reins, the Falcons face a turbulent start amid a history of ten coaching changes since 2012. Despite playoff runs in 2018 and 2019, the team’s future remains uncertain as they prepare for another tough Class Double-A, Region Two campaign.

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Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is getting a major upgrade—with $19 million set to reinforce 2,000 feet of its main runway starting in September. This isn’t just cosmetic; it’s about future-proofing the airport to handle heavier planes and last decades. While most flights will keep rolling, expect two full-day shutdowns—so plan ahead if you’re flying around then. Federal grants are helping fund this critical project, ensuring Birmingham stays connected and ready for the skies.

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Birmingham’s Civil Rights landmark is getting a major makeover—renovations are underway at the historic A.G. Gaston Motel, with a temporary visitor center now open at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to keep history alive while work ramps up. The upgrade includes improved accessibility, a brand-new exhibit space, and immersive recreations of key 1963 rooms—including a motel suite and “war room”—to authentically bring the Civil Rights Movement to life for visitors. This isn’t just restoration—it’s a powerful commitment to preserving and honoring the legacy of one of America’s most pivotal moments.

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A.J. Brown’s reunion with the Eagles didn’t warm up on the field—after joint practices, he skipped chatting with his former QB Jalen Hurts and WR DeVonta Smith, sticking close to Patriots teammates. Media attempts to pry loose a conversation? All “no” answers. Hurts praised Brown’s impact on Drake Maye but admitted no personal talk yet. The vibe? Professional distance. No fireworks, just business before Saturday’s showdown.

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Two Birmingham police SUVs got into a fender bender on I-20/59 westbound near Ensley Avenue, causing traffic delays as one lane was shut down. Details are still unclear, but no injuries have been reported yet. Police and tow crews are working to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow—stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

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Alabama’s food leaders are sounding the alarm as SNAP cuts threaten to leave thousands hungry, despite Alabama having one of the lowest error rates in the nation. Advocates argue that SNAP isn’t just about feeding people—it’s a $3 billion economic lifeline supporting jobs across the state. With new federal rules tightening eligibility and USDA reporting alarming national payment errors, Alabama’s grocers and food banks are urging Congress for flexibility and time to fix systemic issues without harming those who rely on the program.

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Alabama football is heating up preseason hype as multiple Crimson Tide stars land spots on all three SEC all-conference teams — signaling a loaded roster ready to dominate. Defensive backs Zabien Brown and Bray Hubbard headline the first team, while Ryan Coleman-Williams and Michael Carroll anchor the second and third teams respectively. Safety Keon Sabb and edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre round out the defensive honors, showcasing depth and talent across the board. With camp in full swing and the season opener against East Carolina just around the corner, Alabama’s momentum is building fast.

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A deadly crash in Mountain Brook on July 25th claimed two lives and left others injured, prompting charges against 26-year-old driver Miles Jordan Kemp for reckless manslaughter and assault. Kemp was booked into jail but released the same day as warrants were issued. Victims Jacob Thompson and Ashleigh Cullars died from injuries sustained in the early morning collision on Southwood Road — police are withholding further details as the case moves forward.

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Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Phillip Ensler has officially demanded a debate with Republican opponent John Wahl, arguing Alabamians deserve to see both candidates side-by-side. Wahl quickly agreed, joking that voters should “fasten their seatbelts” as the race heats up. Ensler, an attorney and state rep, is pushing a platform focused on affordability, healthcare, education, and safety — backed by his legislative record on gun safety and animal welfare. His campaign also touts support for a state lottery, grocery tax elimination, minimum wage, Medicaid expansion, and public schools — while calling for a moratorium on data centers until community protections are in place. E...

TLC’s new medical docu-series “ER: Caught on Camera” premieres tonight at 8 PM Central — a raw, behind-the-scenes look at real emergency room chaos and the heroes who handle it. Tune in for free via DIRECTV’s 5-day trial, or stream with Sling TV’s $60/month plan. Perfect for medical drama fans or anyone curious about ER life — season one’s full scope is still unfolding.

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A mother whose newborn was stolen in 2021 is speaking out again as the woman accused, Lakesha Brown, faces new charges for allegedly abducting two young girls in Atlanta. Body cam footage shows officers finding the sisters—ages 4 and 11 months—in a hot trailer, where Brown, their babysitter, was found. Brionna Washington, the Fairfield mom whose son was taken just days after birth, says she’s horrified by the new accusations and believes Brown exploited online groups to gain trust. She urges mental health intervention and insists Brown must never harm another family. Washington also expresses anger over how her own ca...

The final episode of The Valley Season 3 reunion drops tonight at 7 PM Central on Bravo — and it’s packed with explosive drama as all the season’s tensions boil over. If you’re streaming without cable, DIRECTV and FuboTV offer five-day free trials, while Sling TV gives you a budget-friendly alternative. Don’t miss this climactic finale — it’s your last shot to see how everything wraps up.

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Junior linebacker Xavier Atkins just earned All-SEC first-team honors, joining elite company as Auburn’s first All-American linebacker since 2003—after a breakout year with 84 tackles, 17 for loss, and 9 sacks. Meanwhile, senior kicker, battling health issues last season, rebounds strong with All-SEC third-team recognition, hitting 20 of 23 field goals and returning at full strength to lead the team’s kicking game. Both stars are poised to anchor Auburn’s push this season.

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Amazon’s IG INGLAM 4-in-1 Blowout Brush is on sale for under $57 — a whopping $20 off its usual $75 price. This all-in-one styling powerhouse dries, smooths, adds volume, and diffuses hair with interchangeable attachments, plus three heat settings and negative ion tech to fight frizz. While it doesn’t match the bells and whistles of Dyson or Shark systems, it’s a seriously versatile and affordable upgrade for everyday styling. With a 4.2-star rating from over 2,700 reviews and a one-year warranty, it’s a steal for anyone looking to level up their hair game without the luxury price tag.

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Jim Wadsworth just won River Steward of the Year for his tireless work protecting the Cahaba River — including selling 151 acres to expand the National Wildlife Refuge, home to rare lilies and mussels. Since merging last year, the new Cahaba River Coalition is expanding its reach, boosting education, and planning better river access — all while relying on locals to spot pollution. This award isn’t just recognition — it’s a rallying cry for the river’s future.

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Alabama faces a potential $174 million bill starting in 2027 due to high SNAP error rates, forcing food banks and lawmakers to act fast. With over 80,000 residents losing benefits and food pantries overwhelmed, advocates are pushing for a two-year pause to stabilize the system. New work requirements are pushing vulnerable families—children and seniors—out of the program, while grocery stores warn 117 could shutter without SNAP support, revealing how deeply the program ties into the state’s economy.

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Legacy Arena’s iconic name is staying put for another five years, thanks to a renewed naming rights deal with Legacy Credit Union — just as the venue celebrates its 50th anniversary since opening in 1976. The arena, now a Southeastern powerhouse for concerts, sports, and community events, recently hosted a free festival to mark the milestone and boasts a $125M upgrade from 2020. Beyond the arena, the BJCC campus serves as Birmingham’s vibrant entertainment and event hub, blending hotels, retail, and major expos into one dynamic destination.

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Tuscaloosa faces a $28 million budget shortfall, but Mayor Walt Maddox’s plan balances tough cuts with key investments — eliminating 14 vacant positions and trimming 5% from non-salary expenses without laying off current staff. Despite financial headwinds like falling sales tax revenue and rising health insurance costs, the city is boosting public safety with a $105 million investment, including a new police pension system and expanding mental health outreach. Residents will see modest bill hikes for trash, recycling, and water/sewer services — all while the city continues to subsidize these utilities. The mayor also proposes cost-of-living raises for employees to stay competitive. The City C...

Donald Trump sits down for a high-stakes interview with Michael Cohen, his former lawyer turned key witness against him in the Stormy Daniels case — now hosting his own radio show and primetime talk show. The fallout from Trump’s 2024 conviction on 34 felony counts, where Cohen’s testimony was pivotal, is reignited as the pair’s uneasy history resurfaces. Critics call it a “grift,” questioning Cohen’s loyalty after his recent reconciliation with Trump and his own past legal troubles. This explosive conversation is already sparking national debate — past betrayals, courtroom drama, and political reconciliation collide in real time.

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Will Anderson Jr. is dominating the NFL and now graces the cover of Sports Illustrated, with a video revealing his off-field hustle and style. Training alongside Myles Garrett, the two elite linebackers fuel each other’s growth through fierce on-field competition and playful banter—both on grass and in the water. Anderson’s relentless drive extends beyond football, making him a force wherever he goes. The Houston Texans kick off their 2026 season against the Buffalo Bills on September 13th.

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Congressman Dale Strong is running for a third term in Alabama’s 5th District, leveraging his EMT background, Capitol Hill experience, and major funding wins—including $4 million for Auburn’s research lab—to tout his record. His Democratic opponent, Andrew Sneed, is countering with grassroots town halls across the district, despite Strong’s refusal to attend. While Strong holds a massive cash lead ($1.4M vs. $169K), Sneed has outpaced him in two quarters—setting up a race where legacy meets engagement, and money can’t tell the whole story.

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Pell City High’s football team narrowly avoided missing the playoffs after the AHSAA Central Board overturned their probation—giving seniors a shot at postseason glory. Though penalties remain, including a coach suspension and recruiting rule crackdown, the win means the Panthers can finally compete when it matters most.

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A man named Spence, last seen in Alabaster, Alabama, is missing and police are urgently seeking help to locate him. Described as loving but with an intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, he may be disoriented and unlikely to accept rides from strangers. Volunteers are distributing flyers across neighborhoods, with pickup points at a Pelham Harley-Davidson through Friday evening. If you’ve seen him or have any info — call 911 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers for a possible reward.

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A 55-year-old Alabama tax preparer, Michael Shine, faces a 30-count federal indictment for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme that allegedly stole over $70 million in taxpayer refunds by falsifying claims about geothermal heat pump costs. Shine’s business, Shine’s Professional Services, reportedly funneled fake deductions to clients—and he also concealed his own income. With nearly $65 million already paid out, authorities say most were based on lies. Already arrested on related charges, Shine now risks up to three years per count if convicted—highlighting the steep price of tax evasion on this scale.

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A major corruption scandal rocks the old Hanceville Police Department as multiple former officers—including Jason Scott Wilbanks, Eric and Donna Kelso, and former Chief Jason Marlin—plea to serious charges like evidence tampering, drug distribution, and obstructing justice, facing prison time and losing their law enforcement certifications. The fallout is massive: the DA’s office has dropped hundreds of cases due to tainted evidence and untrustworthy officers, while the department’s evidence room was found in disarray, with guns, drugs, and cash complicating prosecutions. The scandal, which began with a grand jury’s call for the department’s abolition ov...

Get ready to rock and soul under the Alabama sky—SkyDog: The Shoals Experience drops August 28-30, paying tribute to the legendary Duane Allman and the birthplace of Southern rock. Featuring Wet Willie, Spooner Oldham, Jackson Dean, Lamon Landers, Maggie Rose, and the FAME Gang, this isn’t just a concert—it’s a full-blown cultural celebration honoring Muscle Shoals’ sonic legacy. Led by musical director Scott Sherrard (ex-Gregg Allman bandmate), the festival blends live music, film, art, and local eats, spotlighting how Duane Allman’s genius shaped genres and inspired icons like Hendrix and Prince. From session magic at FAME Stud...

Alabama volleyball’s new championship structure is heating up the court—public and private schools now compete in separate brackets, creating six public and two private divisions. Powerhouses like McGill-Toolen and Bayside, each with multiple titles, are locked in fierce regular-season battles against other elite teams, avoiding championship showdowns with their biggest rivals. With top-ranked Thompson facing McGill-Toolen, Spanish Fort taking on Mountain Brook, and more, the opening week delivers non-stop high-stakes action. The split may divide the brackets, but the talent, passion, and drama are stronger than ever—this season’s matchups are already shaping up to be unforget...

The How I Met Your Mother cast isn’t the tight-knit crew fans imagine — and Josh Radnor just spilled the tea. He admits the intense bond forged during the show naturally faded after filming ended, comparing it to college friendships that drift apart as life moves on. While he still cherishes them, it’s now more “remember when” than “hang out every weekend.” He also opened up about past on-set tension — especially with Neil Patrick Harris — admitting he felt insecure early on, mixing character confusion with personal emotions. The show ended in 2014, and while fans dream of the cast still living that...

Legacy Credit Union is locking in its name on Birmingham’s iconic arena for another five years, paying $500K annually — a $2.5M boost over the next half-decade — after a major $125M renovation that transformed the venue into a top-tier entertainment hub. The BJCC as a whole smashed financial records this year, raking in over $50M from ticket sales and $2.3M from rentals across all its venues, proving its vital role in the local economy. And with the arena hitting its 50th anniversary, it’s clear this historic space isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

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Jimmy Fallon spun a wild late-night joke around Melania Trump’s 29-day public absence and Donald Trump’s claim he hadn’t seen her in private for two years—then tossed Mitch McConnell into the mix, joking she might’ve bolted with him. It’s absurdist comedy fueled by real-world curiosity: when powerful figures vanish, even briefly, the internet invents wild theories—and Fallon’s got them all on a catering truck.

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Birmingham’s Pizitz Food Hall just dropped a self-serve Pokémon card machine—perfect for collectors craving convenience. Stocked and ready since Wednesday, it lets you pick your packs via touchscreen, with prices slightly higher for the ease of anytime access. From $20 Sword and Shield sleeves to $65 Evolving Skies, it’s a game-changer for fans already dining at the food hall. Open Mon-Sat 11AM–8PM, Sun 11AM–3PM, located at 1821 2nd Ave N.

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Alabama’s new Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction kicked off its first meeting to evaluate how classroom technology — from laptops to smartboards — is impacting students’ learning and mental health. Chair Rep. Jeana Ross emphasized that not all screen time is equal, focusing on content quality over quantity, especially after years of pushing for one device per student. The commission plans to survey educators, parents, and students by September, draft recommendations in October, and deliver a final report by November — with findings set to influence future state legislation on classroom tech use.

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