Central Alabama Water CEO Jeffrey Thompson implemented new policies without board approval, prompting backlash from officials and employees. The controversial rules included random drug tests, mass firings, and the dissolution of the agency’s employee association. Board challenges CEO authority Board member Jarvis Patton criticized Thompson for bypassing the board, calling the handbook changes illegitimate. […]
One hundred days into his third term, Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin reports measurable progress across the city. His “Cradle to Career” agenda prioritizes children, ensuring every policy, investment, and decision considers their future. Measurable progress in public safety and economic development Mayor Woodfin’s administration has reduced homicides by 75 percent compared to last […]
The 192-acre Birmingham-Southern College campus has a new owner. The U.S. Coast Guard will transform the site into a training facility for 1,200 recruits and 400 staff members. Coast Guard to bring jobs and economic growth Mayor Randall Woodfin celebrated the announcement on Facebook, noting the creation of 1,000 jobs for Birmingham. The campus will […]
A new comfort food restaurant is heading to West Homewood. Big John Buffet plans to open this spring in the former Cantina Tortilla Grille building. Big John Buffet taking over former Cantina location The new restaurant will open at 162 Oxmoor Road in Homewood. The space previously housed Cantina Tortilla Grille, which closed in 2024 […]
A decision on the new AI factory and data center project along Lakeshore Parkway in Birmingham is temporarily on hold. Neighbors and local organizations raised concerns, prompting city leaders to pause the vote. Community voices concerns over AI factory Nebius plans to build its facility on the former Regions Operations Center site. The company also […]
Cava has closed its Homewood location in SoHo. The Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual chain now has three locations in the Birmingham area and six more across Alabama. Cava shutters Homewood location The Homewood spot in SoHo had served the community with flavor-packed Mediterranean dishes, from bowls to fresh ingredients, for several years. Customers can now visit other […]
Vineyard Vines has closed its store at The Summit after 14 years. Vineyard Vines, known for preppy clothing for men, women, and children, is no longer open. Vineyard Vines closes its doors at The Summit The Summit location had been a fixture in Birmingham since opening. The company, founded in 1998 on Martha’s Vineyard, built […]
Qdoba Mexican Eats has officially opened a new restaurant along Montgomery Highway, marking another expansion in the Birmingham metro area. New Hoover location brings fast-casual Mexican favorites The new Qdoba sits at 1539 Montgomery Highway near Lorna Road in Hoover, between Hoover and Vestavia Hills. The restaurant is led by general manager Hari Vajaha, […]
Redeemer Community Church has officially purchased the long-vacant former Trinity Medical Center property in Birmingham for $15.2 million. Church acquires entire former hospital campus The church confirmed it closed on the remaining vacant property on Feb. 25, securing more than 25 acres along Montclair Road. The deal gives Redeemer control of the entire former hospital […]
Plans to create a daytime gathering space for unhoused residents in Birmingham are now on hold only days after city leaders approved the project. Birmingham pauses downtown “Urban Oasis” plan City officials announced they will reevaluate plans to build an “Urban Oasis” park on an empty lot at 1312 First Ave. North downtown. The city […]
Forrest Webber | Bear Brothers Cleaning | The Trade Table
