Homewood approves first city manager in unanimous vote
Homewood city leaders officially approved Cale Smith for the city manager position in a 5-0 vote Monday evening. Smith's approval marks the first time in the city’s 100-year history that it will have a city manager. Smith’s employment agreement includes an annual salary of $208,000, according to agenda packets....
El Gezira Riding Academy closing after nearly 40 years of serving Shelby County
HARPERSVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - El Gezira Riding Academy in Shelby County will officially close Feb. 28 after nearly four decades of operation, following an EF-1 tornado that struck the property in December 2023. Co-founder Pamela Ibrahim and her late husband, Galal Muhammed Abdullah, opened the academy in 1990, bringing...
Homewood’s Alabama Booksmith featured in The New Yorker
Over the weekend, avid readers from across the globe made their first purchases at Homewood’s Alabama Booksmith following a feature in The New Yorker titled “The Unlikely Success of a Strange Alabama Bookstore.” Bham Now spoke with Jake Reiss, the venerable owner of the one-of-a-kind bookstore, to learn more.
Which of Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods are growing, shrinking?
The Magic City is shrinking — but not everywhere. Birmingham has lost more than 10,000 people in the last few years, but a handful of neighborhoods are growing, according to data released in January by the U.S. Census Bureau. [Can’t see the map? Click here.]. Two thirds of...
Heavy smoke, flames showing at former Brighton Senior Citizen Center
BRIGHTON, Ala. (WBRC) - Brighton Firefighters are battling a blaze at the former Brighton Senior Citizen Center on Main Street. Authorities received a call about the fire around 7:41 a.m. Tuesday morning. When firefighters and police arrived on the scene they saw heavy smoke and flames coming from the third floor.
Birmingham advances proposal for daytime ‘urban oasis’ for unhoused residents
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Birmingham city leaders are moving forward with a proposal to create a designated daytime space for people experiencing homelessness, advancing what officials describe as a structured and service-focused alternative to informal gatherings across downtown. The city council’s Budget and...
Birmingham’s Presiding Municipal Court Judge Andra Sparks to Retire
Presiding Municipal Court Judge Andra Sparks will retire in May after years of distinguished service to the residents of Birmingham. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin has appointed Judge LaResha D. Cade-Spearman to serve as the next Presiding Judge of the Birmingham Municipal Court. “Judge Sparks has served the people of...
This Humble BBQ Joint In Alabama Has Mouth-Watering Catfish Locals Keep Talking About
Sometimes the best food in Alabama hides behind the most unassuming facades, and Top Hat Barbecue in Hayden proves this delicious truth every single day. This family-run spot has been serving up smoky perfection and golden-fried catfish that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about barbecue joints.
New Raising Cane’s coming to Trussville: The details
Raising Cane’s, the popular chicken finger chain with a cult-like following, is coming to Trussville. On Monday night, the city’s design review committee approved plans to build the new fast-casual restaurant at 1672 Gadsden Highway. Below is Trussville Mayor Ben Short’s social media announcement about the new...
Northern Alabama Weather Alert: Rain/Snow Chance Extended March 1-5 in Huntsville, Birmingham
Country Herald is Local News, Independent Pulse. Covering breaking local news, sports, lifestyle and events. Huntsville, Ala. – A warmer-than-normal start to March is expected across northern Alabama, with mild air favoring mostly rain from Sunday, March 1, through Thursday, March 5. According to NOAA’s 6-10 day...
