Birmingham City News: Budget, Council Actions, Business, Safety, Healthcare
Key Questions
How did UAB rank in turning research into real-world solutions?
UAB was ranked among top-tier institutions on the Cure Innovation Index for its success in translating research into practical applications. The recognition places UAB at No. 42 nationally among leaders in this area.
What weather alerts are in effect for Birmingham?
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Birmingham due to heavy rain expected around June 18. Residents are advised to avoid driving in flooded areas and to monitor local updates for potential flash flooding.
What steps is Birmingham taking during extreme heat?
The city will activate cooling stations whenever temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher. These stations provide residents with air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.
What happened in the arrest of community activist Eric Hall?
Eric Hall was arrested after speaking at a Birmingham City Council meeting and demanding to discuss inmate deaths in city jail with the mayor. The incident occurred during a public comment period.
What is the status of the Birmingham water utility headquarters move?
A lawyer is demanding answers regarding alleged secret plans to relocate the Central Alabama Water headquarters from Birmingham to Shelby County. Commissioner Tyson has criticized the lack of transparency and the June 22 deadline for responses.
What development incentives were approved in Vestavia Hills?
Vestavia Hills approved a Walmart incentive deal along with the Sunview subdivision and $1.7M for police and fire radio replacements. The measures support local infrastructure and business growth.
What regulations did Birmingham City Council pass regarding data centers?
The council approved new data center regulations in a 6-3 vote following a heated meeting with resident opposition. The ordinance addresses community concerns over data center development in the city.
What safety concerns were raised about electric bikes and scooters?
Birmingham City Council discussed rising safety issues related to electric bikes and scooters during a recent meeting. Council member Deb Koster addressed Police Chief Brad Burke about the need for better regulations and enforcement.
Woodfin $615M budget, council approves voting protections, police settlements, inspector general, firefighter wellness app, extends Smithfield housing and microshelter, passes nightclub regs, court amnesty month. Safety: homicides down 50% (17 homicides, lowest in years); violent crime down 10%; Chief Pickett credits 8-Point Plan. Turkey Creek incident (2 children critical), man found in creek identified, 5 teens arrested/charged in west Birmingham shooting, felon sentenced for firearm possession. New: Council marks Gun Violence Awareness Month. New: Council rejects parking fine increase, approves $3 admin fee for overdue tickets; 700K unpaid. New: Council rejects rezoning for Clairmont Ave antique store. Business: StoneX expansion, Momentum HQ, Painted Tree closure, Grandview Health surgery center, metro top homebuyer market. New: Judge dismisses data center lawsuit, law firm alleges police targeted opponent. New: Comeback Town article contrasts Birmingham's tourism hesitation with Montgomery's investment; BCRI crisis may force decision. New: Birmingham Water Board considers rate increase; CEO claims capacity for data centers despite 40% water loss. New: Sen. Orr touts Literacy Act results. New: Vestavia Hills High School $18M expansion proposal. New: Hoover's Riverchase Galleria expected to be listed for sale; $240M redevelopment study. New: Hoover zoning board recommends approval for A2 Church expansion. New: Birmingham VA hospital drops to 4 stars. New: Alabama expands WIC income guidelines. New: Hoover police arrest in Lake Crest vehicle break-ins. New: Vestavia Hills moving to enforce micromobility laws. New: Coast Guard training center opening on former BSC campus. New: Sandusky shooting: 1 killed, 6 injured. New: BPD actively recruiting 30 new officers. New: Hoover council to consider greenway trail study for Riverchase Business Park. New: Two deadly shootings within 24 hours (Snavely Ave and another) undercut homicide reduction narrative; police investigating. Updated: Woman dies in Saturday night shooting, marking city's 21st homicide of 2026; further undercuts reduction narrative. New: $10K reward offered for information leading to arrest in Birmingham shooting that injured 5, killed 2 (separate incident). New: Birmingham gas prices fall again. New: Birmingham City Schools hold AI training. New: City Council debates who should take 911 calls – jurisdictional control and emergency response efficiency questioned. New: Vitalogy Wellness Center in Homewood among new high-dollar building permits ($7.3M). New: Jefferson County Coroner identifies man killed in Birmingham robbery; DA rules justifiable. New: Council extends Toolbank USA service agreement. New: HABD opens waiting list for public housing. New: Vestavia council to consider 19 new homes in Cahaba Heights. New: Jefferson County warns of traffic changes on Lakeshore Extension. New: Leeds approves temporary ban on data centers, joining Birmingham's pushback. New: Birmingham may sell land for go-kart track near Barber. New: Man convicted of running meth operation from prison. New: First Financial Bank to open new branch in Hoover. New: Birmingham police make arrest in felony assault investigation. New: Central Alabama Water: Lake Purdy Dam repairs finished by July 31. New: Birmingham City Council passes data center regulations 6-3 after heated meeting; residents furious. New: Regions Finance Park opens. New: Hoover Tattersall Park development dispute continues; EBSCO willing to wait 15 years. New: Council approves $500K for BCRI to prevent closure. New: UAB breaks ground on Bartow Arena renovation. New: Birmingham City Schools hiring event with $1,000 sign-on bonuses for bus drivers, custodians, nutrition staff. New: Person shot by Birmingham police suffers life-threatening injuries (developing). New: 1 arrested in connection to Birmingham robbery investigation. New: Beignets & Brew plans first Birmingham-area location in Homewood. New: Murphree’s Market in Cahaba Heights prepares to celebrate 50 years. New: Op-ed from Councilor Vasa explains data center ordinance vote. New: Opinion piece criticizes data center ordinance as missed opportunity. New: Downed power line and road closure after crash in Birmingham. New: Man shot and killed by Birmingham police during arrest attempt; details limited, suspects wanted for multiple felonies. New: Stadium Trace Village developer proposes new tax incentive for phases 2 and 3; public hearing July 13. New: Family awarded $7.5M after teen drowned at Riverchase Country Club in 2023 due to lack of required lifeguards. New: Inmate death under investigation after Birmingham man found unresponsive in city jail cell. New: ITU AbsorbTech begins work on 50,000 sq ft factory in McCalla, 40 jobs. New: More than one week after Birmingham mass shooting (2 dead, 5 injured), details remain unclear; victim's mother pleads for tips. New: District 52 runoff pits Hayes vs Millhouse after upset of incumbent. New: Hoover hosting first-in-Alabama active shooter response training for SROs. New: 10 new businesses opened in Birmingham area in first half of 2026. New: Secret plans allegedly underway to move Central Alabama Water HQ from Birmingham to Shelby County; Commissioner Tyson alleges secrecy and disrespect. New: 6 new businesses this week: K1 Speed (go-kart), Curry Up Now (Indian street food), Southern Steer Butcher; TrimTab closure. New: Lawyer demands answers on alleged plan to move Birmingham water utility; June 22 deadline. New: Vestavia Hills approves Walmart incentive deal for Cahaba Heights, Sunview subdivision, $1.7M police/fire radio replacement. New: Birmingham Sustainability Plan final public meeting held. New: City to open cooling stations during extreme heat. New: Council discusses e-bike/e-scooter safety (city not specified). New: Community activist Eric Hall arrested after demanding to discuss deaths in Birmingham City Jail with mayor. New: Beloved youth baseball coach killed in barbershop argument; suspect arrested. New: UAB named among leaders turning research into real-world solutions (No. 42 nationally). New: Heavy rain, potential flooding threatens Birmingham June 18 – flash flood watch, driving dangers.