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

A 24-year-old Alabama mother, Wendy Pamela Jean Bailey, has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms for fatally abusing and concealing the death of her one-year-old son, Kahleb Collins. The case erupted after Kahleb’s father, Steven Collins, died in a December car crash — and the next day, authorities discovered Kahleb had been missing for months. A massive, multi-agency investigation followe...

Alabama’s tax-free weekend is here—July 17–19—and it’s your chance to save big on essentials like clothes, school supplies, books, and even tech gear, all without sales tax. No student status needed, and it’s available across major cities including Birmingham and Hoover. Clothing under $156, school supplies under $78, books under $47, and computers under $1,173 are all tax-free. Don’t forget diape...

Irondale’s annual “I Love Irondale Day” hits the streets July 18, 2026, with a dazzling AI twist—robot demos, drone shows, and a 300-drone light finale light up the sky as the city blends tech with tradition. Live music, train rides, kids’ zones, and free food for the first 500 guests keep the fun rolling, while the Mayor and a tech guest chat live on the Mayor’s Desk Podcast. Plus, see the new al...

School’s back in Alabama — but when exactly? Most districts start in early to mid-August, with a few like Huntsville kicking off as early as August 5th, while Birmingham and Mobile begin on August 10th. Always verify with your local school or the Alabama State Department of Education for the official calendar, as dates can vary. Stay tuned as more info rolls in — planning for the new school year s...

The Northern District of Alabama is rewriting federal enforcement records with three landmark cases: the biggest-ever sports betting bust, the takedown of a darknet child exploitation kingpin, and one of the largest dog fighting prosecutions in history. In the sports betting scandal, nine conspirators pleaded guilty to running a $2 billion offshore operation, paying nearly $20 million in back taxe...

Clara Ester, the 77-year-old civil rights hero and United Methodist leader who witnessed Dr. King’s assassination at 19 and spent decades fighting for justice, has died. A founding voice of Memphis’ 1968 sanitation strike and a 30-year minister at Dumas Wesley, she rose to national church leadership, including Vice President of United Methodist Women, and continued shaping the church’s racial just...

Boden, the British fashion brand famous for bold colors and lasting quality, is making its mark in Birmingham with its third-ever U.S. store—set to open in Fall 2026 at The Summit. With a playful “you’ve probably never heard of us” vibe, they’re bringing timeless, responsibly sourced styles for women, men, and kids to a spot between Fabletics and Altar’d State. This bold move follows their success...

In Orange Beach, Alabama, a family-run meat shop is turning nostalgia into flavor with hand-cranked sausages, 15 bold homemade varieties—including wild blueberry cheese—and a full lineup of take-and-heat favorites. Founded in 2011 by Wes Beard’s parents, the shop now thrives under his leadership, blending old-school craftsmanship with modern business savvy. From premium steaks and jerky to pet tre...

Central Alabama Water’s board just wrapped up its annual July meeting, reelecting Tommy Hudson as Chairman and Phillip Wiedmeyer as Vice-Chairman for another year. Shan Paden steps into the secretary role, while Lester Smith, already CFO, takes on treasurer duties. Both Hudson and Wiedmeyer emphasized their commitment to customer-first service and continuous improvement. With clear bylaws supporti...

Alabama braces for severe weather over the next three days as storms roll in with strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning—especially in the afternoon and evening. A Level Two risk hits northern Alabama Saturday, while Sunday brings a Level One risk statewide except for Mobile and Baldwin counties. Northern areas could see up to two inches of rain, and storm chances linger through Monday and Tuesda...

A tragic single-vehicle crash on I-20 in Birmingham early Friday morning claimed the life of 38-year-old Phylicia Cherea Wilson. The accident occurred near the I-20W and I-59S interchange just after 2 a.m., a high-traffic area now marked by sorrow. Authorities are actively investigating the cause, with no further details released as the probe continues. This heartbreaking incident serves as a sobe...

A woman is suing a former massage therapist and the spa he worked for, claiming she was sexually assaulted during a 90-minute massage in July 2025. The lawsuit alleges the therapist exposed himself and touched her without consent, then the spa owner downplayed her report by praising his experience and offering a refund and free future sessions. Further claims accuse the spa of knowingly hiring him...

Academy Sports is slashing the price on The North Face Jester Backpack—down from $90 to just $72—making it a rare steal for students, commuters, or anyone who needs a durable, high-capacity pack. Packed with features like a laptop sleeve, comfy suspension, water-resistant fabric, and reflective details, it’s built to handle daily life without breaking a sweat. With thousands of glowing reviews pra...

Jefferson County is getting a major boost with a $70,694 grant from Governor Kay Ivey to launch a groundbreaking substance abuse treatment program inside its jail, targeting inmates with substance use disorders through medication, counseling, regular drug screenings, and post-release referrals — all aimed at breaking the cycle of crime and helping individuals rebuild their lives. Listen in comfort...

Step into Mississippi’s hidden cinematic gem, Canton — where Hollywood shoots meet Civil Rights history. This charming town, dubbed the Movie Capital of Mississippi, has hosted classics like “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “A Time to Kill,” with a dedicated museum celebrating its film legacy. But it’s the deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement that truly define it — home to the last standing COR...

Niki’s West in Birmingham just snagged the crown for Alabama’s best Southern comfort food spot — a title that’s as rich as the meat-and-three plates they’ve been dishing since 1957. With a Greek twist, cafeteria-style charm, and food that tastes like grandma’s kitchen, this Birmingham institution is now nationally recognized by Cheapism, standing toe-to-toe with Southern legends across the country...

A 33-year-old Birmingham man just got 20 years in federal prison for trafficking meth while armed — and he’s already a convicted murderer. Authorities caught him selling to an informant, flashing a gun, and later found two stolen pistols, one modified into a machine gun. As a felon, he had no right to possess weapons — and prosecutors sent a clear message: lawbreakers in communities will face full...

A massage therapist and the day spa he worked for are facing a major lawsuit after two clients allege sexual abuse — one in July 2025, another in January 2026. The therapist, Matthew Owen Jones, was arrested and released on $30,000 bond. Lawyers for one victim claim he sexually assaulted her during a routine massage, leaving her too frightened to resist. When she reported it, the spa allegedly dis...

When someone asks you to pet their dog and you’re not into it, don’t just say no—risking awkwardness or offending the owner. Miss Manners says a quick, harmless excuse like “my hands are a bit grubby” works wonders. It’s polite, universally understood, and lets you set boundaries without drama. Social grace isn’t about pretending to love dogs—it’s about navigating small moments with kindness and c...

Target’s selling a Whirlpool mini fridge with a real freezer for just $149 — that’s $70 off its usual $219 price — plus free shipping. Perfect for dorms or small apartments, it’s a Bestseller with nearly 3,000 reviews. Unlike most mini fridges, this one has a dedicated freezer for ice cream and frozen veggies, plus Energy Star certification to keep energy bills low. It offers 3.1 cubic feet of spa...

Big Savings Home Goods just dropped in Birmingham’s Crestwood Festival Center, offering massive discounts on sofas, dining sets, and workout gear — all locally owned and open Tuesday through Sunday. It’s not just furniture; it’s a whole new vibe for the center, which has also added an adventure park, pickleball courts, and fresh eats. Whether you’re upgrading your living room or setting up a home...

Redstone Arsenal is inviting the Tennessee Valley community to explore its hidden gems with a new free Recreation Passport, launched alongside the Madison Chamber of Commerce. Designed to build stronger ties and boost local engagement, the program lets approved badge holders collect stamps from three different activities on base for a sweet prize. Think of it as a fun, interactive scavenger hunt t...

A 48-year-old man, Chris Dean Nelson, faces serious animal cruelty charges after allegedly abandoning dogs without food, water, or power for weeks—leaving them in near-death conditions. Authorities uncovered the horror on June 30, and he’s since bonded out, but the case is compounded by a separate probation violation from a prior assault conviction. Court docs describe this as intentional neglect,...

Birmingham’s real estate scene just got a major upgrade—14 brand-new homes hitting the market this weekend, from a luxury 4-bed, 3.5-bath gem in Vestavia Hills ($1.15M) to a cozy 2-bedroom in Gardendale ($234,900). Listings span Homewood, Irondale, Pelham, and even a sprawling 7-acre lot in Hayden. Whether you’re a growing family or a solo seeker, there’s something for every budget and lifestyle....

A grandma glued to her phone at dinner, scrolling through videos of her granddaughters, missed the point entirely — even after subtle hints. The host, baffled, turned to Miss Manners for advice, who suggested grandparent brain might be at play — and that directness, or showing your own phone away, might be the only way to get through. The host walked away with a small win: using “nonplussed” corre...