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

An 18-year-old from Honduras, granted special immigrant juvenile status for abuse, is now in ICE detention after a traffic stop — a betrayal by the very system that once protected him. While building a life in Alabama, he’s missed family milestones and faces harsh conditions in a facility with deadly lapses. His community, including former detainees, is rallying to free him, symbolized by the chai...

Spain reels from its deadliest wildfire in 20 years, claiming 11 lives, leaving 8 injured and 19 missing in the sun-baked Almeria region. Victims were found trapped in burned-out cars, many having ignored evacuation orders — some even perished trying to flee through a treacherous dry riverbed. Over 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers battle the inferno fueled by 100-degree heat, while officials susp...

Alabama’s Department of Corrections is turning to law firm Butler Snow—already reprimanded by a federal judge for using AI to fabricate legal citations—to chase down $15 million from bankrupt healthcare provider YesCare, after dropping a $200K contract due to unpaid staff. State Rep. Chris England slammed the move, calling for better vetting of law firms and questioning whether YesCare’s mismanage...

An ICE agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston — a man who wasn’t even the target. ICE had been surveilling a property and mistook Araujo’s white van for their suspect. Araujo, a 35-year U.S. resident with no criminal record and nearly finalized legal status, was just trying to get home. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia is demanding accountability and independent investigation, as DHS’s in...

Squishy gel toys are exploding in microwaves — and kids are getting burned. Social media challenges are driving dangerous experiments, with hospitalizations for severe burns already reported. Fire marshals, toy makers, and platforms are sounding the alarm: these toys aren’t meant for heating, and trying to replicate viral videos can cause permanent injury. Experts urge parents to talk to kids and...

Summer’s here and Alabama’s got free fun for everyone—waterfalls, weird art, history, and nature without spending a dime. Hit Noccalula Falls for a 90-foot cascade, cruise past the Drive-Thru Museum of Wonder’s wild folk art, or marvel at Bamahenge’s fiberglass Stonehenge. History lovers can explore Montgomery’s Museum of Alabama or Fort Rucker’s aviation gems, while tree-carvers and nature fans f...

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is hyping his league as the deepest and most competitive in college football, backed by a $20 million Monster Energy deal and global expansion plans — but the numbers don’t match the hype. With just one playoff appearance in the last decade and a dismal 1-8 record since the playoff era began, the conference’s on-field performance lags behind its marketing push. In...

Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Know the difference before you need care—Medicare is the government program that covers you anywhere in the U.S., while Medicare Advantage is private insurance with its own rules, costs, and coverage restrictions. Don’t get caught off guard—clarify which plan you’re on to avoid surprises and ensure you get the care you need. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a S...

The University of Alabama community is in deep mourning after the sudden passing of Investigator Justin Beal, who died after a courageous battle with a rare cancer. His family shared that his condition rapidly declined, leaving a profound void. Tributes poured in from across campus and law enforcement, culminating in a moving candlelight vigil. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: h...

The Smithsonian just named Rickwood Field in Birmingham one of America’s 250 most worthy places to celebrate — and for good reason. This historic ballpark, the oldest still standing and playing professional baseball, is a living time capsule linking the Negro Leagues to MLB, honoring legends who broke barriers. Local advocates were stunned by the honor, hoping it draws even more visitors — especia...

Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., Alabama’s rising defensive back with NFL bloodlines, faced a major setback after his arrest in 2025—leading to a season suspension—but he’s back on the field this spring, working to reclaim his spot in a stacked secondary as he eyes a breakout junior year. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn...

Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot is closing temporarily starting September 8, 2026, as part of Disney’s $60 billion park upgrade plan — though the exact reason remains unconfirmed. This unique dining spot, the only one in Walt Disney World where you eat beside a live coral reef, will be shuttered for now, despite its recent dinner-only hours adjustment. While no reopening date is set, Disney hints i...

A listener wrestling with cancer and guilt over hiding their diagnosis from their sharp, 100-year-old mom finds themselves caught between protecting her from worry and honoring her need to know. With a compromised immune system, travel is off the table, and they fear burdening her—until Abby challenges them: withholding the truth may hurt more than the reality. She urges a gentle, honest conversat...

Wedowee’s utilities board uncovers $670,000 in suspicious vendor payments stretching back 12 years, prompting a forensic audit and renewed scrutiny as the town faces state investigation. The director says he’s not blaming anyone but insists on transparency, especially around mileage reimbursements and lagoon chemical costs that seem wildly out of line with current prices. Former chairman Mayor Tim...

A controversy is unfolding in Alabama after an employee from the LGBTQ+-focused Magic City Acceptance Academy, Emily Eddings-Sandley, was allegedly appointed to the state textbook committee via a letter from Superintendent Eric Mackey. But here’s the twist: state law requires approval from both the State Board of Education and the State Senate — neither of which confirmed her. Governor Kay Ivey’s...

Mobile County Sheriff’s Office takes charge of 148 unprocessed sexual assault kits from Prichard PD, part of 247 total — only 99 have been analyzed. With investigations now under sheriff’s oversight since June, the goal is full inventory, secure storage, and thorough forensic review. Law enforcement is rallying federal, state, and local partners to ensure every case gets justice — evidence-driven,...

A fierce cultural battle is unfolding in Mobile, Alabama—and it’s a microcosm of a national struggle over the very definition of love. At its heart: a clash between modern, secular views and traditional, faith-rooted values. Lawmakers are pushing legislation to reinforce Christian principles in schools and public life, from displaying the Ten Commandments to banning what they call “woke nonsense.”...

State Rep. Chris England is demanding a fraud probe into YesCare, the now-bankrupt company that managed healthcare for Alabama inmates under a $1 billion contract. After the state rushed a $10 million payment in April—meant to cover two pay periods—YesCare only paid staff for the first, leaving employees unpaid and raising alarms. The company’s chief restructuring officer vaguely claimed the rest...

UAB softball coach Taylor Smartt is out after an investigation confirmed she violated university policies and NCAA rules, following allegations of physical and mental abuse first reported by Sports Illustrated in May. The school is committed to athlete safety and has named Anna Shelnutt interim head coach while searching for a permanent replacement. Smartt’s tenure began in August 2024, and UAB is...

July 10th, 2026, brings a cosmic nudge to slow down, embrace authenticity, and let communication unfold naturally—where the messenger matters as much as the message. Relationships thrive when built on trust and shared history, not forced urgency. Focus on the joy of the process, not applause—it’s the substance that truly counts. Let creativity flow wild and free; even wild ideas hold hidden gold....

Labaron Philon Jr. exploded for 18 points in his NBA Summer League debut with the Sixers, hitting 4 of 10 threes and dishing 7 assists as Philly cruised to a 101-93 win over Detroit. He joined four other teammates in double figures, while Johni Broome added 19 points and 13 rebounds. Dante Maddox Jr. led the team with 21 points. The Sixers face the Pacers Saturday at 4:30 PM — don’t miss Philon’s...

In a heartbreaking turn, University of Alabama Police Investigator Justin Beal passed away after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. His final days were marked by a rapid decline, yet he held on until his last moments, even fulfilling his daughter’s wish to light a sparkler in his favorite color, green. A campus candlelight vigil, born Listen in comfort: Get...

UAB softball’s head coach Taylor Smartt is out after two seasons, following an independent investigation that confirmed multiple allegations including racist remarks, abuse, and misconduct — all leading to her immediate dismissal. Athletic Director Mark Ingram thanked the team for their patience and announced assistant coach Anna Shelnutt as interim head coach while UAB searches for a new permanen...

Pelham’s City Council just greenlit the Highway 261 widening project, paving the way for sewer and water line relocations — with $350K set aside now, even though the state plans to reimburse later. Smart move: tackling utility upgrades early avoids future headaches. Meanwhile, Alabama Power joins forces to upgrade streetlights along U.S. Highway 31 with 100+ new LED fixtures. And don’t miss the bu...

Alabama’s new food truck law, effective January 1, 2027, slashes red tape by replacing duplicate county inspections with just two statewide certifications—one health, one fire—valid across the entire state. Though the law went into effect July 3, 2026, the real relief hits in 2027, letting vendors like Johnny Simpkins of O My Turkey Leg expand without bureaucratic headaches. Cities still enforce l...