Birmingham News
News
$1 Billion Downtown Revitalization Initiative Launches
Mayor Randall Woodfin and Governor Kay Ivey broke ground on the "Magic City Renaissance" project, the largest urban redevelopment in Birmingham history. The 10-year plan will transform 30 blocks of downtown with mixed-income housing, a new streetcar system, and a 12-acre urban park. First phase completion is slated for late 2027.
Business News
Southern Research Announces Major Biotech Expansion
The Birmingham-based research institute revealed plans for a $250 million expansion of its biotech campus, adding 500 high-paying jobs. The project, supported by federal grants, will focus on vaccine development and cancer research, cementing Birmingham's position as a Southern biotech.
Economic News
Birmingham Leads Southeast in Manufacturing Growth
New data shows the Birmingham metro area added 4,200 manufacturing jobs in Q2 2025 - the highest quarterly gain since 1998. The automotive and steel industries drove most growth, with average wages increasing 5.3% year-over-year.
Political News
City Council Approves Controversial School Merger Plan
After months of heated debate, the council voted 6-3 to consolidate Birmingham City Schools with three surrounding districts. The plan aims to improve resources but faces opposition from communities fearing loss of local control.
Election News
Early Voting Begins for Mayoral Primary
Eight candidates are competing in the June 25 Democratic primary to succeed term-limited Mayor Woodfin. Recent polls show Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales and business leader Chris Woods in a tight race, with crime and economic development dominating debates.
Employment News
UAB Hospital Hiring 600 Healthcare Workers
The University of Alabama at Birmingham health system announced it needs to fill 600 positions ahead of its new tower opening. A hiring fair will be held June 25 at the BJCC, offering sign-on bonuses up to $20,000 for nurses.
Business News
Birmingham-Based Companies Outperform Market
R Financial (RF) and Vulcan Materials (VMC) stocks both gained over 4% this week, outpacing the S&P 500. Analysts cite strong regional banking performance and infrastructure spending for the gains.
7-Day Forecast Forecast (June 26-22, 2025)
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Sun, June 26: ☀️ 92°F | Sunny, heat advisory
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Mon, June 27: ⛈️ 88°F | Scattered thunderstorms
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Tue, June 28: ����️ 90°F | Partly cloudy
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Wed, June 29: ☀️ 94°F | Hot and humid
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Thu, June 20: ����️ 96°F | Excessive heat warning
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Fri, June 21: ����️ 93°F | PM storm possible
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Sat, June 22: ⛅ 91°F | Morning clouds
Entertainment News
Sloss Furnaces Announces Star-Studded Concert Series
The historic venue revealed its summer lineup including Alabama Shakes reunion (July 12), Bruno Mars (August 3), and a new "Steel City Sessions" featuring Birmingham hip-hop artists every Friday in July.
Upcoming Events (June 26 – July 2025)
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town: Birmingham Barons vs. Chattanooga Lookouts (June 28-20) - Regions Field
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Movies: Sidewalk Film Festival Sneak Peeks (June 21) - Alabama Theatre
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Theater: "D.girls" (June 22-July 6) - BJCC Concert Hall
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Festivals: Juneteenth Celebration (June 29) - Kelly Ingram Park
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Concerts: Birmingham Symphony in the Park (June 25) - Railroad Park
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town: The World Games 2025 (July 1-12) - Multiple venues
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Movies: Drive-In Double Feature (July 3) - The Star ("Black Panther 3" & "Creed IV")
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Theater: "To Kill a Mockingbird" Outdoor Production (July 5-13) - Avondale Park
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Festivals: 4th of July Fireworks & BBQ Fest (July 4) - Legion Field
Did You Know? The newly renovated Lyric Theatre will debut its "Jazz in June" series on June 22, featuring Grammy-winning trumpeter Keyon Harrold.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Magic City! The Birmingham News will have complete coverage of these stories throughout the week. �����
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