Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
15 of Birmingham’s biggest news stories in 2025
Reading time: 7 minutes
In 2025, Bham Now covered 2025’s exciting surprises — many happy, but some bittersweet — and we’re taking a look back to see what stories really resonated with Birmingham.
From business openings and closings to some government reminders, these are Bham Now’s most-read stories of 2025.
15. Furnace Chicken Festival
News of Birmingham’s first chicken festival captured the attention of Magic City this summer. Furnace Chicken Festival took place June 1 at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, where food trucks and vendors from across the city came to share their delicious chicken.
Read more from Callie Morrison: Birmingham’s first-ever chicken festival is June 1
14. New Alabama license plates
It’s always exciting when we have new ways to give our car its own personal flair, and folks were excited to learn about their upcoming options. One of the coolest looking tags is a specialty plate from the Alabama Wildlife Center, and it will be the state’s first tag supporting injured and orphaned animals if 1,000 people pre-register by May 1, 2026. Learn more about pre-registering here.
Read more from Grace Garrison: Proposed license plate coming to Alabama in 2025—here’s what to know
13. Local public schools named among Alabama’s top 10
Everyone wants a chance to brag about their alma mater or their kid’s school. In August, U.S. News and World Report put five Birmingham-area public schools on the list for best high schools in Alabama: Homewood High School, Mountain Brook High School, Vestavia Hills High School, Hewitt Trussville High School and Spain Park High School.
Read more from Pat Byington: Five Birmingham-area public high schools named among the top 10 in Alabama by U.S. News
12. Alabama’s STAR ID deadline finally arrived
Any air travelers were (hopefully) more than familiar with the impending STAR ID requirement, especially after it was extended. In April, it was finally crunch time to get that star on your driver license to reach the May 7, 2025 deadline.
Read more from Cindy Hatcher: Alabama’s STAR ID deadline is May 7—here’s what to know
11. Yet another chicken joint is making its way to Hoover
There will always be some complainers when another fried chicken restaurant opens its doors, but excitement outweighed the eye rolls this time. Foosackly’s, a Mobile-based fast food chain, purchased some land in Hoover this summer, and the real estate company representing it is looking for other potential locations in Birmingham.
Read more from Nathan Watson: Popular Mobile-based chicken joint coming to Hoover
10. New cocktail dessert bar opens
The new Ampersand Cocktails and Desserts bar was all the buzz this summer when it opened in July. As Birmingham’s first dedicated dessert bar, Ampersand Cocktails & Desserts specializes in high-end, alcohol-infused desserts and equally-as-sweet cocktails. In addition to traditional craft cocktails, Ampersand serves seasonally-rotating drinks and signature cocktails.
Read more from Nathan Watson: New cocktail + dessert bar opening in Birmingham, July 4
9. One of Alabama’s best hotels is in Birmingham
Anyone looking for a staycation? It’s worth checking out the Elyton Hotel, which was chosen by travel website Far and Wide as the best hotel in Alabama.
Located on the Heaviest Corner on Earth at 20th Street South and 1st Avenue North, the 247-foot-tall Classical Revival skyscraper called the Empire Building was redeveloped into the luxurious Elyton Hotel in 2017.
Read more from Pat Byington: This Birmingham hotel is the best in Alabama, according to national travel site
8. Irondale’s upcoming Costco
Nothing gets folks excited like news of a big-box store coming to town. In July, the City of Irondale announced a $105 million projected investment in Costco’s development at 4514 Grants Mill Trail.
In December, Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. said it is projected to open Spring 2028.
Read more from Mary Helene Hall: New Costco coming to Irondale
7. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre demolition
Lifelong Birmingham residents probably have some fond memories of seeing a show at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Oak Mountain Amphitheatre has a long been major stop for some of rock and country’s greatest musicians. When the City of Pelham announced in February that the venue would be demolished, many were saddened to hear the news, but others were excited by what’s to come.
Read more from Caleb Turrentine: Oak Mountain Amphitheatre set to be demolished
6. UFL’s response to Birmingham Stallions possible relocation
Social media was buzzing in July after online reports said the Birmingham Stallions may have played their final game at Protective Stadium. While there have certainly been some good showings for many Stallions games over the years, the league as a whole saw a dip in attendance since its merger to create the UFL. The league quieted concerns after releasing a statement saying they had “nothing to report on any unauthorized speculation.”
Read more from Caleb Turrentine: UFL responds after multiple reports of relocating Birmingham Stallions
5. Habañeros in Hoover closes
After 20 years in the Hoover Commons shopping center, beloved Mexican restaurant Habañeros closed its doors for good. Luckily for its loyal customers, they reopened in September at a new location in Hoover within the Centre at Riverchase.
Read more from Nathan Watson: Popular Mexican restaurant in Hoover has closed
4. The 10 new restaurants we were excited to try in 2025
There’s always something exciting going on with the Birmingham food scene, and we started out 2025 with news of several new and upcoming restaurants joining the fray. These were the spots we were most excited to try — from Fairway Social to the new Carrigan’s.
Read more by Matt Scalici: 10 new Birmingham restaurants we can’t wait to try in 2025
3. Salem’s Diner named the best diner in Alabama
Regulars of this 20-year-old diner in Homewood were not surprised to learn that the “Home of the Philly Cheesesteak” was being recognized for its classic menu, customer service and all-around atmosphere. Food publication Mashed called out Salem’s Diner in June on its list of the best diners in all 50 states.
Read more from Nathan Watson: Popular local eatery named Best Diner in Alabama
2. Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial Corp merger
When two banks with a large presence in Birmingham announced they would merge, our readers wanted to know how this could impact them and their banking. During the first quarter of 2026, Synovus branches in the area will start the transition to Pinnacle Bank. Great news, though: Customers of both banks can expect access to a broader, combined range of financial services, digital tools and wealth management options.
Read more from Nathan Watson: Two major Southeastern banks are merging; what it means for Birmingham
1. Winn-Dixie locations closing around Birmingham
In October, Winn-Dixie announced it would close three Birmingham-area locations — in Fultondale, Trussville and Jasper — so that they could transition to become Food City grocery stores. Some folks were disappointed that their regular grocery store would be going away, but others were excited for the change.
Read more from Pat Byington: Winn-Dixie closing 3 Birmingham locations to transition to new grocery stores
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