If you’ve stepped outside in Birmingham today, you know the vibe is shifting. There’s this weird mix of legislative tension coming up from Montgomery and the local buzz of a city that's trying to figure out what it looks like in 2026. Honestly, between the comedy scene changing hands and the high-stakes bills moving through the State House, there’s a lot to keep track of.
Birmingham Alabama news today is dominated by a few heavy hitters: a controversial new election audit bill that just cleared its first big hurdle, a massive shift in the local entertainment landscape, and the usual "clouds on the horizon" warnings from fiscal leaders that sound a bit like a broken record—but might actually matter this time.
The State House Fireworks
Yesterday, things got a little heated in Montgomery, and it directly impacts us here in the Magic City. The Alabama House of Representatives passed House Bill 95. This is the post-election audit bill sponsored by Joe Lovvorn. It passed 72-25, mostly along party lines, and it’s basically the first major piece of legislation to move in the 2026 session.
Representative Juandalynn Givan, who we all know doesn't hold back, had some choice words about it. She’s worried about how these audits might be used or if they’re even necessary, considering election fraud is statistically almost non-existent in Alabama. The Legislative Fiscal Office is saying these audits could cost about $35,000 per day. That’s not pocket change.
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Local leaders are watching this closely because the bill requires probate judges to conduct audits after every general election. It doesn't change the results, but it adds a layer of bureaucracy that some say builds trust and others say just wastes money we don’t have.
Farewell to an Era at the Stardome
On the business and entertainment front, Birmingham just lost a bit of its soul—or at least, a local legend did. Bruce Ayers has officially sold the Stardome Comedy Club after 42 years. If you’ve ever gone there to see someone like Steve Harvey or Sinbad before they were massive, you know how much that place means to the Hoover and Greater Birmingham area.
The new owners are Helium Comedy Clubs, a group out of Philadelphia. Tonight marks the very first shows under their management. It’s kinda surreal. The Stardome has been the only dedicated comedy spot in town for a long time, and while Helium is a big name, locals are definitely wondering if that "Magic City" flavor is going to stay or if it’ll start feeling like every other corporate club.
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Budget Clouds and the "Beautiful" New Law
We’re also hearing some pretty sober warnings from state financial officials. Even though the current budgets look healthy, they’re warning of "clouds on the horizon." Basically, the federal government is shifting more responsibility for things like Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps) back to the states.
There's also a lot of talk about the "Beautiful" New Law signed by Trump last year. This is forcing Alabama to make some tough calls this year about state taxes on tips and overtime. If the state doesn't align its tax code with the new federal rules, things could get messy for workers in the service industry.
Real Estate and Redevelopment: The Parkside Shift
If you drive past the old Sherman Industries site near I-65, you've probably noticed it looks like a ghost town of concrete silos. Well, the City's Design Review Committee just gave conceptual approval for a massive 335-unit multifamily complex there.
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The plan is to tear down those old silos at 1100 Second Ave. S. and put up a five-story building with a 530-car garage. It’s a huge deal for the Parkside district. This property has been sitting there for years, with developers backing out in 2022, but this time it seems like it's actually happening. Fifth Dimension Architecture is the firm behind it, and they're trying to keep some "modern industrial" nods to the site's history.
What’s Coming Up This Weekend
Since it’s Friday, January 16, you’re probably looking at the weekend. Here’s the quick rundown of what’s actually happening:
- UAB Women's Tennis: They open their season today at 3 p.m. against No. 4 Auburn. Tough start, but the Blazers are coming off a 14-9 season.
- The Black Jacket Symphony: They’re prepping for a massive performance of Pink Floyd’s The Wall at the BJCC later this month, but tickets are moving fast today.
- MLK Weekend: Monday is the 19th, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is gearing up for "King Day Free Day." The 40th Annual MLK Unity Breakfast is also set for Monday at The STAR Church.
- Birmingham Squadron: They played Motor City yesterday and have a rematch tomorrow, Saturday the 17th, at the BJCC.
The Birmingham Bottom Line
It’s easy to get lost in the noise, but the reality of Birmingham Alabama news today is that the city is in a state of transition. We’re seeing old-school local businesses like the Stardome sell out to national chains, while massive industrial eyesores are being turned into luxury apartments.
At the same time, our representatives in Montgomery are fighting over election rules that could cost the state millions. It’s a lot.
Actionable Next Steps for Locals:
- Check your voter registration: With the new audit bill passing the House, stay informed on how local probate judges will be handling upcoming elections.
- Support local comedy: If you're a regular at the Stardome, go check out a show this weekend and see how the new management is handling things.
- Plan your MLK Day: If you want to hit the Civil Rights Institute on Monday, get there early. The "Free Day" usually draws massive crowds and parking downtown will be a nightmare.
- Watch the tax talk: Keep an eye on the state legislature's decisions regarding taxes on tips and overtime; if you work in hospitality, this could hit your paycheck directly by mid-year.
Stay safe out there, and keep an eye on the weather—January in Alabama is always a roll of the dice.