Reviewed by: Audrey Kent
15 of the biggest stories across Alabama in 2025
Reading time: 5 minutes
From rare snowfall along the Gulf Coast to historic sports moments and major developments across the state, 2025 brought no shortage of headlines in Alabama. Here’s a look back at 15 of the biggest stories from the year.
1. Snow covered Alabama’s beaches
Alabama experienced a truly rare weather event in when snow fell along the state’s Gulf Coast, covering beaches in places like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The National Weather Service recorded more than five inches of snowfall in parts of the area, breaking long-standing records and turning the coastline into an unexpected winter scene.
2. Miss Alabama crowned Miss America 2025
Alabama was in the national spotlight in early 2025 when Miss Alabama Abbie Stockard was crowned Miss America. The Auburn University student became the fourth Miss Alabama to earn the title, marking the state’s first Miss America win in two decades.
3. U.S. Space Command developments keep Alabama in the spotlight
Alabama made national headlines when it was announced that U.S. Space Command is set to relocate its headquarters to Huntsville. The decision marked a major win for North Alabama, with significant implications for national security, economic growth and the state’s role in the aerospace and defense industry.
4. Auburn names Alex Golesh as head football coach
Auburn football also made headlines in late 2025 when the university introduced Alex Golesh as its next head coach. The hire marked a new chapter for the Tigers following a midseason coaching change and sparked statewide conversation about the program’s future.
5. Margaritaville resort announced for Alabama
Margaritaville officially broke ground on a new resort in Orange Beach. The project marked the first Margaritaville resort in the state and signaled a major addition to the Gulf Coast’s growing list of destinations.
6. No. 1 vs. No. 2 basketball Iron Bowl
The historic No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup marked the first time two SEC teams met in a top-two showdown, drawing national attention to the Iron Bowl rivalry on the hardwood.
7. Winn-Dixie stores transition to Aldi
Alabama’s grocery landscape began to shift in 2025 as seven Winn-Dixie locations across the state were slated to become Aldi stores. The changes followed Aldi’s acquisition of Winn-Dixie’s parent company and signaled broader changes for shoppers in several Alabama communities.
8. Alabama ties to the Country Music Awards
Alabama artists took center stage in 2025 when several state natives earned top honors at the CMA Awards. The wins highlighted Alabama’s continued influence on country music, with artists from across the state bringing home some of the night’s biggest awards.
9. Saban Center breaks ground in Tuscaloosa
A major milestone was reached when the Saban Center officially celebrated its groundbreaking in Tuscaloosa. The $120 million project is set to become a statewide hub for STEM education and hands-on learning, expanding Nick and Terry Saban’s legacy beyond the football field.
10. The Life of Chuck filmed in Alabama
The Stephen King adaptation The Life of Chuck, filmed in multiple locations across the state, hit theaters nationwide. The film showcased south Alabama on the big screen and highlighted the state’s growing role in major film productions.
11. Alabama-owned horse competes in the Kentucky Derby
Alabama was represented on one of horse racing’s biggest stages when Coal Battle, an Alabama-owned horse, competed in the Kentucky Derby. Owned by Semmes native Robbie Norman, Coal Battle finished 11th in the field, marking the state’s return to the Derby spotlight decades after its last win.
12. UNA marching band performs in Thanksgiving parade
The University of North Alabama was in the national spotlight when UNA’s Marching Pride performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The appearance marked the band’s first time participating in the iconic parade and showcased Alabama talent on a national stage.
13. Brookwood Village redevelopment plans take shape
Brookwood Village continued to evolve in 2025 as redevelopment efforts took shape at the former Birmingham-area shopping center. A notable sign of progress came when Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center subleased the former Belk space at Brookwood Village, part of broader plans to bring new life to the property and future mixed-use developments.
14. Kentuck Festival brings arts spotlight to Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa’s Kentuck Festival of the Arts announced its return to the city. After a successful move to Snow Hinton Park, the festival’s continued presence highlighted both the growth of the event and the city’s investment in arts and culture.
15. Gulf Shores International Airport developments move forward
Alabama reached a major milestone in 2025 when Gulf Shores International Airport officially opened and welcomed its first commercial flights. The launch expanded travel options for residents and visitors alike, connecting the Gulf Coast with new nonstop destinations and boosting the region’s tourism footprint.
Did we miss a story that stood out to you this year? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
