Daily
Birmingham
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Birmingham. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Make-A-Wish Alabama is hosting its 10th annual Trailblaze Challenge starting January 5 in Birmingham. Participants attend an info session and training before a 26.3-mile hike along the Pinhoti Trail in Talladega National Forest in spring (with aid stations and support provided). Bham Now
- ➤ On Dec. 31, Birmingham’s Lovelady Center purchased a 56-unit apartment complex (Brenda’s Courtyard) three blocks away, and it will offer independent housing with ongoing support for 112 graduates. Current residents who move out by March 1 will receive a $1,000 incentive. WVTM 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Homewood Piggly Wiggly closed at 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 along Montgomery Highway to make way for a redevelopment that will bring a larger store, additional parking, safer child routes, improved traffic flow, and green space. It is expected to reopen by the end of 2026. Bham Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Birmingham Zoo is celebrating today with its Cougar Countdown starting at 6 p.m. in the zoo's plaza. Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities and educational activities from 5 to 7 p.m. as they view over 300 animal lanterns at Glow Wild while Alabama Wilds remains closed for animal rest. WVTM 13
- ➤ The Homewood Patriot Band from Homewood High is marching in the 137th Rose Parade today at 10 a.m. CST in Pasadena. The number two act will lead into the 3 p.m. CST Rose Bowl where the Crimson Tide takes on the top-ranked Hoosiers. Yellowhammer News
- ➤ On Wednesday, the Birmingham Zoo hosted ZooYears Eve with cougars, kid-friendly activities, and a daytime countdown from 1 to 3 p.m. at the newly opened Wojciechowski Cougar Crossing; zoo officials said the event strengthened community ties and hinted at surprises for 2026. ABC 33/40
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ CDC data from Dec. 20 shows flu cases rising due to a new H3N2 subclade K with high illness levels in over half the states. Health experts advise all over 6 months to get vaccinated, and locals in Birmingham should book flu shots soon to help prevent severe illness. 6 WBRC News
- ➤ The Alabama Department of Public Health reported rising flu cases across the state + Birmingham residents should take extra care as the flu season continues. 6 WBRC News
- ➤ Odenville 2-year-old Waylon Alvis is now home after four nights at Children's of Alabama for flu complications (he had breathing difficulty and a bloody nose) and even opened his Christmas presents on New Year's Eve. 6 WBRC News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Thirteen new developments opened in Birmingham in 2025, including UAB’s Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building (opened Oct. 23), Battery II in Southside, and the 9,000-seat Coca-Cola Amphitheater (which began with a June 22 performance by Matt Rife); these projects added adaptive reuse and major investments to neighborhoods citywide. Bham Now
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Be Worth Funding Bootcamp
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Innovation Depot Inc — $197 — A full-day training for nonprofit leaders focused on sustainable funding and mission clarity.
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Gentry Blue Live Concert
7-10:30 p.m. — The Nick — $7 Membership Card required — Experience the sonic depths of Gentry Blue's debut album 'Fragments'.
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Hartley Deatherage’s SuperJam
8-11 p.m. — The Nick — Membership required ($7/year) — Enjoy a night of Alternative Rock at a renowned local venue.
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C.A. Jones Concert
7-10 p.m. — Saturn — Ticket information available — Experience the melodic vibes of C.A. Jones with hits including Aquarius Moon.
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JD Baker at The Fennec
5:30-8 p.m. — The Fennec - Sports Bar & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a mix of acoustic vibes and lively jam sessions with local musician JD Baker.
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East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Samford Bulldogs Basketball
1-3 p.m. — Pete Hanna Center — Free trial available — Catch the live action as two college basketball teams face off in a thrilling matchup.
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Magic City Bitcoin Meetup
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage with local enthusiasts to discuss all things bitcoin.
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Carl Broemel Concert
8-10 p.m. — Saturn — Ticket prices vary — Experience Carl Broemel's soulful blend of folk, rock, and country in a vibrant music venue.
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2026 AMEA Professional Development Conference
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex — Registration required — Explore professional development for music educators in a vibrant setting.
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Trippin With Ty: Laughs and Good Vibes
5-8 p.m. — The Venue on 20th — Free entry — Enjoy good vibes, crazy stories, and nonstop laughs in person.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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