Good morning, Birmingham.

David Arias — executive director at Sloss Furnaces — urged the public to respect the historic site after unsightly graffiti was found near First Avenue North; the graffiti is set to be removed within a week.

The venue remains under close watch with 18 cameras and two guards.

BirminghamAI will host its 2026 Kickoff event on Wednesday, Jan.

14 at Red Mountain Theatre (1600 3rd Ave S), featuring a panel with OpenAI experts and interactive AI sessions. Attendees will enjoy food, drinks and networking as the nonprofit marks a new chapter for local tech enthusiasts.

The Homewood Band is marching in the Tournament of Roses (Pasadena).

The local group will showcase its musical talent in a parade that celebrates community spirit.

Homewood High School’s Patriot Band, the largest band in the state with over 380 students, will march at the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 6 under rare rainy conditions (the 11th rainy parade since 1890).

Videos show they perform well despite the soggy weather.

Last month, students from five HBCUs competed at Alabama Power headquarters downtown in the fourth annual HBCU Energy Hackathon, where teams designed a digital tool estimating non-energy benefits of home upgrades; winners were named for best four-year institution (Alabama A&M), best two-year institution (Lawson State) and community impact (Talladega College).

Birmingham began construction on permanent barriers for its Safe Streets: East Lake project using steel bollards and planted trees, with work started in late December and expected to finish by March 30.

City officials say the improvements aim to officially enhance safety — helping lead to wider project expansion.

Birmingham began constructing permanent safety barriers in East Lake to replace temporary concrete blocks, with completion expected by March 30 (city officials say the new design features steel bollards and tree-lined curbs to improve safety despite mixed feedback).

Alabama Senate Bill 9 would treat e-cigarettes and vape pens like traditional tobacco by prohibiting indoor vaping in public spaces.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Allen and under review by the Healthcare Committee, will take effect Oct. 1 if passed, requiring businesses to update policies.

Bham Now compiled a list of the 25 best restaurants in Birmingham based on awards, reviews and expert picks.

The list features longtime favorites and new spots serving Southern staples and diverse ethnic cuisine (evaluated on criteria like popularity and media mentions) to guide residents' meal choices.

Birmingham is planning 15 new projects for 2026, including a nature preserve in Hueytown and a new downtown education center (adding mixed-use renovations across historic sites) to bring parks, housing, offices and recreational spaces to the community.

ESPN's Paul Finebaum sharply criticized Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer and his team for a soft performance in the Rose Bowl loss to Indiana on New Year's Day, noting that the program has not lived up to its legacy.

During the Rose Bowl against Indiana, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was pulled after he suffered a cracked rib and was replaced by sophomore Austin Mack, who finished with 103 yards.

Coach Kalen DeBoer said Simpson tried his best despite the injury and the team's struggles in the game.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Magic City Bitcoin Meetup

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage with local enthusiasts to discuss all things bitcoin.

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.

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.

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.