Good morning, Birmingham.

Milo's Tea Company closed its Homewood facility on Monday and moved over half of its jobs to a Bessemer site where employees keep their titles and pay + offered severance and career planning to the 38 associates not relocating.

Milo’s Tea Co. announced it is closing its Homewood facility effective immediately and relocating more than half of the impacted positions to its Bessemer site.

Employees who cannot transfer will receive four months of severance (plus benefit continuation) and be offered future job opportunities.

Sierra, a national outdoor retailer under TJX Companies, will open its first Alabama store at the former Bed Bath & Beyond site next to Trader Joe’s on Montgomery Hwy in Hoover; its opening is coming soon (more details to follow).

Five new Birmingham businesses are open or coming soon.

SoCal Smoothies in Lee Branch opened Dec. 27, High Dive in Lakeview welcomes guests, and Sierra, Einstein Bagel Co., and Daiquiri Factory are debuting soon — Homewood Piggly Wiggly is closed for renovations until end of 2026.

Milo's Tea ended operations at its Homewood plant today, and the company said it is developing transition plans for its employees.

Montgomery rector Candice Frazer and Denver dean Richard Lawson III interviewed at St. Luke’s in Mountain Brook on Jan.

3 as candidates to succeed retiring Bishop Glenda Curry, and the diocese will elect a new bishop on Jan. 24 with installation planned for June.

Birmingham gas prices rose 1.1 cents to average $2.50 per gallon this week with some stations at $2.19 and others at $2.89 plus prices remain 15 cents below last month and 24.4 cents lower than last year.

Senate Bill 19, sponsored by Senator Steve Livingston, aims to provide free prostate cancer screenings to high-risk men (including African American men and those with a family history) by offering PSA tests and digital rectal exams; if passed, the change will take effect Oct.

1.

UAB O’Neal Cancer Center will host its 41st annual ArtBLINK Gala on Saturday, Feb.

7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kirklin Clinic to honor cancer survivors Tricia Kirk and Neillie Butler with live painting, music and food — proceeds will fund research through O’Neal Invests.

UAB Health System finalized its purchase of Southview Medical Group on Jan.

1 — the group’s providers, who serve over 50,000 patients, are now part of UAB’s academic network to expand care coordination in Birmingham.

UAB Health System finished buying Southview Medical Group on Jan.

1. The deal joins providers from UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham and UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen to increase access to quality care in Birmingham; Southview has served local patients for over a century.

UAB Health System acquired Southview Medical Group on Jan.

1, expanding its network in Birmingham with locations at UAB St. Vincent’s and UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. The move will enhance patient access to coordinated primary and specialty care (integrating trusted local services).

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson faces a tough decision after his team’s loss on New Year's Day; he will meet NFL evaluators early this week and decide his future by Wednesday, Jan.

14 (the transfer portal remains open until Jan. 16).

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.