Good morning, Birmingham.

Irondale will host its first MLK Breakfast on Thursday, Jan.

15 at the Alabama AGC Conference Center on Grantswood Road. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and tickets cost $25, with Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. set to deliver the keynote address.

Former BSC chaplain Jack Hinnen will return with his family from Pensacola this summer to lead the Trinity United Methodist Church campus in Hoover, as Trinity takes over the 15-acre former Discovery campus next to Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.

Solidcore has opened its first Alabama studio at The Summit in Birmingham, offering a 50-minute high-intensity, low-impact strength training workout on a custom-built reformer machine & accepting new members.

Carvana is hosting a hiring event in Bessemer today to fill open roles amid company growth + local job seekers can learn about available positions.

The Food Giant store at 2220 Bessemer Road closed last week for remodeling & its reopening date is not yet announced.

It has operated for less than three years since reopening from the former Winn-Dixie location.

United Way of Central Alabama is inviting job seekers to explore openings in fields like finance, tech, and community services.

The nonprofit emphasizes a people-first culture (as noted by longtime VP Shakeitha Tatum) as it welcomes both new hires and volunteers.

On Jan. 7, 2026, Matthew McConaughey praised Birmingham on the podcast 'Where Everybody Knows Your Name' after filming The Rivals of Amziah King, saying he fell in love with the city's energy (he admired its music scene) and noted it is on the way forward (pointing to growth ahead).

A person posing as a student was quickly caught at Bessemer City High School Monday, Jan.

12 after students and staff alerted school resource officers; no one was hurt.

Terri Poe was named the first chief nursing executive for UAB Health System effective Jan.

1; she will guide the nursing vision across UAB Medicine—aligning practice standards and supporting care teams to deliver exceptional care.

Garry Taylor (71) survived a serious car accident in Cullman on Oct.

15 when EMS gave him blood that kept him alive until UAB's trauma team responded after he lost his pulse. His case shows that pre-hospital blood, rarely carried by ambulances, can extend the window for rapid care.

Birmingham ranked 4th in Realtor.com’s 2026 report for first-time homebuyers — the city offers a median home price of $148,950, growing listings, and a range of local amenities that draw new buyers.

Former UAB head coach Trent Dilfer returned to his high school job at Lipscomb Academy and said he was broken by college football after a 9-21 season at UAB (he stressed that his new team cares about winning).

Birmingham Legion FC announced that Jay Heaps (formerly president and general manager) will serve as head coach while keeping his CEO role and that Nick Hall will become president as the team prepares for a friendly against Nashville SC on Friday, Jan.

31.

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.

Books & Beyond

6:30-8:00 p.m. — O'Neal Public Library — Free entry — Experience book clubbing with a twist at this engaging discussion event.

55th World of Wheels

3 PM - 9 PM — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Cost TBD — Celebrate custom automotive craftsmanship at the largest indoor custom auto show in the Southeast.

Nashville SC vs. Birmingham Legion FC - Club Friendly Match

1-3 p.m. — 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting friendly match between Nashville SC and Birmingham Legion FC.

Don McMillian: Comedy Show

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — Two-item minimum — Enjoy a night of smart and relatable comedy with former engineer Don McMillan as he humorously explores if AI can replace comedians.