Good morning, Birmingham.

Dozens of volunteers repaired the plastic on Fountain Heights Farms’ greenhouse on MLK Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—the project, organized by the local neighborhood association, was meant to ready seedlings for planting across Fountain Heights.

Birmingham adds six new businesses and sees two closures.

New openings include Still Johnson Interiors, Urban Cookhouse, The Grove, GreaterWorx, Le Esthétique and Nail Lab + Bar, while Satellite by Domestique and Francesca’s close soon with Satellite ending operations Saturday, Jan. 31.

Urban Cookhouse opened its new location on Monday, Jan.

19 in Hoover’s Stadium Trace Village (3,200 sqft space) and will host a week of grand opening events. Today, the restaurant is offering a $25 gift card for the first 50 customers as part of its celebration.

Francesca’s is closing across the country, including three Alabama locations — The Summit and Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham and one in Leeds — as stores begin liquidation sales Friday, Jan.

23, and reports indicate bankruptcy filings may follow when federal courts reopen Tuesday.

Birmingham-based Red Eye Louie's won international acclaim when its IMMORAL line earned multiple medals at the 2025 PR%F Awards (Double Gold for its Gin, gold for its Vodka and silver for its Spiced Rum).

Birmingham City Schools revived debate teams by launching the Birmingham Urban Debate League (BUDL) with its first tournament at A.H.

Parker. Middle and high school students showcased public speaking and critical thinking skills as teachers, alumni, and volunteers supported the event.

Today the Alabama Education Association critiqued Gov. Ivey's 2% teacher pay raise as insufficient to cover rising costs + State Rep. Susan DuBose highlighted teachers' strong benefits and warned of future responses to earlier AEA remarks.

Bibb Medical Center and Shelton State are partnering to launch a nursing apprenticeship program that will give hands-on training for aspiring nurses in the local healthcare field.

The program will begin soon, with details to follow (at Bibb Medical Center).

State Rep. Susan DuBose said the legislature is set to review teacher prep programs during a fast-tracked 2026 session.

The review will reassess credentials, mission statements and testing requirements to ensure better teacher training.

On Monday, Birmingham hosted its 40th Annual MLK Unity Breakfast at New Rising Star Baptist Church.

Community members, educators, and students gathered for reflection and panel discussions (highlighting education and youth leadership) to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

A $5.6 million permit was approved for Southeastern Industrial Construction to renovate the 5th floor of UAB’s Zeigler Research Building — one of 12 metro projects with million-dollar permits issued last week to upgrade research facilities at UAB’s campus.

Birmingham runner Greg Yaghmai will take on the 777 World Marathon Challenge to raise funds for Kulture City.

The race runs from Jan. 31 in Antarctica to Feb. 6 in Miami + he aims to be the first man to finish consecutively.

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.

Railway Marathon

11:00 AM – 5:59 AM — Black Creek Park — $115 entry — A fast, certified marathon with a chance for a personal record in Birmingham.

All Them Witches Concert

8-10 p.m. — Iron City Bham — Tickets available — Catch All Them Witches on their House of Mirrors Tour for a night of electrifying music.

Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special Concert

8:45-9:44 p.m. — Birmingham Museum of Art — Ticket prices vary — Experience a romantic evening of classic love songs performed under candlelight by the Listeso String Quartet.

Railroad Earth Concert

8-10 p.m. — Iron City Bham — Tickets available — Experience a night filled with soul-stirring music and captivating performances from Railroad Earth.