Good morning, Birmingham.

Faith Chapel Cares and the City of Birmingham have partnered on the Home For All microshelter pilot program to provide safe pallet shelters and wraparound services for the homeless.

The program will open by the end of April at 921 Second Ave. North (covered by a $1.2 million city contract).

Recent U.S. Census estimates show Birmingham lost about 14,000 residents from 2019 to 2024, yet 33 neighborhoods gained people such as Oxmoor which added nearly 900.

Most areas, however, saw declines & only a few pockets of growth stand out.

Mountain Brook and Homewood will improve pedestrian safety with a $4 million bridge over U.S. 280 — sidewalk bids start in March and construction begins this summer for eight months.

A second phase in 2027 will widen the bridge and modify traffic flow.

Nebius filed a building permit on Jan.

29 for a multibillion-dollar AI computing campus (planned for the 75-acre former Regions Lakeshore Operations Center site on Milan Parkway). The permit is under municipal review and ties into Alabama’s new Affordability Protection Plan.

Edolyn’s Pies opened a new storefront (1025 11th Pl S) in Glen Iris near UAB, where customers can enjoy fresh pies and cakes from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owner Marquan Brown expects the retail business to grow with local foot traffic.

Breeze Airways announced plans to launch service in Birmingham during a recent news conference—flight details are expected soon.

Birmingham City Council approved nearly $1 million to expand home rehabilitation programs in Districts 5 and 9.

The plan will help up to 110 homes with exterior repairs and beautification (using ARPA funds) and run through Sept. 30, 2026.

Leaders advanced a proposal to create an Urban Oasis for the unhoused after approving a $168,000 vacant lot purchase on First Avenue North; the site will offer seating, restrooms, lockers and coffee service (no overnight stays) from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. if endorsed, opening set for early summer.

A large pothole on I-65 near the Morris exit in Jefferson County is causing noticeable thumps for vehicles as peak pothole season begins, and repaired potholes in Hoover now give drivers a smoother ride (one viewer said the gap was bigger than a car).

UAB tests a community health program offering neighborhood prescriptions for healthy eating and exercise in Kingston, Bush Hills, East Lake and Titusville (set to expand to Selma and Camden) as part of a two-year study tracking local wellness events led by community health coaches.

ReACT FND Health, a UAB startup led by Aaron Fobian, Ph.D., expanded telehealth treatment for functional neurological disorder by launching services in New York and California and introducing a new patient portal in 2025 to tailor care.

The startup plans international training expansions (with over 500 providers awaiting certification).

Birmingham City Council approved $1.5 million funding from the lodging tax to bring the international FISE World Series to City Walk downtown from Aug.

7-9. The event will feature skateboarding, BMX, and three-on-three basketball for youth (ages 5–25).

UAB’s Bartow Arena will undergo a $15.4 million renovation starting in May—following spring commencement—with upgrades including a new indoor lobby, reconfigured seating and digital ribbon board to boost fan experience.

The project will finish by October so the arena can host concerts and comedy shows.

WATTs Up with Energy?

9 AM – 12 PM — Larry Read, Realtor - RealtySouth Birmingham Alabama — Free entry — Enhance your skills to help clients make informed home decisions.

Ginger Billy Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — Minimum two-item purchase — Enjoy a humorous look into rural life with comedian Ginger Billy.

Learnmore Jonasi Stand-Up Comedy

10:00 – 11:30 PM — StarDome Comedy Club — Two-item minimum — Experience the humor of Zimbabwe’s top comedian brought to life through hilarious observations and personal anecdotes.

Jessica Kirson Live in Birmingham

7:30 p.m. — Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with Jessica Kirson in an entertaining live performance.

AHSAA Basketball State Finals

5 PM — Legacy Arena — Free for ages 5 and under — Witness the excitement of high school basketball championships with teams from seven classifications.

AHSAA Basketball State Finals

6 PM – 3 AM — Legacy Arena — Tickets starting at $22 — Experience the excitement at the AHSAA Basketball State Finals in Birmingham!

SIX FIGURE LINKEDIN MASTERCLASS

10 AM – 3 PM — The Alcove Birmingham — Ticketed Event — Build your six-figure pipeline and win clients on LinkedIn in a hands-on masterclass.

AHSAA Basketball State Finals

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Legacy Arena — Tickets start at $20 — Experience the excitement of high school basketball at the AHSAA State Finals.

Cottontail's Village Festival

10 AM - 7 PM — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Admission fees may apply — Celebrate spring with over 200 vendors offering gifts, crafts, and delicious food.

Comedy Night with Tommy Davidson

9:30-11 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club — Price varies — Experience a night of laughter with Tommy Davidson, renowned for his dynamic stand-up and acting talents.