Good morning, Birmingham.

Nextdoor released its 2026 rankings of Birmingham’s friendliest neighborhoods based on local neighbor-to-neighbor support and active online posts.

Inverness Cove, Crestwood North, Highland Lakes, Forest Park (South Avondale), and Inverness Applecross top the list.

Forbes named eight Birmingham employers as among the best workplaces in the country (based on survey feedback from over 217,000 employees).

Large employers include UAB, Regions, Vulcan Materials and Hibbett Sports, while mid-size names include Blue Cross Blue Shield, American Cast Iron Pipe, Brasfield and Gorrie and Altec.

Alabama Power secured part of a $26.5 billion loan package to upgrade electrical grids and improve reliability in the region.

The funds, available through 2023, will lower costs and support new power generation — Southern Co. said the upgrades will save customers nearly $7 billion.

Norfolk Southern is replacing several miles of rail track on the Railroad Reservation today.

The specialized T&S crew will install new ties and surfacing from downtown to Norris Yard in Irondale over the next few weeks.

Birmingham is gearing up for a busy March with 45 local events—ranging from live performances at BJCC Concert Hall on Mar.

13–15 to a Heart Walk at Railroad Park on Mar. 14 that offer art, food, and family fun.

Historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham was awarded a $300,000 grant by the Preserving Black Churches program to fund a full-time director of development and fundraising.

Church leaders plan to combine the grant with additional support to preserve the historic site and expand community programs.

Birmingham’s annual St. Patrick’s celebration kicks off in Five Points South from Thursday, March 12 to Tuesday, March 17.

The festivities include an Irish flag raising at 5 p.m. (opening the week’s events), a parade with live music, food and drink specials, and an expanded kids zone.

Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Birmingham unveiled a new historical monument next to its front doors yesterday.

The marker (detailing the school's establishment in 1909 and its connection to Tuskegee University) was celebrated during a ceremony with students and staff.

During Public Schools Week on Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey recognized Katie Collins — a first-grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary in Hoover — as one of five finalists for the National Teacher of the Year Award; she will travel to Washington, D.C., next month for her interview.

Birmingham officials are taking action on the trash problem by hosting cleanups, educating local students, and expanding litter camera enforcement—following nearly 920 complaints.

These measures aim to improve community cleanliness and reduce illegal dumping.

House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels backed a bill Tuesday night that protects living organ donors in Alabama by banning insurer discrimination, requiring paid leave, and offering tax credits for employers (his life was saved by his wife's kidney donation at UAB) as he noted transplant statistics to stress its need.

The HEART program is celebrating its one-year service in Birmingham today as organizers plan to host community workshops and health events in local centers later this month.

Brookwood Village will face partial demolition in March as Fairway Investments begins long-term redevelopment to support modern retail and community use.

Homewood Mayor Jennifer Andress and local runners say residents expect improved business and public amenities.

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.

Bingo & Beats

2-10 p.m. — The Alcove Birmingham — Free entry — Enjoy a night of Bingo and RNB/Hip Hop tunes while competing for exciting prizes.