Good morning, Birmingham.

Shortly before 9 a.m., flames and smoke burst from the vacant Gateway event center at 5201 Messer-Airport Highway in Woodlawn—firefighters brought the blaze under control after about one hour while investigating what sparked the fire in a building that had been empty for five years.

Alabama researchers received NIH grants totaling $380.3 million in fiscal year 2024, supporting 4,411 jobs and generating $915.9 million in economic activity, with UAB earning the largest share.

The Trump administration’s move to cap indirect research funds is on hold due to a federal judge’s injunction—raising concerns that future cuts could harm local biomedical innovation.

Birmingham is under a First Alert Weather Day as residents face gusty winds and small hail today, a possible tornado threat in isolated storms late Friday night, and a significant risk of damaging storms on Saturday with supercells and heavy hail—stay alert and follow local warnings.

Alabama is getting ready for strong storms, tornadoes, and flooding on Saturday as central and southwest areas face higher risk.

Residents are told to secure loose items, check local weather alerts, and plan for shelter — officials say that being prepared is key to staying safe.

Poor meter readings and a billing error let up to 5,000 Birmingham Water Works customers use water for free, costing the utility about $2 million—officials say 200 to 300 of these customers now have 12‑month payment plans in place.

The utility has assigned an employee to check water use daily to prevent further issues.

Birmingham's RESTORE program has helped lower youth violent crime and served nearly 400 local teens while its funding lags behind the federal grant available—city leaders plan to address the gap when the new budget starts on July 1.

UAB now offers outpatient snakebite care so patients can get a dose of antivenom in the emergency room and return the next morning for follow-up checks instead of staying overnight in the hospital.

The program — built to ease emergency room crowding — helps patients recover at home.

West Alabama head coach Scott Cochran hired former Alabama player Bo Scarbrough as director of high school relations.

He already added OJ Howard as director of player development and expects that using past players—like Scarbrough who helped win two USFL titles—will boost recruiting.

STARS Godspell Jr. Performance

An all-female cast presents Godspell Jr., exploring themes of leadership, friendship, and trust at the Virginia Samford Theatre.

The R&B Brunch Experience

This unique event combines food, drinks, and a nostalgic journey through R&B classics, encompassing elements of a day party, karaoke, and a fashion show.

Rickey Smiley Presents Karaoke Night: R&B Edition with Live Band

Rickey Smiley hosts an R&B karaoke night featuring a live band and singer Nadia Tellis in Birmingham.

Velocity: A Modern Irish Dance Experience

Featuring five-time World Champion David Geaney, Velocity transforms traditional Irish tap dance into a contemporary spectacle with innovative choreography and live music.

Trish Suhr Live in Birmingham

Trish Suhr, a multifaceted designer, professional organizer, TV host, and comedian, brings her comedic insights and organizational expertise to Birmingham.

17th Annual Rumpshaker 5K

The Rumpshaker 5K is an annual charity run held to raise awareness for colorectal cancer, taking place at Regions Field in Birmingham, Alabama.

Learn Haircutting Theory and Practice at See Theory

This hands-on class in Birmingham focuses on understanding haircutting theory and practical execution for visual learners and aspiring hairstylists.

Jr Parks Live at The Upstairs at Avondale

This live music event features Jr Parks performing at The Upstairs at Avondale, with doors opening at 7 PM CST.

Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

Experience an enchanting tribute to Taylor Swift featuring the Listeso String Quartet in a candlelit setting at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Cherry Blossom Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — Birmingham Botanical Gardens — Free entry — Celebrate Japanese culture amidst the stunning beauty of cherry blossoms.