Good morning, Birmingham.

The Alabama Department of Revenue reported that about 1 in 5 Birmingham drivers picked non-standard license plates, with Barber Vintage Motorsports and Cahaba River Society ahead in popularity.

Few drivers opt for personalized tags despite more than 190 available designs on registrations (Oct. 2024-Sep. 2025).

Local restaurant owners report that rising gas prices have reduced drive-through traffic, with data showing each $1 increase trims six daily customers.

This trend comes amid a fuel cost surge following military action in Iran and a pause in rate cuts.

Strawberry season is open and locals can pick fresh berries at U-pick farms like Jerry Marsh Farms (35 miles northeast) and Sugar Hill U-Pick Farms (65 miles south); festivals are planned in Calera on April 25 (12-6 PM), Gadsden on May 16 (9 AM-1 PM) and Cullman on April 25-26.

The Top of the World observation tower is now open on Terrapin Hill along the Pinhoti Trail in Coosa County.

Hikers can admire 50 miles of scenic trail (a 15-year project by The Conservation Fund and partners).

Jefferson County official Jim Coker advises residents to prepare for severe storms today by assembling an emergency kit with a NOAA weather radio, charged cell phone + flashlight.

The caution comes as spring brings unpredictable tornadoes that can develop suddenly with little warning.

Central Alabama Water ended adding supplemental fluoride to drinking water last Friday, Mar.

20, to save over $3.7 million and reduce worker exposure (the change aims to cut costs and lower chemical risks). Regulators have been notified, and water quality remains unchanged.

ALDOT closed both lanes of Highway 280 in Mountain Brook on Friday at 11 p.m. for demolition of the Pump House Road Bridge as part of a $53 million project to improve traffic flow.

Drivers are advised to detour via Lakeshore Parkway (then I-65 and I-459) and drive at 45 mph until Monday morning.

Alabama airman Capt. Ariana Savino was posthumously promoted to Major effective Jan.

23 after dying in a KC-135 refueling crash in Iraq on March 12 while serving in the 99th Air Refueling Squadron with the Birmingham-based 117th Air Refueling Wing (her dedication honored local service members).

Alabama’s ten largest mayors have supported a bill to extend the historic rehabilitation tax credit program by raising its annual cap and extending it to 2032, aiming to transform vacant properties into revenue sources.

Bipartisan lawmakers sponsor the bill (hoping to boost local investment).

Governor Kay Ivey and Workforce Secretary Greg Reed urged local employers to apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program to boost veteran hiring using a federal initiative.

The program runs Jan. 30 - April 30 and honors efforts in veteran retention and support.

Recover Now opened its first Alabama facility in McCalla today to provide addiction treatment and sober living for men 19 and older, with a partial hospitalization program and wellness amenities (including a gym and outdoor trails).

The $2.2 million campus allows families to stay involved during recovery.

Fairfield celebrated its high school boys basketball team winning the Class 4A state title this month during a parade — featuring a marching band, cheerleaders, students, and community members.

The Tigers beat Ashville 65-42, led by tournament MVP Milton Jones, marking their third title since 2020.

The Menzingers Live with I Am the Avalanche

7-11 p.m. — Saturn — Tickets from $76 — Catch The Menzingers for an unforgettable night of music in Birmingham.

Birmingham Bandstand Open Mic Night

7-10 p.m. — The Nick — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of local talent in an intimate 21+ setting.

Interactive Playtime for Kids

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Birmingham Public Library Avondale Regional Branch — Free entry — Enjoy engaging activities for lap sitters and teetertotters with their caregivers.

The Brook & The Bluff Concert

6:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — $45/ea — Experience live music with The Brook and The Bluff in a vibrant Birmingham setting.

Rumpshaker 5K Run

8:00 a.m. — Regions Field — Entry fee applies — Participate in a fun 5K run and promote colorectal cancer awareness.

Retirement Party at TrimTab Brewing

6:30-9 p.m. — TrimTab Brewing Company — Ticket required — Celebrate a special retirement with friends featuring Kerosene Heights.

Interceptor Live

7-10 p.m. — Saturn — Free entry — Experience electrifying live music at Birmingham's favorite venue with Interceptor.

Dave Attell Live at Stardome Comedy Club

7-8:30 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience legendary comedian Dave Attell's hilarious stand-up as he brings his new material to the stage.

Pajama Party Featuring A Goofy Movie

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema — Light breakfast options available — Cozy up in PJs and enjoy a classic family film.

Jelani Rose Live Performance

7-11:30 p.m. — True Story Brewing Company — Free entry — Dance to moody darkwave tunes and atmospheric melodies in a unique brewery setting.