Good morning, Birmingham.

Charles Barkley has pledged $2 million to fight blight in Birmingham and Leeds after renovating his late mother's home in Leeds.

He said he will invest $1 million in each city and work with Mayor Randall Woodfin + interim police chief Michael Pickett to restore run-down neighborhoods.

ULA in Decatur is preparing to launch the Dream Chaser— a spacecraft built by Sierra Space— to carry supplies to the International Space Station.

The mission may let the craft land at Huntsville International Airport and it shows Alabama's growing role in space work.

A local article highlights 12 thrift shops in Birmingham that offer sustainable, affordable clothing and home goods + key stores like Vapor Thrift Store, Magic City Mercantile, and Sozo Trading Co. invite residents to find unique, curated items while supporting local businesses and reducing waste.

On Friday, the Birmingham Police Department released its year-to-date homicide statistics for 2024 and 2025, showing a record-high clearance rate of 81 percent in 2025 with 17 of 21 murder investigations closed compared to 67.65 percent in 2024 with 23 of 34 closed—detectives are still working on unresolved cases from previous years.

Birmingham police arrested 22-year-old Demetrius Henry on April 3rd at an apartment complex on Beacon Parkway in connection to a homicide that occurred on April 1st; Jefferson County authorities later issued a warrant for capital murder (robbery) and he is now held at Jefferson County Jail without bond.

Vesta’s Tea Party, hosted by park mascot Vesta, will take place Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Vulcan Park—children and families will enjoy bites from Tre Luna Catering, hot tea from Lillie’s Cup, and exclusive access to the museum, park grounds, and the Vulcan observation tower.

Glen Adams began serving as Homewood’s first interim city manager in early March with a contract that runs through the end of October.

The new city council will decide in November if they will extend his tenure while he works to unite all four city wards—improving communication and addressing issues like parking and transit.

Mayor Woodfin announced on April 1 that Michael Pickett was appointed as Birmingham police chief after serving as acting chief since November 29, 2024—this decision has drawn mixed reactions from community leaders.

Representative Juandalynn Givan questioned Pickett’s experience while local activist Devonta Ravizee said his local roots could help build trust in the community.

Stavros Halkias Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Lyric Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the edge and humor of Stavros Halkias on his The Dreamboat Tour.

My Morning Jacket Live in Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Alabama Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the eclectic sounds of My Morning Jacket, a cornerstone of modern alt-rock.

Stand-Up Comedy Night with Ellen Skrmetti

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — Tickets available — Experience the southern charm and wit of comedian Ellen Skrmetti as she brings her hilarious stand-up routine to the stage.

Michael Colyar Live Show

6:30 p.m. — Main Room, Birmingham, AL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the wit and charm of actor and comedian Michael Colyar in an entertaining night.

Michael Colyar - Comedy Showcase

6:30 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the humor and heart of multi-talented comedian Michael Colyar in an engaging one-man show.

Graphic Design Bootcamp

8:30 a.m. — Alabama Graphics — Check website for pricing — Dive into hands-on graphic design skills from Adobe Illustrator to Photoshop and InDesign in this immersive bootcamp.

STRFKR Concert in Birmingham

7-10 p.m. — Saturn — $35 — Catch the energetic vibes of STRFKR at the intimate Saturn venue in Birmingham.

Flipturn Concert and Afterparty

6-8 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Separate ticket required for afterparty — Enjoy live music followed by a fun afterparty with Mitch from Flipturn.

Iron and Wine Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Iron City Bham — $43+ — Experience a special evening of soothing melodies from Iron and Wine.

Annie DiRusso Concert

7-10 p.m. — Saturn — $38 — Catch the latest live beats from Annie DiRusso in Birmingham's vibrant music scene.