Good morning, Birmingham.

Local dispensary owners say House Bill 445, passed on May 6 and awaiting Governor Kay Ivey’s signature, will restrict hemp sales by banning smokeable products and curbing online orders.

They warn the law (which imposes new taxes and strict THC limits) could push customers to unregulated markets and hurt small businesses.

Fayette County Sheriffs Office confirmed they found remains believed to be those of missing 1-year-old Kahleb Collins from a burn pile at his family's home after months of searching that began following a fatal vehicle crash on December 8th — evidence has been sent to forensics for official identification.

Birmingham Police arrested 32-year-old Sherman James Rountree on May 7 in connection with the April 27 homicide of Richard Alexander Wilson Jr.—he is held in Jefferson County Jail with no bond after a murder warrant was issued.

Birmingham officials say the new 9,000-seat Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Druid Hills near Legacy Arena and Protective Stadium is nearly complete and will host its inaugural show with comedian Matt Rife on June 22.

The venue will include shuttle services and coordinated traffic control with local law enforcement — police and sheriff's offices — to handle large crowds.

Four-time Grammy winners Alabama Shakes will start their first tour in eight years when they perform at the Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham on July 26, where they will preview new music and support equality efforts with PLUS1—$1 from each ticket will benefit local organizations.

Record-breaking tourism generated $2.57 billion in Jefferson County in 2024, growing by $5 million from 2023—helping support over 51,000 jobs, adding $302 million in tax revenue and drawing over 4 million visitors.

The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau also established a Tourism Hall of Fame with Alabama State Senator Jabo Waggoner as its first honoree.

John Hammontree, executive producer of podcasting for Alabama Media Group, has been named a Nieman Foundation Fellow at Harvard to study sports media and misinformation—he will begin his fellowship this fall and bring back new insights to Birmingham.

Federal judges ruled yesterday — in a case that began in 2021 — that Alabama intentionally diluted Black voters by using a 2023 congressional map, and they ordered the state to use a court-approved plan that led to the election of its second Black representative.

The state is expected to appeal the ruling.

Birmingham City Council approved a $1 deal to buy the water works assets and assume over $1.26 billion in debts from a meeting on May 8 — the agreement starts a 180-day review amid pending lawsuits over a new state law.

City leaders are now preparing to challenge the law that would give more power to a regional board — a move that could lead to federal court action.

Steel Magnolias

2:30 p.m. — Birmingham Festival Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the enduring story of friendship and resilience among Southern women.

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball Pickup

12-2:45 p.m. — Birmingham CrossPlex — Free entry — Dust off those knee pads and enjoy a fun, energetic game of volleyball.

MAY Pottery Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Parkside on Fifth — Ticket required — Unleash your creativity with pottery-making while enjoying good food and drinks.

Focused and Fabulous 2025

11:30 AM — The Westin Birmingham — Ticket purchase required — Fashion and philanthropy unite for a luncheon benefiting youth education.

Stand-Up Comedy with Mandal

6:15-9 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club — $20 — Enjoy a night of laughs with Atlanta's rising comedian known for his wit and recent Netflix recognition.

Brick Fan Expo - A LEGO Fan Event

10 AM - 5 PM — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Family-friendly entry — Explore amazing LEGO® creations, building zones, games, and character meets.

Tire Rack Street Survival Teen Driving School

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Barber Motorsports Park — $125 — Equip your teen with essential defensive driving skills at a dedicated driving school.

Carver High School Graduation Ceremony

1-2 p.m. — Birmingham CrossPlex — Free entry — Celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025 in a momentous graduation ceremony.

Sun Ra Day Fest Featuring The Sun Ra Arkestra

6:30 p.m. — The Nick — $48.86 — Celebrate the legacy of Sun Ra with an evening of vibrant music and performance.

Birmingham Stallions vs. Michigan Panthers

2-3:30 p.m. — Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL — Tickets available — Catch the Birmingham Stallions as they take on the Michigan Panthers in an action-packed game.