Good morning, Birmingham.

Regions Bank agreed to pay $4.9 million to settle a DOJ investigation into a single PPP loan forgiveness mistake among roughly 75,000 approved loans— the bank said it settled the matter to close that chapter as it continues supporting local small businesses downtown.

The Birmingham Museum of Art will host its annual African Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 13, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 2000 Rev.

Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd where visitors will enjoy live drumming (by DRUM the Program), art activities, face painting and free tours of African galleries.

Birmingham City Schools report more elementary students are reading at grade level thanks to new literacy programs.

Officials said the improved scores could lead to stronger academic foundations (an effort that continues as teachers fine-tune support practices).

NFL star and activist Colin Kaepernick visited John Herbert Phillips Academy on Tuesday, June 2 to watch students from four schools present graphic novels about the 1963 Children's Crusade using his AI tool, Lumi Story AI — a program that boosts literacy and independent research.

Council members, pastors, and residents marked National Gun Violence Awareness Month by urging participation in Wear Orange Weekend and highlighting expanded community violence interrupter and hospital-linked programs (aimed at stopping retaliation).

Councilor LaTonya Tate said the city will continue working with police and community partners to reduce violence.

More families in Alabama may now qualify for WIC benefits after income eligibility guidelines were expanded.

State health officials advise qualifying pregnant women, new mothers & parents of children under 5 to contact their local health department or WIC office for details.

UAB expert Rachel Cowan offers practical tips for severe weather safety for people with disabilities.

She advises setting alerts, stocking emergency kits and personal supplies, and planning an accessible shelter (at home or community centers) to help keep everyone safe during storms.

Twenty-four local restaurants, including Gianmarco’s Restaurant in Homewood and Dawson’s Burger, Wings & Fries in the 4th Ave. Historic District, earned food service scores of 95 or higher in May; the Jefferson County Department of Health inspected around 100-125 establishments each month to keep food safety standards high.

OG Orchestra Concert

8-11 p.m. — Boutwell Auditorium — Check website for ticket pricing — Experience a night filled with captivating orchestral tunes from OG Orchestra.

The Midnight Effect: 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

8-11 p.m. — Saturn — Ticket information available online — Celebrate a decade of dance with lively performances and vibrant energy in Birmingham.

UNITE: Birmingham

5:30-9:30 p.m. — The Hoover Met Stadium — Free entry — A family-friendly event featuring live music and messages of hope.

Songwriters Nights at The Nick

7-11 p.m. — The Nick — $5 entry — Experience Birmingham’s vibrant scene of original music with local songwriters and late-night karaoke.

Music and Business Networking

6-8 p.m. — Mayawell Bar, Birmingham, AL — Limited Tickets — Connect with industry professionals and elevate your career at Birmingham's hottest networking event.

The Waterphone Interactive Performance and Clinic

7-8:30 p.m. — House of Found Objects — Paid event — Explore the eerie sounds of the Waterphone in an interactive clinic led by expert Brooks Hubbert III.

Ian Lara Stand-Up Comedy Show

Time TBA — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic talents of one of NYC's rising stars as he takes the stage in Birmingham.

BLOCKFEST Car and Bike Show

10 AM - 9 PM — Legion Field — Free parking — Experience awesome rides and good vibes at this car and bike extravaganza.

Alabama State Wrestling Games

All day — Fultondale High School — USA Wrestling card required — Compete in Folkstyle and Freestyle wrestling with divisions for Masters men and women.

KODU: Programming Video Game Design for Rising 5th-8th Graders

8 AM - 12 PM — Alabama School of Fine Arts — Cost not specified — Explore game design with Kodu, a visual programming language for creating fun digital games.