Good morning, Birmingham.

Irondale Public Library (1032 Grants Mill Road) is hosting free summer reading programs until July 22 for all ages and families, offering challenges and grand prizes.

It will celebrate its 75th birthday with a Birthday Cake Picnic on July 1 and Brunch for Books on July 11.

Weston Higginbotham, a missing Auburn student from Hoover, was last seen near Kyoto on May 29.

His family thanked Japanese authorities, law enforcement, and supporters for their ongoing efforts as search teams comb wooded areas near Yamashina and urged continued social media sharing (to boost recognition).

Davenport and Harris Funeral Home, in business for 126 years, names Rev.

LaShawn Nicole Slater as its new president and CEO; she began as an apprentice in 2007 (and is an ordained minister) and will continue the home's service to families.

Red Mountain Theatre presents Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' live performance from June 12 to July 19 at Cromwell Theatre; tickets cost $40+ with discounts for children under 12 (use NOWSAVE7 for $7 off) while varied matinee and evening schedules offer multiple showtimes.

Every Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, Herman Mannings III leads the MLK Day Drum Run in Birmingham—a one-mile run, 5K and 10K featuring live drum performances—energizing community wellness and providing scholarships for local drumlines.

In 2025, Alabama companies exported $23.7 billion worth of goods to 190 countries, with rising aerospace shipments and expanding markets boosting trade despite a decline in auto exports + weaker shipments to China.

Birmingham City Schools will offer free summer lunches for kids starting Monday, June 15 at school campuses and select Housing Authority locations (meals are served Monday to Thursday from 12 to 1 p.m. with Friday service at Martha Gaskins Elementary from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) until early July.

Freshwater Land Trust, Samford University, the City of Homewood, and the Alabama Wildlife Center have launched new wildlife signage on Shades Creek Greenway after reports of an aggressive barred owl; the signs highlight native species like barred owls, great blue herons, and spotted salamanders — educating trail users.

The U.S. Coast Guard is officially opening its new training center at Birmingham-Southern College today at 3:30 p.m. in the former Coliseum, where Sen. Katie Britt, DHS Sec Markwayne Mullin, and Admiral Kevin Lunday will mark the event to support plans to grow the force by 15,000 members.

Jefferson County Commission approved $300,000 for small business programs by granting $150,000 each to the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance and the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama, which will expand educational programs and technical assistance for local entrepreneurs.

UAB researchers have received a six-year, $5.3 million (NIH) grant to test whether fentanyl test strips can prevent overdose deaths.

The study will be conducted remotely and include participants nationwide to see if the tool can offer a low-barrier method for identifying fentanyl contamination before use.

UAB urologist Peter Kolettis clarified misconceptions about male infertility by noting that lifestyle choices (like avoiding smoking and excess alcohol) and early evaluations can help couples facing conception challenges.

In May, Birmingham VA hospital received a 4-star rating from CMS after dropping from five stars in 2025.

Hospital officials said the rating still ranks among the best in Alabama & that teams are focused on providing safe care for veterans at its regional clinics.

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.

The Acacia Strain Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Workplay Theatre — Tickets start at $84 — Experience an unforgettable live show with The Acacia Strain in Birmingham.