Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham libraries are hosting free summer events (including talent shows, movie days, craft sessions and art exhibits) at multiple branches, offering engaging activities for all ages this season.

The family of missing hiker Weston Higginbotham has received permission to launch its own search party in Japan, focusing on the dense woods near Kyoto and expanding to Shiga Prefecture as investigators review new CCTV footage.

Barberitos, a Southwestern fast-casual burrito chain, has signed a five-unit franchise agreement to open new locations in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, adding to its four Alabama stores.

Franchisee Kevin Gessert (UGA alum) says the expansion will bring its health-conscious menu to local diners soon.

The Birmingham Community Concert Band finished practice Tuesday at John Carroll Catholic High School before flying to France to perform at the 82nd D-Day commemoration today at 4:30 a.m. Central time at Omaha Beach (live stream available).

In Hoover, Chengdu Cuisine — known for its spicy Sichuan flavors — was named Alabama’s best Chinese restaurant by Tasting Table.

The restaurant opened in September 2024 at 1550 Montgomery Highway and serves lunch and dinner every day.

Birmingham residents can enjoy summer movie nights at local spots including Trussville Entertainment District, Vestavia City Center, Vulcan Park and Museum, Irondale, Chelsea Community Center and the Alabama Theatre.

Events run from June through July and offer free or affordable tickets and snacks (check schedules for details).

On Friday, June 5, paleontologist Jun Ebersol of the McWane Science Center led a fossil hunt in south Alabama where the team dug in soft limestone to collect tiny plankton fossils that may help forecast modern climate changes.

The expedition gathered rock samples and marine sediments to study past climate shifts.

The Birmingham Public Library’s Southern History Department will host Bettina Byrd-Giles on Tuesday, June 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Grand Commons at 2100 Park Place to explore the enduring legacy of educator Audrey Bacon Byrd (the event is free and open to the public).

The U.S. Coast Guard has turned Birmingham Southern College into a training center after a Friday ribbon cutting ceremony.

Construction will begin soon and training is set to start later this year, bringing hundreds of workers and millions in economic impact.

Corey Goguts from Hewitt-Trussville was named the Gatorade Alabama Softball Player of the Year after a record season with strong stats (29 home runs, .618 average).

She helped lead her team to a 49-10-1 record during their championship run and is now an Ole Miss signee.

UAB head coach Alex Mortensen is ready to lead the team this fall after a win over Memphis let him shine as interim coach.

Mortensen feels more at ease with media duties now—he aims to build a better program during training camp this August.

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.

Pottery Night at Back Forty

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Back Forty Beer Company Birmingham — $70 — Get creative with clay and enjoy a relaxed evening of crafting a handmade serving piece.