Good morning, Birmingham.

ITU AbsorbTech broke ground on a 50,000 sqft processing plant in McCalla as its first Alabama facility at Jefferson Metropolitan Park; the project will create 40 new jobs and support local workforce partnerships.

Completion is set for July as the company expands production of launderable absorbents+ under its SorbIts brand.

Southern Steer Butcher is planning its first Alabama store at 3049 John Hawkins Pkwy in Hoover.

The upscale chain from Clearwater offers premium meats and sides but has not announced an opening date.

Asher HaVon, winner of The Voice, will headline Central Alabama PrideFest on Sunday, June 14, at 11 a.m. at Linn Park — the free festival will offer live entertainment and local vendors for community members.

Birmingham locals can experience America’s 250th celebration with events including American Village’s Sweet Home 250 (Montevallo) featuring live music and history, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s exhibit ‘Is This America?’ on display until July 18, and local fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Birmingham residents can tap Alabama Power's new TempCheck — a tool that recommends thermostat settings based on outside weather to lower energy bills during summer and winter; rates remain frozen until 2027 despite higher electricity use compared to the national average.

A new scenic access road opened Monday, June 8 at Rickwood Caverns State Park off I-65, featuring bike lanes and a new accessible playground.

The project was a joint effort between Alabama State Parks and the Blount County Commission (funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham).

Local chef Chris Hastings nearly choked on a large piece of chicken at Johnny's Restaurant in Homewood (saved by colleague Tim Hontzas who quickly stepped in with the Heimlich maneuver).

Birmingham prepares for Father’s Day with special local events including a scenic train ride in Calera on Saturday, an arts + crafts night on Thursday, and brunch with a family cookout on Sunday, June 21.

Local shops and restaurants also offer gift ideas and meals for dads.

Alabama football wide receiver Noah Rogers was injured during a scrimmage and remains sidelined, but his return could boost the offense later in the season if he recovers fully.

Birmingham native Chris Richards started for the USMNT against Paraguay at 8 p.m. at SoFi Stadium on Friday after missing nearly a month of play due to an ankle injury with Crystal Palace.

Fans gathered at Regions Field on Thursday, June 11 to honor Bill Greason, a 101-year-old Negro League champion and the first Black pitcher for the Cardinals.

Family, church members, and veterans celebrated his baseball legacy and Marine service (including his role as a squad leader at Iwo Jima).

The 43rd Alabama State Games started Friday night at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.

Thousands of athletes, including 4,500 registered participants, compete through Sunday in sports like baseball + color guard while organizers offer scholarships of $2,500 each.

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.

Fireside Collective Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Enjoy an evening filled with vibrant music from the Fireside Collective.

Stand-Up Comedy with Caleb Elliott

7-10 p.m. — Main Room — Two-item minimum — Enjoy a night of laughter with rising comedian Caleb Elliott showcasing his unique style and wit.

Tyreek McDole Live at Carver Theatre

7-9 p.m. — Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame — $35 – $50 — Experience a soulful evening with award-winning vocalist Tyreek McDole, blending artistry and healing through music.

Sunday Story Seven with Matt Davis and Mamie Lew

7-9 p.m. — True Story Brewing Company — $10 — Experience an evening of captivating open mic storytelling and live music from talented artists.

Alabama's Funniest - Preliminary Round

7-10 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Ticket required — Help determine who moves forward in the quest to crown Alabama’s Funniest Person.

Matt McCusker Live Show

7-10 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of comedy with acclaimed comedian and podcaster Matt McCusker.