Good morning, Birmingham.

Sloss Tech 2026 kicked off Thursday, June 25 at the Lyric Theatre with keynote speeches and breakout sessions, drawing tech founders + local talent across downtown; today, June 26, the conference continues with panels, workshops and a street party on City Walk as Sara Hix speaks in the Dev Track.

Ampersandwich will open its second downtown location in the renovated former Zoe’s space on Fifth Avenue North in September while hiring staff for breakfast & lunch shifts.

It will serve classic and specialty sandwiches made with fresh bread from Birmingham Breadworks at its existing Avondale spot.

U.S. Steel has announced a $475 million investment at its Fairfield Tubular Operations near Birmingham to install a new heat treatment line and upgrade facilities (including a VR training center) that will raise American steel production for oil and gas.

The line will be operational by 2029.

Educator Crystal Forte launched the Reading Black Books Summer Reading Club to encourage one million people to read at least one book by a Black author this summer in Birmingham — the initiative features interactive online activities and resources to make reading accessible.

Retired lawyer and local food festival co-founder Rev.

Paul Bolus, 63, will be ordained today as Alabama’s first married Maronite priest at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, located just east of I-65 + near UAB campus. He will serve as assistant priest and celebrate his first Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 28.

Survival of the Slowest at McWane Science Center runs until Jan.

4, 2027 and offers live animal encounters with a two-toed sloth and boa using interactive demonstrations + new summer hours for easy planning. The exhibit is located at 200 19th St N.

The Rev. Richard Lawson III will be installed as bishop at a 10 a.m. service on Saturday, Jun.

27, at Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham—marking his homecoming as he plans to serve with deep local roots and a focus on action.

Birmingham City Council approved an agreement with KultureCity on June 24 to invest $39.5 million in a new hub that will include a technical college for individuals with invisible disabilities, sensory playgrounds and workforce training programs.

Officials said further construction and job creation details will be announced later.

On Thursday, the Coast Guard opened doors to local vendors at the former Birmingham Southern College campus (the future training center for thousands of recruits), giving business owners a first look at bidding opportunities for support services contracts.

Proposals must be submitted by October, with contracts awarded in March.

UAB announced that a $10 million donation from Mike and Gillian Goodrich will fund the GRIT program (Goodrich Rural Innovation in Training) to offer scholarships, start rural residency programs, and invest in clinics to improve health care in underserved areas.

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham advised pet owners to watch for signs like excessive panting, weakness, seizures, or labored breathing to decide if their pet needs emergency care.

The ER is open 24 hours + serves cases at 146 Resource Center Pkwy.

Birmingham’s UAB celebrates Yaxel Lendeborg after he was selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night + his hometown ties as a UAB Blazer mark him as the highest NBA draft pick from the school.

Matt McCusker Live

7-10 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian and actor Matt McCusker as he performs live.

Excelsior Band Live Performance

5-6 p.m. — Carver Theatre for the Performing Arts — $15 — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Excelsior Band, deeply rooted in Mobile's rich musical legacy.

Birmingham Legion FC vs Detroit City FC

7-10 p.m. — Protective Stadium - Green Lot — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the thrill of the USL Championship match between Birmingham Legion and Detroit City.

Aries Spears Live

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying comedy of Aries Spears at one of America's premier venues.

Magic Mondays Board Game Night

6-9 p.m. — Birmingham District Brewing Company — Free entry — Gather for weekly board game nights with your favorite games and refreshing brews.

Navigating Alabama's 2025 License Law Changes

1:30-4:30 p.m. — RealtySouth Training Center — Free entry — Learn about the upcoming changes in license law regarding agency, disclosure, and representation.

Country Dance Party

8-11 p.m. — Saturn — Ticketed — Celebrate the joy of country music with hits and two-stepping at a vibrant dance party.

Scott Ivey & The Filthy Frets with Rare Birds

— Time Range — The Nick — Membership card required ($7/year) — Experience country music fused with blue-eyed soul by a seasoned artist.

I Saw Them When Tour

4:00 p.m. — Seasick Records — Free entry — Experience live music in a vibrant Birmingham venue with a great local reputation.

Magic Mondays

6-9 p.m. — Birmingham District Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a casual night of board games and brews in a friendly atmosphere.