Good morning, Birmingham.

Memorial services honoring two UA students killed in a Conecuh County hunting camp fire will be held in Mobile this week: James Hensley's service is today at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church — and Mark Mostellar's mass will take place tomorrow at St. Ignatius Catholic Church —.

Central Alabama Water laid off 135 employees on March 13 and conducted surprise drug tests in February, sparking legal challenges from former workers like Brittany Reynolds who claim the process lacked fairness (the utility says the measures were needed for financial stability).

XBOX announced Monday it will lay off 3,200 employees during Fiscal Year 2027, with 1,600 departing immediately, and that four studios will regain independence (Compulsion Studios and Double Fine Productions among them) as it resets its business.

CEO Asha Sharma said the changes are needed amid a tight hardware supply.

Breeze Airways launched two new nonstop flights from BHM to Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh-Durham on Thursday, July 3, with fares starting at $59 one way and service on Mondays and Fridays — officials said additional flights may come if response is strong.

AFP-Alabama is hosting free 'Young Washington' matinee screenings at eight locations across the state during July to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

Guests get free admission, popcorn and a drink — advance registration is needed as seating is limited.

Beloved New Orleans-born musician Rickie Castrillo (a fixture in Birmingham’s music scene after fleeing Katrina) died in Louisiana on July 4 at age 80.

He was inducted into the Alabama Blues Hall of Fame for his role in shaping the local music scene.

A casting call for the racially themed film Sundown Town is open for local actors in Birmingham this summer.

YouTuber Kinigra Deon is directing and seeking 28 non-union roles that include race-specific characters & explore local myths.

Drivers in Birmingham saw gas prices drop 2.8 cents to $3.40 per gallon today based on GasBuddy's survey of 550 stations; local prices range from $3.11 to $3.99 and remain 68.6 cents above last-year levels.

United Way of Central Alabama honors late civil rights leader J.

Mason Davis by engaging over 500 community members in mentoring local students with workshops on career skills, healthy habits, and money management. The society also holds reading sessions at early childhood centers and hosts events at Hueytown Boys and Girls Club.

Governor Kay Ivey ordered flags be flown at half-staff statewide today to honor U.S. Wildland Fire Service Firefighter Sydney Watson, who died on June 27 battling a wildfire in western Colorado.

Flags at the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout Alabama will remain lowered from sunrise to sunset.

UAB Medicine is expanding specialty care in Birmingham with new clinics now open for urology, gastroenterology and breast health at UAB St. Vincent’s East and The Kirklin Clinic, a neurosurgery clinic at UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, and an orthopaedic Saturday Morning Injury Clinic at UAB Hospital-Highlands, open Aug. 1–Nov. 21.

Wilson Archer, a Birmingham dog owner, said his Boxer Bruno died within 24 hours after a five-night boarding stay at Pet Paradise (Hoover) in March after showing signs of illness; he filed complaints with the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners when tests found pneumonia from E. coli.

Publix recalled its frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries (10-ounce bags with lot code 60401) sold before July 3 after 12 E. coli cases were confirmed between May 11 and June 5 in Alabama and other states; customers are advised to check their freezers and discard any affected products.

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.

Sammy Obeid Live Comedy Show

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Main Room — Ticket package includes food & beverage credit — Experience the comedic genius of Sammy Obeid, known for his world record of performing comedy 1,001 nights in a row.

Watts Up with Energy

1:30-4:30 p.m. — RealtySouth Training Center — Free admission — Enhance your skills to help clients make informed home buying decisions.

World Deer Expo

3-9 p.m. — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Entry fee varies — Experience the ultimate sportsman’s paradise at the largest hunting consumer show in the country.

Alabama’s First 205 Day Festival: The Magic City Block Party

2-8 p.m. — Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark — Paid parking — Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly fun at this vibrant festival.

Magic Mondays: Weekly Board Game Night

6-9 p.m. — Birmingham District Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a variety of board games paired with delicious brews in a welcoming atmosphere.