Good morning, Birmingham.

A gas leak from a petroleum product in a storm drain forced officials to close roads in Birmingham (23rd Street from 1st to 5th Avenue) and Jefferson County EMA said they are investigating the cause.

The Son of a Butcher in Pepper Place was named Alabama’s best butcher shop by Tasting Table for its high-quality meats and family values.

The shop (renovated in May) continues to serve fresh cuts and specialty sandwiches while staying true to its small, independent roots.

Six newcomers opened this week with PopUp Bagels at The Summit, Daysol Coffee in Bluff Park, The Old Place in Pelham, Bahama Wings Express in West End, and Ralph's Listening Room downtown; Whiskey Foxtrot Burger Co. will shift to a new Hoover location in late August.

Birmingham launched its newest color-changing light display on the Sloss Furnaces grounds on July 23.

Around 500 people watched the event featuring live metal casting and poster printing, and the lights will be used at upcoming events including Día de Muertos and Furnace Fest.

UAB grad Josh Domingue credited a campus tour with shaping his career path; his visit led him to enroll as an in-state student in the public health program, earning degrees.

He now leads tours (a role that sparked his journey) and gears up for a communications career in Washington, D.C.

Auburn alumni Abigail Dorrill and Louie Harris show that an agriculture degree can lead to jobs beyond farming.

Dorrill now works in animal nutrition and Harris uses drones to map farms (Harris Precision Solutions), proving that the field is both high-tech and diverse.

Central Alabama families can use a new back-to-school guide that shows first-day dates, supply deals and resources (including vaccination schedules and mental health supports) to ease the return.

The interactive tool helps parents plan for school with confidence.

UAB researchers have developed EVOSYNTH, an AI framework that uses guided evolution — starting from known molecules — to design drug candidates for complex diseases.

The system tested on Alzheimer’s and ovarian cancer targets shows promise and awaits further lab validation.

Birmingham's Bayonet, a raw bar and seafood restaurant opened by James Beard-nominated chef Rob McDaniel in early 2025, was named Alabama's absolute best date night spot by Tasting Table.

It serves a seasonal menu of local oysters and seafood (2015 Second Ave N) Monday through Saturday.

Birmingham Restaurant Week 2026, presented by Spire, runs from Thursday, July 30 through Saturday, Aug.

8 at dozens of local eateries—offering prix-fixe meals from $5 to $60—with an art exhibit at City Hall and a Sunday, Aug. 2 Sipology brunch at Lakeview Marina to celebrate local cuisine.

Alabama basketball’s 2026-27 SEC schedule is set as the team will open nonconference play on Nov.

3 at home before beginning conference contests on Jan. 2 with an away game at Mississippi State, hosting LSU (Jan. 5/6) and Auburn (Jan. 30) and closing with an away game on March 6.

Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival: Electric Eden

7-8:30 p.m. — WORKPLAY — Ticket information available — Experience a high-impact concert blending blues-rock originals and classics in a shared, electric atmosphere.

Grease - The Musical

7-8 p.m. — Virginia Samford Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the classic musical filled with 1950s nostalgia and iconic songs like 'Summer Nights' and 'Greased Lightnin'.

Deep South Duals Wrestling Tournament

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Cost info not provided — Watch top youth and high school wrestlers compete in intense dual-style matches.

Birmingham Legion FC vs. Rhode Island FC

7-8:30 p.m. — Protective Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Witness an exciting match featuring Birmingham Legion FC, a local team passionate about soccer.

Damnit Doll Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — WORKPLAY — $20.78 — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Damnit Doll and The Alabama Heathens.