Good morning, Birmingham.

School-based food pantries at C.J.

Donald Middle School and Fairfield High Preparatory School now give healthy food to about 200 local residents each month – a new effort by United Way of Central Alabama in partnership with the Community Food Bank. This program addresses the need for nutritious options after Fairfield was classified as a food desert.

Vintage Market Days will return in Hoover from Sept 25—27 at the Finley Center at The Hoover Met — shoppers can use discount code BHAMNOW on tickets while Thursday pre-sale guests get special swag and giveaways every 15 minutes, and children 12 and under enter free.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation bought a hotel on Colonnade Parkway for $11 million on Sept.

9 — it will be converted into permanent housing and supportive services for about 110 veterans.

The Alabama Minority Vendor Conference returns to the BJCC this weekend to offer workshops and networking opportunities for small business owners.

Speakers Dr. Egypt Sherrod and Larenz Tate—presenting at the luncheon and breakfast respectively—will share key strategies to help minority vendors grow their businesses.

Estelle Amore will host a Fashion Show Fundraiser Friday, Sept.

26 at 6 p.m. at Gabrella Manor in Birmingham to support Emmanuel Home of Protection in Nicaragua—a shelter for rescued girls where all ticket and gown sale proceeds will benefit the home.

Hundreds gathered Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park in Hoover to honor Charlie Kirk with a prayer vigil and speeches.

Morgan Walker led the service while Rick Shaver, who met Kirk, urged everyone to speak up for their faith.

On Tuesday, over 400 people gathered at the Birmingham—Jefferson Convention Complex for the AT Alabama Conference that showcased how assistive technology supports classrooms, clinics, workplaces, and sports.

Keynote speakers and exhibits from companies like Apple provided hands-on examples and adaptive gaming systems to benefit people with disabilities.

Terrance Ingram launched LegacyWorks in Birmingham to mentor young Black men by teaching trades and college readiness—helping 44 youths access job training and community service opportunities.

The nonprofit partners with local trade professionals to offer hands-on learning that steers participants toward better futures.

Birmingham City Council approved a $3 million contract with Sound Thinking Inc. for the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system on Sept.16, and Police Chief Michael Pickett said officers already responded to 30-40% of gunfire detections when no 911 call was made — a move to improve emergency response.

A federal judge ruled Tuesday, Sept.

16 that Jefferson County commission district maps violated the Fourteenth Amendment and must be redrawn. The county must file a joint report on a new plan within 30 days—by Oct. 16.

The Jefferson County Commission approved the county’s Operating and Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 totaling over $997 million.

The commission also renewed a $75,000 contract with Pileum Corporation to install cameras for illegal dump sites—commissioners allocated $97,000 to the Penny Foundation for HBCU and youth programs.

Evening with Steve Brown

7:30-9 p.m. — The StarDome — $36.50 — Enjoy a night of laughter with the unique and hilarious Steve Brown.

Wicked Musical

7:30-10:30 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Tickets available — Experience the magical tale of friendship and rivalry in the Land of Oz.

Bingo Loco

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Iron City Bham — $54+ — Enjoy a lively night of bingo with a twist at Birmingham's Iron City.

Vampire Weekend Concert

7-10 p.m. — Coca-Cola Amphitheater — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the energetic sounds of Vampire Weekend live in Birmingham.

Pottery Night at Back Forty

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Back Forty Beer Company Birmingham — $65 — Craft spooky clay creations while enjoying local brews and bites.

Zoso - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Iron City Bham — Tickets available — Experience the power of Led Zeppelin's music live with Zoso.

Abbey Road Live

6-7:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Tickets from $44 — Experience a remarkable performance by Abbey Road Live in Birmingham.

Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of hilarious stand-up from the acclaimed comedian Jo Koy, blending humor with his Filipino heritage.

Rilo Kiley Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Tickets from $19 — Last-minute tickets available for a night of live music with Rilo Kiley.

House of Harm Concert

8 p.m. — Saturn — Tickets available — Experience captivating post-punk and alternative rock sounds in an intimate venue setting.