Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin unveiled a cradle-to-career roadmap designed to guide children and youth from birth to adulthood — the plan will launch in Woodlawn-Kingston, Smithfield-North and South Titusville and sets goals for early care, enrichment, literacy, math, and career access.

Birmingham-based Diversified Energy Co. plans to acquire Birch Permian Holdings for $1.8 billion, marking its largest deal ever.

The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter and will rely on an asset backed securitization partnership with Carlyle’s team to boost future growth in oil and gas.

Birmingham native Mary Badham stars in 'Growing Up with Atticus' to honor Gregory Peck and her role in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' this weekend, Sept.

24-27, at the Virginia Samford Theatre (1116 26th St. South) as part of its 100th anniversary season.

The Birmingham Museum of Art is hosting ‘Roll Call: Two Hundred Years of Black American Art’ tomorrow—featuring 99 pieces from Black artists and a special panel with local talent this weekend.

The exhibit runs until Jan. 17 and includes a publication highlighting more than 250 artists.

A study published yesterday finds Alabama families need nearly $124,000 annually to cover childcare costs — a figure that underscores rising expenses for many households.

The report draws attention to the financial challenges faced by working families.

UAB marks five years since a historic ($100 million) gift established the Heersink School of Medicine.

The investment has spurred biomedical innovation, expanded global health programs, and boosted student success (as recognized by a Birmingham proclamation on Sept. 24).

Mayor Randall Woodfin launched the Cradle to Career Coalition on Thursday to connect children with quality education and job opportunities in two pilot neighborhoods (Woodlawn-Kingston and Titusville) with a formal governance structure selected in 60 days and backbone organizations named in 90 days.

Birmingham City Schools plans to spend up to $1.5M to build a special education teacher pipeline by recruiting community members as new paraprofessionals and substitutes, with tuition support and training, starting around Oct.

19. Officials will also raise spending on aides to meet growing intensive student support needs.

Rep. Aderholt highlighted Alabama’s $203 million rural health investment in a Sept.

22 discussion with Dr. Oz. The funding expanded care in rural counties by boosting telehealth, workforce development, & upgrading technology.

The 15th annual Sistah Strut breast cancer walk will take place tomorrow at Legion Field from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to support Brenda's Brown Bosom Buddies in raising awareness and advocacy — breast cancer survivor Meredith Carpenter serves as ambassador.

The Birmingham Bash Soccer Tournament begins today with 6,000 youth players from 400 teams at metro soccer fields.

The event will run through Sept. 27 and is expected to deliver a $9.6 million boost to local businesses — a vibrant kickoff for community sports.

No. 8 Alabama is set to host South Carolina on Saturday in Tuscaloosa after the Tide narrowly escaped upsets in the past two games, as both coaches fine-tune tactics to avoid last-minute comebacks.