Good morning, Birmingham.

Locally owned The Local Bourbon House and Eatery has added a 3,000+ sqft outdoor patio for burgers, bourbon flights, live music, and family gatherings — creating a new hangout for Vestavia Hills locals.

The venue operates Tuesday–Thursday and Friday–Saturday and welcomes fall events.

Hotel Wildemont in Mountain Brook (a boutique hotel next to Birmingham Botanical Gardens) changed its name from Grand Bohemian today and will offer new culinary, cocktail, and creative event programming.

General Manager Tiffiany Holmes said guests can expect communal dining and cocktail lab classes.

Stone Hollow Farmstead reopened its expanded Homewood store Of Earth & Home, featuring farm-made jams, fresh flowers & antique furniture for fall shoppers.

The store is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2817 18th St S.

Johin'na at 2002 2nd Ave N was named Alabama’s best new restaurant and ranked among the top 25 in the nation by Yelp after opening in August 2025.

The upscale spot draws diners with bold global flavors and a Southern twist (reservations are recommended).

UAB’s Uncork Education will be held Thursday, Nov.

12 at The Florentine (2101 Second Ave. North) and will offer tastings, auctions, and games to support student scholarships. A free virtual auction preview runs Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 7-8 p.m. while online bidding begins Nov. 6.

Gov. Ivey warned consumers today that illegal kratom is being sold disguised as harmless drinks at local stores and vape shops — state law enforcement said proper labeling is lacking amid health risks.

The warning comes days after illicit kratom was linked to two Ole Miss student deaths in Mississippi.

PEEHIP director David Wales warned on Friday that the Inflation Reduction Act has made Medicare drug costs four times higher, prompting the board to seek an extra $222 million from the Education Trust Fund + raising monthly premiums from $1,048 to $1,226.

Alabama Secretary of Workforce Greg Reed said the new Workforce Pathways Division will cut barriers like transportation and schedule issues to better match workers with high-wage jobs.

The overhaul uses updated technology to share data and reduce duplicate services for quicker referrals.

Floor Coverings International of Birmingham shares three key flooring renovation tips, advising homeowners to choose durable materials, match plank width to room size, and remove old flooring before installing new floors.

Local experts offer in-home consultations - call 205-775-8953 to schedule your project.

Former Alabama running back Mark Ingram was honored Saturday night in Tuscaloosa for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 — he recounted heartfelt moments and thanked local supporters.

His official ceremony will be held in Las Vegas on Dec. 8.