Good morning, Birmingham.

Skate night in Bessemer took place Thursday, Oct.

15 at Roller Motion Skate Center — a community event honoring three young lives lost in 2019 — where organizers offered free Stop the Violence T-shirts and gun locks to promote safe storage.

Shibam Coffee Co. will have its soft opening Saturday, Oct.

24 at 4647 on US Highway 280 in Inverness (near ALDI and Chuck E Cheese) as the Michigan-based chain debuts specialty Yemeni coffee, teas, pastries and 50% off drinks during its opening celebration.

Regions Bank in Birmingham will require corporate office workers to be on-site at least four days per week starting January 2027 (staff can work remotely on one day) to increase in-person teamwork.

Priceline named Birmingham one of the top 10 places to travel in 2027, citing its historic Civil Rights district and vibrant food scene.

The announcement came on (Oct. 13) and boosts the city's profile as a travel destination.

Matchbox Twenty is set to start its 30th anniversary tour at Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham on May 15, with opening act The All-American Rejects.

Ticket pre-sales begin Oct. 20; tickets go on sale Oct. 23 via Ticketmaster—prices range from $59.50 to $139.50.

Alabama Ballet announced its 2026-27 season featuring George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® showing December 12-22 at BJCC Concert Hall, where young dancers Jude and Joey will perform after years of training; the season also highlights Swan Lake’s 150th anniversary and fresh programs in the coming months.

Kelly Nichols, dean of UAB School of Optometry, was named Alabama Educator of the Year by the Alabama Optometric Association for her work in optometric education and public eye health.

Her leadership in advancing eye care has earned her widespread recognition.

Eligible Americans in Alabama who paid full-price for 2026 coverage via the federal Marketplace will receive a $500 refund for overcharged user fees while those on state-run exchanges are not eligible.

The refund affects 950,000 people & comes as fee rates drop from 2.5% this year to 1.9% next year.

A college student is fighting to recover her deposit after multiple fires at her apartment at 2700 at Homewood (management has not provided updates) left her living space damaged; another fire broke out Wednesday, intensifying her struggle.

Birmingham's Cooper Green Homes wrapped up nearly $30 million in renovations to update rental units and community amenities.

City leaders and officials held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at this 32-acre property — units reserved for households earning 60% or less of the area median income.