Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham hosts 20 weekend events offering something for everyone as the NASCAR YellaWood 500 kicks off Friday at Talladega (just an hour away) and Halloween workshops, hikes, and markets enliven fall days through Sunday.

Rev. Curt Kennington became rector of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Leeds on June 6, continuing his father's legacy after a varied ministry.

Bishop Richard Lawson III will join a celebration at 6 p.m. today at the church on Montevallo Road (near the Little Cahaba River).

Zozo's Kitchen, a family restaurant known for Greek-inspired dishes, is preparing to open a new location at 1851 Montgomery Hwy, Ste 101 in Hoover — the opening date is yet to be announced.

Moss Rock Festival 2026 (21st annual) is set to take place on Saturday, Nov.

7 through Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, featuring 100 local artists, a beer garden with craft brews, free entry for kids, environmental projects, and affordable two-day tickets starting at $13.

On Oct. 19, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter presented country music legend Randy Owen with the Alabama Humanities Fellow award at Birmingham’s Lyric Theatre during Celebrating the Music of America, Made in Alabama.

The honor recognizes Owen’s lifelong efforts to share Southern storytelling & support local arts.

Birmingham celebrates the Magic City Classic, a weeklong festival of football, parades, tailgating and business networking organized by the Southwestern Athletic Conference on the Southside.

The event supports local colleges and spurs economic impact + expands higher education opportunities.

Applications are now open for 2027-28 at Alabama’s four tuition-free specialty schools, including Birmingham’s School of Fine Arts.

Governor Ivey said the programs offer courses in arts, science, cyber technology, and healthcare for students statewide with options for on-campus living.

UAB opened its eight-story Shelby Biosciences Research Building today, a 228,735 sqft facility that boosts biomedical and psychology research, with $192 million (federal and state funds) driving new interdisciplinary studies to improve health and innovation.

Local officials announced $10 million in funding Monday, Oct.

19 for the R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N. Alabama project, which covers design and engineering work to improve railroad crossing delays in Harris Homes and Trussville (after decades of community concern).

A UAB doctor explained that Jalen Hurts suffered a rare blood clot that began in his calf (spreading to his lungs) and took blood thinners, making contact sports unsafe.

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was ruled out for the season and is expected to recover.

UAB researchers in Birmingham discovered that even after blood sugar returns to normal, the heart may keep a memory of past high levels and become more vulnerable to stress.

The findings stress early and steady diabetes care to protect heart health.

Bessemer officials asked QTS Data Centers to pause work at its Project Marvel on a 1,600-acre site pending a joint meeting, but QTS said construction will continue per approved permits and that the meeting is postponed until later weeks — it also confirmed voluntary home buyouts for local residents.