Good morning, Birmingham.

U.S. News released its 2026-2027 Best Places to Retire list this week, ranking Hoover third in Alabama (tied with Florence and Huntsville) and Birmingham 10th, with Hoover scoring 5.7 and Birmingham 5.1 and median home values of $382,915 and $178,913, respectively.

The Collective Boutiques opened at River Ridge Shopping Center on Hwy 280 on Oct.

24 with nearly 200 local vendors in the former Painted Tree space at 4612 US-280, and the marketplace is open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Fifth Third Bank has been handing out $53 gift cards this summer and early fall to shoppers at gas pumps, grocery stores, and restaurants near its new retail branches (Tattersall Park, Patchwork Farms, Liberty Park) off Highway 280, saying $53 reflects its name.

The 21st annual Moss Rock Festival will feature art, environmental exhibits, tree sapling giveaways, and a Beer Garden on Sat, Nov.

7 and Sun, Nov. 8 at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex (5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy); adult tickets start at $13 and kids 18 and under are free.

UAB accepted an invitation this week to join the Association of American Universities, making it Alabama's first and only AAU member.

The research university reports more than $915 million in annual research expenditures and is Alabama's largest employer (more than 37,000 employees).

House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (Rainsville) publicly backed making 'My Home's in Alabama' the official state anthem on Oct.

27, reviving a decades-old effort that stalled in 2000, and he has not said when or how he will seek legislative approval.

The 85th Magic City Classic will take over downtown Saturday, Oct.

31, with a parade at 8 a.m., tailgating 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and the Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State game at Legion Field with kickoff at 2:30 p.m.

NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar visited Alabama National Guard soldiers and Pell City veterans at Fort McClellan on Oct.

23 to see marksmanship demos and meet veterans before racing at Talladega (he finished sixth in the YellaWood 500).