Good morning, Birmingham.

The RESPECT Organization is marking its 30th anniversary by hosting a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive-Thru Giveaway on November 17 at 5 p.m. at More Than Conquerors Faith Church in Birmingham—families in need will receive free food boxes on a first-come, first-served basis in partnership with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Jacqueline Jackson, owner of Mattie’s Garden, received an ASAN grant to buy new supplies and replace old tools so her microgreens can meet rising demand.

Her farm, a community fixture at Birdsong Farmers Market, will soon add eggs to its rotation+ and expand produce distribution to local grocery stores.

Local artist Craig Legg has turned his art exhibit into a limited-edition book called A History of Birmingham Rock and Roll that features over 350 paintings spanning more than 70 years of the local music scene— it launches today with a signing party at WorkPlay from 2-5 p.m. and will be available next week at select local retailers.

The Birmingham Museum of Art is showing Silver and Ceremony, an exhibit of over 150 suites of silver from India that span from 1830 to 1930—featuring religious artifacts, jewelry, and everyday items that tell stories of global trade and local railroad history.

Curator Katherine Anne Paul said the exhibit connects India’s colonial past with Birmingham’s own heritage and will be open through November 30.

UAB School of Nursing earned the Best School for Men in Nursing award and UAB Medicine received the Best Workplace honor from the American Association for Men in Nursing.

This marks the seventh year for the school and the third year for UAB Medicine, and Dean Shirey said the awards show the school’s strong focus on nursing growth.

The Alabama Department of Education released state report cards for the 2024-25 school year showing Birmingham City Schools earned their highest grade ever by rising from 74 to 77—fifteen schools improved at least one letter grade while chronic absenteeism dropped from 29% to 14%.

McWane Science Center has opened its new Terrapin Nursery where eight baby Mississippi diamondback terrapins help control invasive snails—boosting the health of local salt marshes.

The hatchlings, born in June and part of a study with UAB, will be raised until they grow larger before being released on Dauphin Island in two to three years.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office paid tribute to Sergeant Louie E.

Smoke, the first African American deputy in the department who passed away on November 14th; he was hired in 1968—breaking barriers for future officers.

Children’s of Alabama received a $455K donation from Norfolk Southern on Nov.

14 to expand its pediatric ICU from 24 to 50 beds and add two high-tech simulation training manikins. The upgraded unit will be complete early 2026 — a step to reduce diversions and improve care for critically ill children.

Local vets at Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham advised pet owners to have unusual masses sampled, note any persistent changes in behavior or appetite, and keep regular check-ups since these signs can point to serious pet health issues—early tests help stop illnesses from worsening. The hospital offers round-the-clock emergency and specialty services that ensure prompt care when needed.

UAB assistant professor S.

Abdollah Mirbozorgi received two NIH grants to lead four-year projects that will develop an implantable device to study diabetes reversal & a smart pacifier to monitor infant breathing with Purdue and UAB researchers. The awards, valued at $1.2 million each, aim to create new treatments through neuroengineering techniques & innovative AI technology.

Total on 1st in downtown Birmingham is offering holiday skincare and spa deals with many items priced under $50—its Black Friday specials run online from Nov.

28 to Dec. 1 while in-store service vouchers are available during December, and skincare experts are ready to help customers choose the right gift.

Shayne Smith: Stand-Up Comedy

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr — $20 to $30 — Enjoy an evening with Shayne Smith, an up-and-coming comedian known for his unique storytelling.

Gabby's Dollhouse Live!

5 p.m. — BJCC Concert Hall — Ticketed event — Experience an enchanting live show featuring Gabby and the Gabby Cats in a colorful quest to restore the rainbow.

Jagged Edge Concert

7-9 p.m. — Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex — Ticket prices vary — Experience smooth harmonies and unforgettable R&B hits from the iconic group Jagged Edge.

ACE Cheer Company - Meet the Tribe

9:00 – 10:30 AM — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Free entry — Experience cheerleading excellence and personal growth with ACE Cheer Company.

John Morgan - Standup Comedy Show

6:30-8 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $24.50 — Experience the heartfelt and bold humor of the 'Ragin Cajun' as he tackles real-life topics with a comedic twist.

Kimberly Akimbo

7:30 p.m. — BJCC Concert Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a heartwarming and humorous journey of a teenager navigating family and life challenges.

Kimberly Akimbo Musical

7:30-9:00 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming journey of a teen overcoming obstacles in this Tony Award-winning musical.

Sam Lapidus Montclair Run

8:30-11:30 a.m. — Levite Jewish Community Center — Registration fee applies — Experience Birmingham's Thanksgiving tradition at one of its largest races.

Kimberly Akimbo

7:30-9:00 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Ticketed event — Experience a heartwarming musical about the trials of growing up and embracing life's challenges.

Howard Hewett Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Tuxedo Ballroom — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable evening of R&B featuring Grammy Award winner Howard Hewett with special guest Cherrelle.