Good morning, Birmingham.

Repticon, a leader in reptile and exotic animal expos, will host an event at the Trussville Civic Center on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—families and enthusiasts can view a wide range of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, arachnids and small exotic animals while breeder-vendors share expertise and offer pet supplies.

Carver Jones Market presented its plan to seek $885,000 in incentives—including $600,000 in ARPA funds—to open a new supermarket at Heritage Park Town Center in west Birmingham to address a local food desert; the CEO said the store will open between January and March after renovations if the city council approves the proposal.

Bessemer city leaders voted Tuesday to move forward with a $14 billion data center project that is expected to bring nearly $4 billion in net statewide benefits over 30 years.

Atlanta-based developers plan to build 18 buildings on the Rock Mountain Lake Road site—ALDOT noted the proposal may conflict with Northern Beltline designs.

Sloss Furnaces, a historic site in Birmingham, will start raising funds next year for a $12 million project—designed to link it to the city’s trail system and add play areas, green spaces and an elevated boardwalk.

Birmingham City Council approved grant funds to build three free outdoor fitness studios in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and the National Fitness Campaign.

The city will match $981,000 for each studio — similar projects have been installed in Fultondale, Homewood and Hoover.

A section of University Boulevard is closed until November 30 for construction on a new biomedical research and psychology building at UAB—drivers headed west toward I-65 face delays in the right lane between 16th and 14th Streets.

The $190 million project began last summer and will add an eight-story facility with new research labs for both the School of Medicine and the Department of Psychology.

Bessemer City Council approved Project Marvel, a $14 billion data center plan with an 18-building campus that will offer 4.5 million square feet of storage and over 300 jobs, despite residents expressing concerns about health, water usage, and pollution — issues that also include potential impacts on the Northern Beltline project. Councilors supported the plan for its economic value while local critics warned it could affect costs and power bills for Birmingham residents.

Alabama Public Television voted Tuesday, November 18 to keep its PBS membership through June amid concerns over a nearly $2 million cost and reported bias in news programming— and the commission will form a committee to survey viewers and prepare a disaffiliation plan as Gov. Ivey requested.

Children’s of Alabama offers the Charlie Cart program that brings monthly cooking demos for kids with diabetes so they learn to make healthy treats.

The hands-on sessions, led by a registered dietitian, boost the children’s independence and give families important support + practical tips for managing their diets.

UAB Medicine was named one of the nation’s top hospitals for digital health by the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program.

The hospital reached Level 8 status and ranked high in clinical quality and cybersecurity—showing its strong focus on digital innovation.

Landscape Workshop, a Birmingham-based company, explains how to keep both commercial spaces and home gardens vivid this fall and winter by using plants like mums, pansies, kale, and ornamental cabbage that turns purple after frost + experts also plan to swap blooms for evergreens and berries to keep curb appeal through December.

Birmingham residents have many Thanksgiving weekend options including Friendsgiving specials at Up-Down Arcade and Rojo, a community potluck at Crestwood Tavern, outdoor strolls at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, hikes at local parks, volunteer work at Jimmie Hale Mission, visits to the Birmingham Zoo, movie showings at Sidewalk, games at local venues, and a Black Friday sale at Cahaba Brewery. Many events offer free food and support—providing locals a chance to enjoy the holiday—while giving a variety of choices for all ages.

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.

Kimberly Akimbo Musical Performance

1-2:30 p.m. — BJCC East Exhibition Hall — Tickets available — A Tony Award-winning musical about a teenager navigating family challenges and personal growth.

Highlands College Leadership Conference

8 AM – 2 PM — Highlands College — Tickets available — Enhance your leadership skills and engage in mission-driven work with industry leaders.