Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham communities received generous Thanksgiving food donations last week—Tom Brown Village hosted a drive that provided holiday meals for 60 families while the Mario Addison Community Partnership delivered groceries to 300 families at North Birmingham Homes.

The Eastern Valley Fire District held a ceremony Sunday to dedicate a fire truck in memory of former Fire Chief Rob Ryan and his son, Captain Andy Ryan, who each served the community for 20 years—residents gathered to honor their lasting legacy.

Rodney Scott BBQ will open Tuesday, November 25th at Valley Post on Highway 280 in Chelsea as the James Beard Award winner’s third Birmingham location—while Hero Diner will open Saturday, November 29th as its fourth venue.

The 6-acre development at 1012 Dunnavant Valley Road in Shelby County is a joint project by Mike Mouron, Capstone Real Estate Development and The Pihakis Restaurant Group.

Foxhound Bee Company opened its new Irondale location Saturday, marking a major step for the growing business—located across from Ruffner Park Sports Complex, the facility offers a classroom and outdoor pavilion for bee lessons and family activities.

AAA reported that as of November 23, Birmingham's regular gas was $2.71 per gallon, 36 cents lower than the national average.

Prices across the metro area ranged from $2.68 to $2.72 as fuel costs for Thanksgiving trips to nearby cities were estimated between $22.33 and $54.08.

A Spectrum grant will support job readiness programs aimed at helping local residents develop skills for employment in Birmingham.

The grant will fund training initiatives designed to boost workers’ opportunities in the local economy.

Big Oak Ranch took high school juniors and seniors to visit ASCEND in Birmingham off Cahaba River Road — a program branch where current participants share how they learn to live independently after aging out of foster care.

The visit aimed to prepare these students with real-life skills and insights for future success.

UAB School of Nursing and UAB Medicine were named the 2025 Best School for Men in Nursing and Best Workplace for Men in Nursing by the American Association for Men in Nursing.

The school marked its seventh year of honor and the workplace their third—recognitions that show a strong commitment to advancing nursing.

The iconic dome of the former Zamora Temple was removed, marking the official start of full construction on Irondale’s $19.96 million civic center renovation.

City leaders said crews will work for 18 to 24 months to upgrade the facility — adding a conference hall, meeting rooms and family amenities.

Today the Homewood City Council holds a public hearing at 6 p.m. at Homewood City Hall to review the amended Brookwood Village redevelopment plan that will convert part of the mall into medical and office space, add parking for Andrews Sports Medicine, temporarily close an adjacent road, and consider a new ordinance for additional office, retail and parking space (the former Belk store was sold to HPIV Birmingham LLC).

Mental health experts say that if you feel lonely during the holiday season and around Thanksgiving, you should reach out to a friend, church member, or mental health professional for support.

They advise taking time for yourself—using simple methods like a video call or text message to stay connected can help ease those difficult feelings.

USA Wheelchair Rugby selected 16 athletes at Lakeshore Foundation's training camp from Nov 13-15 to join the 2026 National Training Squad as they prepare for the World Championships in Brazil.

The team will return to Birmingham in January for further training to boost their international competition skills.

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.

Support Group for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

6:30 p.m. — Levite Jewish Community Center — Free entry — Gather for emotional and informational support for patients and families dealing with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

ACT Trumbauer High School Festival 2025

December 5-6 — University of Alabama at Birmingham — $10 – $100 — Experience a celebration of high school theater with one-act plays and group events at this storied festival.

Missionfest Birmingham

12-8 p.m. — Downtown Birmingham — Entry details not specified — Celebrate community and faith through various missions and activities.