Good morning, Birmingham.

UAB Hospital employees filled the West Pavilion lobby on Wednesday with bikes & toys for children as part of their holiday drive benefiting the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program.

The long-standing effort began in 2011 to spread cheer to local families.

Oakworth Capital Bank ranked #2 on American Banker’s Best Banks to Work For this year, marking its 9th consecutive year in the top spot.

The bank, which opened its Birmingham branch in 2008, uses staff surveys to improve benefits and workspaces to support a strong culture for clients and employees.

Alabama Power has committed to no rate hikes for Birmingham customers through 2027 following a December 2 meeting by the Alabama Public Service Commission; the company also offers tools to help manage power bills.

Southwire has announced a $176 million expansion at its Heflin plant (in Cleburne County) to upgrade cable production and add over 85 jobs.

Construction will begin later this year and operations are set to expand in late 2027.

Gov. Ivey announced that families can now access the CHOOSE Act website for ESA details — renewing families will apply Dec.

15 while new families start on Jan. 2, with applications closing March 31 and awards set for April 15.

UAB will honor more than 1,966 graduating students with two events; 178 doctoral candidates will be recognized in a hooding ceremony on Dec.

10 at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and 862 students will participate in combined ceremonies on Dec. 13 at Bartow Arena.

UAB is awarded a $37 million contract by NASA today to deliver hardware & software that keep temperature-critical materials safe aboard Artemis spacecraft.

The 66-month contract includes two optional extension periods that could run through June 3, 2033.

Birmingham City Council approved a deal for Carver Jones Market to open a grocery store in Heritage Park Towne Center off Dennison Avenue SW.

The new location (replacing a Save A Lot store) will offer affordable food options and create local jobs and could open by spring or summer.

Birmingham Barons announced on Instagram that Cosmic Baseball will take place at Regions Field on March 28, offering a baseball game played under black lights with fan challenges + lasers and a 7th inning rave.

Fans are advised to register soon for tickets.

Alabama and Georgia will clash in the SEC championship on Dec.

6 in Atlanta after Alabama clinched its spot with a win at the Iron Bowl and Georgia secured its position with a win over Georgia Tech (AP rankings shifted as Texas A&M was dropped from the top five).

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.

Killer Whale Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — The Nick — $7 Membership required — Experience the fusion of contemporary dream pop and '70s soul sounds with Killer Whale.

General Membership Meeting & Hall of Fame Banquet

09:00 AM-06:00 PM — Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa — Cost Info TBA — Celebrate achievements and honor Hall of Fame recipients with inspiring speeches and networking.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghost of Christmas Eve

11 AM - 5 PM — Legacy Arena — Special ticket pricing available — Experience the holiday rock tradition with TSO's spectacular live performance blending music and theatrics.

Jeff Dunham Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Legacy Arena — Ticketed event — Experience the hilarious ventriloquism of Jeff Dunham and his unforgettable characters.

Marvin Hunter Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with the award-winning comedian Marvin Hunter.

Alabama Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®

1:30 PM & 6 PM — BJCC Concert Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet with live music from the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

A Christmas Story Screening

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Alabama Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy a classic family comedy as Ralphie Parker tries to convince everyone he needs a BB gun for Christmas.

Pentatonix Holiday Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Grammy-winning a cappella group with festive holiday music and captivating performances.