Joshua LeBerte

A Birmingham-based nonprofit is serving up a night of food and festivities this weekend. Growing Kings is hosting its annual King of the Grill barbecue competition on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Avondale.

The Mobile Film Office is hosting its first-ever industry expo to educate students and residents on South Alabama’s growing arts scene. The Creative Industry Expo is this Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mobile Civic Center Expo Hall.

A new mural sits in the heart of downtown Birmingham, honoring the legacy of four Alabama women and putting visitors directly into their story. The public art piece, titled “Steel Magnolias,” can be spotted on the corner of 19th Street North and 10th Avenue, just across from the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC).

The world’s largest producer of wood pellets is constructing its latest plant in Sumter County, but environmental advocates are concerned. Enviva started construction on its 11th wood pellet production facility in Epes last year

Nestled atop Sand Mountain is the town of Fyffe. The small community in DeKalb County has a population of just under 1,000 people, but one local festival could double or even triple the size of this area as thousands of visitors flock to Fyffe City Park this weekend. The 18th annual UFO Days Festival is on Saturday, August 26. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 10 o’clock that night.

Alabama’s Physician Workforce Act is now in effect. The bill was first introduced by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama earlier this year before receiving unanimous support from both Alabama House and Senate committees in late April. Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law this June.

Professors at The University of Alabama are actively seeking participants for research studies that could impact residents’ health and wellness. The university’s media center recently released sign-up information for 18 studies across multiple disciplines from engineering and psychology to nutrition and rural health, and there is more research to come.

Most Alabama voters say they believe Senator Tommy Tuberville should lift his hold on military promotions. That’s according to Public Policy Polling, which surveyed 577 Alabamians.

Hundreds of Birmingham residents will hit the water this weekend to participate in one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Mitchell’s Place is hosting its third annual Dragon Boat Race and Festival on Saturday (August 19) at East Lake Park. Festivities begin at 8 a.m.

Alabama had the highest rate of residents dying from pregnancy complications in the nation between 2018 and 2021. That’s according to an August report from the Milken Institute, a nonprofit and nonpartisan think tank.