Good morning, Montgomery.

Montgomery is set to hold its 12th annual MLK Community Celebration, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizing local leaders dedicated to making the community better.

Details on the schedule and venue are forthcoming.

Make-A-Wish Alabama is preparing for its 10th annual Trailblaze Challenge fundraiser (a long-standing event) to support granting wishes for critically ill children.

The event will soon kick off to rally local community support.

A fatal Highway 80 crash on Tuesday near the 48-mile marker in Marengo County left Demopolis High School student Braleigh Busbee dead and another teen hospitalized; funeral services are set for Sunday with visitors asked to wear bright colors.

Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer visited Highland Avenue Elementary to read her book 'Detective Dell is on the case' for students (the visit highlighted a local literacy effort).

Better Than Average Tutoring (a River Region organization) is offering ACT prep to help high school students strengthen their test-taking skills.

The sessions aim to boost confidence and improve scores ahead of college admissions deadlines.

A delegation from Greenville officially named a new camellia variety after Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday, presenting her with a proclamation and an American Camellia Society plaque at the State Capitol grounds.

The flower, a cherished state emblem since 1959, honors Alabama’s rich heritage.

Cedric Sanders, owner of Can a Brotha Get a Slice on South Decatur, appeared before city council last night wearing a gladiator helmet while answering questions about unpaid sales taxes.

The council warned he must begin payments within two weeks or his business license will be revoked.

The Montgomery County Commission approved an extra $7.5 million in funding for Jackson Hospital to help it finalize a restructuring plan, with the state matching the amount to reach an $80 million total package.

Hospital officials expect the plan to clear bankruptcy in the second quarter.

A Black women-led initiative in Montgomery is set to launch a mobile maternal health unit – offering OB-GYN, prenatal, and counseling services – to improve care for mothers amid high infant mortality, with legislative support expected in the coming months.

New Waters Realty in Pike Road welcomed licensed agent Cassandra Crosby on Wednesday, Jan.

7; she brings expertise from her home staging firm and civic work to offer a full-service approach to clients.

The undefeated youth football team was honored in Montgomery even as their coach, Rodriquez Goodwyn, fights for recovery after being shot following an August practice.

The community celebrates their perseverance and success.

Montgomery Catholic’s Jonathan Chandler was named the new head football coach at Opelika High School, marking his return to the community that raised him.

The Opelika City Board of Education will consider his appointment at a special meeting Wednesday.

PMP Certification Training Bootcamp

9 AM – 5 PM — Alabama State University — Tuition required — Enhance your project management skills and ensure a 100% pass rate on the PMP exam.

Alabama D.O.T. Auction

9 AM – 1 PM — J.M. Wood Auction Co Inc — Registration required — Bid on a variety of construction equipment, tractors, and trucks at this local auction event.

Veterans Information & Benefits Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — E L Lowder Branch Library of Montgomery — Free entry — Discover essential information and benefits tailored for veterans and their families.