Good morning, Montgomery.

The Beacon Center hosted a retreat for first responders yesterday to help them recover after a violent weekend that included a mass shooting at Bibb and Commerce—killing two and injuring 12.

First United Methodist Church partnered in the event which offered drum circle art, yoga, meditation and a meal to restore and uplift participants.

Last night the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office hosted a Faith and Blue Prayer Service at First Baptist Church on Perry Street—drawing local residents and pastors to pray for unity and support after a mass shooting that left two dead and 12 injured.

Sheriff Derrick Cunningham stressed that the event helped bridge gaps between law enforcement and the community amid these troubling times.

Fall traditions in Pike Road kick off with the annual hay bale decorating contest that features a record 72 participants and will see judging on Oct.

20 with winners announced live on radio from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. The town also hosts the 14th annual Plein Air Paint Out, where local artists will showcase works under the theme 'At Home in Pike Road' with hay bales on display until Nov. 3 and People’s Choice voting open until 10 p.m. on Oct. 26.

The Gift of Life Community action team will host a Candlelight Memorial on October 15th to honor parents who have faced infant loss.

The event is part of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

In-N-Out will open five new locations in three states soon—three in Tennessee where it will also establish its second headquarters to bring its classic burgers closer to Alabama.

CEO Lynsi Snyder said the chain will not expand to the East Coast despite strong customer demand from Florida.

This weekend, the River Region hosts the 32nd Annual Cotton Festival in Eclectic—Montgomery features a Latino Food Festival and a Build Your Own Boat competition while Wetumpka holds a breast cancer awareness event, a special fishing tournament takes place, and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents Murder on the Orient Express.

Alabama public schools saw their largest enrollment drop in 40 years as about 5,000 students left and 2,100 did not show up, leaving many missing from records.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey said that 500 to 700 teacher jobs will be cut next year (districts have until next Friday to correct data errors), which will reduce funding tied to student attendance.

On October 10th, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs held its 80th anniversary luncheon at the RSA Activity Center where Gov. Kay Ivey and the agency’s oldest and youngest working employee cut the cake to honor eight decades of service to veterans and families.

ADVA Commissioner Jeff Newton announced plans to add veterans service offices, secure land for a second state veterans memorial cemetery near Huntsville, and partner with Tunnel to Towers for a veterans village in Birmingham—while the event also honored WWII veteran Seaman Second Class Harry Jackson, Jr., who will celebrate his 100th birthday next month.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs celebrated its 80th anniversary with a luncheon in Montgomery on Friday afternoon to honor more than 400,000 veterans and their families.

Governor Kay Ivey and Commissioner Jeffrey Newton spoke about the agency's new role in her cabinet — promising to expand services and boost efforts to make veterans aware of benefits such as support for mental health and homelessness.

Heather Campbell lost her job last summer due to federal funding cuts and her husband, an officer at Maxwell Air Force Base, will not get his paycheck on Wednesday because of the government shutdown—without enough savings, the family will use credit cards for their mortgage and groceries.

Lifesouth opened its second community blood center in Montgomery at Taylor Junction, located at the corner of Taylor Road and Atlanta Highway—joining its first location on Carmichael Road near Perry Hill Road and easing east side donor access for local hospitals.

Mark Lowry Concert

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Montgomery Performing Arts Centre — Ticket prices not specified — Enjoy an evening of uplifting music with Mark Lowry.

Murder on the Orient Express

1:00 – 2:30 PM — Alabama Shakespeare Festival — Ticket prices vary — Experience the classic mystery unfold live on stage.

Admission Ceremony

8 AM – 12 PM — Montgomery Performing Arts Centre — Click here for registration — Celebrate new beginnings at the Admission Ceremony.

Murder on the Orient Express

1-2:30 p.m. — Alabama Shakespeare Festival — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic mystery on stage.

Toast Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Montgomery Performing Arts Centre — Tickets from $52 — Grab last-minute tickets for an exciting concert evening at the arts centre.

Montgomery Auto Auction Event

10 p.m. — 6044 Troy Hwy, Montgomery, AL — Online access available — Experience thrilling online bids for top quality cars in Montgomery's auction.

AMA Partzilla Regional Arenacross Series

7-8:30 p.m. — Garrett Coliseum — Ticket required for early access — Experience thrilling arenacross racing with early fan access and pre-event activities.

Autumn Fest

1:30-4 p.m. — Horse Farm, Montgomery, AL — Free entry — Celebrate autumn with games, music, and activities for all ages at this community festival.