Hey there, Birmingham! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Pooches on the Patio at Vino and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. This Hidden Alabama Forest Path Reveals Massive Concrete Ruins of a Forgotten 1800s Ore Crusher (myfamilytravels.com) — Ruffner Mountain in east Birmingham offers forested trails, skyline overlooks, and striking concrete ruins from an 1800s ore crusher that once fed the city's iron industry. With views of downtown, a family-friendly nature center, and 11–14 miles of trails, it's a close-to-home escape where you can hike, learn local history, and spot wildlife year-round.
2. Week of Aug. 17, 2026 (birminghamwatch.org) — BirminghamWatch has compiled this week's key public meetings and neighborhood gatherings across the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County, including Tuesday's City Council session on zoning changes and the Veranda at Graymont project. Residents can also find dates, times, and locations for numerous neighborhood association meetings and basic service schedules like garbage, recycling, and bulk trash.
3. The City of Birmingham Activates Multiple Cooling Stations During This Week's Extreme Heat (birminghamtimes.com) — Birmingham has opened multiple cooling stations across all parts of the city this week to help residents escape dangerous heat, with libraries, recreation centers, and nonprofits offering air-conditioned space and water. Vulnerable neighbors, including seniors and unhoused residents, are especially encouraged to use these sites; full locations and hours are listed and updated on the city's website.
4. Birmingham gas prices dip slightly, averaging $3.56 a gallon (abc3340.com) — Drivers in Birmingham are paying an average of $3.56 per gallon this week, with prices ranging from $3.29 to $3.99 across local stations. While that's slightly cheaper than a month ago and below the national average, it's still significantly higher than last year, as global oil issues keep fuel costs volatile.
5. 36-year-old pleads guilty in Birmingham shooting death of father of 4 during robbery (al.com) — A Center Point man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to murdering a Birmingham father of four during a 2021 robbery outside his apartment. The plea deal, reached just before a capital murder trial was to begin, brings some closure to the victim's family and highlights lingering concerns about gun violence in Birmingham neighborhoods.
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Ok Birmingham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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