Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a $1.5M plan could reshape special ed in Birmingham schools

You won't want to miss Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Birmingham Patch calendar

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Friday September 25th Patch AM
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Hi Birmingham! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a $1.5M plan could reshape special ed in Birmingham schools
  • Why Birmingham is taking 3M and DuPont to federal court
  • Birmingham police tie jailed suspect to record-breaking 2024 homicide

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 82 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 84, low: 61.
  • Sunday: Variable cloudiness, with a high of 83 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. BCS can't find enough special-ed teachers. A new $1.5M plan aims to change that (abc3340.com) — Birmingham City Schools is weighing a $1.5 million partnership to recruit and train up to 20 new special-education teachers, aiming to fix chronic vacancies that affect local classrooms. At the same time, the district is boosting spending on aides and specialized services like Glenwood as more Birmingham students need intensive support, putting added pressure on its 2026 budget.
   

2. Birmingham sues 3M, DuPont, other manufacturers over PFAS in firefighter gear (wbrc.com) — Birmingham has filed a federal lawsuit against 3M, DuPont-related companies, and other manufacturers, claiming PFAS-laced firefighter gear contaminated city fire stations and equipment. The city seeks money to test, decontaminate, and replace turnout gear, plus damages under racketeering and product liability laws, while stressing the case focuses on Birmingham's property and financial losses, not individual firefighters' health claims.
   

3. Man jailed in deadly Birmingham shooting now also charged in 2024 cold case homicide (al.com) — Birmingham police say a man already jailed for a 2026 Titusville killing is now charged in the 2024 shooting death of 69-year-old Reginald Crenshaw, which broke the city's long-standing homicide record. Detectives link Jimmy Hollis to both Titusville cases as the department highlights recent progress solving cold homicides that have weighed on Birmingham neighborhoods for years.
   

4. Birmingham launches Cradle to Career Coalition targeting childcare, education, and job gaps (wbrc.com) — Birmingham is launching a new Cradle to Career Coalition to connect childcare, schools, and job opportunities for kids in neighborhoods like Kingston, Woodlawn, Smithfield, and Titusville. Backed by Mayor Randall Woodfin and Birmingham City Schools, the plan targets child poverty, low-quality childcare, and uneven school outcomes, starting with two pilot areas and promising clear timelines, accountability, and better coordination of services for families.
   

5. Bishop T.D. Jakes to Headline Seventh Annual Shift Conference in Birmingham (birminghamtimes.com) — Birmingham's Refresh Family Church will host the free Shift Conference Sept. 27–29, featuring Bishop T.D. Jakes alongside local pastors Stephen A. Davis and Thomas Beavers. Organizers expect more than 2,000 attendees for three days of worship, teaching, and leadership development, with plans to expand into theological education through Jakes' divinity school and position Birmingham as a regional hub for ministry training.
   

📸 Around Birmingham

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Birmingham

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I just want to thank whoever mowed our front yard the other day!
    We are so grateful as we haven't been able to do yard work with a new baby and conflicting work schedules! (Nextdoor Sadler Gap)
  • Update on Sadie.
    She is safely at home. Thank you neighbors for all you help passing the word. (Nextdoor Grayson Valley Highland)
  • Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc. posted a job opening for Forklift Operator in Birmingham. Apply here.
  • Teamwork Online posted a job opening for Ticketing Intern - Furnace Fest in Birmingham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Birmingham here.

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: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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