🌱 $8.7M In Water Bill Grants + UAB Parkinson's Disease Link + Milo's

Hello, Birmingham. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Birmingham Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Birmingham long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the a.m.. High: 77 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. Governor Kay Ivey recently announced the allocation of $8.7M in grants, which will be offered to low-income families struggling to pay their water bills. To ensure widespread coverage, the funds will be shared among 18 community action agencies, catering to all 67 counties in the state. Two of these agencies, the Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Inc. and the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc., are set to receive more than $1 million collectively. The main objective of this program is to provide immediate relief to those who are facing water bill payment difficulties, especially elderly individuals and families with young children. (AL.com)
2. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found evidence to support the theory that there is a link between inflammation and the onset of Parkinson's disease in its early stages, according to a study published in Movement Disorders. Using PET imaging to target translocator protein, which is associated with inflammation, the researchers found elevated TSPO binding in untreated subjects at the early stages of Parkinson's, suggesting the presence of inflammation. However, further research is required to determine the role that inflammation plays in the disease and whether it can be used as a marker to predict its progression. (Alabama Today)
3. Milo's Hamburgers is making a comeback to downtown Birmingham after a short break. The restaurant, famous for its secret sauce, crinkle-cut fries, and sweet tea, is celebrating its grand reopening by giving away 100 bottles of its signature sauce to the first 100 customers, along with a free cheeseburger ticket upon downloading the Milo's app. The Midtown restaurant (located at 212 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S.) opened on Mar. 3 and is hosting its ribbon-cutting today, Mar. 7. (Bham Now)

Today in Birmingham:

• Free Tax Preparation, At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (All Day, By Appointment)
• Basketball Open Play, At Levite Jewish Community Center (6:00 AM)
• St. Patrick Word Search, At Five Points West Regional Branch Library (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Birmingham Police Department shared a photo during Women's History Month honoring women who pave the way in the department. (Birmingham Police Department, Alabama via Facebook)
• Do you want to add a new furry friend to your family? Here's a list of adoptable pets available now in the Birmingham area! Find your new best friend at the link. (Birmingham Patch)
• Celebrate Women's History Month throughout March with the Birmingham Public Library (BPL)! The library is offering a variety of programs at several locations, as well as informative and engaging displays. This year's theme is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories."
  Click the link to view all the programs offered for Women's History Month 2023! (Birmingham Public Library via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you around!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.