🌱 B'ham City Schools Tackle Teacher Shortage + Missing TN Woman

Hi there, Birmingham! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Keep reading for the latest.

First, today's weather:

Clearing, a thunderstorm; humid. High: 85 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. A national teacher shortage is hitting the magic city, and school officials are working to navigate the problem. From enticing teachers and other staff to positions by creating pathway and residency programs to changing state certification requirements, the city schools human resource officer says that action is being taken to solve the crisis. The president of the Birmingham Alabama Federation of Teachers says that the shortage isn't fair to students in the classroom. Read more at the link. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
2. Birmingham authorities are searching for a missing Tennessee woman. Gina Lynn Folse, 61, reportedly suffers from a mental disorder which makes her unable to take care of herself. She was last seen on Aug. 20 near the 1300 block of Third Avenue North. To see a photo of Gina, click the link. Police are asking anyone with information on her whereabouts to call the Special Victims Section or 911. (AL.com)
3. Looking to stay in season and still have fun? This list of three cocktails is something you should check out. They're delicious and fun, and, best of all, you can find these fresh fruit ingredients at Birmingham farmers' markets right now. From the strawberry cream Bushwacker to the Bushwacker peach milkshake, these drinks will sweeten up any party. (Bham Now)

Today in Birmingham:

• Outdoor Pool Lap Swim at Levite Jewish Community Center (5:30 AM)
• Storytime at the Gardens - Birmingham Botanical Gardens (10:00 AM)
• Rock Eupora In-Store Performance - Seasick Records (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• SoulGrown featured the new skate park at City Walk. There's a full rundown of the 31-acre City Walk at the link. (SoulGrown • Birmingham via Instagram)
• IN Birmingham invites you to an out-of-this-world coffee shop and bar. Saturn in Avondale features live music at night and hot coffee during the day. (IN Birmingham | Birmingham, AL via Instagram)
• The Birmingham Zoo has a cheesy joke for you. Click the link to see a video of Carlito the Anteater and be ready to groan just a little at the humor. (The Birmingham Zoo via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.