UAB Kicks Off Football Season + Woman Steals Police Car

Happy Thursday people of the Magic City! We are one day closer to Labor Day weekend, so I hope everyone is having a good week so far. College football starts this weekend, so of course there is plenty to cheer about (UAB already kicked off its season last night, more on that down below). So, Here's everything worth knowing today in town.

First, today's weather: Clear throughout the day. High: 85 Low: 62.

Here are the top stories today in Birmingham:

1. UAB kicked off its 2021 football season by beating Jacksonville State 31-0 in Montgomery last night. The Blazers rolled up more than 500 yards of offense despite getting off to a slow start. (ESPN)
2. A woman who had been cuffed and placed in a Birmingham PD patrol vehicle managed to actually steal the vehicle she was sitting in while the officer questioned someone else at the scene. What followed was a chase that ended up on I-459, and an eventual arrest. (Birmingham Patch)
3. In a similar story, Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a handcuffed man who escaped custody in East Lake yesterday morning. Like the woman in the previous story, he was cuffed and in the patrol car and was able to get away. Only this guy is on foot. (AL.com)
4. Two workers for Pike Electric, which was contracted by Alabama Power to help with power restoration efforts in Jefferson County, died on the job Tuesday after coming into contact with live electrical current. (Birmingham Patch)
5. Many Hurricane Ida evacuees from New Orleans have sought shelter in Birmingham, and are playing the waiting game to return home. (WBRC)

Send flowers today to someone you care about. Our partners at FTD are making that easier by offering Birmingham Daily readers a 15 percent discount on orders through this link: Click here to make someone feel awesome.

Today in Birmingham

• Go to the Birmingham Museum of Art today for the "All Things Bright and Beautiful" exhibit, which brings together works primarily from the museum's permanent collection that look at themes of power and agency. (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Party on the Patio happens the first Thursday of every month at the Heights Village in Cahaba Heights. Shop extended hours at the Heights Village shops and kick off football season with a football-themed party. (3 p.m.)
• Who's up for a night of beer and chess? Head to Cahaba Brewing Company for Cahaba Chess Night. Chess sets will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. (5 p.m.)
• Did I mention earlier that college football season is underway? Well Samford University kicks off its season against Tennessee Tech tonight. (6 p.m.)
• Check out Studio By The Tracks artist Michael Hall's music-themed solo show at Seasick Records. (6 p.m.)

Birmingham Patch Notebook

• The Tulane University football team is operating out of Birmingham temporarily, and they have been using Legion Field and UA's indoor practice facility. (Instagram)
• The Adoption Center at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society is open, and they have loads of adoptable pets that can’t wait to meet you. So, grab your family (and your mask) and visit them at the GBHS Adoption Center today. (Facebook)
• Look at birminghammomcollective's Instagram feed. This is great. "Things that make you go hmmmm about Birmingham, Alabama." (Instagram)
• New Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin said he "may" sneak out of the locker room before the game to see the pregame eagle flight. (Twitter)
• I am a sucker for food photos, and this from Bottega is simply marvelous - lamb & eggplant lasagna with tomato, sweet onion and feta! (Facebook)

Did you know you can feature your local business in this spot for just $79 a month? Click here to get started.

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Michael Seale

About me: I am a lifelong Alabama resident with more than two decades of media under my belt. I have worked for a daily newspaper, a weekly newspaper, a monthly magazine, a television station and a couple of radio stations. I also tried my hand at marketing for a little while. But I love writing news. This opportunity to bring Patch to Birmingham is a chance for my hometown to benefit from a new - and better - way to read and receive news.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Birmingham Daily? Email me at michael.seale@patch.com.