🌱 Gala Honors Vietnam Veterans + Highway 280 Construction

Hi all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Birmingham Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days. Today we'll cover:

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:

An afternoon shower or two. High: 72 Low: 57.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Birmingham who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. A suspect was arrested on murder charges in the killing of a Birmingham mother more than three weeks ago. After being arrested in connection with the slaying of 33-year-old Jasmine Price, 26-year-old Raquan Wilson of Birmingham turned himself into the Jefferson County Jail on Monday. Wilson is being held without bond. (Subscription: AL.com)
2. Repair work on a leaking pipe has begun on Highway 280. The project will require one to two lanes of commuter traffic to be closed on the roadway eastbound adjacent to Rocky Ridge Road between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day during construction. Birmingham Water Works expects the repair project to take up to 20 days. (Alabama's News Leader)
3. Former Alabama and Auburn football players joined forces to help veterans at the One Yard at a Time Gala. The fundraiser was held at The Club in Birmingham and hosted by former Alabama and Auburn football lettermen, raising money for former members of the armed forces. Former Marine James Miller said veterans like him are getting much more respect and gratitude than when they returned from Vietnam over 50 years ago. (Alabama NewsCenter)

From our sponsor:

There’s a reason over 4 million people read Morning Brew — the daily email that delivers the latest news across business, finance, and tech straight to your inbox. Let's face it: traditional business news can be dry, dense, and boring, but Morning Brew is written in a witty yet educational tone that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. The best part? It's free and only takes 5 minutes to read so you can get all of the most relevant updates and get on with your day. If you’re interested in business, current events, or just want to learn something new there’s no reason not to try it.

Today in Birmingham:

• School Blood Drive At Leeds High School (All Day)
• Take Home Valentine At Woodlawn Branch Library (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• If you’re still searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, you can adopt an animal from the Birmingham Zoo (not to be taken home). Prices vary depending on the animal you choose. Click here if you’re interested in adopting an animal from the Birmingham Zoo. (WRBL)
• The Innova Chocolate Chip Cookie is back at Innova Coffee! Cookie traits include thickness, richness, and packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips – sprinkled with sea salt with just the right texture. (Innova Coffee via Instagram)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this week? Check out the list of events happening in and around Birmingham this week at the link! (Bham Now)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. 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.