🌱 Patch AM: How bad is Birmingham’s flu surge just days before Christmas?

Hey there, Birmingham! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How bad is Birmingham’s flu surge just days before Christmas?
• Could new FBI tech finally solve Calera’s decade-old Julie Ray mystery?
• Why did Alabama rise while Auburn vanished from the AP rankings?

Also on today's calendar: Old City Champs at Rojo! and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Variable clouds with a shower, with a high of 71 and low of 52 degrees.
• Wednesday: Sun and some clouds, temps: high: 73, low: 54.
• Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 75 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Flu spreading quickly across Birmingham metro area ahead of the holidays, doctors urge caution (wbrc.com) — Doctors across the Birmingham metro area are reporting a sharp rise in flu A cases just days before Christmas and urging residents to stay home if they feel sick. Local physician Dr. Kre Johnson warns that symptoms can escalate quickly and notes pharmacies are already seeing medication shortages. She recommends isolating for at least 24–48 hours, masking when appropriate, and frequent handwashing to protect vulnerable neighbors.
   

2. Calera Police, FBI reopen 10-year-old missing person case of Julie Ray (wbrc.com) — Law enforcement in Calera, with support from FBI Birmingham, is reopening the 10-year-old missing person case of Julie “Dani” Ray and bringing new technology and investigative resources to the search. Detectives hope advances like facial recognition and digital forensics will generate fresh leads, and Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama is offering a $5,000 anonymous reward for information that helps investigators.
   

3. Alabama moves up to No. 14, Auburn falls out of AP men's college basketball rankings (cbs42.com) — Birmingham hoops fans saw Alabama rise to No. 14 in the latest AP men’s basketball poll while Auburn dropped out after a blowout loss to Purdue. The piece breaks down each team’s recent wins and struggles, from Alabama’s rebounding and defense to Auburn’s depth and scoring issues, and previews their final nonconference games before SEC play.
   

4. Birmingham event provides gifts to children affected by gun violence (cbs42.com) — In Birmingham’s Central Park area, grandmother Brenda Paige Ward is reviving a Secret Santa-style gift giveaway for children who’ve lost parents to gun violence. Inspired by her own son’s death and years of community donations, she’s again organizing toys and clothing for affected families, reminding Birmingham residents that grieving kids still need support during the holidays.
   

📸 Around Birmingham

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Birmingham

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday December 27

• Old City Champs at Rojo!
  Rojo , 2921 Highland Ave , Birmingham
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• New Year's Eve Music Show at Rojo with the Veeries!
  Rojo , 2921 Highland Ave , Birmingham
  7:30 pm

Saturday January 3

• Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
  Birmingham Museum of Art , 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard , Birmingham
  6:30 pm
• Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
  Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Junior Boulevard Birmingham, Alabama 35203
  8:45 pm

📣 Birmingham Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 23

• American Red Cross blood drive
  Levite Jewish Community Center , 3960 Montclair Rd , Birmingham
  10:00 am
• Board of Zoning Adjustments
  Leeds, AL Calendar
  5:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• HOLIDAY HOURS 5 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Levite Jewish Community Center , 3960 Montclair Rd , Birmingham
• City Hall Closed - Christmas Eve
  City of Irondale , 101 20th St S , Irondale
  7:00 am
• On Wednesdays We WINE for half-off!
  Hoover Chamber of Commerce , 5426 Hwy 280 Suite 6 , Hoover
  3:00 pm
• Craft’s on Church Street – Mountain Brook
  Craft's on Church Street , 49 Church St , Mountain Brook
  5:30 pm

Thursday December 25

• Christmas Day
  Hueytown, AL Calendar
• HOLIDAY HOURS 8 a.m.-noon
  Levite Jewish Community Center , 3960 Montclair Rd , Birmingham

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
  Honeybun was LOST on December 21, 2025 in Mountain Brook, AL 35213 near must’ve junped out of car. was doing doordash Sharing for a neighbor. For… (Nextdoor Five Points South)
• I know someone needs a dog for Christmas.
  This big ole goofy dog would love a new home for the new year. I've been fostering him since he was abandoned when his former subhumans moved and… (Nextdoor Winewood)

• McDonald's posted a job opening for Team Member - Late Night in Birmingham. Apply here.
• Q&A Cleaning Solutions LLC posted a job opening for Janitor - Part-time Early Bird Commercial Cleaning 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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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