Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will new body cameras change Birmingham fire investigations and training?

And check out The Polar Express on the Birmingham Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Good morning Birmingham! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will new body cameras change Birmingham fire investigations and training?
  • What investigators say happened in the fatal Beacon Crest Lane shooting
  • How Kingston neighbors are reshaping safety after a recent police shooting

Also on today's calendar: Birmingham Ugly Sweater Crawl: 8th Annual, December 13th and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Birminghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Partly sunny and nice, with a high of 64 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Saturday: A passing shower or two, temps: high: 63, low: 30.
  • Sunday: Breezy and much colder, with a high of 36 and low of 17 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Birmingham Fire and Rescue to get body cameras with city funding (wbrc.com) — Birmingham’s Fire and Rescue Service is getting 30 body cameras after the City Council approved $174,000 in funding over three years, starting January 1. EMS supervisors and fire inspectors will use the cameras to improve fire investigations, document scenes like the recent Southside arson, and enhance training, with hopes of eventually expanding access across the department.
   

2. Death investigation underway after shooting on Beacon Crest Lane in Birmingham (abc3340.com) — Birmingham police are investigating a deadly shooting Thursday afternoon on Beacon Crest Lane, where a man was found with a gunshot wound and later pronounced dead. Detectives say several people were inside the apartment when shots were fired and have taken multiple individuals to police headquarters for questioning. Anyone with information can contact Birmingham police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
   

3. Kingston residents push for neighborhood safety, community accountability (wvtm13.com) — Residents in Birmingham’s Kingston neighborhood are organizing for safer streets and stronger accountability after a recent police shooting on 45th Street North. Community leaders are urging neighbors to report dangerous behavior, manage guests responsibly, and work with police and housing partners on a long-term transformation plan aimed at protecting children, elders, and longtime residents.
   

4. SEC announces 2026 football schedules for Alabama, Auburn (wbrc.com) — Birmingham sports fans just got an early look at the 2026 football schedules for both Alabama and Auburn, announced from Birmingham under the SEC’s new nine-game conference format. The league is adding a required “high quality” non-conference opponent and locking in three annual SEC opponents, promising more marquee matchups and preserved rivalries for Tide and Tigers supporters.
   

5. 3 Pitt students were honored by the National Association of African American Honors Programs (pitt.edu) — Birmingham recently hosted a national conference celebrating Black honors students, where three University of Pittsburgh Frederick Honors College students earned recognition. One student received a scholarship and poster award, while all participated in a Model African Union focused on major policy issues. The gathering brought top students from across the country into Birmingham for several days of academic competition and collaboration.
   

📸 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!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 13
  • The Polar Express
    Alabama Theatre, 1817 3rd Ave N, Birmingham
    2:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Birmingham Shout Outs!

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello neighbor's, We'll be distributing free food, Friday December 12th @ 3pm.
    United Community Center Inc. / Riley Community Center. (Nextdoor Elyton Village in Graymont)
  • Found dog.
    Large male brindle with thick coat and chain collar. Very docile. I do t have any way to keep him, so we hugged for a minute and he headed east on… (Nextdoor Crestwood North)
  • Workshops Empowerment Inc. posted a job opening for Work-Ready Processing/Production Associate in Birmingham. Apply here.
  • Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools posted a job opening for 2026-2027 Elementary Teacher (K-2) Birmingham Campus 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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