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🌱 Patch AM: Why Birmingham police want this shooting charge upgraded to capital murder

And on the Birmingham Patch calendar - Christmas in the City: Harlem Nights & City Lights

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Sunday December 21st Patch AM
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Hi Birmingham! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Birmingham police want this shooting charge upgraded to capital murder
  • What does ending this DEI policy mean for Birmingham contractors?
  • How busy is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth as holiday flyers pack the terminals?

Also on today's calendar: Not So Silent Night Drumline Competition 2025 and 4 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Sunday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 60 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Monday: Sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 60, low: 52.
  • Tuesday: Decreasing clouds, with a high of 68 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Suspect in custody after 22-year-old man shot and killed in Birmingham (wvtm13.com) — A 22-year-old Birmingham man has died after being shot at a gas station near Ensley Avenue and Pike Road, and a suspect is now in custody. Police say the men argued before the victim was shot while trying to drive away. Investigators plan to seek an upgraded capital murder charge and are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
   

2. Central Alabama Water Board Votes to remove DEI Program (cbs42.com) — A Birmingham-based Central Alabama Water Board vote has ended its HUB policy that favored historically underutilized and minority-owned businesses, after a contentious 4–2 split. Supporters say dropping the DEI-style program will increase competition and lower costs, while opponents, including a board member and Black contractors, warn it could reduce opportunities for local minority firms.
   

3. Holiday travel rush begins at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (cbs42.com) — Holiday air travel is ramping up at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, with local families sharing mostly smooth but crowded experiences as they head out to visit relatives. Birmingham travelers describe everything from bag delays to easy check-ins, while AAA warns that more than 8 million people will fly nationwide and ticket prices are up about 7% this Christmas.
   

4. Alabama seniors raise concerns over Blue Cross Blue Shield gym benefit changes (cbs42.com) — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama is ending a gym membership benefit that Birmingham-area seniors, including SilverSneakers members at the Greystone YMCA, rely on to stay active and connected. Starting Jan. 1, many on fixed incomes may face new out-of-pocket costs, with only discount programs like BLUE365 offered as an alternative.
   

5. Gas prices down as holiday travel season begins (wbrc.com) — If you’re filling up around Birmingham, you’ll see Alabama’s average gas price at about $2.62 a gallon, roughly 10 cents cheaper than last year. A AAA expert based here urges drivers to shop around and use apps to find the lowest local prices as holiday travel surges but fuel costs are expected to stay steady into the new year.
   

📸 Around Birmingham

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Birmingham

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📣 Birmingham Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Sunday December 21
  • All Aglow - Set (Choose One)
    Painting with a Twist , 701 Doug Baker Blvd #106 , Birmingham
    1:30 pm
  • Holiday Spectacular 2025
    Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus , 1600 3rd Ave S , Birmingham
    2:00 pm
  • Menorah Lighting
    Vestavia Hills City Hall , 1032 Montgomery Hwy , Vestavia Hills
    5:00 pm
  • Menorah Parade & Vestavia Menorah Lighting
    Vestavia Hills City Hall , 1032 Montgomery Hwy , Vestavia Hills
    5:00 pm
    • Monday December 22
  • Ribbon Cutting: Chaney Esthetics & Beauty
    Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce , 3036 Healthy Way, Suite 124 , Vestavia Hills
    10:00 am

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

  • #FreeBike&ScootersGiveAway
    #ChristmasDrive #December20th #10am-2pm #BoutwellAuditorium #BirminghamAlabama #DistrictAttorney #DannyCarr (Nextdoor Spring Lake)
  • Update on who we believe to be Bo:
    Checked out by the vet, no chip but also no worms or anything. Obviously looking thin, but overall a clean bill of health! Got his rabies shots,… (Nextdoor Highland Park)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Birmingham. Apply here.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs posted a job opening for Advanced Medical Support Assistant OCA (GS-6) 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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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