🌱 Vietnam War Vet Family Files Wrongful Death Suit + Restaurant Week

Morning, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening in Birmingham.I'll get right to it.

First, today's weather:

A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 92 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. The family of a Vietnam War veteran who died in July 2020 is alleging in a lawsuit that the man died after being "slammed to the ground" by a Birmingham police officer. According to allegations in the filing, police failed to recognize and respond to the man's mental health crisis. The man suffered from dementia, high blood pressure, diabetes, PTSD, and other conditions before his passing. Click the link to read more about the case. (AL.com)
2. Get ready to support local businesses for a good cause during Birmingham Restaurant Week. The event starts today, and about 50 restaurants, food trucks, bars, and coffee shops are participating. All proceeds from the event will go to Feed Bham, a program that works to help people facing food insecurity. Officials say it's a great way to try out local food in an affordable way that helps others. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
3. Reach Out and Read, a program that combines literacy and pediatric care, is seeing success according to Jefferson County health officials. According to people who run the program, 53 percent of Alabama kids aren't reading at their grade level by the time they get to fourth grade. The way the program works, kids between six months and five years old will receive a book from their pediatrician at their wellness checkups. Click the link to see more details about the program. (WBRC)

Today in Birmingham:

• Free Period Products at Five Points West Library (10:00 AM)
• Phone Basics at Powderly Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Glowing Jelly Fish at Powderly Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• Summer Food Truck Roundup at Birmingham Central Library (11:00 AM)
• Birthday Celebration at West End Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• Wish Bottle Necklaces at East Ensley Branch Library (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The University of Alabama shared some beautiful photos of the brand-new Tutwiler Hall. The opening comes as students will be moving in in about two weeks. (The University of Alabama via Facebook)
• Don't miss out on Birmingham Police Department's Back to School Supply Drive. Donations end on Friday, so be sure to bring school supplies to any of the six locations at the link. (Birmingham Police Department, Alabama via Facebook)
• City of Birmingham Government invites you to the biggest party in town! Art On The Rocks is Aug. 5 at the Birmingham Museum of Art, featuring a concert with Eric Bellinger. (City of Birmingham Government via Instagram)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.