Good morning, Birmingham.

Birmingham's TV market has seen a major network reshuffle since Aug.

1 as Channel 13 now broadcasts NBC and CBS while WIAT rebrands as Alabama’s 42 to carry CW shows by Sept. 1 — a change that may confuse cable, satellite and online viewers.

Alabaster’s Lotus Catfe will close on Aug.

31 after 3.5 years, leaving 17 cats available for adoption. Adoption fees are reduced and a 50% off closing sale will help cover medical expenses — community members are encouraged to donate to ensure ongoing care.

Birmingham’s Big Spoon Creamery was named one of the best ice cream shops in the U.S. by The Washington Post in August.

Owners Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara said the shop (operating in Avondale, Homewood, and Huntsville) makes handmade ice cream from local ingredients.

The Broken Knife reopens at Elysian Gardens in Avondale with a new menu of premium sandwiches served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. after halting operations in Homewood following chef Bucky Davis's passing in June 2025; the restaurant expects weekend and dinner service soon.

Gas prices in Birmingham dropped 9.3 cents over the past week to an average of $3.67 per gallon, though they remain nearly one dollar higher than last year (based on a survey of 550 stations).

Lawson State Community College will host Cougar Fest on Saturday, Aug.

8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Birmingham campus (featuring games, food trucks, live music, giveaways, and new student orientation to help students and families prepare for the fall semester).

State data shows many virtual school students in Alabama struggled with math and reading, with only 4% scoring proficient at Birmingham City Schools Virtual Academy and 7.5% at Alabama Connections Academy; education officials plan new tutoring and live instruction for the coming school year (data from 2024/25).

UAB experts advise parents to schedule back-to-school checkups + including pediatric, dental, eye exams, and vaccinations to keep children healthy and ready to learn.

They stress booking appointments before school starts for a full review.

UAB researchers Daniel Tyrrell and Han-Fei Ding have received $4.9 million in NIH grants to study atherosclerosis and MYC-driven cancers.

Tyrrell’s project (running through Mar. 2031) will analyze immune cell buildup in older adults while Ding will test strategies to block pathways that drive tumor growth.

Birmingham was named the 7th most pet-friendly city by WalletHub based on pet health, budget, and outdoor metrics (score of 57.4).

The rank reflects abundant dog parks, walking trails, and pet care services across the city.

Major League Baseball has featured Rickwood Field in its Baseball in America series to celebrate Alabama's rich baseball heritage in honor of America's 250th birthday.

The historic park in Birmingham recently completed renovations and is set to host more exhibition games.

UAB football held its first fall camp on Monday in Birmingham under coach Alex Mortensen as 49 new players and six returning starters built team chemistry ahead of their season opener against Illinois — focusing on improved offense and defense.

Damnit Doll Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — WORKPLAY — $20.78 — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Damnit Doll and The Alabama Heathens.