Good morning, Birmingham.

Pazzo Italian, a new authentic restaurant in Vestavia Hills, opened at 2516 Rocky Ridge Road the week of Aug.

19. Owner Mohammed Ezez (Mo) brings 40 years of experience and said the menu will feature daily specials and periodic changes.

The downtown Sidewalk Film Festival is underway with films, panels and parties at several venues from Mon, Aug.

24 to Sun, Aug. 30. Tickets range from $10 per film to weekend passes while free parking & a shuttle service help visitors get around.

Former doctors from Myanmar opened Road to Burma, the city's first Burmese restaurant at Pizitz Food Hall.

The new eatery (located next to Silver Kati) serves traditional dishes with handmade spices and operates from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Alabama Power now offers monthly Home Energy Reports (customers with three months of usage history can sign up with their address details) to track energy consumption amid soaring summer heat, which may lead to higher electricity bills despite rate freezes.

The reports compare usage over time and offer energy-saving tips.

Alabama candidates are urging public debates as the election season nears, supported by a poll (59 respondents showed 76% favorability).

Doug Jones and Rep. Phillip Ensler have invited opponents to debate while Sen. Tommy Tuberville has yet to respond.

The Birmingham City Council will consider a $4.2 million proposal to upgrade athletic courts at 34 schools on Tuesday, Aug.

25 at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall — the plan includes new VersaCourt tile, painted game lines, and 72-inch aluminum basketball goals.

Birmingham-area health providers received part of $144 million in grants from Gov. Ivey's announcement yesterday aimed at upgrading IT systems and cybersecurity in rural clinics — including UAB St. Vincent's and others who plan to improve patient care.

Birmingham seafood spot Bayonet Raw Bar has been named one of Bon Appétit's 19 Best New Restaurants of 2026 at 2nd Ave N.

The restaurant offers creative Gulf Coast fare and a signature Nerds cocktail that has made national waves.