Good morning, Birmingham.

Over the weekend, Repticon showcased exotic animals, educational exhibits and unique pet options at the Trussville Civic Center for families.

Another Repticon is planned for November in Huntsville.

Dimples Flowers, a popular pop-up flower truck, opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in Woodlawn on August 29 at 5528 1st Ave. South + the shop offers custom arrangements, build-your-own bouquets and event orders with support from Rev Birmingham.

This fall, Birmingham and nearby communities will host a series of festivals offering art vendors, live music, and seasonal treats — highlights include the free Oktoberfest at Cahaba Brewing Co on Sept.

19 and Alabaster Fall Fest on Oct. 31.

GasBuddy reported that gasoline prices in Birmingham fell 5.7 cents per gallon to $3.67 on Monday, based on a survey of 550 stations—though prices remain nearly 89 cents above this time last year.

Motorists should expect continued price swings as global oil shifts unfold.

Secretary of Workforce Greg Reed said record employment has been reached with about 20,000 new jobs added over the past year.

The department will expand training with the new Workforce Pell Grant to cover eight-to-14-week programs for roles like EMTs & truck drivers, boosting statewide job opportunities.

UAB will welcome about 2,600 first-year students this fall, marking its largest freshman class ever thanks to strong academic programs and student support measures from its SUCCESS Initiative+ record enrollment growth from last year.

Carlos Smith Jr.—a Huffman grad—earned an esports scholarship from Miles College after winning the state title and earning additional academic and band honors.

He will join the college’s esports team and begin competing in Madden as he builds his gaming career.

City leaders have installed Trainfo alert signs in the West End to warn drivers of approaching trains — reducing delays by about 25 percent.

The five-year pilot program was funded by the American Rescue Plan and remains under close review by local officials.

Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed next Friday as College Colors Day to honor Alabama's 14 public universities.

The proclamation highlights the schools' academic and athletic achievements as well as their role in boosting education, service, and the economy — a tribute to over 190 years of higher education.

Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office visited local senior centers today to teach residents about common scam tactics and safe practices (advising them to verify calls before sharing personal details).

Jefferson County has launched programs to fight opioid overdoses on International Overdose Awareness Day.

The county’s Leave Behind Program offers overdose kits while Birmingham’s Call Back Program will follow up with survivors within 48 hours, and free naloxone is available.