🌱 UAB Hospital Announces Expansion + One Injured In Motel Shooting

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Birmingham Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening around town.

But first, today's weather:

A thunderstorm around. High: 94 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories in Birmingham today:

1. UAB Hospital has unveiled plans to expand its facilities by adding 59 new emergency rooms to address the growing patient volume, which has increased by 20 percent in the past five years. Factors contributing to the rise in patients include the COVID-19 pandemic, an aging population, and an increase in traumatic injuries. The expansion project, expected to begin construction in 2024, will involve over 66,000 square feet of additional space and has received $50 million in state funding. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
2. Birmingham police are conducting an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred at a motel in the Graymont area on Monday morning. The incident took place in the 400 block of 3rd Avenue West, and the victim proceeded to seek assistance at a nearby Shell gas station. The victim's injuries are reported to be life-threatening, but no further details have been provided. No suspects have been apprehended at this time. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
3. Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard is undergoing a two-week closure between 8th Court South and 10th Avenue South as contractors work on storm drain improvements for the Southern Research campus expansion. The drainage work aims to address flooding issues, which have historically affected the Five Points community. Councilor Crystal Smitherman emphasized the need for modernizing the city's drainage system to prevent future flooding incidents and encourages residents to report any drain issues to the city for prompt resolution. (WBRC)

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Today in Birmingham:

Wednesday, July 12

• Chair Yoga With Ms. Bridgette At Five Points West Regional Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Stress Relief Coloring At West End Branch Library (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Exciting news for fans of Cantina Tortilla Grill as the beloved Latin-American restaurant announced its reopening after a four-year break, this time in a new location in West Homewood. The location is set to reopen at the end of July. (Bham Now)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Birmingham area! Get all the property details at the link. (Birmingham Patch)
• A new knitting shop called Knit Bham is set to open in Forest Park this September! Located at 3831 Clairmont Ave., the bespoke yarn store will offer hand-dyed natural fiber yarns and host the Third Space Knitting Society on Thursday evenings for knitting enthusiasts to gather and socialize. (Bham Now)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.