Hello Birmingham! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Legacy arena turns 50, Michelle’s magical poodles, and cookout and fireworks + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A new college pathway: Aspen Institute program offers Second Chance Scholarship for up to 15 Birmingham City Schools grads from 2023 to 2026, covering tuition gaps and including support from Birmingham Promise success coaches -- see the scholarship details.
A landmark celebration: Legacy Arena turns 50 and the BJCC will celebrate with a free community event on July 11 featuring The Black Jacket and look back at decades of concerts and games -- learn more about the event.
New bakery coming downtown: Nothing Bundt Cakes will open at 725 1st Street South, part of the $242 million Shoppes of District 31, expanding in Birmingham after being twice named America’s favorite food brand -- check the bakery opening.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Feeling a little smashy? Channel that midweek stress at Birmingham Rage Room, where you can suit up and go full catharsis with car smashing, classic breakables, a splatter room, and even axe throwing. Grab a friend, laugh way too hard, then head home delightfully paint-speckled.
Green Thumb Upgrade: Need your porch pots or beds to actually thrive in this heat? Oak Street Garden Shop has the seasonal color, herbs, and creative container know-how to make it happen this week, plus a cozy Local Market with seasonal produce for a quick victory lap snack after planting.
Train-side playtime: Railroad Park Playground gives kids two age-appropriate play areas with modern equipment and a climbing dome, all within earshot of real trains that make every slide feel epic. Bring a coffee, let them scramble, and soak up those skyline views while you actually finish a conversation.
|
04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
|
05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
📚 The Little Imagination Library Debut @ Tuggle Elementary School | Wednesday (6/24) at 9:00 AM – Head to Fountain Heights Farms for the Little Imagination Library debut, a community hub for books, creativity, and imagination. Think ribbon cutting, a first look, meeting the Fairy Headquarters folks, and painless ways to sponsor, volunteer, or host. Bring the kids, or your inner one.
🐩 Michelle's Magical Poodles @ Ensley Recreation Center | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – Pratt City and East Ensley are teaming up for an interactive poodle show loaded with quirky tricks and a few teachable moments. Equal parts circus and science fair, it is wholesome chaos that reminds you who really runs the house, you or the dog.
🔥 Cookout and Fireworks @ Southminster Presbyterian Church (Vestavia Hills) | Thursday (6/25) at 6:00 PM – Prefer your fireworks with a burger in hand and a lawn chair? Tillman Field is serving a cookout with a view of Vestavia’s I Love America Night. Kids get games, inflatables, and the new playground, you get burgers, hot dogs, and an easy exit.
🌙 Summer Nights on the Field @ Pat Sullivan Field at John Carroll Catholic High School | Friday (6/26) at 7:00 PM – Bring a blanket and your best 1985 nostalgia for an outdoor screening of Back to the Future on the field, just five bucks a person. Concessions stocked, the vibe is easy, and you can time travel without leaving town or hunting for mall parking.
🐶 TDS Wagging Tails Community Market @ The Dog Stop Trussville | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Skip the errands and swing by the community market at The Dog Stop in Trussville, where local vendors pair nicely with adoptable pups. It is basically a farmers market, only half the shoppers have shinier coats, and your self-control might come home with a leash.
🐒 The Jungle Book @ Birmingham Public Library | Saturday (6/27) at 10:30 AM – Whether your crew grew up on the cartoon or you still quote Kipling, Birmingham Children's Theatre is bringing The Jungle Book to neighborhood libraries this summer, free. Mowgli, Baloo, and Bagheera outsmart Shere Khan, right in the stacks, with AC, seating, and zero ticket prices.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Birmingham report Weather forecastToday — High: 86°F — Low: 68°F — Precip: 9%
Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 0 mph. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northwest wind around 0 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 89°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 20%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThe last available home in exclusive Five Oaks pairs timeless design with standout function. This 6-bedroom, 5-bath residence features two main-level bedrooms, including a private guest suite with a walk-in shower. A chef’s kitchen shines with a 48-inch professional range, custom cabinetry, and cabinet-front refrigeration, while the finished basement adds a theater room, custom bar, and flexible bonus space.
Take a peek inside → |
| |
