🌱 Avondale Gun Violence Mural + Suspect Sought For Burning Home, Body

Hey, Birmingham! I'm here in your inbox this summer morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Let's dive in.

Now, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm; humid. High: 84 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories in Birmingham today:

1. A local artist has painted a mural in Avondale to draw attention to gun violence. Kyle Holbrook says that he hopes the art will spark conversations about how to end gun violence in Birmingham and across the country. Part of the Gun Violence Awareness national tour, the mural sits at the corner of 23rd Street South and Second Alley South. Holbrook says that he has lost nearly 50 friends and family members to gun violence. (WBRC)
2. Police are now investigating a body found in a burning home as a homicide. Officers have released information on a 35-year-old man who is wanted for questioning. According to police, Youitt De Witt may be armed and dangerous, and anyone who sees him is asked to call 911 immediately. He is believed to be driving a dark brown 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. To see photos of De Witt, click the link. (AL.com)
3. Two teens have died due to "exhibition driving" in less than a month, and city leaders are working to end the illegal practice. A press conference with Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond, District Attorney Danny Carr, and Mayor Randall Woodfin took place on Tuesday. The three addressed a shooting incident at a street racing site on Sunday. Police Chief Thurmond said that it would be necessary to "start taking people's cars and making them see a judge before they can get them back," among other measures. Click the link to read more about the press conference. (Birmingham Times)

Today in Birmingham:

• Grab & Go Craft: Smiley Face at North Birmingham Regional Branch Library (9:00 AM)
• Gentle Yoga at Magnolia Office Park (5:25 PM)
• The Social Justice Book & Film Club at Homewood Public Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Birmingham Government is hosting Family Movie Night at various city parks from Aug. 11 to Oct. 13. The Parks After Dark Program will be free and open to the public. Movies start at sunset. (City of Birmingham Government via Instagram)
• Farmers Market at Pepper Place is partnered with End Hunger Alabama to reduce food waste and end hunger. At the end of each market day, unsold fruits and vegetables are donated to Birmingham food pantries. (Farmers Market at Pepper Place via Instagram)
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens wants you to mark your calendars! The Antiques at the Gardens show is coming up Sep. 29 to Oct. 2. (Birmingham Botanical Gardens via Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 18)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.