🌱 Birmingham Becomes Big Sports Events Host + Woman Fights For Donor

Happy Friday, Birmingham! Here's everything you need to know to start today off on an informed note. Here are the most important things going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

Partial sunshine. High: 83 Low: 65.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Birmingham:

1. This year has been a big one for sports in the Magic City. From the Regions Tradition to the World Games, the greater Birmingham area is playing host to a long list of events in 2022, which city leaders attribute to its recently upgraded sports facilities. This is great not just for fans but for the local economy as well. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
2. City officials want to hear from you. The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham sent a short survey to residents to find out more about their transportation needs. As it plans for the future, the commission wants to know about the top transportation problems residents face, including gas prices and road conditions, whether they want more sidewalks or bike lanes, and their likelihood of buying an electric car. (WBRC)
3. A Birmingham woman will head to D.C. next week to ask Congress to pass a law allowing donors to take time off work without risking their jobs. Dorothea Staursky, a volunteer advocacy ambassador with Be The Match, is fighting for legislation that will allow potential donors to take up to 40 hours of leave in order to complete the donation process. The proposed legislation would not require employers to pay for the leave, it would simply ensure the protection of the donor’s job. (WBRC)

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Today in Birmingham:

• Tiny Art Show! - Springville Road Regional Branch Library (9:00 AM)
• Star Wars Scavenger Hunt - West End Branch Library (9:00 AM)
• 2022 Bowl-A-Palooza - Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Got weekend plans yet? Check out this list of events happening in Birmingham. Whether you’re a dog-lover or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in the Magic City! (Bham Now)
• Yum! These five Birmingham dishes will surely set your mouth watering. Try them this summer! (StyleBlueprint)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Jewish Food and Culture Fest (May 15)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.