Gov. Ivey Staff Member Arrested + JeffCo Schools Requiring Masks

Morning, people of Birmingham! Michael Seale here with a fresh copy of the Birmingham Daily.

First, today's weather: Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 90, low: 73.

Here are the top stories today in Birmingham:

1. A Vestavia attorney and a member of Gov. Kay Ivey's legal team was arrested yesterday on charges of solicitation of a child via computer. Chase Tristian Espy, 36, was arrested by the Homewood Police Department Thursday, and was subsequently terminated by Ivey's office. Espy had previously worked for Sen. Jeff Sessions and for Birmingham law firm Balch & Bingham. (Birmingham Patch)
2. The Jefferson County school system, one of just a few systems that made mask-wearing optional to begin the 2021-22 school year, has reversed course and announced that masks will be mandatory on all of its campuses until at least Oct. 1. This means the Vestavia Hills system is the only Birmingham metro system not requiring masks in schools. (Trussville Tribune)
3. A man who was charged with armed robberies at three different Dollar General stores in 2019 has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Eric Tyree Blanding pleaded guilty to the charges, but also is a defendant in an attempted murder case from 2019. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
4. Former NBA superstar Charles Barkley is hosting a rally at Legion Field Saturday to promote COVID-19 vaccinations, and free vaccines will be available to anyone who wants one. Barkley's vaccine campaign has been dubbed "Get Stuck With Chuck." Clever. (Birmingham Patch)
5. A true gem in the Birmingham community, the Jones Valley Teaching Farm, is now asking for donations following a break-in at their office on 1st Avenue North. (WIAT - CBS42.com)

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Today in Birmingham

• White Birminghamians for Black Lives is holding a witness walk at Kelly Ingram Park. The witness event is an invitation and opportunity especially, but not exclusively, for white Birmingham residents who support the Black Lives Matter movement. (11:30 a.m.)
• Friday Movie Matinee: the West End Branch Library is showing "Pets 3" with free admission, as part of an ongoing series presented by the Birmingham Public Library (4 p.m.)
• If you haven't attended any of the 23rd Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, you still can. This is Birmingham's premier independent film festival and one of the best in the country. (6 p.m.)
• The Birmingham Barons are in action again taking on the Montgomery Biscuits at Regions Field. And not only is it College Football Kickoff Night, but also, an awesome fireworks show follows the game. (7:05 p.m.)
• American rapper Jelly Roll is performing live at Avondale Brewery. This is a general admission show. (7:30 p.m.)

Birmingham Patch Notebook

• James Spann, perhaps the ultimate social media follow, has some photos posted of storm damage in Pelham from Wednesday. The photo was submitted by Laura Richards. (Instagram)
• Birmingham City Schools: Mayor Randall Woodfin, fresh off his reelection victory, visited Jackson-Olin scholars to discuss college and career goals, the Birmingham Promise, college options and other pertinent topics. Students were engaged in the assembly through inspiring conversations with Woodfin. (Facebook)
• Apparently, there's a lot that goes into the demolition of vacant structures. The City of Birmingham takes us through the condemnation demolition process. If you know of a structure that needs addressing, just dial 311. (Instagram)
• The Hoover Police Department took the opportunity to thank its four-legged officers that help keep the Hoover community safe. "They are highly trained, essential, and downright good boys and girls!" (Twitter)
• As Samford University welcomes back students, a great tweet: "One last sunset on an empty quad. We hope you enjoyed your summer, Bulldogs. Soon, new and returning students will fill this space, form new friendships and make new memories. We can't wait." (Twitter)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update. If you're loving these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Michael Seale

About me: I am a lifelong Alabama resident with more than two decades of media under my belt. I have worked for a daily newspaper, a weekly newspaper, a monthly magazine, a television station and a couple of radio stations. I also tried my hand at marketing for a little while. But I love writing news. This opportunity to bring Patch to Birmingham is a chance for my hometown to benefit from a new - and better - way to read and receive news.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Birmingham Daily? You can reach me at michael.seale@patch.com.