🌱 Birmingham To Pay $85K In Compensation + Fatal Accident On I-459 S.

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Birmingham Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Birmingham long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and cooler. High: 48 Low: 27.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Birmingham who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories in Birmingham today:

1. A judge ordered the City of Birmingham to pay $85,000 and court costs to Cynthia Thomas, who was injured in a 2017 accident involving a police car. Birmingham Police Officer Demarco Easley's negligence caused the accident when he failed to slow down and confirm the intersection was clear before proceeding. The compensation was for Thomas's "pain, suffering, and mental anguish." (AL.com)
2. A fatal accident occurred on the southbound lanes of I-459 at Liberty Parkway yesterday (Feb. 16). Emergency crews were on the scene of the 8:00 a.m. accident which involved a bobtail tractor-trailer — a truck without the trailer attached. The scene remained active while officials waited for the coroner to arrive and people were advised to avoid the area if possible. (WBRC)
3. The opening of the Craig Crisis Care Center in Birmingham has been delayed due to a shortage of nurses. The facility, which was set to open next week, is a 16,000-square-foot center designed to provide support to people experiencing mental health or substance use crises. As of yesterday, only six out of the 28 posted nursing positions were filled. (WBRC)

Today in Birmingham:

• Ukulele Storytime At Mt Laurel Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Birmingham Home Show At The Forum Theater At The BJCC (11:00 AM)
• Silversun Pickups At Iron City Bham (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Craig Legg presents "History of Birmingham Rock & Roll" art show at East Village Arts, featuring over 300 paintings. The exhibit is open on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until March. (WBRC)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this weekend? Check out the list of events happening in and around Birmingham at the link! (Bham Now)
• The Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center board of directors has approved the purchase of 13.4 acres for the proposed $50-million, 9,000-seat amphitheater in North Birmingham. (AL.com)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you soon.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.