🌱 Birmingham Tourism Increase + Thomas Murder Suspect Arrested

Happy Saturday, Birmingham! Let's get this day started off right. Here are the most important things going on today in Birmingham.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 90 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories in Birmingham today:

1. As Birmingham becomes a top-tier college amateur sports destination, it's also becoming a tourist hot spot. The city has seen visitors spending 45 percent more money last year than in previous years. According to President and CEO of Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau John Oros, Jefferson County generated 2.2 billion dollars in spending in 2021. (WBRC)
2. An arrest has been made in connection to the murder of 17-year-old Dwaine Thomas, according to police. The Birmingham Police Department reported that 18-year-old Jemarien Goree, of Fultondale, is in custody and will face a capital murder charge. One other suspect is also being sought in connection to the shooting, but has not yet been located, police say. (ABC)
3. The Birmingham City Council approved more funding for emergency rental assistance. Much of the $6.6 additional funding will be used to fulfill outstanding approved applications that were put on hold in February due to the exhaustion of funds. If you're in need of emergency rental assistance, learn more about the program and apply here. (WIAT - CBS42.com)

Today in Birmingham:

• Birmingham Walking Tours: Historic Loft District, At Vulcan Park And Museum (9:00 AM)
• Tiny Art Show!, At Birmingham Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Taco Fest 2022, At Sloss Furnaces Visitor Center (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Birmingham area's top-rated home professionals are here to shorten your to-do list! (Birmingham Patch)
• Here's your guide to 48 bars near downtown Birmingham, including 4 exciting bars coming soon! (Bham Now)
• The Birmingham police are requesting the public’s help identifying a robbery suspect. Do you know this person? (WIAT - CBS42.com)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 26)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop 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.