🌱 Birmingham Xpress Extends Free Rides + Conflict Resolution Program

Hi there, Birmingham. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Because community news matters!

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 69 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. Birmingham Xpress has extended its free rides offer through the end of the year. The service had over 30,000 riders in the first two months, according to the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. Despite the early success, the Authority is working to increase ridership numbers. On Jan. 1, rides will be $1.50 one-way. (WBHM)
2. The City of Birmingham has approved a conflict resolution program to be used in local schools. The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved of the Common Ground strategy during its Tuesday meeting. The strategy will be taught in high schools, middle schools, alternative schools, and K-8. The program will have a $1 million budget. (ABC3340)
3. A Birmingham man convicted of murder on Friday failed to turn himself into the Jefferson County Jail on Monday. He was given permission to attend his brother's funeral over the weekend. Nicholas Miranda, 29 years old, was convicted for fatally shooting Tommy Brown, 49 years old, on Jul. 30, 2020. He was out on bond pending last week's trial. (AL.com)

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Today in Birmingham:

• UAB Toy Drive At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (All Day)
• Women Of The Montgomery Bus Boycott At The Central Library Art Gallery (9:00 AM)
• Golden Conversations At Titusville Branch Library (1:00 PM)
• Curtain Call At Titusville Branch Library (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Birmingham will be hosting the Better Together Multicultural Holiday Festival on Friday, Dec.2 at 11:00 a.m. (City of Birmingham Government via Instagram)
• Is the current housing market making you feel a little overwhelmed? Consider this list of the latest properties in the Birmingham area to hit the market. Click to view the full list of properties that includes prices, photos, and property dimensions. (Birmingham Patch)
• The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing The Ghosts of Christmas Eve on Thursday, Dec. 15 at Birmingham's Legacy Arena. Click for ticket details. (Axs)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. 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.