🌱 Citywide Resurfacing Plan + Birmingham Shooting Victims IDed

Hi, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this spring morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in Birmingham.

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:

Warmer with sunshine. High: 73 Low: 54.

📈 Interested in reaching our highly engaged readers with targeted messaging that drives proven results for local businesses? I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Birmingham who want to build awareness, connect with customers, and increase sales. If that's you, click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. Birmingham residents are feeling relieved as they witness the citywide resurfacing plan, which includes an investment of $12 million within 99 neighborhoods, in action. Repaving roads can take up to a week to complete, but many residents like David Caddell say they're happy to be driving on clean roads again. The city plans to work on more neighborhoods next year and is asking residents to call 311 if they have concerns about their streets. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
2. Birmingham's Charles E. Brown Elementary is aiming to stay off the failing schools list by blitzing its students with assessments to make sure they understand every standard and ensuring staff are not burned out. The school was previously ranked in the bottom 6 percent of schools in the state but was named a Turnaround School in 2022, allowing it to access $15m shared among 15 schools statewide. However, staying off the list goes beyond improving scores, as it requires managing staff burnout, a lack of resources, and problems that extend beyond the walls of the school. (AL.com)
3. We have an update on yesterday's story regarding the two men who were shot and killed in separate incidents in Birmingham. The identities of the two victims have been released. According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Devarta Dedre Thomas, 30, was killed in the 300 block of 74th Street North in the early hours of Monday (Mar. 20) morning. Later in the day, James Lee Washington, 29, was killed later in the 300 block of First Avenue North. A total of 20 homicides have been reported in Birmingham so far this year. (AL.com)

Today in Birmingham:

• Storypalooza - Children's Storytime, At Homewood Public Library (9:30 AM)
• LHSA Mobile Market, At Blazer Kitchen (10:00 AM)
• Save First Tax Prep, At Smithfield Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Women's History Month: Mae Jemison Among the Stars - Rocket Making!, At Powderly Branch Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• In nearby Pelham, Brent Sugg has been named the new chief of the Pelham Police Department. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
• On Tuesday morning, Birmingham fire crews battled an apartment fire in the Norwood neighborhood of Birmingham. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
• Are you in the market for a new property? Check out this list of Birmingham area properties that are on the market now. (Birmingham Patch)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update!

— 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.