🌱 Community Food Bank Of Central AL + Masonic Temple Renovation

Hello again, Birmingham! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Birmingham Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Birmingham Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local 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.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and nice. High: 78 Low: 59.

Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. As is the case for many food banks across the county, inflation and supply chain issues have made it difficult for the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to fill its shelves. A few months ago, donation rates dropped, forcing the Birmingham-based bank to order food to make up the difference. Anyone who wishes to support the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama can donate here or learn more about hosting a food drive. (WBRC)
2. Once a social hub in Birmingham, the currently-closed Masonic Temple on 4th Avenue North is moving closer to reopening. The Masons of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge opened the building over 100 years ago and closed it about 10 years ago. Now, a $30 million renovation announced in 2019 is underway as developers clean out the space and determine which items should be preserved. The renovation is expected to take between 12 and 14 months. (WBRC)
3. The Birmingham Police Department is investigating a shooting on Sunday, Apr. 3, in the parking lot of night club on Bankhead Highway. When officers arrived at the scene of the shooting, they found a man suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. Two women suffering from gunshot wounds were also found on Arkadelphia Road; they are reported to be in stable condition. According to the BPD, no suspects are in custody; anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. (AL.com)

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Today in Birmingham:

• Pickleball Open Play At Levite Jewish Community Center (6:30 AM)
• Taxes with AARP At Woodlawn Branch Library (9:00 AM)
• Senior Matinee At Levite Jewish Community Center (1:30 PM)
• Meet the Dino-Librarian For National Library Week At Birmingham Public Library (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Your next dream home awaits! Check out the five latest properties to hit the market in the Birmingham area. (Birmingham Patch)
• Nothing beats an early morning outing at a market with friends. Here are 10 markets in Birmingham to attend, including Strawberry Day and Mom's Vintage Market. (Bham Now)
• Before Jack Harlow’s rise as one of the most popular new rappers on the scene, there was one show in Birmingham. Discover how The Magic City helped launch Harlow's career. (WIAT - CBS42.com)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• The Better Skin Co. — (Visit website)
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• SHE'S INTO STEM: A Fair for Girls to learn, meet mentors, and more! (April 9)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! 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.