🌱 Five Homes Catch Fire + Funding For Birmingham Civil Rights Sites

Up and at 'em, Birmingham! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 94 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories in Birmingham today:

1. Birmingham firefighters were among four agencies to respond to a massive fire in southern Jefferson County on Tuesday. Five families are displaced after a fire swept through five townhomes at about 3:00 p.m. at Acton Park Lane. No injuries were reported. (Al.com)
2. A teen who was two weeks away from graduating from Carver High School was shot and killed in west Birmingham on Monday afternoon. When an officer from the west precinct responded to a call, a physical altercation was observed in the parking lot of 1228 Tuscaloosa Ave. South West. According to Birmingham police Sgt. Rodarius Mauldin, when the officer entered the parking lot, the suspect grabbed a firearm from a car and shot 17-year-old Dwaine Thomas, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A person of interest was being questioned on Tuesday afternoon, according to Birmingham police, but no further details were released. (WVTM13)
3. A couple of Birmingham civil rights sites are among 11 historic sites across Alabama receiving National Park Service funds. Both the Birmingham Black Radio Museum and the Saint Paul United Methodist Church were chosen to receive grants that go toward preservation, as they are “related to civil rights and the African American struggle for equality.” Over $3.6 million in funding from the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Grant Program is being awarded, according to Alabama Representative Terri Sewell. Click the link to see a list of sites receiving funds. (WIAT - CBS42.com)

From our sponsor:

Today’s newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. Whether you're working from home or streaming your favorite movies, the new Ring Alarm Pro gives you an internet connection you can count on — while simultaneously keeping your home safe and secure.

To learn more about the innovative security system, or to build your own custom system, you can visit Ring here.

Today in Birmingham:

• Grab & Go Kit: Malcolm X's 97th Birthday, At Birmingham Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Spring Into Fitness, At West End Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Time For Toys, At Birmingham Public Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Meet local artist Charles Buchanan who captures the magic of Birmingham in his art! (Bham Now)
• If you’re looking to adopt a new furry friend, take a look at this list of pets available for adoption in the Birmingham area. (Patch)
• Do you love The Birmingham Zoo? Become a volunteer! The zoo is seeking adults 18+ who are excited about engaging with the zoo’s mission of inspiring passion to conserve the natural world. Learn more here. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

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

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you all tomorrow morning for another update.

— 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.