🌱 Mayor Woodfin Pardons Marijuana Convictions + Dining Out For Life

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:

Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 79 Low: 59.

Here are the top three stories in Birmingham today:

1. Mayor Randall Woodfin announced yesterday he will pardon closed minor marijuana convictions between Apr. 20, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2021. This time last year, he pardoned 15,000 people convicted of marijuana possession in Birmingham between 1990 and 2020. "Too many Alabamians are left out of economic opportunities due to prior marijuana convictions," said Mayor Woodfin in a tweet. "Legalize marijuana and end this injustice." (WSFA)
2. Grab some local grub for a good cause: Birmingham will celebrate its 13th annual Dining Out For Life event on Thursday, Apr. 28. By dining at one of over 20 partnering restaurants, patrons can help raise funds and awareness for HIV services in Alabama. Some of the city's most popular eateries, including Bamboo on 2nd and Rojo Birmingham, will be participating. Visit the link for a full list of restaurants and additional event details. (Bham Now)
3. A Birmingham man was killed in a head-on collision on Tuesday night in Jefferson County. 69-year-old Larry Johnson was traveling south on Valley Road when his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic, striking another vehicle head-on. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. (Trussvilletribune)

Today in Birmingham:

• Military Service: A History In Postcards At Central Library (9:00 AM)
• Make-A-Basket At Southside Branch Library (9:00 AM)
• Spring Into Fitness At West End Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• 2022 Pop Tab Party, Hosted By Ronald McDonald House Charities Of Alabama At Lakeshore McDonald's (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• A man suspected in several Birmingham business robberies has been arrested. 30-year-old Dedrick Taylor was taken into custody on Apr. 14 and remains at the Jefferson County Jail. (WBRC)
• Interested in volunteering at Earth Day at Birmingham Botanical Gardens? There are many positions available, from setup to hospitality to exhibitor assistance. To learn more about these opportunities, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Alice Thompson Moore at amoore@bbgardens.org. (Facebook)
• It's the 25th year of the Corks & Chefs event at the Magic City Art Connection this weekend. The Art festival will be held Friday, Apr. 22 through Sunday, Apr. 24, with Corks & Chefs scheduled for that Saturday and Sunday. Visit the Instagram post for more details. (Instagram)

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Alrighty, you're all good 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.