🌱 More FedEx Packages Found + JeffCo Judge's Defense

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know going on locally today. In case you didn't read about it yesterday, I'll fill you in on the discovery of even more discarded FedEx packages in Alabama Wednesday morning, this time in Chilton County. This discovery comes exactly a week after hundreds of packages were discovered in Blount County. What the heck is going on over at FedEx? Also in the news, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Tracie Todd's layers began her defense arguments in her ethics trial Wednesday. Read more below.

First, today's weather:

Brilliant sunshine and warm. High: 71 Low: 48.

Here are the top stories today in Birmingham:

1. As I was saying, lawyers for Jefferson County Circuit Judge Tracie Todd began presenting her defense Wednesday morning in an ethics trial before the Alabama Court of the Judiciary. (al.com)
2. Just a week after hundreds of FedEx packages were discovered in a ravine in Blount County, more discarded packages were found in a wooded area in Chilton County. (Birmingham Patch)
3. UAB’s "Gift of Sight" is providing free eye care to underserved Birmingham residents. See how it works. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
4. Two homicides Tuesday are under investigation, one from a shooting in north Birmingham and another from a fire in south Birmingham. (Birmingham Patch)
5. The popular Magnolia Cafe will close permanently after 25 years in the Birmingham restaurant community. (WBRC)

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Today in Birmingham:

• The AHSAA Super 7 State Championships are underway at Protective Stadium. The Class 3A championship kicks off at 11 a.m., with the 1A and 5A championship games following. (Details)
• Come celebrate the holiday season at the Pepper Place Holiday Open House, with outdoor dining on 29th Street, along with a screening of Home Alone and holiday music. (5 p.m.)
• Enjoy Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at the Alys Stephens Center. (7 p.m.)
• Get in the Christmas spirit, literally, with "A Christmas Carol," the Broadway musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 festive classic at Samford University. (7:30 p.m.)
• Check out Nashville trio The Brummies live at Saturn (8 p.m.)

Birmingham Patch Notebook

• Christmas music events in Birmingham this season that'll get you in the holiday spirit. (Bham Now)
• The United Way is in urgent need of 500 volunteers for Meals on Wheels program. (WVTM13)
• The 2021 Alabama Theatre Holiday Film Series presented by Regions Bank begins THIS FRIDAY! Several movies have already sold out and more are right on the verge! Get your tickets now so you don't miss out! (Facebook)
• Birmingham City Schools' Winter Intersession is January 3-5. Register your child for enrichment and remediation. (Facebook)
• Junior League of Birmingham Choral Group will be performing for the first time in two (2) years on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 10:15 a.m. at the Birmingham Zoo. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update. If you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Michael Seale

About me: I am a lifelong Alabama resident with more than two decades of media under my belt. I have worked for a daily newspaper, a weekly newspaper, a monthly magazine, a television station and a couple of radio stations. I also tried my hand at marketing for a little while. But I love writing news. This opportunity to bring Patch to Birmingham is a chance for my hometown to benefit from a new - and better - way to read and receive news.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Birmingham Daily? I'm all ears. You can reach me at michael.seale@patch.com.