🌱 Robbers Targeting Hispanic Community + Birmingham Food Truck Pop-Up

Hey, everybody. Miranda Fraraccio here with your fresh copy of the Birmingham Daily, full of all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 58 Low: 45.

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Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. A group of armed robbers has been targeting the local Hispanic community; now, police are increasing security and spreading warnings through Spanish-speaking media. According to investigators, over 50 robbery cases have been against the Hispanic community since October. The Birmingham Police Department believes there is an organized crime ring that has specifically targeted the community due to potential language barriers or fear of police. (WBRC)
2. Birmingham Restaurant Week kicked off on Thursday with a food truck pop-up experience. The pop-up food truck park, located at the corner of 32nd St. South and 6th Ave., is a new feature at this year’s event and is open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. next Saturday (Feb. 4). In the future, City Councilor Darrell O’Quinn believes the food truck park could become permanent. (WIAT - CBS42.com)
3. A 15-year-old has been charged in connection to a deadly shooting in Birmingham that took place in November. An arrest warrant was issued for the teen concerning the shooting of Jerrod Excell Turner of Birmingham, who died on Nov. 26, 2022, in the 2800 block of 29th Street Southwest. The U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force took the teen into custody and transported them to the G. Ross Bell Youth Detention Center. (Alabama's News Leader)

Today in Birmingham:

• dreamARCHITECTURE Teacher Workshop At Alabama Center For Architecture (9:00 AM)
• Jefferson County Electronics Free Drop-off Day And Paper Shredding At Birmingham Zoo (9:00 AM)
• Library Love Tiny Art Show At Birmingham Public Library (9:00 AM)
• 47th Annual Juried Student Exhibition At Abroms-Engel Institute For The Visual Arts (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The next Birmingham City Schools Under The Lights: Courtside game is next Tuesday! Tune in for the matchup between the Huffman Vikings and the Fairfield Tigers. The Girls' Basketball teams will kick off at 6:00 p.m., and the boys will follow after. (Birmingham City Schools via Facebook)
• The Alabama Symphony Orchestra Physicians and Faculty sponsored concert is two weeks from today! (Alabama Symphony Orchestra via Facebook)
• The first Bards & Brews Slam of 2023 is here — and it's free! The first slam of the year is happening next Friday, Feb. 3, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library. Alabama artist GI MAGUS will open up the night, and beer will be provided by Birmingham District Brewing Company. (Birmingham Public Library via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.