🌱 Low Hotel Occupancy From World Games + Three Injured In Shooting

Hello all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Birmingham Daily. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

A heavy t-storm in the p.m. High: 86 Low: 74.

Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. Some in Birmingham's hospitality industry might be disappointed with the World Games. According to reports from the Birmingham Business Journal, hotel occupancy levels were lower than expected. In fact, fewer people stayed in Birmingham hotels on the week of the World Games than in 2021 or 2019. Click the link to see the full report. (WBRC)
2. Three men are injured after a shooting at a gas station on Thursday night. Police responded to the shooting at about 7:45 p.m. at the Texaco at 5901 First Avenue North. Reportedly, there was a dispute in front of the store, which was followed by gunshots. Police say all of the gunshot victims were involved in the dispute. One of the men sustained life-threatening injuries. As of Friday evening, there is no further update on his condition. The other two men are in stable condition. (AL.com)
3. After eight murders in a week, police are asking community members to "step up" in preventing violent crime. According to Chief Thurmond, what is most troubling about the murders is that none of them seem to be connected to one another. The surge in violence represents a 17 percent rise in homicide in the city compared to this point last year. Click the link to see the full video report. (WVTM13 Birmingham)

Today in Birmingham:

• 2022 Sidewalk Sale at Downtown Homewood (All Day)
• 2022 Alabama Triennial at Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (12:00 PM)
• Math and Science Fun Day at Five Points West Regional Branch Library (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• James Spann shared a photo of a vulcan cloud at Gulf Shores. See the cloud, which is painted gold by the sunset light, at the link. (James Spann via Instagram)
• Calling all high school students! The University of Alabama Early College program is offering students who apply and are admitted a free first class. According to UAB, that's a saving of over $700. (The University of Alabama via Facebook)
• Birmingham Public Library shared a fun video on how to make an origami butterfly. Click the link to learn how to fold the paper animal. (Birmingham Public Library via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll be back in your inbox Monday morning with 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.