🌱 Woman Dies In Crash On 280 + Third Grade Reading Scores Released

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with the most important things happening locally. Keep reading for the latest.

First, today's weather:

A thunderstorm around. High: 95 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. A 41-year-old woman is dead after a crash on U.S. 280. According to police, the wreck happened just before midnight on Wednesday on U.S. 280 at Grandview Drive. The woman was pronounced dead on the scene after the two-vehicle collision. As of Thursday evening, no information is available on the other individual involved in the accident. (AL.com)
2. Where do Birmingham City Schools' third graders stack up in the state of Alabama? The State Board of Education released reading scores for third graders at schools across the state on Tuesday. Across the 27 buildings that service third graders, the lowest rate of proficiency was 34 percent and the highest was 94 percent. Dr. Jermaine Dawson, the Academic and Accountability Officer for the district, said that while 53 percent of third graders were below reading level last year, only 44 percent were this year. Administrators are hopeful that this shows good development overall. (WBRC)
3. Looking for a way to celebrate this weekend? Bham Now put together a list of seven events you can attend to enjoy the Magic City. From a performance of Cinderella at Red Mountain Theatre to a block party at the World Games, there's something for everyone. Click the link to see the full list of events and start planning your weekend. (Bham Now)

Today in Birmingham:

• Virtual LEGO Competition Deadline, At Mt Laurel Public Library (All Day)
• Alabama 4-H Science School, At West End Branch Library (10:00 AM)
• Sewing: Beach Blanket, At Birmingham Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Aquatic Blooms: Page Holders, At Birmingham Public Library (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The University of Alabama congratulated the new Miss Alabama, Lindsey Fincher. Fincher was also the winner of Miss University of Alabama. (The University of Alabama via Facebook)
• City of Birmingham Government and Mayor Woodfin want to remind you to enjoy local businesses. Most businesses aren't inside The World Games' security perimeters, so parking is only minimally affected. (City of Birmingham Government via Instagram)
• Alabama Audubon is still offering tickets to the Second Annual Black Belt Birding Festival. The tickets can be purchased here for the Jul. 29-30 event. (Alabama Audubon via Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 21)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.