Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
Good morning, Birmingham.
🏘️ Community
Birmingham will host a re-enactment of the 1963 Children's Crusade on May 9 where over 200 students and original foot soldiers will gather at Kelly Ingram Park at 8:30 a.m. to retrace the march from Sixth Avenue North and 17th Street North to City Hall, then finish at Boutwell Auditorium (where a 40-minute documentary and speeches are planned).
🚨 Crime
Birmingham Police said that Damien McDaniel, age 23, was charged with capital murder for the fatal shooting of Reginald Bryant, aged 52, on Nov.
27 and for the 2024 killings of Christian Norris, Angeliyah Webster and their unborn child—warrants were also issued for co-suspect Lorenzo Wiley who was already in custody on separate charges.
🎓 Education
Katie Collins of Bluff Park Elementary School was named Alabama Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026 after receiving the honor at a reception in Montgomery on May 7 + she was recognized for her innovative teaching and dedication to student success.
Birmingham educator Aubrey Bennett was named Alabama Teacher of the Year for the 2025–2026 school year during the Teacher of the Year Reception in Montgomery on May 7, and he will share his expertise with other educators statewide while receiving a $5,000 cash award and a new vehicle provided by Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers’ Federation. Bennett has 17 years of teaching experience and has worked at George Washington Carver High School for 11 years, focusing on 12th-grade U.S. Government, Economics, and Advanced Placement African-American History.
Aubrey Bennett, a teacher at George Washington Carver High School, was named Alternate Alabama Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026 at a reception in Montgomery on May 7—he has 17 years of teaching experience with 11 years at Carver.
🏛️ Government
The Alabama Big 10 Mayors praised the Legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey for passing and signing two bills that improve public safety.
Senate Bills 118 and 119 update Aniah’s Law—allowing judges to deny bail for certain violent crimes and increasing penalties for dangerous firearm discharges.
A federal judge denied a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit over Senate Bill 330 that would change the Birmingham Water Works Board so Governor Kay Ivey can be heard.
An evidentiary hearing—set for May 15—is scheduled to review the case while city leaders say the bill limits local oversight and may lead to higher sewer bills.
🎉 Birmingham Events
Submit an event →
Willow Avalon Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Saturn — Prices vary — Experience the enchanting blend of country and Americana sounds from Willow Avalon as she showcases her musical journey.
Steel Magnolias
2:30 p.m. — Birmingham Festival Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the enduring story of friendship and resilience among Southern women.
Adult Co-Ed Volleyball Pickup
12-2:45 p.m. — Birmingham CrossPlex — Free entry — Dust off those knee pads and enjoy a fun, energetic game of volleyball.
MAY Pottery Night
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Parkside on Fifth — Ticket required — Unleash your creativity with pottery-making while enjoying good food and drinks.
Focused and Fabulous 2025
11:30 AM — The Westin Birmingham — Ticket purchase required — Fashion and philanthropy unite for a luncheon benefiting youth education.
Stand-Up Comedy with Mandal
6:15-9 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club — $20 — Enjoy a night of laughs with Atlanta's rising comedian known for his wit and recent Netflix recognition.
Brick Fan Expo - A LEGO Fan Event
10 AM - 5 PM — BJCC North Exhibition Hall — Family-friendly entry — Explore amazing LEGO® creations, building zones, games, and character meets.
Tire Rack Street Survival Teen Driving School
7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Barber Motorsports Park — $125 — Equip your teen with essential defensive driving skills at a dedicated driving school.
Carver High School Graduation Ceremony
1-2 p.m. — Birmingham CrossPlex — Free entry — Celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025 in a momentous graduation ceremony.
Sun Ra Day Fest Featuring The Sun Ra Arkestra
6:30 p.m. — The Nick — $48.86 — Celebrate the legacy of Sun Ra with an evening of vibrant music and performance.
🏠 Birmingham Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Birmingham Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Birmingham Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Birmingham.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.