Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
Good morning, Birmingham.
Tomeka Mills registered her nonprofit this summer and plans to build the A.W.
Brooks Serenity Home in Birmingham, a trauma-informed group home that will offer culturally responsive care, mental health support, and life skills training for high-school girls of color facing neglect. Details on the shelter’s opening are still being finalized—residents will be able to start receiving help once the home is complete.
Ahead of Election Day next week, Hoover Police and the FBI are investigating racial comments and death threats made against a city council candidate while Alabaster Police investigate the vandalism of a candidate’s home—an act that included eggs, nacho cheese, barbecue sauce, and defaecation—and residents in Vestavia Hills are receiving anonymous texts with political details.
Birmingham Police responded Monday morning to a gunshot victim on UAB’s campus on 10th Avenue South where the man, who was shot in north Birmingham while heading to the emergency department, pulled over and no suspect has been identified—UAB confirmed there is no danger to campus.
A 6-year-old boy named Alex Reese accidentally shot himself after finding an unsecured gun at a Madison Park apartment off Carson Road in east Birmingham on Tuesday, Aug.
19—Birmingham police urge gun owners to secure all firearms to prevent similar accidents.
On August 20th, 2025, pilgrims gathered in Hayneville to mark the 60th anniversary of civil rights martyr Jonathan Daniels’ death—honoring his legacy as a saint and recalling his role in the historic Selma to Montgomery march.
Local religious leaders and youth reflected on his sacrifice and the ongoing fight for voting rights.
Rock City Church pastor Mike Jr. won nine Stellar awards on Aug.
16, including Artist of the Year, which brought his total to 36 awards. He said winning from Birmingham — where his music career began — shows that homegrown success matters and that viewers can watch the ceremony on Sept. 7 at 12:30 p.m. on WVTM 13.
Candidates for the Birmingham Board of Education are running in Tuesday’s municipal elections as the polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.; Mary Boehm in District 3, James Sullivan in District 5, and Walt Wilson in District 7 are unopposed while others campaign to boost community engagement and education equity.
In Tarrant, a small town near Birmingham, mayor Wayman Newton and city clerk Laverne Knight clashed over absentee ballots at a city council meeting — the dispute comes a week before the municipal election.
The water board voted 4—2 on August 18 to end the contract with local lobbyist Greg Jones while keeping Montgomery-based Fine, Geddie & Associates at a $15,000 monthly rate.
The split vote exposed long-standing political and geographic divisions among board members over conflicts of interest.
Downright Music Event
6-7:30 p.m. — Avondale Brewing Company — Standing General Admission — Enjoy an evening with the Erin Mitchell Band in Birmingham's beloved brewery.
Chris Munch Live
7-8:30 p.m. — StarDome Comedy Club — $30.50 — Enjoy a night of laughter with actor and comedian Chris Munch and special guest Adam Bush.
Rickey Smiley Comedy Show
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Stardome Comedy Club — $54-$377 — Experience a night of laughs with comedian Rickey Smiley at the iconic Stardome Comedy Club.
Canva Graphics Workshop
2:30-4 p.m. — Homewood Public Library — Free entry — Learn to create stunning graphics for flyers and social media using Canva.
Hack and Forth Comedy Show
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $13.50 — Enjoy a high-energy comedy show featuring quick sets and playful banter amongst comedians.
Ben Bankas Stand-Up Comedy Show
7:30-9 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $20 to $30 — Enjoy a night of laughs with one of the most popular comedians touring the USA in 2025.
Chrisette Michele Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Stardome Comedy Club — Tickets from $119 — Experience an evening of soulful music with Chrisette Michele.
Tim Jennings and Friends Comedy Show
6:30-8 p.m. — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $24.50 — Experience the wit and humor of seasoned comedian Tim Jennings alongside friends from the comedy circuit.
Alabama All-Star Alumni Night Comedy Show
6:30 – 8:00 PM — Main Room, 1818 Data Dr, Birmingham, AL — $24.50 — A star-studded comedy night featuring Alabama's finest alumni performers.
Wicked: A Musical in Birmingham
Various times — BJCC Concert Hall — Ticketed — Experience the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West in this magical Broadway phenomenon.
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