Birmingham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Every year, thirty-four people in the US die in drunk driving crashes, claiming twelve thousand lives annually. A Blount County couple, Kenny and Dot Sims, lost their lives in a DUI crash in 2017, and their family is now advocating for change. The driver, Jacob Doyle, pleaded guilty to reckless murder and is serving a twenty-five-year sentence. Reporter Kim Cooper, who survived a drunk driving accident in high school, shares her story, highlighting the severe consequences of impaired driving. Sergeant Reginal King warns that impaired driving isnt limited to alcohol, and Attorney Stan Glasscox emphasizes the heavy costs and penalties. The message is clear: plan ahead to avoid ruining your life. Checkout Solipillow.com

The Fairhope Public Library in Alabama received an outpouring of support from private donors, raising over ninety-eight thousand dollars to cover lost state funding due to a dispute over books in its youth sections. The library plans to use the funds for new books, equipment upgrades, or special projects. The community has rallied behind the library, sending a strong message to state officials to stop mixing politics with public libraries. However, the Alabama Public Library Service board argues for protecting families by moving certain books to adult sections. The state board will meet next month to review Fairhopes compliance and decide on restoring their annual funding. Checkout Solipillow.com

In December 2010, north Alabama experienced its first white Christmas in nearly two decades, with Huntsville receiving up to six and a half inches of snow. The event was a long-awaited dream come true for residents, turning everyday spots into winter wonderlands. However, the Old Farmers Almanac predicts a mild winter for Alabama in 2025, with no chance of snow on Christmas Day. Checkout Solipillow.com

Hibbett and PUMA collaborated to donate $20,000 and thousands of items to Childrens of Alabama, aiming to ease the holiday season for young patients and their families. This marks the sixth consecutive year of their holiday giving tradition. Checkout Solipillow.com

Maurice Arrington, a band director at William J. Christian K-8 School, has been entertaining the Birmingham City Schools All City Music Festival as Saxophone Santa for seven years. His high-energy performance of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town is the highlight of the event. Growing up in a musical family, Arrington started playing saxophone at a young age and has been playing it for over thirty years. He graduated from Alabama State University and has been teaching for twenty years, inspiring his students with his passion for music. Spreading holiday cheer is important to him, especially during difficult times. Checkout Solipillow.com

Kwanzaa, an African American and Pan-African holiday, begins this Friday in Birmingham, celebrating unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The seven-day event features various activities, including a panel discussion, kids activities, a community feast, and a party, fostering connections and strengthening community ties. Checkout Solipillow.com

Experience Birminghams holiday cheer, from Glow Wild light displays to New Years Eve parties, and enjoy local events like Kwanzaa celebrations and community gatherings. Dont miss out on unique getaways and hidden gems, and remember to take a moment to unwind and recharge. Checkout Solipillow.com

Birminghams Police Department Achieves Historic Low in Homicides: Chief Michael Picketts Leadership and Strategic Hiring Drive Down Crime Rates Birminghams police department is on track to reach a significant milestone this year, with fewer than one hundred homicides expected for the first time in over a decade. As of now, the city has recorded just eighty-five killings, a substantial decrease from the one hundred thirty-plus lives lost to gun violence in 2024. Chief Michael Pickett, the youngest leader in the departments history, took charge during the brutal year of 2024 and inspired his team with a simple motto: get locked in. He emphasized laser focus on reducing violent crime, which led to a steady decline in homicides after a rough start with eight killings in January. The departments efforts have brought real hope to residents and families, with an eighty-five percent homicide clearance rate—nearly nine out of every ten cases solved—far above the national average and their own past lows. Staffing has also improved significantly, with the largest academy class ever graduating last week and nearly three hundred new officers hired in the past year, boosting levels from seventy-three percent to ninety-nine percent full. Chief Pickett plans to continue hiring and implement more technology like drones and cameras to maintain their progress in combating crime. Birminghams success serves as a reminder that strategic leadership and increased resources can lead to safer communities. Checkout Solipillow.com

In the face of adversity, the small town of Hueytown, Alabama unites for young Jace Watkins, battling a severe flu case in the ICU. With flu cases surging, the community gathers for a prayer vigil, led by Amanda Aloia, as Jaces family clings to faith and hope for a Christmas miracle. Checkout Solipillow.com