Birmingham

The Birmingham Zoo is inviting guest to trick-or-treat around the zoo at the Hoots & Howls daytime Halloween festival. This event will be October 22-23 and 29-30 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Court records recently files indicate the chief suspect in Natalee Holloway’s 2005 disappearance intends to plead guilty in an extortion case. Joran van der Sloot is accused of trying to extort money from the missing teen’s mother. A federal judge set a Wednesday, October 18, plea and sentencing hearing for Van der Sloot in Birmingham.

Alabama state Rep. John Rogers has pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempting to obstruct a federal investigation into an alleged kickback scheme involving state grants. The longtime Democratic lawmaker from Birmingham entered the not guilty plea Thursday in federal court. His assistant, Varrie Johnson Kindall, also pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice and tax charges.

Nominations are open for the Birmingham StrongHer Campaign. This campaign recognizes women who inspire and make a difference in The Magic City. Nominees must either live, work, go to school or volunteer in the city. Nominations close on October 31st.

In a polarized society, it's no surprise Americans are divided on the best places to live in the United States. Many top destinations have just as many detractors as fans. Alabama made the list, but not in a desirable way.

Birmingham is one of two Alabama cities selected to a add a new position to help spread poetry in the state. Mobile is the second.

Alabama will mark the 60th anniversary of the 1963 bombing at 16th Street Baptist Church that killed four girls. Lisa McNair, the sister of one of the victims, said that as the anniversary is remembered, she hoped people will think about what they can do to combat hate. McNair is worried about a current political climate where she said where politicians seem to purposely stoke division. As an adult, McNair met and forged an unlikely friendship with one of the suspect's daughters.

A Birmingham federal judge agreed to delay Joran van der Sloot's trial on extortion charges until later this year in order to give his defense more time to prepare. Van der Sloot, the chief suspect in the 2005 disappearance of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway, is charged with trying to extort money from the missing teen's mother in exchange for revealing where to find her daughter's remains.

The 2023 Birmingham Artwalk is returning to downtown Birmingham on September 8th and 9th. This free event is a chance for both local and regional artist to display their work to the public at a unique festival setting.

A Birmingham-based nonprofit is serving up a night of food and festivities this weekend. Growing Kings is hosting its annual King of the Grill barbecue competition on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Avondale.