🌱 Bluestone Coke's Pollution Violation Fines + Mental Health Day

Morning, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Birmingham.

But first, today's weather:

A thunderstorm in spots. High: 79 Low: 69.

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Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. The Bluestone Coke plant in Birmingham owes almost $300,000 in fines and penalties for air pollution violations. In December 2022, the plant received the largest fine ever assessed by the Jefferson County Department of Health, totaling $925,000, and has since fallen behind on payments. Before its shutdown in 2021, Bluestone Coke made coke, a coal product used in steel, that can create high levels of pollution during production. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said that Bluestone Coke has disregarded the health of residents, and he encouraged the Jefferson County Department of Health to not renew their permit to operate. (AL.com)
2. A proposed bill to reduce panhandling and loitering has a local pastor concerned it will send those without a home to jail. Alabama HB 24 was introduced by state representative Reed Ingram and has passed both the state House and Senate thus far. If the legislation is signed by Governor Kay Ivey, those with multiple arrests for loitering will be facing jail time and a maximum fine of $500. Heavenly Hands Outreach Ministries pastor Atrice Hubbard-Brown hopes the state will help those in need instead of making their lives more difficult. Hubbard-Brown mentioned that organizations that serve the homeless have been downsizing and that is why she is asking the governor not to sign the bill. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
3. The City of Birmingham is hosting a Mental Health Day today at Linn Park! Mental health resources and depression screenings will be provided at no cost, and multiple speakers will share their expertise. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin says “I encourage people to use this event to learn more about mental health and self-care, have conversations with loved ones, connect with experts and help reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues.” The event is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is open to the public. (WIAT - CBS42.com)

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Today in Birmingham:

• Tiny Book Of The Month Club At Avondale Regional Branch Library (9:00 AM)
• UAB Baseball Vs Florida Atlantic At Jerry D. Young Memorial Baseball Field (2:00 PM)
• Science Cocktails At Homewood Public Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Birmingham City Schools (BCS) is looking for businesses to partner with! Visit any BCS school during the district-wide Open House on May 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn more about how local companies can help with opportunities for local students. (Birmingham City Schools via Twitter)
• The Alabama Theatre Summer Film Series starts Jun. 23, 2023! Tickets are $10 each and doors open an hour before showtime. Find the list of movies here and book your tickets as showings are first come, first serve. (Alabama Theatre via Facebook)
• The Birmingham Police Department has a 2023 Central State University graduate! Congratulations to Officer Cameron Jones for receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. (Birmingham Police Department, Alabama via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (May 23)
• Roaring 20’s Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Event (June 2)
• REFLECTIONS FROM MOZART TO GOSPEL - Huntsville Choral Festival Concert (June 3)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.