🌱 Police Cruiser Struck On I-59 + Block Party To Combat Violence

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Birmingham Patch newsletter. Come along for the most important things going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds and sunshine. High: 84 Low: 59.

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Here are the top three stories in Birmingham today:

1. A Birmingham police cruiser was involved in a collision on I-59 while attending to a wreck. Two officers and a motorist were hospitalized as a result, with one officer in critical condition and the others with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred when an F-150 collided with an SUV patrol car that was blocking traffic near 19th Street. While the crash is considered an accident, the police department emphasizes the importance of following Alabama's law, which requires vehicles to move over and reduce speed when encountering emergency personnel, tow trucks, and road maintenance. (AL.com)
2. Tonight, May 26, a block party will take place in Birmingham's West End as a part of the city's initiative to combat violence. The police, along with other agencies and organizations, are coming together to host the block party on Tuscaloosa Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will feature presentations on topics like violence prevention, victim's assistance, and quality of life issues, along with food and music for all attendees to enjoy. (AL.com)
3. A three-year-old Birmingham girl has died after being found unresponsive in a hotel pool on Monday. Police are investigating an incident at a pool where three-year-old Irmani Ray drowned in the pool while she was swimming with family. Irmani was taken to the children's hospital where they were unable to resuscitate her and she was pronounced dead. Birmingham police are working to find out what happened at the pool. (Trussville Tribune)

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Today in Birmingham:

• Ribbon Cutting at Neighbors West Homewood (10:00 AM)
• Half Off Happy Hour At Chuck's Fish (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Aftermath Cares is offering a grant to the police department with the highest number of votes for the best K-9 Unit, and the Birmingham police department is encouraging citizens to vote for their K-9 unit. By voting, the city can further enhance and strengthen its K-9 unit, ensuring the continued safety and protection of the people of Birmingham. (Birmingham Police Department, Alabama via Facebook)
• The 2024 proposed operating budget allocates $6 million specifically aimed at supporting the youth in Birmingham. This investment reflects the city's commitment to providing resources and opportunities that benefit the younger generation. (City of Birmingham Gov via Facebook)
• Mayor Woodfin and city leaders gathered today at Wilson Elementary School in Bush Hills to commemorate the successful community revitalization initiatives. The collaboration between Live HealthSmart Alabama and BL Harbert International has transformed the site into a vibrant community center, symbolizing their commitment to improving the neighborhood. (City of Birmingham Gov via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. 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.