🌱 Bus Driver Shortage In Hoover + 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament

Good morning, everybody. It's Thursday in Hoover and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 83 Low: 59.
• Friday: Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 83 Low: 57.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Hoover today:

1. The Hoover School District (HSD), like many across the country, is experiencing a dire school bus driver shortage. In need of 20-plus drivers and 10 substitute drivers, HSD is looking for replacements to help cover routes before they need to adjust the bus service level. The number of school bus drivers has dropped from 138 for the 2021-2022 school year to 116. (Hoover Sun)
2. The 2023 SEC Baseball Tournament kicked off on Tuesday in Hoover. Hoover has hosted this baseball tournament for more than 20 years, and it's one of the biggest events to happen in the city. This tournament brings people from all over the country to Hoover, driving an approximate $15 million economic impact on the city. (WBRC)
3. Two men were arrested in Hoover after a police chase that started in Cullman County. State troopers were informed of a high-speed chase with a stolen SUV around 10:05 a.m. by the Cullman County Sheriff's Department. The driver continued at high speed through Cullman, Blount, and Jefferson counties until he struck a drainage culvert, which damaged the stolen vehicle, leading to his arrest. (WBRC)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Hoover:

Thursday, May 25

• Munchkin Music: Mountain Book At Mason Music Mountain Brook, Birmingham (1:00 PM)
• Teen Theater Thursday At Homewood Public Library, Homewood (4:00 PM)
• Business After Hours At Monark Grove Greystone, Birmingham (5:00 PM)

Friday, May 26

• Grand Reopening And Ribbon Cutting At Walmart Super Center Highway 280 (8:00 AM)
• Latin Night & Live Music At Cabo Coastal Grill, Birmingham (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the city's Parks and Public Spaces survey, with the deadline for completion being May 31. By visiting the specified website, you can share your input and have a chance to win prizes, such as gift cards and swag packages, with winners to be announced on Jun. 2. (City of Hoover FaceBook)
• Have you seen these two people? These two individuals are wanted for questioning in a shoplifting case at a local business. The duo was reported stealing more than $1,800 in stolen merchandise. (Hoover Police Department FaceBook)
• Who's ready for summer reading in Alabama? The Hoover Public Library hosts the Summer Reading kick-off on Friday, May 26. (Hoover Public Library FaceBook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.