🌱 LGBTQ+ Bills Failed + Hoover Police Search For Suspect + Ice Cream

Hey, everybody! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Hoover Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny, nice and warm. High: 92 Low: 67.
• Sunday: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 90 Low: 67.

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Here are the top three stories today in Hoover:

1. In this year's legislative session, multiple bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community failed to pass, including a bill by Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Shelby County, that aimed to ban drag queens from public spaces where minors might be present, as well as the "What is a Woman Act" by Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, which sought to align legal definitions of "man" and "woman" with biological sex at birth. Another bill that did not succeed was the proposed "Don't Say Gay" bill by Rep. Mack Butler which aimed to expand the ban on discussing LGBTQ+ issues in schools. Despite these setbacks, House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen has expressed his determination to prioritize the drag bill in the next legislative session and also crack down on books. The LGBTQ+ community remains vigilant and committed to staying informed and building momentum in the face of future challenges. (Fox54)
2. Do you recognize this suspect? The Hoover Police Department is looking for a suspect (pictured at the link) who has been accused of felony shoplifting at a local business, taking over $900 worth of stolen merchandise. Contact Detective Chambless at 205-444-7632 if you have any information. (Hoover Police Department)
3. In nearby Tuscaloosa, a new gourmet ice cream parlor will soon be opening its doors on Jack Warner Parkway and the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. Moonshot Creamery will open next week on the banks of the Black Warrior River, offering grass-fed, all-natural ice cream, along with rare wines. Owners Audrey and Paul Vermilyea, who previously opened Monarch Espresso Bar in downtown Tuscaloosa, hope their new venture will fill a gap in the neighborhood by providing over 20 ice cream flavors with zero artificial ingredients. (Tuscaloosa Thread)

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Today and tomorrow in Hoover:

Saturday, June 3

• Dixie Vintage Antique Automobile Club 1st Saturday Cruise-in, At Hoover Tactical Firearms (8:00 AM)

Sunday, June 4

• The Magic of Eric Eaton, At Stardome Showroom (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Hoover Police Department (HPD) has unveiled its new and improved website, as well as a companion app, marking a significant step forward in its efforts to enhance communication with the community. (Hoover (AL) Police Department via Facebook)
• The AoA Trio will be performing a free concert of Celtic music, featuring Geni Skendo (flute), Keith Beard (guitar), and Brett Huffman (percussion), along with fiddler Brian Wells. The performance will take place at the Plaza Wing of the Hoover Public Library on Wednesday, Jun. 7 at 7:00 p.m. (Hoover Public Library)
• A former Hoover teacher, Robert Abernathy of Simmons Middle School, has been making waves in the music industry since moving to Nashville, and now, he's gearing up for a U.S. and European tour. Read all about his journey at the link. (Hoover Sun)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll catch up with you soon with your next update!

— 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.