🌱 Montgomery LGBTQ Rally + New Bill To Punish Loitering + No Shooter

Hello, everybody! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Humid; heavy p.m. t-storms. High: 83 Low: 64.
• Friday: A t-storm around in the a.m.. High: 83 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories today in Montgomery:

1. On Tuesday, May 16, more than 100 people marched from the Alabama Supreme Court to the state Capitol to rally for LGBTQ rights and protest a list of eight bills from the Alabama legislature. The bills in question include HB401, which would make drag performances illegal in certain locations, as well as HB405, which would codify gender-binary definitions in Alabama law. (AL.com)
2. On May 16, the Alabama Senate unanimously approved Bill HB24, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Montgomery, which would increase the punishments for loitering and is one step closer to arresting people for being homeless. The bill would classify two or more loitering arrests as a Class C misdemeanor and could mandate punishments of up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. (AL.com)
3. According to the Montgomery Police Department, there is a rumor going around about an active shooter at a local retailer. MPD said this is not true and there is "no credible threat." The department also said to keep aware of your surroundings and to call 911 if you encounter any suspicious activities. (City of Montgomery via Twitter)

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Today and tomorrow in Montgomery:

Thursday, May 18

• Dan Carter At The NewSouth Bookstore (5:30 PM)
• Bike Night At 655 Northeastern Boulevard (6:00 PM)

Friday, May 19

• Live Music - Todd Fulmer At Taste Too (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Montgomery police confirm there was a disturbance near the Shoppes at EastChase on May 17, but there was no property damage or injuries. As of May 17, the investigation is ongoing and there was no other information released. (WSFA)
• The Montgomery house fire that claimed the life of a child and injured five firefighters over the weekend has claimed another victim. Montgomery Fire Chief Miford Jordan told Tuesday’s city council meeting that a man, one of the three pulled from the fire, died of his injuries. (AL.com)
• A former Montgomery cheer coach, 55-year-old Darren Frank McCoy, was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison and then 10 years of supervised release for the transportation of child pornography. McCoy pleaded guilty on Dec. 1, 2022. (AL.com)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!