🌱 State Unemployment Remains 2.1% + APLS Approves Explicit Book List

Hello there, Hoover! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Humid with a t-storm or two. High: 83 Low: 68.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 86 Low: 62.

From our partner:

Apple announced some big news at Tuesday's "Wonderlust" event! Click here for all the details.

Here are the top three stories today in Hoover:

1. New data shows that Alabama's state-wide unemployment rate in August holds steady at 2.1 percent, down from 2.6 percent in August 2022. Hoover's unemployment rate is lower than the state average, at 1.8 percent. According to the state Department of Labor, the new unemployment rate represents 48,605 unemployed people, which is a new record low across the state. (Alabama Daily News)
2. This week, a new state-wide measure was passed by the Alabama Public Library Services (APLS) Board to allow Alabamians to make submissions to the state regarding books they deem inappropriate for children. The APLS does not have the authority to dictate what material is allowed in public libraries — these decisions can only be made on the local level. At the meeting, the APLS unanimously decided to create an online portal where parents or citizens could submit books that they believe contain inappropriate content for children, which would would then be forwarded to every public library and their boards in the state. (Alabama Daily News)
3. Alabama remains one of the top 10 states in the country for lake homes and lots. According to Hoover-based Lake Homes Realty’s fall market report, the total Alabama housing market is now at $1.5 billion. The number of lake homes for sale nationally continues to increase, including those on nearby Charcandy Lake, Star Lake, and Indian Valley Lake. (AL.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Hoover:

Saturday, September 16

• Celebrate The Family Expo! At Hoover Met Finley Center (10:00 AM)
• Golden Rule Back To School Bash At 500 Mineral Trace Suite (2:00 PM)

Sunday, September 17

• Ben Folds: What Matters Most Tour At Alys Stephens Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• As part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the City will be hosting a movie night screening "Ferdinand" on Friday, Sept. 29 at the Spain Park High School stadium. This free outdoor event will feature food trucks with authentic Hispanic cuisine available for purchase. Bring your families and lawn chairs—the event begins at 6:30 p.m. (City of Hoover via Facebook)
• Tickets for the annual "Taste of Hoover" festival are going fast! The event takes place on Oct. 5 and celebrates the variety of culinary styles found throughout our city, featuring some of Hoover's best restaurants (Hoover, Alabama - Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• Need to get rid of old documents? The City will be hosting a shred day on Sept. 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hoover Library parking lot. Securely dispose of any documents in an environmentally-friendly way — the limit is six banker boxes per person. (City of Hoover via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (September 19)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.