🌱 Anti-ESG Bill Passes In AL Senate + O'Neil Library Seeking Location

Hello all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Humid with a heavy t-storm. High: 80 Low: 64.
• Sunday: Humid with periods of sun. High: 81 Low: 63.

Business owners and marketers in Mountain Brook: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Mountain Brook:

1. State Sen. Dan Roberts' (R-Mountain Brook) bill, aimed at preventing state contracts with businesses that engage in boycotts based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, successfully cleared the Senate with a vote of 27-8 on Thursday. Roberts emphasized the necessity of protecting industries within the state from potential nationwide repercussions, stating that the bill specifically targets corporate boycotts and contractual issues. All eight dissenting votes were cast by Democrats. (1819 News)
2. Following a pipe burst that caused significant flooding on the first floor, the O'Neal Library in Mountain Brook remains closed and is actively seeking an alternative location to house its collection. Library Director Lindsy Gardner expressed gratitude for the swift response of the repair crews, assuring the community that the library's collection remains undamaged. In the meantime, the library is working to maintain a connection with patrons through online resources, such as eBooks and audiobooks, while also extending the due date for current rentals to Sep. 30, without any late fines accruing. (CBS 42)
3. Down the road in Birmingham, a new fashion retailer is open for business, with another planning to open later this month. Yesterday, the new Shoe Station at Brook Highland Plaza kicked off its grand opening event, running through this weekend. And on May 25, the River Ridge Nordstrom Rack is scheduled to start operations in its new home at The Summit. (Bham Now)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Mountain Brook:

Saturday, May 20

• Kids Crafts With Ms. Dee At Publix GreenWise Market At Lane Parke (12:00 PM)
• Saturday Drink Specials At CharBar No. 7 (11:30 AM)

Sunday, May 21

• Uptown Sunday Night Comedy At Uptown Jazz Lounge, Birmingham (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• An update on the previously-reported story about the disappearance of Mountain Brook high schooler Natalee Holloway: Effective yesterday, officials have begun coordinating extradition plans for prime suspect Joran van der Sloot. (Fox News)
• As a cold front approaches, this weekend is expected to bring scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms across Alabama. Next week is anticipated to be relatively calm and drier, with the possibility of a few scattered showers or storms on Monday, followed by isolated showers for the rest of the week. (Alabama's News Leader)
• Mark your calendars for two free concerts sponsored by the Alabama Accordion Association, featuring the talented International Accordionist Dr. Michael Bridge. The concerts will take place at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Jun. 17 at Brookwood Baptist Church in Mountain Brook. (Vestavia Voice)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. See you all soon for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.