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🌱 Patch AM: What Homewood’s new on-demand rides could mean for Birmingham-area commuters

Coming up: Bham Discourse Event at Rojo on the Birmingham Patch calendar

Wednesday May 6th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello again Birmingham! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What Homewood’s new on-demand rides could mean for Birmingham-area commuters
  • How Birmingham’s new data center rules could shape your power bill
  • Why this Birmingham drug trafficking arrest carries a $3 million bond

Also on today's calendar: Bham Discourse Event at Rojo and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why wouldn't the little shrimp share his fries with his friends ? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A severe p.m. t-storm; humid, with a high of 78 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy and less humid, temps: high: 72, low: 52.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 75 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. AL: Homewood is launching a nearly $800,000 on-demand transportation service (masstransitmag.com) — Homewood is rolling out an on-demand microtransit service this July that’s already proving popular across the Birmingham area, especially for work and medical trips. Fully funded for its 15‑month pilot by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the service will test whether app-based shared rides can permanently improve local access to jobs, hospitals, and businesses.    

2. Data center growth in Alabama: 492 Alabamians weigh in (bhamnow.com) — Birmingham residents face big changes as the city regulates data center locations and weighs a proposed Nebius AI facility in Oxmoor Valley, alongside the existing DC Blox Birmingham hub. A statewide poll of 492 Alabamians shows most want tighter rules or oppose new centers, while lawmakers move to curb tax breaks and address environmental impacts.    

3. Birmingham man charged with 2 counts of drug trafficking (cbs42.com) — A Birmingham resident is being held on more than $3 million bond after Jefferson County deputies say they seized large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, other pills, cash, and a handgun during a search on Birchwood Street. Investigators urge anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office or Crime Stoppers to support ongoing efforts against illegal narcotics in Birmingham neighborhoods.    

4. Birmingham Council Approves $240K for Neighborhood Improvements Near I-20/59 Bridge (birminghamwatch.org) — Birmingham’s City Council has approved more than $240,000 for traffic calming, gateways, and sidewalk repairs in Norwood, Druid Hills, and Fountain Heights, funded by a settlement over the I‑20/59 bridge project. Councilors also tightened safety rules for late‑night clubs, requiring detailed safety plans, cameras, and training, and scheduled a May 26 hearing on possibly revoking Nana Funk’s business license.    

5. Birmingham nonprofit on Time 100 list; A&M says it will offer state's first AI degree; Construction of Gadsden Athletic Center underway; Innovation center opens in Dothan (businessalabama.com) — Birmingham-based nonprofit KultureCity just landed on Time’s 100 most influential companies list, spotlighting the city’s growing impact on accessibility and inclusion. A Birmingham construction firm is also leading a major new athletic complex in Gadsden, while other stories track Alabama’s first standalone AI degree and a new innovation hub in Dothan.    


📸 Around Birmingham

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • is anyone missing a cat?
    he’s very friendly with us but doesn’t have a collar and we see him frequently. he’s a little skittish. he’s also not spayed either. lmk if you… (Nextdoor Eastlake)
  • LOST CAT ALERT!
    Have you seen this pet? Tucker was lost on May 02, 2026 and was last seen near Birmingham, AL If you have information on their location, please… (Nextdoor Brook Highland)
  • RDSolutions posted a job opening for Store Scanning Specialist in Birmingham. Apply here.
  • WOODGRAIN Inc. posted a job opening for Merchandise Stocker - Birmingham, AL in Birmingham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Birmingham here.

Ok Birmingham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because he was shellfish ! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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