🌱 Paralyzed Native Will Get Harvard Degree + 1.4% Unemployment Rate

Hey, Hoover! I'm back with your new edition of the Hoover Daily, fresh off the presses. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, a shower in the p.m. High: 55 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories today in Hoover:

1. Hoover native Ben Abercrombie has overcome incredible adversity and is now just 18 months away from his economics degree at Harvard. In 2017, Abercrombie was paralyzed from the neck down after making a tackle at his first football game with the Ivy League school. After going through rehab almost every day for the past five years, Abercrombie uses a special computer controlled by his eye movement to take exams at the university. (WVTM)
2. Hoover has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. The city has a 1.4 percent unemployment rate compared to the state’s average rate of 2.8 percent. The highest unemployment rate came in at 6.3 percent in Selma. (Alabama Department of Labor)
3. In case you missed it, the 2023 State of the City Address took place on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Hoover Mayor Frank V. Brocato was at the Hyatt-Regency Wynfrey Hotel to give the annual address. The full State of the City Address is available online here. (Spot On Alabama)

Today in Hoover:

• First Time Home Buyer Seminar At Hoover Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Journaling And Meditation Workshop At Cardinal Wellness (2:00 PM)
• Happy Hour At Brixx Wood Fired Pizza + Craft Bar (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• As a reminder, the City of Hoover’s Community Mental Health Day is occurring tomorrow, Jan. 22, at The Finley Center from noon until 4:00 p.m. (City of Hoover via Facebook)
• Do you recognize the woman pictured at the link? She is accused of felony shoplifting amounting to over $900. (Hoover Police Dept via Twitter)
• Mark your calendar: Hoover's 24th Annual Arbor Day Celebration is on Feb. 25 at Aldridge Gardens. (City of Hoover via Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 24)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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.