🌱 Patch AM: How Hoover students are really coping without phones at school

Greetings Hoover! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How Hoover students are really coping without phones at school
• Which five Hoover stories defined 2025 for your neighbors?
• How a former Hoover High star just scored in the NFL

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Sharon S.!

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Brisk and much colder, with a high of 39 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Monday: Sunny and not as cold, temps: high: 47, low: 24.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 57 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Alabama's FOCUS Act in effect: Statewide law aims to curb classroom distractions (hooversun.com) — Hoover students and parents are adjusting to Alabama’s new FOCUS Act, which now bans student phone, earbud, and smartwatch use during the school day across Hoover City Schools. Local families describe quieter hallways, more face-to-face conversations, and changing communication habits, while educators hope the statewide law will reduce distractions and boost classroom focus this year.
   

• Hoover Sun Best of 2025: 5 stories we loved (hooversun.com) — Hoover residents are at the heart of this year’s five standout stories, from Riverchase Career Connection Center grads joining Hoover Fire to Spain Park and Hoover football legacies shaping a “two schools, one city” standard. You’ll also meet a Galleria Woods resident who walked 84 miles at 80 and revisit a beloved local comedy family whose StarDome stage still draws date-night crowds.
   

• Former Auburn wide receiver gets another opportunity with Raiders (al.com) — A former Hoover High School football standout, Shedrick Jackson, is getting another shot on the Las Vegas Raiders’ active roster after scoring a 25-yard touchdown on his first NFL catch last week. The Auburn alum was elevated again from the practice squad for Sunday’s game, part of a broader trend of Alabama-connected players earning opportunities across the league.
   

📸 Around Hoover

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Hoover

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Monday December 15

• Libby Meet & Greet
  Hoover Public Library - Circulation Lobby
  10:30 am
• Fleet Feet Birmingham-Ugly Sweater Run
  Fleet Feet Birmingham , 3060 Healthy Way, Suite 100 , Vestavia Hills
  6:00 pm

Tuesday December 16

• One-on-One Tech Help
  Hoover Public Library - #Friends Meeting Room
  10:00 am
• Ribbon Cutting: LetsLose Weight Loss & Wellness
  Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce , 614 Montgomery Highway , Vestavia Hills
  12:00 pm
• Libby Meet & Greet
  Hoover Public Library - Circulation Lobby
  3:30 pm
• Jingle Jam with La La Librarian
  Hoover Public Library - The Library Theatre
  4:00 pm
• End of Year Holiday Mixer
  Hoover Chamber of Commerce , 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 375 , Hoover
  6:00 pm
• Jingle Jam with La La Librarian
  Hoover Public Library - The Library Theatre
  6:30 pm

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 14

• Intro To On- Camera Camp (AGES 7-12)
  Acting Out Academy! , 3325 Rocky Ridge Plz Suite 221 , Vestavia Hills
  10:00 am
• Lillie's Cup Holiday Tea
  Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens , 331 Cotton Ave SW , Birmingham
  2:00 pm
• A Christmas Story
  Alabama Theatre , 1817 3rd Ave N , Birmingham
  2:00 pm
• Mistletoes & Mimosas - A Festive Holiday Brunch
  The Avondale West , 589 Bessemer Super Hwy , Midfield
  2:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Hoover PatchAM possible:

• Refine Weight and Wellness — (205) 223-3215
  New Medically subscribed Weight Loss Clinic in Hoover

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
  FOUND on December 11, 2025 in Chelsea, AL 35043 near Grey Oaks subdivision off Rte 11 south of Chelsea HS Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest… (Nextdoor River Chase)
• I want to thank everyone for your response to my need for a plumber for our problems with our hot water heater.
  I called Conner Antonio 205-503-3928 and was extremely pleased with his service. He was very knowledgeable, hard working, thorough, and extremely… (Nextdoor Pinewood-Birchtree)

🗞 Nearby News

Homewood

• Homewood Best of 2025: 5 stories we loved (thehomewoodstar.com)
• Three Birmingham students treated to shopping spree by Squadron, UAB Callahan Eye (wbrc.com)
• WBRC goes inside Islamic Academy of Alabama to learn about school's teachings (wbrc.com)

Vestavia Hills

• Movers ferry delicate gingerbread houses to Vestavia Hills, keep Megan Montgomery's memory alive (wvtm13.com)
• Rebels basketball teams in others nominated category of ASWA poll (vestaviavoice.com)

Ok Hoover! 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: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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