Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why a Homewood Islamic school is no longer moving to Hoover
Coming up on the Hoover Patch calendar: Libby Meet & Greet
Hello Hoover! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why a Homewood Islamic school is no longer moving to Hoover
- How did Hoover Tactical matches help shape a world‑class shooter?
- Which two Hoover students just landed coveted D.C. internships?
Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Hooverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 67 and low of 35 degrees.
- Sunday: Sunshine, breezy and colder, temps: high: 40, low: 19. ⛄️ Brr!
- Monday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 47 and low of 24 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Homewood Islamic school calls Tuberville's comments divisive after deciding to not move to Hoover (wvtm13.com) — Hoover residents should know a proposed move of the Islamic Academy of Alabama into the city was denied by the Hoover Zoning and Planning Commission, and recent comments from Sen. Tommy Tuberville opposing the move have alarmed the Homewood school. Administrators say his remarks spread misinformation, stress they do not teach Sharia law or political ideology, and invite the public to visit and learn more firsthand. 
Find out what's happening in Hooverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. What's In Your Range Bag, Mike Hwang? (ssusa.org) — Competitive shooter Mike Hwang traces his USPSA journey back to local matches at Hoover Tactical Firearms, where he now serves as match director for the Hoover Tactical match. He shares how Alabama’s tough competition shaped him, what gear he trusts in his range bag, and practical advice for anyone curious about getting into the shooting sports.
3. University of Alabama System announces 2026 class of Capitol Scholars (alreporter.com) — Two students from Hoover, Samir Abouhaidar and Mary Sullivan, have been chosen for the University of Alabama System’s prestigious 2026 Capitol Scholars program, earning summer internships in Washington, D.C. They’ll join 16 other top UA System students for hands-on experience in congressional offices and government affairs, building skills and connections for future public service careers.
4. Minister Gwendolyn Smith X (August 12th, 1955 – November 28th, 2025) (tuscaloosathread.com) — A beloved minister with deep ties to Chicago and Alabama is being remembered for her faith, service, and community work, with close family now living in Hoover and Tuscaloosa. Her life spanned nursing, postal service leadership, real estate, and ministry, touching people across several states. Loved ones, including a brother in Hoover, are mourning her passing and celebrating her legacy of encouragement and compassion.
5. Alabama's online shopping tax erupts into bitter court battle: $851 million at stake, and growing (al.com) — Hoover is among several Alabama cities joining a high-stakes court fight over how the state taxes online sales, with $851 million in revenue on the line. The lawsuit pits larger cities and school systems against the state’s flat Simplified Sellers Use Tax, which smaller cities and all 67 counties are defending as vital to funding basic services. The outcome could reshape how online shopping dollars are shared across Alabama.
📸 Around Hoover
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Hoover
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- 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 - 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
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
📣 Hoover Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Crafterday!
O'Neal Public Library , 50 Oak St , Mountain Brook
10:00 am - LEGO Club every 2nd Saturday
Chelsea Public Library Come to the library for LEGO free play. Use our bricks to create your own creations or try occasional challenges. - Chelsea AL 35043
10:00 am - Gingerbread Houses
Pelham Public Library , 2000 Pelham Park Blvd , Pelham
10:30 am - Learning Express Toys-Santa Visit
Learning Express Toys , 3132 Heights Village , Vestavia Hills
11:00 am
Saturday December 13
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
- To the person who decorated my mailbox!
Thank YOU ! So sweet and so beautiful. Inspired me to put up a table top tree! Second year as a widow and I wasn’t going to decorate at all!… (Nextdoor Lake Cyrus) - Hi Neighbors,
I am looking for someone to blow the leaves off my yard and bag them. (Nextdoor The Cliffs at Rocky Ridge)
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 demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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