🌱 New Statehouse Approved + Hyundai Donates To Local Food Bank

Hi, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Some sun. High: 90 Low: 68.
• Sunday: Partly sunny, a stray t-storm. High: 91 Low: 68.

Are you a real estate agent in Montgomery struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Montgomery newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Here are the top three stories in Montgomery today:

1. On Friday, May 12, a missing 16-year-old North Carolina teen was found by police in Montgomery, miles away from where she was originally reported missing the day prior. An Amber Alert was sent out from the Stanly County Sheriff's Office on Thursday morning searching for Stephanie Morton, and police have now confirmed the alert has been canceled. Police say that they do have a suspect in custody. (WJTV)
2. Alabama lawmakers gave their final approval on legislation that could result in the construction of a brand-new Statehouse. State senators voted 34-0 to give the Legislative Council the authority to contract the Retirement Systems of Alabama, or another entity, for the building of a new Statehouse that would be leased back to the Legislature. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said the current Statehouse was originally built in the 1960s and has had maintenance issues. The bill will now need a signature from Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey. (WVUA)
3. Team members from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC collected more than $12,000 during their annual food drive for the Montgomery Food Bank. Hyundai's team has a history of giving back to Montgomery and the River Region and has been showing compassion for these communities for the last 15 years. Each dollar that's donated to the Montgomery Food Bank can provide five meals to Alabamians in need. (WSFA)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Montgomery Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Montgomery Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Montgomery:

Saturday, May 13

• Second Saturday Riverfront Festival At Riverfront Park (6:00 PM)

Sunday, May 14

• Clyde's At Alabama Shakespeare Festival (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Get ready, the Montgomery Humane Society will be participating in a Tri-County Adoption Event on Saturday, May 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the shelter. Adoption fees will be $50 for all approved applicants, and attendees will get to experience a variety of children's activities, vendors, hot dogs, light refreshments, and a supply drive for their very active Foster Program. There are no appointments necessary to participate, but an application is required if you were interested in adopting any of the animals. (Montgomery Humane Society Adoptable Pets)
• Due to Alabama's southern climate, tick season is officially upon us and their activity is rising throughout the state. State officials are urging Alabamians to look out when they're heading outdoors and take the necessary precautions to ensure they're tick-free all summer long. Some diseases that tick bites can cause are Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, tick paralysis, and more. (WSFA)
• On Sunday, May 14, celebrate Mother's Day at the Montgomery Zoo as all moms will receive free admission to the park. The zoo's Overlook Café will be offering a special meal that includes chicken casserole, rice, green beans, a cookie, rolls, and a drink for only $11. If you're interested in attending their celebration, visit here for more information. (Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum)

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!