🌱 Patch AM: What will Montgomery’s iconic Ben Moore Hotel become next?

Morning Montgomery! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What will Montgomery’s iconic Ben Moore Hotel become next?
• How new Guard bonuses from Montgomery could reshape Alabama’s military readiness
• How are Alabama’s teacher prep programs really performing, according to Montgomery?

Also on today's calendar: Nutcracker Camp and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Saturday: An afternoon shower in spots, with a high of 70 and low of 45 degrees.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 50, low: 24.
• Monday: Chilly with plenty of sun, with a high of 49 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Nonprofit buys historic Ben Moore Hotel, galvanizes preservation push (montgomeryadvertiser.com) — Montgomery’s historic Ben Moore Hotel has been bought by The Conservation Fund, jump-starting long-stalled efforts to restore the Centennial Hill landmark of the Civil Rights era. Working with the city and Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, the group plans community meetings in early 2026 to shape redevelopment that could anchor broader downtown and neighborhood revitalization.
   

2. Ivey signs order to boost National Guard recruiting (wsfa.com) — Signed in Montgomery, Gov. Kay Ivey’s new executive order revives a recruiting incentive program to strengthen the Alabama National Guard. The plan offers bonuses for Guard members and staff who help bring in new recruits, aiming to keep units ready for emergencies and deployments that can directly affect Montgomery and surrounding communities.
   

3. What the Higher Education Report Card says about universities in Alabama (cbs42.com) — From Montgomery, state education leaders have released a new Higher Education Report Card grading how well Alabama universities prepare future teachers, especially on first-time certification exam pass rates. The report highlights both strong-performing campuses and worrying gaps, while stressing that better training and support are crucial to easing teacher shortages in classrooms across the state.
   

4. Prefiled bill looks to give retired law enforcement additional job opportunity (wsfa.com) — From the State House in Montgomery, lawmakers are considering a 2026 bill that would let certain retired public employees, especially former law enforcement officers, earn up to $52,000 in specific jobs without losing retirement benefits. Roles like school resource officer, sheriff’s deputy, and school bus driver are included, potentially affecting staffing and safety in schools and communities across the Montgomery area.
   

5. Black Muslim and Christian Leaders Unite in Montgomery to Chart a Shared Future (muslimjournal.net) — Montgomery just hosted a multi-day gathering of Black Muslim, Christian, and community leaders from across the country at the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Sites, where they planned strategies for housing, youth, and wellness in Black communities. Participants toured the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum, drawing inspiration from the city’s civil rights history while honoring the late organizer Umar Hakim-Dey.
   

📸 Around Montgomery

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Montgomery

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Sunday December 14

• CA NSBE Jr. S.T.E.M. Meet-Up (Dec 2025)
  Project Perseverance, 311 Mendel Pkwy W, Montgomery
  2:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Sunday December 14

• Fellowship Recital III: Violin and Cello
  Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts , 1 Museum Dr , Montgomery
  2:30 pm
• Montgomery Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
  Montgomery Performing Arts Centre , 201 Tallapoosa St , Montgomery
  6:00 pm

Thursday December 18

• BASKETBALL JVG,JVB,VG,VB @BREW TECH
  BREW TECH Pike Road, AL 36064
  4:00 pm

Friday December 19

• JV/V WRESTLING @PELHAM
  PELHAM Pike Road, AL 36064
• BASKETBALL VB,JVB VS HANDLEY
  HANDLEY Pike Road, AL 36064
  1:30 pm

Saturday December 20

• BASKETBALL JVG,JVB @PRATTVILLE
  PRATTVILLE Pike Road, AL 36064
  4:00 pm

Monday December 22

• BASKETBALL VB @HOOVER
  HOOVER Pike Road, AL 36064
• Nutcracker Camp
  2960G Zelda Rd , Montgomery
  9:00 am

📣 Montgomery Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday December 13

• BodyPump with Charlotte
  Wetumpka YMCA , 200 Red Eagle Rd , Wetumpka
  8:30 am
• Red, White & Holiday Blue Bash
  Pike Road High School , 696 Georgia Washington Rd , Pike Rd
  9:00 am
• Y Core with Charlotte
  Wetumpka YMCA , 200 Red Eagle Rd , Wetumpka
  9:35 am
• Mandala Christmas Ornament Workshop
  Pike Road Arts Center , 944 Wallahatchie Rd , Pike Rd
  10:00 am

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Thanks for all the comments and concerns, I’m fine everyone.
  I’ll be back working tomorrow LOVE AND PEACE (Nextdoor County Downs)
• Does anyone know what happened to Kordai Scott?
  He was working at my house yesterday and had to leave to get a tool that he needed. He was supposed to be back in about an hour. He never returned… (Nextdoor Wyndridge)

• TravelCenters of America posted a job opening for Porter in Montgomery. Apply here.
• The Walt Disney Company posted a job opening for Youth Activities Counselor in Montgomery. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Montgomery here.

Ok Montgomery! 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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