Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How could Pelham’s online sales tax fight impact local school funding?
Be sure to catch Spring 2026 Baseball/Softball Registration on the Pelham Patch calendar
Hello Pelham! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How could Pelham’s online sales tax fight impact local school funding?
- How UA’s testing change could impact Pelham students’ scholarships and plans
- Which Pelham Panther just joined Alabama’s elite All-State ranks?
Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Pelhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
From our Partner
Today's Pelham Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T-Mobile and UScellular have joined forces to connect people from big cities to small towns and everywhere in between. UScellular is now a part of T-Mobile. Find out more at T-Mobile.com/Better-Together.
Find a T-Mobile store near Pelham.
Find out what's happening in Pelhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: A brief morning shower or two, with a high of 62 and low of 46 degrees.
- Monday: Clouds giving way to sun, temps: high: 63, low: 48.
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 68 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Alabaster joins SSUT lawsuit against the state (shelbycountyreporter.com) — Pelham has joined Alabaster in a lawsuit challenging how Alabama distributes online sales tax (SSUT) revenue, arguing the current formula hurts cities with strong retail bases and strains school funding. The case pits Pelham and other retail hubs against smaller municipalities and Shelby County leaders who want to keep the existing system, setting up a major fight over future city and school budgets. 
• University of Alabama bringing back standardized testing for applicants (wbrc.com) — Pelham City Schools’ college and career counselor is helping local families prepare for the University of Alabama’s return to mandatory ACT or SAT scores, which will fully apply by 2027. She explains how scores affect scholarships and placement, and what the phased-in requirements mean for current Pelham students planning their college applications.
• 2025 All-State football team features 21 Shelby County athletes (shelbycountyreporter.com) — Pelham football fans can celebrate junior receiver Marcus Arnold, who earned Second Team All-State and extended the Pelham Panthers’ tradition of statewide recognition. He’s one of 21 Shelby County athletes honored across multiple schools, underscoring how competitive local programs remain heading into future seasons.
📸 Around Pelham
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 Pelham
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Spring 2026 Baseball/Softball Registration
Pelham, AL Calendar , 555 Ballpark Road , Pelham
8:00 am - Fitness Forward
Pelham, AL Calendar , 50 Racquet Club Parkway , Pelham
10:30 am - Cardio Drumming
Pelham, AL Calendar , 50 Racquet Club Parkway , Pelham
11:30 am - Public Skate Session
Pelham, AL Calendar
11:45 am - Water Painting Class
Pelham, AL Calendar , 50 Racquet Club Parkway , Pelham
10:00 am - Public Skate Session
Pelham, AL Calendar
11:45 am - Line Dancing - Beginner
Pelham, AL Calendar , 50 Racquet Club Parkway , Pelham
1:00 pm - Zumba Gold
Pelham, AL Calendar , 50 Racquet Club Parkway , Pelham
10:45 am
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
📣 Pelham 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
- CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE @ THE MUSEUM
Chelsea, AL Calendar , 41 Weldon Drive , Chelsea
2:00 pm - Menorah Parade & Vestavia Menorah Lighting
Vestavia Hills City Hall , 1032 Montgomery Hwy , Vestavia Hills
5:00 pm - Menorah Lighting
Vestavia Hills City Hall , 1032 Montgomery Hwy , Vestavia Hills
5:00 pm - Sunday Funnies Comedy Show
StarDome Comedy Club , 1818 Data Dr , Hoover
6:30 pm
Sunday December 21
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- These little dogs were just out running around near Stone Road.
Clearly owned collared and belonging to someone but they wouldn’t come when called. (Nextdoor Cottages at Stonehaven) - Local, hands-on help for busy families
I work with families who want things handled without managing the process. I help homes run better…. organizing, folding laundry, sourcing and… (Nextdoor Cottages at Stonehaven)
- Circle K posted a job opening for Food Prep in Pelham. Apply here.
- Circle K Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Representative in Pelham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Pelham here.
🗞 Nearby News
Hoover
- Hoover vs. Germantown Mississippi: Watch Alabama boys high school basketball Jasper Christmas Classic live (al.com)
- Search underway for inmate who escaped from Hoover work assignment (abc3340.com)
- Looking to retire in Alabama? U.S. News ranks 13 top cities (montgomeryadvertiser.com)
Alabaster
Ok Pelham! 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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.