Good morning, Montgomery.

On November 12, HMMA and its 4,200 team members donated over $363,000 to United Way in the River Region—marking their 22nd consecutive campaign and a $5.8 million total contribution over the years.

The donation supports local United Way agencies across Alabama.

Friendship Mission hosted its new Empty Bowls event Thursday night at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 5:45 p.m. to fight rising hunger and homelessness—this fundraiser was meant to raise funds for its emergency shelter for residents and its public soup kitchen that served 66,805 meals in 2024.

Local home builder Lowder New Homes has partnered with Mercy House for a Holiday Home Tour of Trees fundraiser to raise money for holiday gifts for underserved kids.

The tour will run every Saturday and Sunday in November from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and each $10 donation offers a chance to win a fully decorated holiday tree—homes in neighborhoods such as Kinsley, New Park and Sturbridge Woodland Creek will be featured.

Action 8’s Magical Christmas Toy Drive is underway as leaders from Servpro shopped at Walmart on Chantilly Parkway to buy over $1,000 in toys for the Salvation Army of Montgomery; the toy vault at the Shoppes at EastChase will soon be filled with donations for registered families.

Darryl Hood helped organize the effort in this long-running drive that has benefited local families for a dozen years.

Downtown Montgomery's seven local businesses were awarded matching funds from the City's Storefront Improvement Grant Program — a move that will allow them to upgrade their storefronts as part of a broader local investment effort.

The Conservation Fund and the Landsmark Foundation are now protecting Montgomery’s historic Ben Moore Hotel, which once sheltered key Civil Rights leaders and musical icons and served as a safe haven listed in the Green Book.

City officials say its restoration will revitalize Centennial Hill and honor the hotel’s legacy—preserving a vital piece of our local history.

A study by Columbia University and Jobs to Move America found that plants using more inmate labor in Montgomery are linked to a 10—14% drop in pay for non-incarcerated workers and more safety risks.

Hyundai said its suppliers must follow safety rules.

Members selected new board leadership at a Montgomery County school board meeting yesterday; board member Pamela Portis was chosen as president by unanimous vote, and Erika Watkins-Smith was elected vice president by a vote of 4 to 2—keeping the board prepared for future decisions.

At a November 12 meeting in Montgomery, Alabama lawmakers discussed plans to tie part of public college funding to student outcomes by rewarding each school based on measures like graduation and job placement rates — they will meet with higher education leaders and draft legislation before Jan. 13.

Alabama’s new federal report card showed improvements in math and English proficiency as well as college and career readiness—science scores stayed the same while chronic absenteeism dropped from 15% to 12% and graduation rates increased to nearly 92%.

Dr. Eric Mackey said the report card proves that proper planning and resources have helped students perform better.

Alabamians may face higher health insurance premiums next year if Congress does not extend ACA tax credits—premiums could jump by up to 27% and about 130,000 residents may lose coverage.

Hospitals are bracing for increased costs from more patients without coverage—officials say these changes could lead to more uncompensated care.

Masterworks II: An Evening with Tobias Picker

7-10 p.m. — Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts — $ — Experience a captivating concert featuring the dynamic Cello Concerto by renowned composer Tobias Picker.

Whoville Holiday Market

10 AM - 5 PM — Garrett Coliseum — $7 admission, kids 10 & under free — Enjoy a festive shopping experience with over 175 vendors and photo opportunities with the Grinch.

PMP Certification Training in Montgomery, AL

9 AM – 5 PM — Montgomery Alabama — Training Fee Required — Gain project management skills with 32 hours of interactive classroom training and e-learning access from proficiency experts.

5K Gobble Wobble Run/Walk

8-10 a.m. — Alabama Shakespeare Festival — Free entry — Participate in a festive run/walk promoting health and wellness while supporting the local food bank.

A Christmas Story - The Musical

Dec 4-21, 7:30 p.m. — Faulkner University Dinner Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday magic in this heartwarming musical adaptation of a classic film.

Montgomery Gem and Mineral Show

9 AM - 6 PM — Garrett Coliseum — $2/day, under 16 FREE — Explore a treasure trove of minerals, jewelry, and fossils at this vibrant showcase.

Cashback - A Salute To Johnny And June Carter Cash

7-9:30 p.m. — Montgomery Performing Arts Centre — Ticket prices may vary — Celebrate the legacy of Johnny Cash with an incredible tribute performance by CashBack, hailed as the best tribute band around.

Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025

3-5 p.m. — Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts — Limited seating available — Experience a magical holiday concert with the Vienna Light Orchestra and classical Christmas favorites.

Ugly Sweater Karaoke and Wing Night

4-11 p.m. — Maxwell Club and Event Center — Cost varies — Celebrate the holidays with wings, karaoke, and your ugliest Christmas sweater.

Capital City Christmas Parade

6-8 p.m. — Lower Dexter Park — $25 per entry — Experience the festive spirit with a vibrant parade filled with holiday cheer and live coverage.