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Hi Montgomery, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Police hiring bonuses, Chris Janson, MLK step show, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Briefing unveils staffing push: On January 8, Mayor Steven Reed focused on public safety, saying nearly 1,000 showed interest in MPD in 2025, and proposing bonuses, including up to $10,000 a year for personnel — get all the details.
Shaping the next chapter: Montgomery is mapping a post‑2026 strategic plan as the 2022‑2025 blueprint winds down, with goals in infrastructure, financial stability, community engagement, and officials planning to collaborate with residents and businesses — get all the details.
Economy shows strong momentum: Alabama’s unemployment rate fell to 2.7% in November, as employment and average weekly wages hit record highs. Growth came from leisure and hospitality, health services, and construction statewide — see which sectors grew.
Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
County backs health care lifeline: The Montgomery County Commission approved $7.5 million in additional support for Jackson Hospital, with a state match, to be distributed over three years. The vote followed public concerns about oversight. The commission also tabled discussion of the county’s one-cent sales tax that supports Montgomery Public Schools. Read the full story.
Wild miles in town: Need a quick reset? Lagoon Park Trails winds over natural-surface single- and double-track through hardwoods, pine flats, meadows, a creek, and a scenic lagoon, ideal for walks, runs, rides, or birding when you want fresh air without leaving Montgomery.
Weekend cleanup, sorted: Downtown shop run by U.S. Army veteran Ron Baker, Legacy Barber and Style keeps cuts sharp, beards lined, and the vibe easy. Hot towel shaves, plus a stylist co-owner for color and braids. You’ll walk out feeling put-together.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎤 Chris Janson @ Montgomery Performing Arts Centre | Friday (1/16) at 7:30 PM – Take a night off and catch Chris Janson bringing big-country energy, harmonica swagger, and hits like Buy Me a Boat, Fix a Drink, and Good Vibes. It’s sing-along fuel for grown-ups who prefer great songs, real talent, and a painless reentry to normal life tomorrow.
🎓 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast @ Embassy Suites Montgomery Hotel & Conference Center | Saturday (1/17) at 9:00 AM – Bring your appetite and your better pen to the Alpha Phi Alpha MLK Scholarship Breakfast, where pancakes meet purpose, and sponsorships turn into scholarships for local students. Expect real conversation, familiar faces, and a room that gets things done, quietly and well.
🎨 River Region Art Summit @ The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts | Saturday (1/17) at 10:00 AM – Thinking about dusting off your sketchbook? The Kelly’s River Region Art Summit is a free, come-and-go meetup where arts organizations line up so artists at any level can find classes, grants, shows, and gigs. No pressure, just info, and a shortcut to the scene.
💆 Face First: Skincare Basics @ Dillard’s | Saturday (1/17) at 10:00 AM – Ready to put your face first, without the 27-step influencer routine? This intimate skincare class features Dior, pairing luxury, science, and expert tips to create personalized routines. Save your bathroom shelf some grief, and leave glowing, not glittery.
🕺 MLK Step Show @ Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts | Sunday (1/18) at 2:00 PM – MLK Step Show is packing the house with step teams, a stroll-off, and a talent showcase, all paying tribute to Dr. King’s legacy. Expect precision footwork, big sound, and bigger pride. Come for the rhythm, stay for the community, leave with ringing ears.
✝ Power in His Name Gospel Concert @ CT Entertainment | Sunday (1/18) at 3:00 PM – Give your Sunday playlist a rest and let real voices do the lifting at the Power In His Name Gospel Concert at CT Entertainment. Expect soaring harmonies, hand-clap rhythms, and goosebumps. It’s the kind of soul tune-up your week, and patience, deserve.
🔬 NSBE Jr. STEM Meetup @ Project Perseverance | Sunday (1/18) at 3:00 PM – Got a budding engineer who dismantles the toaster for fun? Central Alabama NSBE Jr. hosts a hands-on STEM meet-up every third Sunday, September to May, where kids build, code, and problem-solve, and you get to enjoy coffee, pride, and fifteen glorious minutes of quiet.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Montgomery report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 43°F – Low: 24°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 24. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 58°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 58, with temperatures falling to around 54 in the afternoon. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: A chance of rain. Partly cloudy. Low around 40, with temperatures rising to around 44 overnight. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 2-bath in Stoneybrooke adds a versatile office or flex room to a smart split floor plan. Rich hardwoods, trim, and a formal dining room frame an open living area. The kitchen brings granite counters, a custom tile backsplash, stainless appliances, and a five-burner gas range. The primary suite retreats with a large walk-in closet, double vanities, an oversized garden tub, and a separate walk-in shower.
A fully fenced backyard sets the stage for gardens, play, or outdoor living. The oversized two-car garage adds storage, and the home was re-piped with PEX in 2022. East Montgomery near I-85 and Atlanta Highway keeps shopping and commutes close.
Take a peek inside →
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