Gov. Kay Ivey named a 20-member advisory group this week to help prepare for a healthcare initiative. The initiative is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. AL.com reports Alabama is expected to receive $500 million over five years as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The governor’s office says the goal is to use the money to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access and quality. State Health Officer Scott Harris said in August that the goal of improving access to care means that the grants are intended to support, at least in part, hospitals, emergency medical services, and other health care providers.
Beginning this Monday, the Huntsville Police Department plans to roll out a “new feedback initiative,” for people who have had a recent encounter with officers. HPD will send out text surveys to some people 24-72 hours after a dispatcher or officer provides them with help. The police department tells WHNT TV the survey is designed to assess the quality of the service provided, and if people feel heard, respected and supported. HPD says the surveys are anonymous and confidential.
Toyota Alabama announced Wednesday it is investing up to $4.2 million in grant money for Huntsville City Schools. AL.com reports the investment will fund a STEM coordinator for the school district to help identify technology needs and new curriculum. Toyota is also collaborating with a local nonprofit called Caring Link to open Care Closets in 10 Huntsville City Schools. The closets will provide teachers with access to new clothing, school supplies, toiletries and snacks to help students’ needs.
Madison County ranks as the 25th best county to live in the U.S. and is at the top of the list for Alabama. That’s according to a new ranking from Niche.com. Niche, a data-driven platform that analyzes schools and neighborhoods across the U.S., evaluates counties based on factors such as education, housing, diversity and employment opportunities. Madison County stood out in several categories, including its thriving job market and access to high-quality public schools. The Montgomery Advertiser reports Madison County scored an A+ in housing and quality for families. Madison County also scored A's in public schools, nightlife, diversity, health and fitness and jobs.
Huntsville Utilities has learned of a phishing scam involving an email that appears to come from an HU commercial applications employee. This email asks recipients to click a link, then login to Office 365. The fake email can be identified by its use of the Sharepoint logo and the words “Huntsville Utilities” in green text. The utility advises customers not to click the link and do not enter any login information. This is a phishing attempt to steal your login credentials. If you receive this email, treat it as fraudulent and delete it immediately
Calhoun Community College cut the ribbon on its expansion of the Advanced Technology Center this week. The center was expanded by 57,200 square feet, allowing for more training in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, welding, machine tool technology, engineering design, mechatronics, CDL training and more. Business Alabama reports funding for the project was made possible through the Alabama Community College System’s ASPIRE 2030 initiative, which provides funding for facility upgrades and new construction for all levels of education in Alabama.
Registration is open now for the Tallulah Awards. Theatre students in any public or private high school located in the 10 most northern counties in Alabama can apply until October 31st. Two students will be selected to represent Alabama at the Jimmy Awards in New York City in June 2026. The Tallulah Awards are set to take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Von Braun Center Concert Hall. For more info about eligibility & school registration link, click here.