Entries by Katie Holt

Alabama’s First IKEA Opening Wednesday: What to Expect

Opening Day Details: Doors open at 10:00 a.m. Customers can start lining up at 7:00 a.m., with product giveaways (IKEA products and gift cards) starting at 8:00 a.m. The IKEA Swedish Bistro will offer the store’s famous meatballs, hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and more! Other various Swedish snacks and treats (even frozen meatballs) will […]

City Barbeque Opens First Alabama Location in South Huntsville, Has Plans to Expand Locally

Barbeque is a cornerstone of Alabama’s culinary identity, and a growing national chain, City Barbeque, is betting on Huntsville for its first location in the state. That was evident as the eatery’s parking lot remained full several days after its official soft opening on Monday, Feb. 9, in south Huntsville. David Steiger, City Barbeque’s regional […]

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt gives 2026 legislative update in Huntsville, shares timeline for Space Command relocation

On Friday, Feb. 13, Alabama U.S. Sen. Katie Britt spoke to a sold-out crowd at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s 2026 D.C. Legislative Update luncheon. During her address, she discussed judicial nominations, U.S. Space Command, legislative achievements, appropriations, funding for North Alabama, and various policy initiatives. During her speech, Britt addressed the 2025 government shutdown, which […]

Huntsville City Council approves $6 Billion Eli Lilly Development Agreement, also moves toward first phase of Skybridge Project

The Huntsville City Council met on Thursday, February 12, for its regularly scheduled meeting and during that time, made major progress toward two developments that will likely change the face of the city for the foreseeable future. During the meeting, the council voted to approve the $6 billion development agreement with Eli Lilly and Company, […]

Kate’s Creations to open downtown storefront, launching box with items made by Huntsville small businesses

Kate’s Creations is a Huntsville-based small business that offers custom-designed Huntsville and reader-specific merchandise. The company’s owner and founder, Kaitlin (Kate) McConnell is a local resident who enjoys creating stickers, tote bags, shirts, magnetic bookmarks, and other fun creations. McConnell is launching something new to the area, The Huntsville Creators Club Box. This box is […]

Madison County Commission Chairman talks upcoming retirement, public service, says county is successful thanks to collaborative leadership

Few Madison County residents have had as dedicated and wide-ranging a career in public service as Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon. Born and raised on a farm in Toney, McCutcheon is a United States Army veteran who has served as a law enforcement officer, Alabama State Representative for District 25, farmer, and associate pastor. […]

WellStone celebrates first successful year of 24/7 pediatric emergency services unit, thanks supporters

In September 2024, WellStone, North Alabama’s largest and most comprehensive mental healthcare provider, and a 501(c)3 nonprofit, opened the state’s first 24/7 pediatric psychiatric unit. Since then, the 24-bed, 12,000-square-foot crisis care center for individuals aged 12-18 has served 400 individuals. In the spring of 2021, WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign was launched to […]

Madison resident and former educator releases book, invests in North Alabama students through new literacy nonprofit

Dr. Yanique Rolingson is a Madison resident and an educator with nearly 20 years of experience. Originally from Jamaica, she began her teaching career in New Jersey and later worked as an educator and instructional coach in the Decatur and Madison County area. In August 2025, Rolingson left the school system to found her nonprofit […]

Huntsville City Council Approves Multiple Developments Across City, Explains Annexation Process

The Huntsville City Council met for the final time this year on Thursday, December 18. During the meeting, council members voted to finalize the annexation of 724 acres across three properties. The new annexations are located at: The north side of Little Cove Road and on the east and west sides of U.S. 72 East […]

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville Celebrates $100 Million in Grants Distributed

The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville (CFGH) has reached an impressive goal in distributing $100 million in grants since its founding in 2008. According to the organization, more than 78% of grant funds awarded went to recipients in Huntsville and North Alabama. Over 2,000 nonprofits have received funding from the CFGH during the past 18 […]