Entries by Kait Thursday

Bank47 Brings Concierge Banking to Downtown Huntsville

Bank47 officially opened its new Church Street location on May 29, offering a fresh take on personalized financial service in the city’s evolving banking landscape. Located near government offices and businesses, the downtown headquarters positions the bank as a potential hub for relationship-driven banking in North Alabama. At the helm are CEO Hill Womble, President […]

Rural Communities Lead in Clean Energy Transformation

As the clean energy transition gains momentum nationwide, rural communities are emerging as key players in building a more resilient energy future. A recent webinar hosted by the nonprofit Groundswell brought together clean energy experts and community stakeholders to explore new solar initiatives across the rural South. While the technical discussion focused on contracting specifications, […]

FBI Director’s Inconsistent Budget Support Raises Questions About the Future of Federal Presence in Huntsville

FBI Director Kash Patel’s recent testimony before the Senate and House has raised more questions than answers about the future of the agency’s presence in Huntsville. On Thursday, Patel expressed support for the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal for the FBI—a plan that calls for a $545 million reduction in funding for salaries and expenses, […]

Cornerstones of History: Walking Through Huntsville’s Black Business Legacy

On May 17, the Historic Huntsville Foundation (HHF) hosted its second annual “Cornerstones of History” walking tour, guiding residents through the city’s downtown core to explore the often-overlooked legacy of Black masons, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders who helped shape Huntsville’s economy and culture after the Civil War. Led by HHF Executive Director Donna Castellano and […]

Devastating SNAP and Medicaid Cuts Threaten Alabama Families

A recent briefing hosted by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) delivered a stark warning: the U.S. House’s proposed budget legislation could inflict severe damage on food assistance programs and Medicaid, pushing millions of Americans deeper into poverty and hardship. The virtual event brought together policy experts who highlighted how sweeping federal cuts, […]

Steel, Safety, and the Stakes of Progress: RNGD Celebrates Milestone Amid Rising OSHA Concerns

In a ceremony both celebratory and symbolic, RNGD contractors placed the final steel beam atop the Lewter District development on Tuesday, marking a key milestone in one of Huntsville’s most anticipated mixed-use projects. But as the beam was raised into the spring sky, the moment also underscored the broader conversation unfolding at the national level—about […]

ALM Turns 90 with Lofty Promises—but Do State Leaders’ Actions Match Their Words?

The Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) marked its 90th anniversary last week at a celebratory convention in Huntsville, touting decades of support for the state’s 465 cities and towns. Sherry Sullivan, mayor of Fairhope, was elected president and Rusty Jessup, mayor of Riverside, as its new vice president during the three-day convention. But while the […]

Jefferson Alley Grand Opening Highlights the Power—and Profit—of Public Art

Downtown Huntsville welcomed its newest cultural gem on May 9 with the grand opening of Jefferson Alley, a permanent public art installation and pedestrian walkway beside Del Chuco and across the street from 106 Jefferson. From 5 to 7 p.m., the vibrant space came alive with live music and the buzz of foot traffic heading […]

HPD and Free 2 Teach to Host After School Bash to Support Teachers

The Huntsville Police Department and local nonprofit Free 2 Teach have announced plans for a major summer event—the After School Bash, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Big Spring Park. Designed as a celebration of educators and students, the Bash also serves a deeper purpose: collecting vital school supplies for […]

Kay Ivey Delivers ‘Alabama Update 2025’ in Huntsville: Education, Economy, and the Challenges Ahead

On May 5, 2025, Governor Kay Ivey addressed the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce at the Von Braun Center, offering her “Alabama Update 2025.” Speaking to a crowd of business leaders and sponsors including Meta, Mazda Toyota, Blue Origin, Boeing, and multiple defense contractors, Ivey painted a picture of Alabama as a state on […]