Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of January.
Good morning, Huntsville.
The Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation Board is running its annual 'Love Your Library' drive (a fundraiser for library improvements) to raise money for updates and expansions in Madison County libraries.
The event supports projects that will enhance local library services.
Two members of NASA's Crew 10 visited Marshall Space Flight Center on Jan.
29 to share details of their time aboard the International Space Station, giving locals a closer look at space exploration efforts in our community.
Huntsville business owners are boosting work productivity by using AI, with local leaders like Jason Puckett and Britany Rutledge turning to the tool for scheduling, report reviews, and faster research.
They plan to keep transparency in their methods as they expand AI use in daily tasks.
DJ Don Jr. has shared plans for the upcoming Mardi Gras Ball, which will be held soon in Huntsville for local residents to enjoy music and dancing.
Attendees may look forward to a lively, festive celebration.
The HATCH program in Huntsville expands to offer an 8-week course with hands-on culinary training, mentorship, life skills, and paid opportunities for adults (18 to 24) looking to build their culinary careers.
Participants will gain the practical skills needed to boost local job prospects.
UAH invites students to apply for the Charger Innovation Challenge (Serious Games Edition), a semester-long hackathon starting Spring 2026 that has teams design games for education, health and social impact.
Teams of up to four compete for cash prizes at demo day on April 22, with applications due Feb. 11.
Alabama law allows employers to fire workers missing work in severe weather if there is no official closure, while state employees are protected when a governor, local official, or law enforcement orders a closure (a state of emergency alone does not suffice).
Huntsville Parks & Recreation will host the Healthy Hearts Expo on Thursday, Feb.
12 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Mark Russell Recreation Center (429 Taylor Road) to offer residents age 50 and older health sessions, vendor resources, and a door prize drawing.
Kitchen Cops released new food safety scores from Tennessee Valley inspections this week: Hill Top Market in Rainsville scored 78, Mapco in Geraldine scored 84, and Hopper’s Bar & Grill in Madison scored 75 due to sanitation issues, while Morgan County showed no significant problems.
Madison County Health Department released inspection scores for local food and lodging spots inspected Jan.
20-23, 2026, with eight sites earning perfect scores. Several establishments received critical violations — management is working to address these food safety issues.
Forensic interviewer Beth Knicely offers parents guidance on how to talk to children about body safety and recognizing inappropriate contact — her advice recommends clear language and simple terms to help kids understand safe boundaries.
Community members oppose the planned merger of Huntsville Hospital Health Systems and Crestwood Medical Center, saying it may reduce patient choices.
They hope to block the deal soon to keep local care options available.
Huntsville Hospital's $450 million acquisition of Crestwood Medical Center has raised concerns over health care quality and job security among local residents, with worries about potential monopolization prompting unanswered questions.
Officials have not yet released details on future plans.
Officials reported that last year's home sales averaged $401,000 with downtown homes exceeding $1 million and more affordable units—under $200,000—available north of I-565 and east of Alabama 255.
Sales increased 8.7% as new construction made up a quarter of transactions.
Los Rugar Concert
8 PM – 12 AM — Ok Corral — Ticket prices vary — Dance the night away to the melodic sounds of Los Rugar featuring their hit Cortinas Guindas.
Loomis Bros. Circus
3-7 p.m. — Alabama A&M Agribition Center — Tickets from $89 — Experience the thrilling performances of Loomis Bros. Circus in Huntsville.
Creative Embroidery Class
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Studio 127 - A Conservatory for Creativity — All materials supplied — Learn the basics of embroidery with guest teacher Dezzy Moon in a fun, stress-free environment.
Don McMillan 2.0 *Now Powered By AI
7-11 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets required — Enjoy a unique blend of tech and humor with Don McMillan's PowerPoint comedy show.
Rocket City Market
9 AM – 4 PM — University Pickers — Free entry — Discover unique artisan creations and vintage finds at Huntsville's premier outdoor market.
Holland America's Alaska Cruise Expo
11 AM – 1 PM — Rocket City Tavern — Free entry — Learn about exclusive Alaska cruise itineraries and enjoy complimentary snacks.
Catacombs & Comedians
7-11 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets from $21.42 — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedians in an iconic setting.
Huntsville Roundup Back to Basics
5 PM – 11 PM — Huntsville Botanical Garden — Ticket required — A weekend of recovery, hope, and family-friendly fun awaits at this inspiring event.
Gifts of Grace Indoor Marketplace
9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Greenbrier Hills by Murphy Homes — Free entry — Explore a variety of local crafts and goods at this annual marketplace event.
Huntsville Green Thinks: Cool Rocket City
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Yellowhammer Brewing — Free entry — Engage in discussions on heat resilience while exploring innovative green infrastructure solutions.
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