🌱 City Council President Housing Proposal + Alabama A&M Funding Issue

Welcome back, Huntsville. I'm here in your inbox this warm morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and nice. High: 85 Low: 60.

Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. Huntsville City Council President John Meredith is advocating for additional schools and affordable housing in West Huntsville. Meredith intends to sponsor a resolution that would dedicate a portion of the city's online sales tax revenue — which amounts to over $50 million since 2016 — to go towards developing new schools as well as an affordable housing fund. He is proposing that the city could use the funds to buy land and sell to developers at a reduced price to make it easier for developers to offer affordable housing. (AL.com)
2. According to federal officials, Alabama A&M in Huntsville has been underfunded by the state by almost half a billion dollars. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey recently received a letter from federal officials who claim the lack of funding has hindered Alabama A&M's ability to advance, placing students, faculty, and the larger community at a disadvantage. The institution is among the state's 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. (WAAY)
3. Huntsville City Football Club will host a Stomp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, Sep. 30 to benefit Manna House. Donated food items will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Wicks Family Field located at Joe Davis Stadium. Monetary donations can be made online, or residents can work with friends, neighbors, and coworkers to organize a food drive before the main event on Sep. 30. To organize your own food drive, contact Nicole Wilson at (256) 998-6482 or nmkopp91@gmail.com. (WHNT)

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Today in Huntsville:

Thursday, September 21

• Huntsville Symphony Orchestra At Huntsville Botanical Garden (10:30 AM)
• Women In Music Week: Love Apples & Dani Sings At Green Bus Brewing (6:00 PM)
• Shenanigans Short Film Competition At Shenanigans Comedy Theatre (7:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know a teacher making a difference in Huntsville? Nominate them here for a Teacher Spotlight on Patch.

From my notebook:

• The actress who voices Chilli Heeler — Bluey's mom on the popular children's TV show "Bluey" — will be at the Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo on Apr. 12-14, 2024. Melanie Zanetti will join the event with other celebrity guests, such as George Takei and a Disney princess. (WHNT)
• Huntsville was recently included in Southern Living's list of "The Best Places to Retire in the South." Click here to read the full story. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• There's still time to register for free baton twirling classes! These classes take place at the Mark Russell Recreation Center for children aged 3-5. Registration will end on Monday, Sep. 25. Call (256) 650-4747 to learn more or sign up. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (September 26)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Joyce Nash

About me: Joyce is a freelance writer and poet whose work has appeared in the Hello Gloria newsletter and Nine Cloud Journal. Her background ranges from journalism to fitness instruction and spans the east coast to the West. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.