🌱 Researchers Using AI To Improve Care Access + Rocket Park Update

Hello, Huntsville! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Rain and a thunderstorm. High: 87 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. Researchers from The University of Alabama in Huntsville are collaborating with Little Orange Fish, a local nonprofit, to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems to enhance the lives of neurodiverse individuals in North Alabama. The project aims to create an AI-driven tool that maps the autism and neurodiversity landscape in the region, providing comprehensive information and actionable advice for families and caregivers. Led by Dr. Jerome Baudry and Dr. Daniel Adamek, the initiative seeks to improve access to mental health care and empower individuals to make informed decisions about care and treatment. (UAH News)
2. Huntsville City Schools are addressing the needs of homeless students by creating a safe space and providing resources to ease their anxieties in the classroom. The school system is implementing measures under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to support children lacking a fixed residence, offering confidential help such as storage rooms for essential items and special bus stops for pickups and drop-offs. The goal is to create a positive school experience for homeless students and alleviate the stigma associated with their situations, ultimately helping families in need. (WAFF)
3. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) is set to commence the renovation of Rocket Park, with a groundbreaking event scheduled today, Aug. 3. The park will host historically significant rockets like the U.S. Army Redstone, Jupiter, and Juno II, which played pivotal roles in the development of Saturn rockets and the Apollo program. The project encompasses remounting the rockets, constructing an educational amphitheater, and incorporating greener spaces, while also featuring the Marshall Retirees Association’s Space Exploration Memorial, highlighting contributors to space exploration. (WHNT News 19)

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Today in Huntsville:

Thursday, August 3

• Healthworks Farmers Market At 101 Governors Drive (7:30 AM)
• Live Music At Mazzara's (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• A significant milestone in North Alabama television broadcasting happened on Tuesday as Huntsville's first licensed television station, WAFG Channel 31 (now WAAY-TV), came on the air 64 years ago. The station has now made history once again by becoming the first minority-owned television station in Huntsville under Allen Media's ownership. (WAAY)
• Thinking of dipping your toes into the housing market? Check out the list of open houses happening this week in the Huntsville area at the link. (Huntsville Patch)
• The Beach Co., based in Charleston, has announced the completion of The Foundry on Governor’s Drive in Huntsville. The mixed-use development includes four residential buildings with 342 multifamily residences, three townhome buildings, and amenities such as a sports pool, dog parks, entertainment courtyards, and fitness facilities. (AL.com)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— 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.