🌱 Huntsville Hospital Ranks #2 in State + City Opts into Settlement

It's Friday here in the Rocket City, and I'm back with everything you need to know heading into your day. Today's Daily has the latest on:

• Huntsville Hospital has been ranked number two in the state
• Huntsville City Council has voted to opt into a settlement against Johnson & Johnson regarding the opioid crisis
• UAH launches a new bachelor's degree program

First, today's weather:

Humid with a t-storm in spots. High: 91 Low: 73.

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Here are the top stories today in Huntsville:

1. Huntsville Hospital has been ranked the number 2 hospital in the state. UAB came in first, with St. Vincent's and DCH rounding out the top four. Huntsville Hospital received nine “high performance” specialty rankings, which means they didn’t make the top 50 in the country, but are significantly above average. (WHNT News 19)
2. The Huntsville City Council has voted to opt into taking a settlement in the lawsuit between the State of Alabama and Johnson & Johnson and McKesson. This lawsuit is questioning Johnson & Johnson’s role in the opioid epidemic in Alabama, and they’ve stated that the settlement is not an admission of guilt or liability from the company. (WHNT News 19)
3. UAH has announced the launch of a new bachelor’s degree that will launch this fall. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) is designed to bridge the gap between theory and application in engineering, and with the ability to take accelerated classes on a hybrid or remote format, this will open up the ability to pursue this degree to nontraditional students in a way other programs might not. This design will also build the workforce more quickly to help meet demand. (WAFF)
4. Today between 5 p.m to 8 p.m., part of Monroe Street will be closed for an event with heavy foot traffic. The closure will be From Clinton Avenue to Williams Avenue. (Patch Press Release Desk)
5. Dunkin’ has donated $5000 to the Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children. The money will be utilized to provide support for their music therapy program. (WAFF)

Today in Huntsville:

• Rooted in History: Women as Makers, Creators, Movers & Shakers Exhibit @ Harrison Brothers Hardware (All Day)
• Harry Potter Birthday Celebration @ the Downtown Huntsville Library Auditorium (1:00 PM)
• Live Animal Presentations @ Cook Museum - Animal Movements (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• HudsonAlpha is hosting an open house Monday from 4-6 p.m. for their new bioskills program. The event will be open to current Alabama high school students. (Details)
• The Huntsville Police Department West Precinct is hosting a back to school bash tomorrow at Brahan Park from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. (Details)
• Single tickets for Theatre Huntsville shows go on sale Monday! (Details)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Amy Young

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Huntsville Daily? Contact me at huntsville@patch.com