🌱 A&M Grad on Times Square Billboard + Madison Unemployment Down

Up and at 'em, Huntsville! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's the latest on:

• Alabama A&M Grad on a Times Square Billboard
• Upgrades to the VBC
• Madison County unemployment rates

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First, today's weather:

Times of sun and clouds. High: 61 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories today in Huntsville:

1. An Alabama A&M grad has found herself on a billboard in Times Square. Jennnifer Gray is featured in an ad for Nike as a grad from a historically black college because of her success and athleticism. (WAFF)
2. The VBC’s backstage at the Propst Arena has gotten its first big upgrade since they opened in 1975. All of the upgrades cost around $4 million. (AL.com)
3. Madison County unemployment rates are continuing their slow, but continuous, decline! The latest data shows that October had a 2.1% unemployment rate compared to 2.3% in September. (Huntsville Patch)
4. The Bob Harrison Senior Center has received $1.2 million in grant funds! The money will go to upgrades around the facility and making all of their ramps ADA compliant. (WAFF)
5. The Decatur City Council has named Takisha Guster Gholston as their candidate-elect as the next Municipal Court Judge. The position opened November 30, when Judge Billy Cook retired. (Facebook)

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Today in Huntsville:

• 2021 Holiday Open House - Huntsville Madison County Chamber (4:00 PM)
• Finance Committee Meeting - Madison City (4:00 PM)
• Lee vs Ardmore -Basketball (4:30 PM)
• School Board Meeting - Madison City (5:00 PM)
• Grissom vs Arab - Wrestling (5:00 PM)
• Downtown Writers Group - Downtown Huntsville Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Huntsville is in the running to have Santa take a trip to catch some fish! This trip would come with a $25,000 prize for fish conservation in the area, so make sure to vote! (Details)
• Congrats to Mrs. Lee Lott on her retirement from Decatur City Schools! (Details)
• Do you have your tickets for the Huntsville Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” yet? Shows start tomorrow! (Details)
• The Decatur Police Department is accepting applications for crossing guards! (Details)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— Amy Young