🌱 $79K For MPS Robotics Programs + Omicron Slows In Alabama

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Here's what's going on in town today.

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First, today's weather:

Sunny, but colder. High: 38 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories today in Montgomery:

1. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) has given Montgomery Public Schools $78,800 to expand its high school robotics programs. HMMA previously teamed up with Auburn University to start the Hyundai Initiative for Robotics Excellence, also known as HIRE, to establish robotics teams at public middle schools across Montgomery County. The newest HIRE initiative will provide equipment, training, and other support to teams across all eight high schools in the district. (WSFA 12 News)
2. Though COVID metrics across the state remain at all-time highs, some promising trends seem to indicate that the omicron spike has already peaked. Alabama's seven-day average for new cases and positivity rates have both started to fall, with Montgomery County seeing a steady three-week decline. (AL.com)
3. A child was wounded in an accidental shooting in Montgomery on Thursday. Montgomery police responded to an area hospital that evening, where they found a juvenile male suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Details are currently limited, as the incident is still under investigation. (WSFA 12 News)

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Today in Montgomery:

• Les Mills SPRINT At Bell Road Branch YMCA (8:30 AM)
• Muscle Mix At Bell Road Branch YMCA (8:30 AM)
• Aqua ZUMBA At Bell Road Branch YMCA (9:30 AM)
• Yoga At Bell Road Branch YMCA (9:45 AM)

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From my notebook:

• The City of Montgomery Inspections Department has launched a new online permitting portal for contractors. Effective Mar. 1, all applications for permits must be submitted through the portal. (Facebook)
• A Montgomery attorney has devoted his career to changing inequities in the justice system, both in Alabama and nationwide. Learn more about Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative here. (WVTM 13)
• As forecasts call for temperatures to fall well below freezing, Montgomery's Warming Center at 3447 Le Bron Road will remain open this evening. (Instagram)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.