Harmony's Tragedy Sparks Hospital Push | Huntsville News

Harmony's Tragedy Sparks Hospital Push | Huntsville News

A tragic death in July 2021—Harmony Ball-Stribling and her unborn daughter Harper, killed after a seizure on the road while en route to a distant hospital—has reignited the fight to bring healthcare back to Belzoni, Mississippi. The closure of Humphreys County’s only hospital in 2008, and its failure under private ownership, left the rural community without emergency care for 13 years. With over 100 rural hospitals shuttered since 2005, this loss hits hardest where it’s needed most. Harmony’s mother, Shenelle Ball-Green, and state Rep. Timaka James-Jones, Harmony’s aunt, are leading the charge, demanding action before their terms end. County officials have allocated $1 million to expand an existing health center’s hours, but experts warn reopening a full-service hospital faces steep financial, staffing, and regulatory hurdles. Still, hope persists—thanks to a potential exemption from Mississippi’s certificate of need rules—and the memory of Harmony remains a rallying cry for change. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/070c93a7d6c991bc

River Fish Market Closes After 90 Years | Huntsville News

The River Fish Market, Birmingham’s beloved seafood staple for nearly 90 years, has shut down for good — and its building is gone. More than just a fish joint, it was a community heartbeat, serving fried catfish, snapper sandwiches, and even selling its own seasoning to restaurants. Owner Wilson Crasta battled soaring electric bills and a crushing bureaucratic snafu: despite being in a food desert, he was repeatedly denied EBT and food stamp acceptance — a stark contrast to his predecessor, Carlos Yacoub, who had no such issues. Still, loyal customers — from politicians to regulars — kept coming, and Crasta even drove weekly to Atlanta for fresh catches. Though the physical spot is gone, Crasta’s dreaming of a comeback — maybe as a food truck — keeping the “for everybody” spirit alive. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/b986f80990c146a4

Alabama's First Beachfront Marriott Rooftop Lounge | Huntsville News

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is set to welcome its first-ever ground-up Marriott hotel in Orange Beach, slated to open Q2 2028 with a groundbreaking rooftop lounge — the first of its kind on the coast and open to the public. Designed as a premium, low-noise experience closing by 11 p.m., it’s positioned to match the area’s booming tourism and replace a long-abandoned, hurricane-damaged church. City leaders support the project with noise and hour restrictions, while locals seem on board — as long as it stays classy, not chaotic. With strong hotel demand and rising occupancy, this $100M-plus development promises new jobs, elevated tourism, and a signature attraction poised to make Orange Beach even more irresistible. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/582c4446717862e0

Birmingham Hosts Global Action Sports | Huntsville News

Birmingham is set to steal the spotlight as the only U.S. city hosting the massive FISE World Series from August 7-9, featuring BMX, skateboarding, parkour, and a global basketball tournament—all at the newly transformed City Walk BHAM. After a gutsy bid and citywide support, Birmingham proves it’s ready for the world stage, following recent triumphs like the World Games. This 31-acre “third space” was once underused but is now becoming a vibrant hub for global events and community life. Beyond the action, it’s a chance to showcase Southern hospitality, build momentum, and cement Birmingham’s reputation as a premier destination for international gatherings. Bring the family—Birmingham’s moment is here. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/f7980bf48a09004b

Mayor Kennon Apologizes Amid Ethics Storm | Huntsville News

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon stunned the city council with a public apology, calling recent meetings a “circus” and taking responsibility for his outbursts — all in hopes of rebuilding trust and restoring civility. Despite facing a federal lawsuit and an ethics complaint over disputed body camera footage from a 2024 domestic assault call, Kennon insisted his apology wasn’t lawyer-driven and slammed social media for distorting reality and scaring away future public servants. Council members welcomed the gesture, with Ginger Harrelson praising the move as a step toward respect and productivity — even as the ethics probe and legal battle continue, untouched in the meeting that followed. Kennon, re-elected last year amid the controversy, now warns that unchecked online outrage could poison civic engagement for generations. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/5e1463b111a05f8d