Good morning, Decatur.

United Way of Northwest Alabama celebrated National 211 Day to showcase the hotline that handled 8,158 calls on Feb.

11; the free + confidential service is available 24/7 in over 180 languages.

On Tuesday afternoon, about 1,000 people gathered at the Career Connect hiring event at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, and at least 70 waited in line, many hoping to return to work.

On Feb. 10, the Ingalls Harbor Pavilion hosted the 2026 Career + Workforce Expo where about 900 students from local schools met over 60 companies to explore career paths.

Local sponsors supported the event.

Decatur officials warned residents and businesses on Wednesday about a scam affecting other communities, as individuals posed as municipal employees to solicit money.

The Alabama Senate passed SB 177 on Tuesday requiring all health benefit plans to cover breast cancer screenings for women over 40 — the unanimous 30-0 vote sends the bill to the House to align state coverage with federal rules.

Health experts warn that intense emotional stress in the region can trigger Broken Heart Syndrome—medically known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy—where the heart temporarily changes shape after events like grief or shock.

They advise anyone experiencing chest pain or fainting to seek emergency care right away.

The Trash Pandas announced their on-field coaching staff for 2026 in collaboration with the Los Angeles Angels, led by first-year manager Joe Kruzel in Madison.

The new team includes coaches and trainers such as Daren Brown and Tim Leveque to help players succeed.

Carnival Frolic 13.1 Half Marathon

10 a.m. — Decatur City Hall — Registration required — Celebrate the 10th anniversary with a festive half marathon, scenic routes, and post-race Mardi Gras treats.