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Auburn University opened a new 50,000-square-foot research laboratory Tuesday in Cummings Research Park, putting more than $30 million behind an effort to move critical defense and space technologies from concept to capability faster.

Battle pointed to Cummings Research Park, now the nation’s second-largest research park, and the concentration of engineers and technical professionals surrounding the new facility.

“We win when we protect the United States and we protect the sanctity of this nation,” Battle said. “We win when we start putting a man on the moon and take them to Mars in the future. We win because of the work done here.”

Auburn students, faculty, engineers and scientists will work from the new laboratory alongside partners including MDA, NASA, the Space Development Agency, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force and multiple Army organizations.

Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts said the facility represents the university’s growing commitment to work already centered in North Alabama.

“The future is very bright,” Roberts said, “and the future is being built right here in Huntsville.”

From concept to capability: Auburn opens $30 million defense research lab in Huntsville Explore how Auburn's new $30M lab transforms defense and space technologies from concept to capability in Huntsville.

Headlines you might have missed today in North Alabama news.

North Alabama high school students considering a future at one of the nation’s military service academies will have an opportunity Saturday to learn more about the path from application to appointment.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) will host his fourth annual Military Service and Academy Day on Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at Auburn University’s Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville.

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Athens-Limestone Hospital has opened a new 25-bed patient care unit, expanding capacity as the hospital works to keep pace with Limestone County’s continued growth.

“Limestone County continues to experience tremendous growth, and Huntsville Hospital Health System is committed to ensuring Athens-Limestone Hospital has the resources and capacity to grow with the community,” said Sam Dean, executive vice president of regional hospital operations for Huntsville Hospital Health System.

Anna Clem, Business Development Director, writes in her first piece for 256 Today about North Alabama's next economic advantage.

"Quality of place is not simply about attracting tourists. It is about creating communities where young professionals choose to put down roots, where retirees remain active, where entrepreneurs see opportunity, and where local businesses can thrive."

Read the full story at the link in comments.

What did we miss? Tell us your plans for this weekend! We’ve got some ideas for you too >>>

Legendary singer Gladys Knight will take the stage at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville on Aug. 15.

For a different kind of museum experience, head to Anniston this weekend for an interactive escape room at the Berman Museum. On Aug. 15-16, teams of two to six will step into a fictional scenario inspired by the museum’s history, working together to solve puzzles, crack ciphers and uncover clues before time runs out.

The Goo Goo Dolls will bring their catalog of pop-rock hits to The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville on Aug. 18, with Neon Trees joining as special guests.

The Trash Pandas will be in action Aug. 18-23 when the Biloxi Shuckers come to Toyota Field in Madison for a six-game series. Along with a full week of Double-A baseball, the homestand will feature themed nights and promotions, including a Nelson Rada Gold Glove bobblehead giveaway, Huntsville Stars Night, Cullman Oktoberfest Night and Lunáticos Day.

Spend Thursday evening at the Huntsville Museum of Art for $5 After 5, featuring live music from Madison guitarist Josh Taylor.

🚨 This week's Off the Record is live. You know the drill ... the stories, whispers and side-eyes that didn’t make the regular headlines.

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U.S. Space Command Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting used one of the most anticipated addresses of the 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium Wednesday morning to deliver two messages with particular significance for Huntsville: the threat is accelerating, and U.S. Space Command is wasting no time establishing its new home at Redstone Arsenal.

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