Alabama Media Group

33,000+ laptops, bound for Alabama schools, held up in customs

At least 18 school systems across Alabama are waiting on more than 33,000 new laptops, currently languishing in customs. Ryan Hollingsworth is director of the School Superintendents of Alabama, the organization representing the superintendents of all of Alabama’s 138 school districts. He said the laptops are being held as part of a human rights dispute. It is unclear what specific human rights dispute is holding up the equipment. The US Commerce Department has taken action over the last few months chiefly against imports made with suspected forced labor.

Huntsville Utilities expects 'possible path forward' to high-speed Internet in 90 days

Huntsville (AL) Utilities officials hope to have "a possible path forward" to high-speed, fiber optic Internet service in Madison County within 90 days. The utility isn't talking about high-speed Internet to homes yet, and it hasn't committed to any investment in a high-speed grid. But news from nearby cities shows the expansion of such service in the region and the way new companies are making use of it.