Category: Top News
Huntsville approves naming of arboretum for longtime Landscape Director Joy McKee
February 12, 2026
The Huntsville City Council has approved an ordinance to name the new three-acre Huntsville Arboretum at John Hunt Park the “Joy McKee Arboretum.” McKee retired after 22 years with the City as Director of Landscape Management, where she spearheaded efforts to improve environmental conservation, substantially expand Huntsville’s tree canopy and enhance natural public spaces. Under her leadership, the City introduced numerous nature-based recreation, community volunteering and educational opportunities – laying the [more]
Read MoreNew audit to measure Huntsville’s music impact and momentum
February 12, 2026
The City took a strategic step forward in strengthening Huntsville’s identity as a “music city,” entering into an agreement with Sound Diplomacy for a comprehensive analysis of Huntsville’s music ecosystem and its economic impact. The agreement will fund a 12-week study designed to measure growth and help chart the next phase of the City’s music strategy. For Huntsville, this is not a new beginning — it’s a return to the blueprint. In 2018, [more]
Read MoreColor the skies and celebrate community at 14th annual Kite Festival on March 7
February 12, 2026
The City of Huntsville and AshaKiran invite the public to the 14th annual Community Kite Festival on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John Hunt Park, 2151 Airport Road, Huntsville. The free, family-friendly event is designed to bring together residents of all ages and backgrounds for a day of fun, culture and community connection. The Community Kite Festival is a beloved annual tradition that promotes inclusiveness by encouraging [more]
Read MoreHPD announces downtown traffic adjustments for Mardi Gras Parade
February 12, 2026
Downtown Huntsville will come alive on Saturday, Feb. 14, with floats, marching bands and a shower of beads as the 2026 Mardi Gras Parade rolls through the streets, with the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) managing temporary road closures and traffic adjustments to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for all. Closures start at 2 p.m., and the parade kicks off at 2:30 p.m. The parade is anticipated to end around 4 [more]
Read MoreHuntsville City Council approves Eli Lilly project development agreement
February 10, 2026
The City Council approved a project development agreement and a property transfer to Eli Lilly and Company, finalizing the largest economic development in state history. The global pharmaceutical leader in December announced plans to invest $6 billion in a Huntsville campus and create 450 high-paying jobs. The campus will be located at the northeast corner of Interstate 565 and Greenbrier Parkway. A rendering of the Eli Lilly and Company campus to be [more]
Read MoreDeadline approaching: Apply for Civic Engagement Academy by Feb. 13
February 10, 2026
With the Feb. 13 application deadline approaching, the City of Huntsville is encouraging residents to apply for the Civic Engagement Academy Spring 2026 cohort and take an active role in shaping their community. The Civic Engagement Academy, managed by the City’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at how Huntsville operates, from public safety and infrastructure to parks, planning and community development. The application deadline for the spring cohort [more]
Read MoreNew data shows continued crime reduction amid Huntsville’s growth
February 10, 2026
The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) reported continued reductions in violent and major crime, according to newly released 2025 crime statistics, revealing that Alabama’s largest and fastest-growing city is also one of the nation’s safest. From 2024 to 2025, reported crime declined across multiple categories: Violent crime decreased by 18% Major crime declined by 9% All annual report-listed offenses decreased by 6% “Crime data isn’t abstract – it’s personal,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “Every number [more]
Read MoreRedstone Arsenal, Solid Waste Disposal Authority receive City’s Air Pollution Control awards
February 5, 2026
The City of Huntsville’s Air Pollution Control Board recognized two entities for their efforts in preserving the environment at the Air Pollution Control Achievement Awards. The honorees were Redstone Arsenal and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority of the City of Huntsville. The awards program was established in 1997 to recognize voluntary efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions by industrial, institutional and commercial facilities within Huntsville. The intent is to promote pollution [more]
Read MoreHuntsville Transit hosting bus driver recruitment open house Feb. 10
February 5, 2026
Huntsville Transit will host a Driver Recruitment Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Huntsville Transit Office, 500 B Church Street, First Floor Training Room. The event connects prospective candidates with opportunities to join the team as bus operators. Huntsville Transit provides safe, reliable transportation options to residents and visitors. The system includes two services: Orbit: Huntsville’s fixed-route bus system, operating along designated routes throughout [more]
Read MoreCosmo predicts early spring during Ground Dog Day event
February 2, 2026
Phil may be the nation’s most famous weather prognosticator, but in the Rocket City, the forecast today belonged to a dog named Cosmo. Huntsville Animal Services (HAS) hosted its fifth annual Ground Dog Day, where Cosmo made his seasonal prediction by choosing between two treat bowls—one representing six more weeks of winter and the other an early spring. Cosmo initially moved toward the winter bowl, but he did a quick pivot [more]
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