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Here's why you might be getting a $90 check from Social Security

Politics & Policy

Exclusive: Anthropic breaches spark White House AI reporting mandate

Delta expects fuel bill to rise $6 billion this year

Business

SpaceX spectrum deal unsettles investors in AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile

Panama rocked by major earthquake

Energy & Climate

Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet

The partnership is turning two aerospace development rivals into teammates in the game to land work around the $185 billion Golden Dome initiative.

Aerospace

Colorado Springs and Huntsville are putting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their feud over" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/20/trump-colorado-springs-space-command-amicus-brief" data-vars-content-id="0c606f75-b416-4b9f-b49f-38ce56e676b5" data-vars-headline="Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/20/trump-colorado-springs-space-command-amicus-brief" target="_self">their feud over</a> U.S. Space Command behind them to focus on the next big aerospace imperative: Golden Dome. Why it matters: The partnership is turning two aerospace development rivals into teammates in the game to land work around the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$185 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/22/trump-guetlein-golden-dome-interceptors" data-vars-content-id="0c606f75-b416-4b9f-b49f-38ce56e676b5" data-vars-headline="Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/22/trump-guetlein-golden-dome-interceptors" target="_self">$185 billion</a> Golden Dome initiative.

Advanced Navigation launches major Huntsville expansion

The Australia-based company manufactures navigational systems for when GPS isn't available.

Advanced Navigation America is launching an expansion that could more than triple its Huntsville workforce.Why it matters: The expansion adds to Huntsville&#x27;s growing advanced manufacturing field, fueled by a deep talent pool and proximity to aerospace and defense customers.

Sneed talks reform, representation at town hall

Sneed, a Democrat, is running against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Dale Strong to represent North Alabama's 5th District.

Election

Andrew Sneed wants to restore people&#x27;s trust in their representatives. Why it matters: Sneed, a Democrat, is running against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Dale Strong to represent North Alabama&#x27;s 5th District, and that race is entering the home stretch.

Pickleball picks up momentum in Huntsville

New player registrations have skyrocketed over the past year — more than almost anywhere else in the country.

Development

Pickleball isn&#x27;t losing any momentum in Huntsville. Why it matters: The city continues to invest in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new pickleball infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/06/16/john-hunt-rec-center-opens-huntsville-covered-pickleball-courts-sports-tourism" data-vars-content-id="2c37c189-9c21-4382-b4dc-383edcb8d59b" data-vars-headline="Pickleball picks up momentum in Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/06/16/john-hunt-rec-center-opens-huntsville-covered-pickleball-courts-sports-tourism" target="_self">new pickleball infrastructure</a> as new player registrations have skyrocketed over the past year — more than almost anywhere else in the country, per new national rankings.

Women in Music Week puts the spotlight on female artists

The event aims to highlight and support the diverse and robust female music scene in the Rocket City.

Culture

Women in Music Week launches Friday night.Why it matters: Sandwiched in the middle of Huntsville&#x27;s Music Month, it&#x27;s an event in and of itself, highlighting and supporting the diverse and robust female music scene in the Rocket City.

Huntsville brings Orion concessions in-house for $12M

The deal with Huntsville Venue Group Food & Beverage, LLC includes buildings and other improvements at the amphitheater's Food Village area.

Huntsville will take greater control of the publicly owned Orion Amphitheater after the City Council voted 4-1 last week to purchase the venue&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food and beverage" data-vars-click-url="https://theorionhuntsville.com/food-and-drinks/" data-vars-content-id="483b7943-9f01-451f-b119-566733364d00" data-vars-headline="Huntsville brings Orion concessions in-house for $12M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theorionhuntsville.com/food-and-drinks/" target="_blank">food and beverage</a> assets for $12 million.

Robinson and Peinder make their final cases to District 3 voters

Voters head to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 22, in South Huntsville.

South Huntsville will vote Tuesday on its City Council seat in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="runoff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/city-council-certifies-aug-25-municipal-election-results-declares-runoff-in-district-3-city-council-race/" data-vars-content-id="28b2f31d-55a6-44e6-8480-c10343c6ff95" data-vars-headline="Robinson and Peinder make their final cases to District 3 voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/city-council-certifies-aug-25-municipal-election-results-declares-runoff-in-district-3-city-council-race/" target="_blank">runoff</a> between incumbent Jennie Robinson and challenger Liliana Peinder. The big picture: District 3 saw the highest turnout among the three districts voting in the August municipal elections, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="split between three candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/city-council-certifies-aug-25-municipal-election-results-declares-runoff-in-district-3-city-council-race/" data-vars-content-id="28b2f31d-55a6-44e6-8480-c10343c6ff95" data-vars-headline="Robinson and Peinder make their final cases to District 3 voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/city-council-certifies-aug-25-municipal-election-results-declares-runoff-in-district-3-city-council-race/" target="_blank">split between three candidates</a>: Robinson (47.91%), Peinder (30.66%) and John Stuart (21.43%). <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Robinson&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jennieforcouncil.com/" data-vars-content-id="28b2f31d-55a6-44e6-8480-c10343c6ff95" data-vars-headline="Robinson and Peinder make their final cases to District 3 voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jennieforcouncil.com/" target="_blank">Robinson&#x27;s</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Peinder&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lilianaforhuntsville.com/" data-vars-content-id="28b2f31d-55a6-44e6-8480-c10343c6ff95" data-vars-headline="Robinson and Peinder make their final cases to District 3 voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lilianaforhuntsville.com/" target="_blank">Peinder&#x27;s</a> campaigns are now in high gear as the race heads into the final days.</li></ul>

Why Alabama front-runners are skipping debates and town halls

Town halls and debates — or the lack thereof — have become a flash point in two of Alabama's biggest midterm races.

Town halls and debates — or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the lack thereof" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/house-republicans-congress-town-halls?utm_source" data-vars-content-id="a808e8da-d4fd-4e4f-899d-402ac2256669" data-vars-headline="Why Alabama front-runners are skipping debates and town halls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/house-republicans-congress-town-halls?utm_source" target="_self">the lack thereof</a> — have become a flash point in Alabama&#x27;s midterm elections, particularly the race for governor.Why it matters: Democratic candidates facing long odds in deep-red Alabama are pushing for more debates, town halls and face time with voters, while Republicans are taking a more selective approach.

North Alabama pipeline moves to early study phase

The pipeline could affect landowners and influence the area's growth and energy bills for decades.

Environment

The North Alabama Public Energy District is taking the first steps toward constructing a new natural gas pipeline across North Alabama. Why it matters: The pipeline could become a major cog in the region&#x27;s energy machine and could affect landowners and influence the area&#x27;s growth and energy bills for decades.

$50M Lewter District project takes shape downtown

The project includes the repurposing of the Lewter Hardware building and the construction of a five-story office building and 14 luxury townhomes.

Developers are preparing to cut the ribbon on the 1.5-acre Lewter District in Huntsville.Why it matters: An effort that began with repurposing the historic Lewter Hardware building is now aiming to establish a mixed-use area downtown.

Huntsville's TIF D8 aims to boost manufacturing

Huntsville is paving the way for an industrial boom west of the airport.

Huntsville will pursue $230 million in mainly infrastructure upgrades with its latest Tax Increment Financing district, TIF D8. Why it matters: Huntsville is paving the way for an industrial boom west of the airport, an area city leaders see as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next big growth corridor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/07/15/battle-talks-growth-focus-at-agc" data-vars-content-id="e46e1ef3-33c0-4af6-8a1d-e2699602df20" data-vars-headline="Huntsville&#x27;s TIF D8 aims to boost manufacturing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/07/15/battle-talks-growth-focus-at-agc" target="_self">next big growth corridor</a>.

TVA sets new data center rate

TVA says it will keep costs down for customers and ensure long-term reliability.

TVA will require power-hungry data centers to pay more for the electricity they use in the Valley. Why it matters: As data center demand — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="02c7b20c-b8b2-45ca-875b-9b412c2232fe" data-vars-headline="TVA sets new data center rate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" target="_self">and anxiety</a> — ramps up across the country, TVA is setting a new data center rate it says will keep costs down for customers and ensure long-term reliability.

New Orleans

Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength 

Watches are in effect from Louisiana to Florida.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Isaias" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/06/invest92l-gulf-forecast-hurricane-louisiana-isaias" data-vars-content-id="57637ff6-3850-4f01-ab57-fdd365813cdc" data-vars-headline="Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/06/invest92l-gulf-forecast-hurricane-louisiana-isaias" target="_self">Tropical Storm Isaias</a> is rapidly strengthening in the Gulf and is expected to be nearly a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall this weekend near the Alabama-Florida state line.Why it matters: Hurricane and tropical storm watches are in effect from Louisiana to Florida.

Alabama submits bid to build Space Academy in Huntsville

Landing the academy would be another generational opportunity for the Rocket City, further cementing its status as an aerospace hub.

With U.S. Space Command&#x27;s relocation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in full swing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/10/space-command-huntsville-alabama-redstone-arsenal" data-vars-content-id="d561c643-d48f-43e0-aeab-c58946e70336" data-vars-headline="Alabama submits bid to build Space Academy in Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/10/space-command-huntsville-alabama-redstone-arsenal" target="_self">in full swing</a>, Alabama and Huntsville are setting their sights on the next big get: U.S. Space Academy.Why it matters: Landing the academy would be another generational opportunity for the Rocket City, further cementing its status as an aerospace hub and one of the country&#x27;s most important centers for space research and leadership.

Huntsville named a Secret Sauce Community with the right mix for growth

The Rocket City is earning another economic development accolade, but this time it's for what makes it different.

Huntsville has the secret sauce. Why it matters: The Rocket City is earning another economic development accolade, but this time it&#x27;s for what sets it apart: defying assumptions about what a growing American city looks like.

Huntsville approves budget after marathon council meeting

The budget, approved during the roughly six-hour meeting, takes effect Oct. 1 and provides a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees.

The Huntsville City Council approved its 2027 budget last week at a long, contentious meeting. The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$360-million budget " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/09/24/huntsville-360m-budget-city-council-tommy-battle" data-vars-content-id="131e2e24-c078-4df6-ba56-4c2845f9c5ea" data-vars-headline="Huntsville approves budget after marathon council meeting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/09/24/huntsville-360m-budget-city-council-tommy-battle" target="_self">$360-million budget </a>takes effect Oct. 1 and provides a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees. The council also approved changes to the city&#x27;s organizational chart and pay scales for police officers and firefighters.

Vote set for Huntsville's $360.6M budget

Huntsville's general fund budget is set to increase by about 4%, from the current $346.5 million to $360.6 million.

Local Brief

Huntsville&#x27;s $360.6 million budget is up for a vote Thursday night.By the numbers: The budget, which primarily covers operations and not major capital expenditures like road construction, is set to increase by about 4%, from the current $346.5 million to $360.6 million.

Fall gives Huntsville a break from the heat

Temperatures are forecast to drop over the next week or so, falling back in line with normal conditions for the start of autumn.

Climate

Tuesday marked the first day of fall, and the temperatures are finally starting to follow suit. Why it matters: Temperatures are forecast to drop over the next week or so, falling back in line with normal conditions for the start of autumn after weeks of abnormally high temperatures.

Airport launches West Aviation expansion

HSV is hoping to capitalize on its momentum to provide prime, build-ready sites with access to one of the longest runways in the country.

Huntsville International Airport has broken ground on its West Aviation development along County Line Road. Why it matters: Leveraging its thousands of available acres, HSV is hoping to capitalize on its momentum to provide prime, build-ready sites with access to one of the longest runways in the country.

Artemis II astronauts thank "unsung heroes" at Marshall

Huntsville's Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Space Launch System that propelled the Artemis II mission into space, and the Artemis crew shared their gratitude Tuesday.

The Artemis II crew is saluting the Rocket City.Why it matters: Huntsville&#x27;s Marshall Space Flight Center manages the Space Launch System that propelled the Artemis II mission into space, and the Artemis crew shared their gratitude Tuesday.

The space defense impact of Auburn's Huntsville research lab

Federal officials and Auburn leaders highlighted just how impactful the rare research opportunities offered at the new facility will be.

Auburn University&#x27;s Applied Research Institute in Cummings Research Park is officially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="up and running" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/08/18/auburn-university-huntsville-research-lab-aims-for-workforce-research-impact" data-vars-content-id="c23a7a26-3919-4a51-9445-a7ad8ef2d043" data-vars-headline="The space defense impact of Auburn&#x27;s Huntsville research lab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/08/18/auburn-university-huntsville-research-lab-aims-for-workforce-research-impact" target="_self">up and running</a>. Why it matters: At a ribbon-cutting Tuesday, federal officials and Auburn leaders highlighted how impactful the rare research opportunities offered at the new facility will be.

Auburn's new Huntsville research lab aims for speed and workforce impact

AUARI aims to fill a research niche in Huntsville's aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Auburn&#x27;s new Applied Research Institute in Huntsville is looking to be a catalyst for innovation and advanced manufacturing.Why it matters: Auburn&#x27;s lab space aims to fill a research niche in Huntsville&#x27;s aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Redwire charges ahead on Huntsville expansion

Defense and space tech manufacturer Redwire will add 150 jobs as part of the expansion.

Redwire officially broke ground on its new Huntsville headquarters Tuesday, as the building starts to take shape. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest surge of momentum for Huntsville&#x27;s booming aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem.

Huntsville-based PDW lands $820M loan to manufacture drone parts

The massive investment is set to bring new jobs and investment, and help America close the drone production gap.

Huntsville-based Performance Drone Works has secured up to $820 million to bolster U.S. production of drone components. Why it matters: The massive investment is set to bring new jobs and investment, and help America close the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drone production gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/07/air-defense-drones-missles-huntsville-alabama-army-golden-dome" data-vars-content-id="9a7c88a5-0b66-4d6c-9dbc-5c412f3ea103" data-vars-headline="Huntsville-based PDW lands $820M loan to manufacture drone parts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/07/air-defense-drones-missles-huntsville-alabama-army-golden-dome" target="_self">drone production gap</a>.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Huntsville

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

Axios Social Club is bringing readers together for dinner in Huntsville&#x27;s MidCity District on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Huntsville gets its first taste of Jeni's

It's an ice cream destination offering something different from what you'll find elsewhere in town.

Jeni&#x27;s Splendid Ice Creams has landed in Huntsville — its first store in the Rocket City. Why it matters: It&#x27;s an ice cream destination offering something different from what you&#x27;ll find elsewhere in town, bringing a late-night sweet-tooth fix to the heart of downtown.

Make the most of Restaurant Week's final days

If you don't make it out this weekend, you'll have to wait another year for a chance at special menu items around town.

Business Brief

Restaurant Week wraps up Monday. Why it matters: If you don&#x27;t make it out this weekend, you&#x27;ll have to wait another year for a chance at special menu items around town.

Monopoly hands the dice to Huntsville for new city edition

The famed real estate board game Monopoly is publishing a Huntsville edition next year and is seeking community suggestions.

The famed real estate board game Monopoly is publishing a Huntsville edition next year. Why it matters: Boardwalk, Parkway Place? More like U.S. Space and Rocket Center and Big Spring Park.

New John Hunt Rec Center is pickleball-forward

The recreation center was built, like everything else at John Hunt Park, "with sports tourism in mind."

John Hunt Park Recreation Center, with its 25 lighted, covered outdoor pickleball courts, is officially open. Why it matters: The long-awaited facility is expected to attract regional tournaments and offer a central location for Huntsville residents.

Huntsville's America 250 plans get bigger with Space Fest

The celebration of Huntsville's role in the Moon landing is planned for July 16–20.

America at 250

Huntsville is finalizing its marquee event marking the summer of America&#x27;s 250th anniversary, and adding to the lineup of events with the city&#x27;s first Rocket City Space Fest.Why it matters: The July 4 celebration headlines the summer at Big Spring Park, while Space Fest highlights Huntsville&#x27;s overlooked but pivotal role in the Apollo Moon landings.

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Sneed talks reform, representation at town hall

Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength

Pickleball picks up momentum in Huntsville

Huntsville and Colorado Springs bury the Space Command hatchet

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