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Candidates declare for Council Districts 2 and 3

Each district up for election this year now has a challenger planning to run.

Election

The ballot for City Council this year just got more crowded.Why it matters: The election may not be till Aug. 25, but all three <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="districts" data-vars-click-url="https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/citycouncildistricts/" data-vars-content-id="3273ba48-7b5b-433b-a166-d63661e59035" data-vars-headline="Candidates declare for Council Districts 2 and 3" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/citycouncildistricts/" target="_blank">districts</a> up for election this year already have challengers declared to run.

Huntsville lands CUSA tournaments through 2029

Huntsville will host CUSA's basketball, volleyball and cross-country tournaments.

Business

Huntsville will host the next three Conference USA Championships in basketball, volleyball and cross-country, CUSA announced Friday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a big get for Huntsville as the city seeks to attract more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/sports" data-vars-content-id="3c1e828e-b737-444e-a5d6-ada011fc6a3e" data-vars-headline="Huntsville lands CUSA tournaments through 2029" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/sports" target="_self">sports</a> events and bolster its reputation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first-class facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/30/huntsville-curling-44m-ice-center-expansion" data-vars-content-id="3c1e828e-b737-444e-a5d6-ada011fc6a3e" data-vars-headline="Huntsville lands CUSA tournaments through 2029" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/30/huntsville-curling-44m-ice-center-expansion" target="_self">first-class facilities</a>.

Exclusive: MidCity unveils major expansion with new music venue and tech hub

In plans shared first with Axios, developer RCP Companies plans to build a new music venue, two hotels, a tech campus and more.

MidCity will build a new music venue, two hotels, a tech campus and more as part of a $300 million, 12-acre expansion.Why it matters: The public-private partnership is defining what mixed-use developments in Huntsville can be: an &quot;18-hour district,&quot; where people can find an apartment, start a new company or catch a show.

Galaxy of Lights, Huntsville's brightest tradition, turns 30

This year's show at the Huntsville Botanical Garden is stepping it up with new interactive features.

Things to Do

Galaxy of Lights opens Friday, and its 30th anniversary edition is set to be one for the history books.Why it matters: The extensive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday light show" data-vars-click-url="https://hsvbg.org/visit/exhibits/galaxy-of-lights/" data-vars-content-id="a5fab8cf-34a7-4045-b081-d5ef85ac4d7a" data-vars-headline="Galaxy of Lights, Huntsville&#x27;s brightest tradition, turns 30" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hsvbg.org/visit/exhibits/galaxy-of-lights/" target="_blank">holiday light show</a> is the Huntsville Botanical Garden&#x27;s marquee fundraiser, drawing more than 80,000 visitors annually.

The Southern accent wanes as migration reshapes region's identity

Demographics and politics are contributing to the decline.

News

The Southern <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/north-carolina-southern-accent-disappearing?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_charlotte&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="f03a980e-7fa4-46d6-9974-db67a36d29df" data-vars-headline="The Southern accent wanes as migration reshapes region&#x27;s identity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/03/north-carolina-southern-accent-disappearing?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_charlotte&amp;stream=top" target="_self">accent</a> is disappearing as migration and generational shifts reshape the region&#x27;s identity.Why it matters: The way we speak is closely tied with who we are as Southerners, and its fading reflects wider changes in the region.

Bowl Jam drops in at Get-A-Way Skatepark this weekend

The two-year-old skate park is the most recent chapter in Huntsville's long history with the sport.

Huntsville&#x27;s 2-year-old Get-A-Way Skatepark will host professional skateboarders and competitive amateurs alike on Sunday.Why it matters: The 2025 Bowl Jam will bring the likes of Bucky Lasek to the 52,000-square-foot skate park for a free competition and clinic.

How mahjong is building community in Huntsville

"It's not your grandma's game anymore," instructor Sarah Delashaw told Axios Huntsville.

Business Brief

Mahjong&#x27;s popularity is taking off across the country, and Huntsville&#x27;s no exception.Why it matters: As the centuries-old Chinese game finds <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/23/where-to-play-mahjong-in-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="d5d80e20-5e7f-4cd3-97de-db527cf28fea" data-vars-headline="How mahjong is building community in Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/23/where-to-play-mahjong-in-charlotte" target="_self">new fans</a>, instructors are in high demand, with some turning lessons into thriving businesses. <ul><li>For local educators and longtime neighbors Sarah Delashaw and Stephenie Smith, a chance game of mahjong turned into a busy side gig — the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Huntsville Mahjong Collective" data-vars-click-url="https://huntsvillemahjongcollective.com/" data-vars-content-id="d5d80e20-5e7f-4cd3-97de-db527cf28fea" data-vars-headline="How mahjong is building community in Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://huntsvillemahjongcollective.com/" target="_blank">Huntsville Mahjong Collective</a>. </li></ul>

Why a Colorado transplant made the move to Huntsville

For Chance Hill, the cost of living was a key factor in his decision to move to the Rocket City.

Chance Hill moved to the Huntsville area from Colorado Springs four years ago primarily for work.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/trump-space-comman-huntsville-redstone-arsenal" data-vars-content-id="8b868213-c081-4435-a1d4-df2d41485ecf" data-vars-headline="Why a Colorado transplant made the move to Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/trump-space-comman-huntsville-redstone-arsenal" target="_self">announcement</a> of the Space Command <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/09/02/redstone-arsenal-space-command-huntsville-alabama-colorado-air-force" data-vars-content-id="8b868213-c081-4435-a1d4-df2d41485ecf" data-vars-headline="Why a Colorado transplant made the move to Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/09/02/redstone-arsenal-space-command-huntsville-alabama-colorado-air-force" target="_self">move</a> was immediately followed by questions of how many people would move along with it — and what they&#x27;d be getting themselves into.<ul><li>Hill&#x27;s story offers a preview of what transplants might experience if they move to the Rocket City.</li></ul>

Huntsville Music Month kicks off with stacked lineup

"We're showcasing our talent on the biggest stages yet," Huntsville music officer Matt Mandrella said.

Huntsville Music Month kicks off in September, with a lineup that organizers say will take the event to the next level.Why it matters: The event is increasing Huntsville&#x27;s ever-growing music reputation and providing plenty of things to do, while also supporting local musicians and bringing people and dollars to local businesses.

Exclusive: Spotify's Songs of Summer in Huntsville

Summer 2025 was the least danceable and lowest-energy summer for music in the last decade, Spotify data shows.

Culture

&quot;Back to Friends&quot; by Sombr was the top song this summer for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/spotify-user-numbers-investor-relations" data-vars-content-id="12277a3b-c9f7-4178-aa0a-100929a76f3f" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Spotify&#x27;s Songs of Summer in Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/spotify-user-numbers-investor-relations" target="_self">Spotify</a> users in Huntsville. The big picture: The platform says listeners &quot;swapped carefree anthems for songs that felt personal, vulnerable, and emotionally charged — both lyrically and sonically.&quot;

Historic Huntsville stadium aims for more than flag football

The 1934 field will get a major makeover with sports facilities and green space.

Huntsville is hoping to turn a 90-year-old football stadium into a community-focused park, football included, for the Five Points area.Why it matters: Huntsville has been investing in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upgraded sports facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/16/huntsville-development-stadium-commons-hotel-delayed" data-vars-content-id="3d410e41-3ec9-4ed5-95c9-04749b91a820" data-vars-headline="Historic Huntsville stadium aims for more than flag football" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/16/huntsville-development-stadium-commons-hotel-delayed" target="_self">upgraded sports facilities</a> and quality-of-life improvements as the city grows — and the plan to renovate Goldsmith-Schiffman Field is its latest example.

Weigh in: The great dog poop debate

Is it OK to put your dog's bagged poop in a neighbor's trash can? We want readers to weigh in.

There&#x27;s a contentious question sweeping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/04/atlanta-dog-poop-poll-etiquette" data-vars-content-id="0ec94f1b-b9f6-405d-8913-8fc724ec10cf" data-vars-headline="Weigh in: The great dog poop debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/04/atlanta-dog-poop-poll-etiquette" target="_self">Axios</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Local" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/23/dog-poop-etiquette-poll" data-vars-content-id="0ec94f1b-b9f6-405d-8913-8fc724ec10cf" data-vars-headline="Weigh in: The great dog poop debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/07/23/dog-poop-etiquette-poll" target="_self">Local</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newsletters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/29/dog-poop-etiquette-poll" data-vars-content-id="0ec94f1b-b9f6-405d-8913-8fc724ec10cf" data-vars-headline="Weigh in: The great dog poop debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/07/29/dog-poop-etiquette-poll" target="_self">newsletters</a>: Is it OK to put your dog&#x27;s bagged poop in a neighbor&#x27;s trash can?Driving the news: We&#x27;re talking about the city-issued bins you roll out to the curb once a week, and we want readers to weigh in.