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Ikea Huntsville grand opening set for Feb. 25

Ikea US announced it will open the store, its first in Alabama, on Feb. 25 with a grand-opening celebration.

Business

It&#x27;s official: Huntsville&#x27;s Ikea store will be open within a week. Why it matters: Ikea has long been among the city&#x27;s most-desired retailers, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announcing last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="1ba8a082-7758-4d5e-92c8-3538a16c77ff" data-vars-headline="Ikea Huntsville grand opening set for Feb. 25" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" target="_self">announcing last summer</a> its plan to bring a new, smaller-format store to University Drive near GigaParts.

Inside Huntsville's new smaller-format Ikea

The grand opening of Ikea's first Alabama location is on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Development

After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="months of" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="3580d4e1-04ed-4988-814f-056567a76daf" data-vars-headline="Inside Huntsville&#x27;s new smaller-format Ikea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" target="_self">months of</a> anticipation, Ikea opens Wednesday on University Drive. Why it matters: Ranking high among Huntsville&#x27;s most-wanted retailers, Ikea is bringing its new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smaller-format store" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-location-in-alabama-on-february-25-pubf3895110/" data-vars-content-id="3580d4e1-04ed-4988-814f-056567a76daf" data-vars-headline="Inside Huntsville&#x27;s new smaller-format Ikea" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-first-location-in-alabama-on-february-25-pubf3895110/" target="_blank">smaller-format store</a> to the Rocket City, targeting the rapidly growing area for its first store in Alabama.

"A living museum:" Joy McKee Arboretum takes root

Huntsville plans to open the arboretum in May, weather permitting.

News

Construction is underway at John Hunt Park on the Joy McKee Arboretum, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly named to honor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/huntsville-approves-naming-of-arboretum-for-longtime-landscape-director-joy-mckee/" data-vars-content-id="c488d2bc-bbf6-4051-bc2c-0a0715a7063c" data-vars-headline="&quot;A living museum:&quot; Joy McKee Arboretum takes root" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/huntsville-approves-naming-of-arboretum-for-longtime-landscape-director-joy-mckee/" target="_blank">newly named to honor</a> a longtime steward of Huntsville&#x27;s green spaces.Why it matters: City landscapers saw an opportunity to preserve history, support native trees and urban canopy, give visitors a nature break and educate the public in an unused corner of the park.

Senate bill targets police staffing in Huntsville, Montgomery

Senate Bill 298 would require police departments in Alabama's Class 3 municipalities to have two sworn officers for every 1,000 residents by Oct. 1.

A bill introduced in the state Legislature aims to set minimum staffing levels for Huntsville and Montgomery police departments.Why it matters: If passed, the bill could lead to a state takeover of local law enforcement, though Huntsville leaders say the city already meets the bill&#x27;s requirements.

Britt: Half of Space Command personnel will be in Huntsville by 2029

Space Command's move to Huntsville is continuing as planned despite a lawsuit from Colorado challenging the move.

Politics

Half of U.S. Space Command personnel will be based in Huntsville within the next few years, according to Sen. Katie Britt. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Space Command&#x27;s move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/15/hegseth-spacecom-huntsville-alabama-aerospace" data-vars-content-id="c0f6a844-7030-4f49-9315-9b578dd08c87" data-vars-headline="Britt: Half of Space Command personnel will be in Huntsville by 2029" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/15/hegseth-spacecom-huntsville-alabama-aerospace" target="_self">Space Command&#x27;s move</a> to Huntsville, announced last year, is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continuing as planned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/10/space-command-huntsville-alabama-redstone-arsenal" data-vars-content-id="c0f6a844-7030-4f49-9315-9b578dd08c87" data-vars-headline="Britt: Half of Space Command personnel will be in Huntsville by 2029" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/12/10/space-command-huntsville-alabama-redstone-arsenal" target="_self">continuing as planned</a> amid a lawsuit from Colorado that challenges the relocation.

Andrew Sneed gains ground on Rep. Dale Strong in North Alabama race

Reports noted last week that Sneed apparently outraised Strong in the last quarter of 2025.

Democratic House candidate Andrew Sneed is holding his own against incumbent Republican Rep. Dale Strong as the 2026 midterm campaigns get in gear.Why it matters: The fundraising numbers show where the momentum is building ahead of May&#x27;s primaries.

2026 is a big election year for Alabama — here's what to watch

The two big names in the race to succeed Gov. Kay Ivey are current Sen. Tommy Tuberville and former Sen. Doug Jones.

Voters in Huntsville will cast ballots this year on everything from city council to governor. Why it matters: Don&#x27;t let Election Day — or the primaries — sneak up on you.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a quick primer on candidates who will be looking for your votes this year.</li></ul>

Alabama braces for SNAP stop

The state Department of Human Resources said it received notice that funds for November would not come from the USDA due to the shutdown.

Health

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="will not be issued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/27/government-shutdown-snap-food-banks" data-vars-content-id="60515b66-4fbc-4330-a824-6e4f859f3742" data-vars-headline="Alabama braces for SNAP stop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/27/government-shutdown-snap-food-banks" target="_self">will not be issued</a> in November because of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/10/23/shutdown-drags-on" data-vars-content-id="60515b66-4fbc-4330-a824-6e4f859f3742" data-vars-headline="Alabama braces for SNAP stop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/10/23/shutdown-drags-on" target="_self">federal government shutdown</a>. Why it matters: More than 750,000 Alabamians depend on the more than $140 million in federal support each month, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Public safety tops agenda as Madison County grows

Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon laid out the county's top priorities during his State of the County address Thursday.

Madison leaders are prioritizing public safety as the county <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.al.com/news/2025/10/out-of-state-transplants-fueled-alabamas-population-growth-in-2024.html" data-vars-content-id="faf91e03-7b37-4f7b-a41e-fa8d16fdf799" data-vars-headline="Public safety tops agenda as Madison County grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.al.com/news/2025/10/out-of-state-transplants-fueled-alabamas-population-growth-in-2024.html" target="_blank">grows</a> quickly, Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon said Thursday at the State of the County. Why it matters: Public safety is a big reason Madison County keeps landing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/c/madison-county-al/" data-vars-content-id="faf91e03-7b37-4f7b-a41e-fa8d16fdf799" data-vars-headline="Public safety tops agenda as Madison County grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/c/madison-county-al/" target="_blank">rankings</a> as one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best places" data-vars-click-url="https://www.al.com/news/2025/09/alabama-county-7th-best-place-to-live-in-us-new-ranking-shows.html" data-vars-content-id="faf91e03-7b37-4f7b-a41e-fa8d16fdf799" data-vars-headline="Public safety tops agenda as Madison County grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.al.com/news/2025/09/alabama-county-7th-best-place-to-live-in-us-new-ranking-shows.html" target="_blank">best places</a> to live in America, McCutcheon said, and the county is investing its tax dollars accordingly.

What to know before voting in Madison's mayoral, council election

Polls open at 7am. Here's a quick guide to candidates and polling locations.

Madison voters head to the ballot box tomorrow to decide the next mayor and city council, the majority of which will be new faces. Here&#x27;s a primer if you&#x27;re headed to vote:

Rep. Strong says "Space Command is coming" to Huntsville

Strong said he's "100% sure" Space Command is relocating from Colorado to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

U.S. Space Command is coming to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, Rep. Dale Strong said Wednesday. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Space Command" data-vars-click-url="https://www.spacecom.mil/" data-vars-content-id="fbbe555c-9d40-4e65-a38d-ea56ecfe3fb3" data-vars-headline="Rep. Strong says &quot;Space Command is coming&quot; to Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.spacecom.mil/" target="_blank">Space Command</a>, one of the Department of Defense&#x27;s unified combatant commands and currently headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, would bring jobs and investment to Huntsville and, Strong said, bolster national security.

NASA pours millions into Alabama, but future funding is in limbo

Data from pro-space nonprofit The Planetary Society ranks Alabama fifth in NASA science spending, with an average $586 million spent annually.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NASA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/01/trump-nasa-administrator-jared-isaacman-musk" data-vars-content-id="b1931979-fa50-41ae-9fe6-7aae99d500cb" data-vars-headline="NASA pours millions into Alabama, but future funding is in limbo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/01/trump-nasa-administrator-jared-isaacman-musk" target="_self">NASA</a> spends hundreds of millions of dollars per state on average annually through its scientific missions, a recent analysis shows.Why it matters: The space agency&#x27;s science efforts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bear the brunt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.space.com/space-exploration/trumps-2026-budget-would-slash-nasa-funding-by-24-percent-and-its-workforce-by-nearly-one-third" data-vars-content-id="b1931979-fa50-41ae-9fe6-7aae99d500cb" data-vars-headline="NASA pours millions into Alabama, but future funding is in limbo" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.space.com/space-exploration/trumps-2026-budget-would-slash-nasa-funding-by-24-percent-and-its-workforce-by-nearly-one-third" target="_blank">bear the brunt</a> of the cuts in the Trump administration&#x27;s proposed budget, down nearly 50% to $3.9 billion.

Waiting on wastewater: Rate increase vote postponed

With the potential increase, the average Huntsville sewer bill would still be well below the area average.

Huntsville residents will have to wait another two weeks to see if their sewer bills will go up, after local officials paused a vote on a potential rate increase.<ul><li>City Council President John Meredith also asked city staff to come up with some sort of &quot;Plan B.&quot;</li></ul>Why it matters: The rate increase will provide much-needed funds to upgrade aging facilities for the city&#x27;s Water Pollution Control Department and keep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Huntsville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/huntsville" data-vars-content-id="9bdc39f4-8426-498d-9460-3dc5f5c68b10" data-vars-headline="Waiting on wastewater: Rate increase vote postponed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/signup/huntsville" target="_self">Huntsville</a> out of potential hot water with regulators.

Politics 🇺🇸

Senate bill targets police staffing in Huntsville, Montgomery

Britt: Half of Space Command personnel will be in Huntsville by 2029

Andrew Sneed gains ground on Rep. Dale Strong in North Alabama race

Exclusive: Colorado Springs splits with state in Space Command lawsuit

2026 is a big election year for Alabama — here's what to watch