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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.

Aerospace

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.

Business

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.

Anthology collects decades of John Pruett's sports writing

The longtime Huntsville sportswriter, who died last year, chronicled more than 40 years of sports history.

Culture

A curated compilation of John Pruett&#x27;s sports writing hit shelves Wednesday. Why it matters: The longtime Huntsville sports writer, who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="died last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/27/huntsville-legendary-sports-writer-john-pruett-obituary" data-vars-content-id="0aadd1f1-60ab-422e-9461-750a9d876ec1" data-vars-headline="Anthology collects decades of John Pruett&#x27;s sports writing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/27/huntsville-legendary-sports-writer-john-pruett-obituary" target="_self">died last year</a>, chronicled more than 40 years of sports history, from local and college football to the Olympics.

Global para-cycling spotlight lands on Huntsville

The championships will put an international spotlight on Huntsville and are expected to bring millions in economic impact.

Hundreds of athletes from across the globe are landing in Huntsville this week for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships" data-vars-click-url="https://huntsvilleparaworlds.com/" data-vars-content-id="22125bcb-067c-4f26-a229-b1b55db54072" data-vars-headline="Global para-cycling spotlight lands on Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://huntsvilleparaworlds.com/" target="_blank">2026 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships</a>.Why it matters: The championships will put an international spotlight on Huntsville and are expected to bring millions in economic impact.

Columbia, Coates look ahead after ending historic losing streak

It's the dawn of a new era for the Eagles.

After snapping the country&#x27;s longest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="losing streak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2026/08/23/columbia-alabama-high-school-football-longest-losing-streak-ends/91432617007/" data-vars-content-id="07016524-97ab-438b-bb48-50ea478f0258" data-vars-headline="Columbia, Coates look ahead after ending historic losing streak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2026/08/23/columbia-alabama-high-school-football-longest-losing-streak-ends/91432617007/" target="_blank">losing streak</a> for high school football, Columbia High School&#x27;s team is focused on one thing: the next win.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the dawn of a new era for the Eagles.

223 applications, one successful landing in the Rocket City

Perseverance pays off in this job market, and Brock Morgan's methods show what it takes to land a position in a growing place like Huntsville.

Culture Brief

Brock Morgan applied to 223 jobs before landing a position with Fox 54 (WZDX-TV) in Huntsville. Why it matters: Perseverance pays off in this job market, and Morgan&#x27;s methods show what it takes to land a position in a growing place like Huntsville.

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."

News

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.

SEC Softball Tournament lands at Toyota Field

Next year's SEC Tournament is set for May 11-15.

The Southeastern Conference Softball Tournament has a new home: Toyota Field. Why it matters: The tournament will fill area hotels, restaurants and stores, and its national broadcast on ESPN will raise the area&#x27;s profile, helping North Alabama land the next big event.

Huntsville lands CUSA tournaments through 2029

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

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>.

Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame's 2026 class

This year's class is one of the most diverse yet, said Mark McCarter, sportswriter and secretary for the Hall of Fame.

Sports

Twelve local athletic heavyweights have been announced as the 2026 class of the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hmcahof.com/" data-vars-content-id="d9051ea2-e6d4-4336-8e6c-b1f6dfb04851" data-vars-headline="Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame&#x27;s 2026 class" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hmcahof.com/" target="_blank">Hall of Fame</a>. Why it matters: &quot;We forget sometimes what a great sports community Huntsville is and has been,&quot; said Mark McCarter, sportswriter and secretary for the Hall of Fame.

Huntsville City Football Club makes first playoff berth

"We have the best fans in the league," said Chad Emerson, HCFC managing director.

Huntsville City Football Club is headed to the playoffs for the first time.Why it matters: HCFC, which debuted in the 2023 season, continues to grow in popularity and standing in the MLS Next Pro league.<ul><li>They&#x27;re also in the running to have the opening playoff game at home at Wicks Family Field, said Chad Emerson, HCFC managing director. </li></ul>

Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene

The Picklr is opening a 40,000-square-foot indoor club with 11 courts on University Drive.

The world&#x27;s largest indoor pickleball franchise is making Huntsville its next stop. Why it matters: As pickleball continues its rise in popularity, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Picklr" data-vars-click-url="https://thepicklr.com/location/huntsville/" data-vars-content-id="6719819b-b645-4407-a46e-ab37371d3279" data-vars-headline="Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thepicklr.com/location/huntsville/" target="_blank">The Picklr</a> is creating more space for players, especially those looking to up their game. <ul><li>It&#x27;s also another big investment in the University Drive/MidCity area, which is seeing a surge in development alongside soon-to-open locations like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Field Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/07/30/field-day-huntsville-alabama-adult-entertainment-growth-development" data-vars-content-id="6719819b-b645-4407-a46e-ab37371d3279" data-vars-headline="Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/07/30/field-day-huntsville-alabama-adult-entertainment-growth-development" target="_self">Field Day</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ikea" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/08/12/ikea-huntsville-alabama-store-midcity-opening" data-vars-content-id="6719819b-b645-4407-a46e-ab37371d3279" data-vars-headline="Picklr aims to upgrade Huntsville pickleball scene" 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">Ikea</a>. </li></ul>

Sports 🏅

Anthology collects decades of John Pruett's sports writing

Global para-cycling spotlight lands on Huntsville

Columbia, Coates look ahead after ending historic losing streak

223 applications, one successful landing in the Rocket City

New John Hunt Rec Center is pickleball-forward