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President's budget brings back NASA science cuts

The President's Budget Request for fiscal year 2027 calls for $18.8 billion in NASA spending, a $5.6 billion cut.

Aerospace

NASA is looking at another potential funding hit.Why it matters: Cuts to NASA science initiatives could have a big impact locally because North Alabama is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the largest recipients" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/23/nasa-science-funding-huntsville-alabama-congress-budget" data-vars-content-id="eeafa5de-5ab4-4de5-9c45-eac8ee240ecd" data-vars-headline="President&#x27;s budget brings back NASA science cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2025/06/23/nasa-science-funding-huntsville-alabama-congress-budget" target="_self">one of the largest recipients</a> of annual NASA funding awards.

Wikipedia founder says trust is broken — here's how to rebuild it

Jimmy Wales wants us to trust each other.

Culture

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales wants us to trust. Why it matters: Trust in institutions, and in each other, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has reached crisis levels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.edelman.com/newsroom/richard-edelmans-6am-blog/insularity-next-crisis-trust" data-vars-content-id="34975853-8000-4b43-a9fa-a194d9bd7e1b" data-vars-headline="Wikipedia founder says trust is broken — here&#x27;s how to rebuild it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.edelman.com/newsroom/richard-edelmans-6am-blog/insularity-next-crisis-trust" target="_blank">has reached crisis levels</a>, and the consequences are rippling into every aspect of modern life. <ul><li>&quot;I think we&#x27;ve kind of hit something close to a rock bottom,&quot; Wales, a Huntsville native, told Axios.</li></ul>

Guntersville's small-stage, big ticket concert series

Alongside the music, artists performing in the series tell stories about the songs they're playing, said organizer Scott Smith.

Things to Do

As Huntsville&#x27;s music scene grabs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fastcompany.com/91269314/economic-development-most-innovative-companies-2025" data-vars-content-id="e4b5c477-0128-4e34-954e-0b990e90afe8" data-vars-headline="Guntersville&#x27;s small-stage, big ticket concert series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fastcompany.com/91269314/economic-development-most-innovative-companies-2025" target="_blank">national attention</a>, a new series just down the road, in Guntersville, is pulling big names for listening room shows. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shhhhh: A Listening Room Experience" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lakecityconcerts.com/" data-vars-content-id="e4b5c477-0128-4e34-954e-0b990e90afe8" data-vars-headline="Guntersville&#x27;s small-stage, big ticket concert series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lakecityconcerts.com/" target="_blank">Shhhhh: A Listening Room Experience</a> is bringing up-close-and-personal shows with big-ticket artists to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dave&#x27;s Music Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.davesmusichall.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ3neFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaMHhpUDFQWTBsdzZleVhnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlY4ZsY9F4v3PKM0hoxs7T9ll83BrFDe-kuRqYyKNuH5xdDG5UNO7CNN06Dg_aem_jogoHdG5_kX9NkoSNshxjA" data-vars-content-id="e4b5c477-0128-4e34-954e-0b990e90afe8" data-vars-headline="Guntersville&#x27;s small-stage, big ticket concert series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.davesmusichall.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ3neFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaMHhpUDFQWTBsdzZleVhnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlY4ZsY9F4v3PKM0hoxs7T9ll83BrFDe-kuRqYyKNuH5xdDG5UNO7CNN06Dg_aem_jogoHdG5_kX9NkoSNshxjA" target="_blank">Dave&#x27;s Music Hall</a>.</li></ul>Why it matters: The series reflects a larger trend of more intimate shows in the region, including Huntsville&#x27;s focus on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;house show culture&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/01/05/2026-huntsville-music-orion-concert-venue-alabama" data-vars-content-id="e4b5c477-0128-4e34-954e-0b990e90afe8" data-vars-headline="Guntersville&#x27;s small-stage, big ticket concert series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/01/05/2026-huntsville-music-orion-concert-venue-alabama" target="_self">&quot;house show culture&quot;</a> and giving artists more control over the listening environment.

Barracuda brings tacos, New Orleans vibes to downtown Huntsville

The fast-casual taco stand officially opens March 22.

Food and Drink

Barracuda Taco Stand opens Sunday in downtown Huntsville. The big picture: New Orleans-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barracuda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatbarracuda.com/" data-vars-content-id="0307b5ff-3669-4870-997b-09c84af57561" data-vars-headline="Barracuda brings tacos, New Orleans vibes to downtown Huntsville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatbarracuda.com/" target="_blank">Barracuda</a> is &quot;a neighborhood taco stand and margarita garden,&quot; with an uber-casual vibe.

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.

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.

Floriana's MidCity debut comes after years of eyeing Huntsville

Co-owner Jamie Branda said he feels there's space in Huntsville for Floriana's model of traditional fine dining.

Italian restaurant Floriana is opening its third location next year at MidCity. Why it matters: The Washington, D.C., fine dining staple is hoping to elevate Huntsville&#x27;s culinary offerings as the city continues to grow.

Ghost walking into Huntsville's spooky season

Halloween is the last day to "hear stories from Huntsville's haunted past" during the Huntsville Ghost Walk.

<figure><img alt="A tour guide dressed in a Halloween outfit turns and points into the woods during a tour while a small crowd looks on. " height="450" id="5adc87c9-b161-461f-bac7-b8a085f33ea5" src="https://images.axios.com/kbKNw9MJ29C9uqUrtSlk5aqQ1JQ=/2025/10/07/1759841801394.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Leroy Pope mansion is a highlight of the Twickenham walk. Image: Derek Lacey/Axios</figcaption></figure>Take a guided walk around Huntsville&#x27;s spooky side if you need some help getting into the Halloween spirit.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Huntsville Ghost Walk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com/" data-vars-content-id="a8ab144c-2f06-40e1-aa05-5290740dcb93" data-vars-headline="Ghost walking into Huntsville&#x27;s spooky season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com/" target="_blank">Huntsville Ghost Walk</a> offers a look at downtown Huntsville that you won&#x27;t experience any other way.

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.

Jim 'N Nick's opens in prime Jones Valley location

Jim 'N Nicks President Bryan Lyman said the decision to open in the area was a "no-brainer."

Birmingham-based barbecue chain Jim &#x27;N Nick&#x27;s torched the ribbon on its latest Huntsville-area location Wednesday. Why it matters: The third Jim &#x27;N Nick&#x27;s in the metro area, and the chain&#x27;s 58th location, occupies a prime corner at Cecil Ashburn Drive and Carl T. Jones Drive in Jones Valley.

"Mama Zelda" draws crowds to Huntsville Botanical Garden

The Mother Earth Troll Garden features the "Mama Zelda" sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Huntsville Botanical Garden&#x27;s newest tenant is drawing in thousands of new visitors, transporting them to a storybook world with a lesson of sustainability.Why it matters: The Mother Earth Troll Garden and &quot;Mama Zelda&quot; sculpture show how the garden is leaning into permanent installations to set itself apart, said marketing manager Sarah Colvert.

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.

Why Huntsville can't stop playing pickleball

Pickleball is a growing sport that hasn't yet peaked, Parks and Recreation director James Gossett tells Axios Huntsville.

Pickleball is surging in popularity in Huntsville and around the country. Why it matters: Pickleball has a low barrier of entry: easy to learn, accessible, social, and is a way to stay active and work off the stress of the day, pickleball coach Judy Hayes tells Axios Huntsville. <ul><li>It&#x27;s also driving investment in public and private facilities.</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Guntersville's small-stage, big ticket concert series

Barracuda brings tacos, New Orleans vibes to downtown Huntsville

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

Floriana's MidCity debut comes after years of eyeing Huntsville

Ghost walking into Huntsville's spooky season