Alabama’s Secretary of State, Wes Allen is encouraging Alabama voters to visit AlabamaVotes.gov, before heading to the polls on November 5. In a news release, Allen encourages all Alabama voters to visit the website and verify their voter registration status and polling location. The website also provides those who voted absentee the ability to track their ballot. You can also view the sample ballot for your county and read up on Alabama’s photo ID requirements for voting.
Madison Mayor Paul Finley will not seek a fourth term. He made the announcement during a news conference this week. He says he wants to spend more time with family. He added that it is his priority to see through the many projects the city has left in its budget. WHNT TV reports those include the Madison Community Center, Sunshine Oaks Park, and implementing more safety resources in Madison City Schools. He decided not to seek reelection in 2012 to focus on his family, but he was elected again for a second term in 2016 and a third term in 2020.
Customers with Decatur Utilities will see higher bills next year. According to the Decatur Daily, rates for water, gas and electricity will likely increase by 3% when the new year starts. The Municipal Utilities Board approved resolutions that certified to the city council that the proposed increases are needed based on the Consumer Price Index. Average residential customers using 1,000 kWh of electricity will see a hike of $3.71 to about $13.82 on their monthly bill.
State Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, has pre-filed a bill proposing a constitutional amendment that would require Alabama public schools to broadcast The Star-Spangled Banner at least once a week during school hours. The Alabama Political Reporter says if the bill passes the state legislature, the proposed amendment will be added to a statewide election ballot for the general public to vote on during a special election or the next general election. Alabama law currently requires public schools to conduct the pledge of allegiance to the American flag at the beginning of each school day, however student participation in reciting the pledge is optional.
Governor Kay Ivey announced this week that $2.6 million will be distributed to non-profits and municipalities across the state. It will help those who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness soon. Cities that were awarded money will then contract with agencies in their city to provide assistance. The City of Huntsville will receive $300,000. The Alabama Political Reporter says the funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grant Program. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grants.
The City of Huntsville is moving forward with the fourth and final phase of the Sandra Moon Community Complex renovation project. It includes the former Grissom High School auditorium as well as other upgrades to accommodate events. Seating will be reduced in the auditorium to create an intimate 611-seat theater with a new lobby and extensive improvements on back-of-house facilities to accommodate different types of events. A 300-seat event center will be constructed on the site of the school’s lunchroom. A news item from the city says construction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.
The USA Table Tennis Nationals, held in July at the Von Braun Center’s South Hall, has been awarded the title of a 2024 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management. The recognition highlights events that significantly boost local economies. Downtown Huntsville Inc. reports the event generated $1.9 million in economic impact.