The National Weather Service has confirmed five tornadoes touched down in North Alabama this week. One in Tanner and Madison, one in South Athens, one in Killingsworth Cove into Jackson County, one in Allens Crossroads in Marshall County and one in Trenton to Skyline. WHNT TV reports surveys are scheduled for Friday in Flat Rock in Jackson County, in Limestone County, in the Priceville area in Morgan County and in the Monte Sano and Brownsboro areas.
Following this week’s severe weather, the Madison County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has mobilized to support recovery efforts. Residents who need help cleaning up storm damage caused by the recent storms are encouraged to call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 256-207-5832. Residents will be connected with local volunteers who may be able to assist with tree and debris removal, placing tarps on damaged roofs, and other cleanup efforts. All services provided through Crisis Cleanup are free of charge, but not guaranteed, as availability depends on volunteer resources and the level of need in the community. WAFF TV reports that the services are also available to residents of Limestone County. Again that number is (256) 207-5832.
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency says that if you have been impacted by this week’s storms, you can dial 211 for help with some unmet needs, including clean-up supplies. You can also text 888-421-1266 or chat via www.211connectsalabama.org for resources and assistance.
Huntsville city leaders are considering raising sewer rates in the city. The Department of Water Pollution Control maintains six wastewater treatment facilities in Huntsville that handle 110 million gallons a day on average. Shane Davis, the Director of Urban and Economic Development, presented a proposal to city council members Thursday, saying current revenues can’t support future infrastructure needs and a rate increase is necessary. Sewer rates have not increased since 2005. A new proposal would increase that rate for residential homes by five dollars. WAFF TV reports the first year increase we would go from $24.15 to $29.15, A vote on this issue could come on June 12th.
The renovation of the Von Braun Center’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall will cost a bit more than city leaders originally thought. The Huntsville City Council approved a $446,000 change order for the back of the house renovations on Thursday night. AL.com reports the change order pushed the total cost of the renovations to almost $16.5 million. The council approved upgrades to the concert hall last year to attract bigger theater performances. The upgrades included building an extension to the back of the concert hall and enlarging the VBC kitchen. The project also includes expanding the green room as well as upgrades to the Playhouse and the Saturn Ballroom.
The Medical Association of the State of Alabama is applauding Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature on Senate Bill 43. They call it landmark legislation that protects the doctor-patient relationship by banning so-called “gag clauses” in contracts between physicians and health insurers or healthcare facilities. According to the Alabama Political Reporter, this new law ensures physicians can freely share important information with their patients about the cost of treatments, lower-cost alternatives and the full range of available options – without interference or fear of retaliation. The new law, which goes into effect Oct. 1, makes it clear that any contract clause limiting a physician’s ability to share cost, efficacy or treatment comparison information is legally unenforceable.
Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth announced this week he won’t be joining the 2026 gubernatorial race. This come after years of speculation. The Alabama Daily News shared a post from Ainsworth on X saying “After much prayer and many discussions with my family, friends, and supporters, I will not be a candidate for governor during the 2026 election cycle.” Ainsworth said that he will be taking time away to focus on his family and will be transitioning into the private sector.