The Huntsville City Council has delayed the vote on a proposed sewer rate increase until its next meeting on June 26. Councilmembers said the delay allows the community to be fully aware of the issue and ensure all their needs and questions are addressed. WHNT TV reports residents would see a $5 increase on their October bill this year, going from the current monthly rate of $24.15 to $29.15. The rate would continue going up by $1 annually until reaching a total charge of $39.15 a month in 2034.
Some Huntsville Utilities customers may see lower power bills this month. The utility is refunding deposits to certain customers. The refunds will appear as credits on the utility bills of eligible customers as it transitions to a new software system. Huntsville Utilities External Affairs Director Joe Gehrdes couldn’t say how many customers will be receiving the refund. He told AL.com he wanted to clarify “that this only applies to residential customers with an excellent payment history.
Governor Kay Ivey ceremonially signed into law a bill this week known as the “pink tax” law. It removes the state sales tax on diapers, baby formula, feminine hygiene products and more. It also removes the state sales tax on baby wipes, breast milk pumping equipment and maternity clothing. The Alabama Political Reporter notes that local governments are authorized to opt in and remove local taxes on these products as well. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
The Kids Count Data Book, an annual publication that ranks the well-being of children from all 50 states, has released its 2025 report, and the state of Alabama ranks near the bottom. According to the data book, Alabama ranked 43rd for overall child well-being in 2025, a drop from last year’s ranking of 39th place. WSFA TV in Montgomery reports the publication contains recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to judge how children are faring in post-pandemic America. The rankings are based off four indicators -- economic well-being, education, health, and family and community.
The addition of a new elementary school in the fall of 2026 is forcing Madison City Schools to redraw district lines. The lines will change with the opening of Russell Branch Elementary School, located off of Hardiman Road in Limestone County. The school system shared a survey this week that will allow parents and other community members to provide feedback on three potential options for changes to school attendance zones. The survey will run through June 20. Although the main focus will be on the elementary schools, Superintendent Ed Nichols tells AL.com there will also be some changes to the middle school and high school district lines.
Nearly four million people visited Madison County in 2024. That’s according to a recent report from the Alabama Tourism Department. Madison County saw more visitors than any other county in the state last year. Those visitors had a $2.4 billion impact on the local economy. Charles Winters, with the Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells WAFF TV that people come to Madison County and Huntsville because of its various attractions. For instance, 600,000 people visited the Space and Rocket Center last year. Winters said new airline route offerings at Huntsville International Airport along with concerts and other summer events should bring plenty of visitors to the area in the next few months.
As summer gets underway, the Huntsville Police Department is urging all drivers to be more aware and slow down. The Summer Slowdown campaign, which runs through August 12, is aimed at curbing dangerous driving habits and reducing crashes through a combination of education and enforcement efforts. WHNT TV reports HPD will increase patrols and enforcement in high-risk areas and neighborhoods where speeding complaints are common. The department will also share ongoing education and safety reminders through social media and community events to encourage responsible driving habits.