July 18, 2025
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Business & Economic Development
Travel: Huntsville International Airport set a new single-month passenger record in June 2025, welcoming 160,455 travelers — a 9.1% increase over June 2024 —and has seen a 4.7% rise year-to-date. Airport leaders credit the growth to expanded airline service: Breeze increased its daily nonstop flights to Orlando, Delta launched nonstop service to New York, and American boosted frequencies to Charlotte and Dallas. Executives say that when reliable, competitively priced flights are available locally, travelers are choosing HSV over larger regional airports. This marks the airport’s second consecutive record‑breaking period and reflects strong community support for flying from Huntsville.
Read More:Business Alabama July 16, 2025
Government
Trash Pandas: Madison city planners are recommending a two-story addition to Toyota Field, home of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, to meet Major League Baseball’s facility standards. While the City Council previously approved a one-story version in May to meet a 2026 compliance deadline, the updated plan includes an upper-level fan and event space in addition to the required locker room facilities. The Planning Commission will vote on the recommendation this week, with construction bids due by August 5.
Read More: AL.com (paywall) July 16, 2025
Madison Election: Madison’s 2025 municipal election, set for August 26, will bring a new mayor as three-term incumbent Paul Finley opts not to run. Three prominent figures are vying for the mayor’s seat: Ranae Bartlett, a current city councilor with experience on the school board; Margi Daly, a former commissioner from New Jersey; and Steven Smith, formerly Madison’s city administrator and council president. During a recent forum hosted by local business groups, candidates highlighted priorities including traffic congestion, budget management, aging infrastructure, and transparent governance. Several city council races will also be decided, most uncontested, including seats in districts 1, 2, 3, and 5, while competitive contests are underway in districts 4 and 6.
Read More: HBJ July 14, 2025
Healthcare
Huntsville Hospital: Huntsville Hospital’s CEO, Jeff Samz, emphasized the urgent need for two new free‑standing emergency rooms in North Alabama. One in Hampton Cove and another in north Huntsville pending state approval . He noted these additional facilities will help ease overcrowding and improve access to emergency care for the rapidly growing local population.
Read More: WHNT July 16, 2025