🌱 Space Command Huntsville Move Halted + Limestone County Growth

Good morning, everybody. It's Wednesday in Huntsville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 82 Low: 59.

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Here are the top three stories in Huntsville today:

1. The decision to move the U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Huntsville may have been halted, according to U.S. Officials. One official claimed that the change in plans is due to the recent Alabama legislation that bans abortion, however, a report from the White House denied that claim. The official report said that many factors are being weighed in the decision to move Space Command headquarters, including access to healthcare and housing, room for growth, proximity to airports, and overall quality of life. Administration officials went on to say that the potential change is not related to Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, who has blocked over 234 of President Biden's military nominations. Alabama leaders issued a statement saying any deviation from the previous plan is, "a slight against those serving in uniform." (WAFF)
2. Huntsville has been bumped from the top spot on the U.S. News and World Report list of 150 Best Places to Live in the United States. Huntsville was named the second-best place to live and has now been part of the top 15 for the past six years. The rankings are based on an area's quality of life, value index, job market index, and desirability index. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said it was an honor to be included in the rankings, and "we’ll continue our focus on sustainable growth and maintaining the exceptional quality of life that our residents deserve.” (AL.com)
3. Over the past decade, Huntsville has annexed land in Limestone County to house manufacturing and distribution centers. Dennis Madsen, the city's manager for urban and long-range planning, spoke in an interview about how Huntsville is looking ahead at the infrastructure needs these annexed areas may have. This may include roads, utilities, and even public schools as people relocate to be closer to the jobs located in annexed Limestone County. According to Shane Davis, the director of urban and economic development, the original study area has added over 16,000 new jobs and $6 billion in private investment since it was implemented in 2015. (Rocket City Now)

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Today in Huntsville:

• Forest Friends At Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve (10:00 AM)
• Set Build For Spam-A-Lot At Theatre Huntsville (6:00 PM)
• Rhythm Wednesdays Featuring Josh Allison At Rhythm On Monroe (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This Friday, Downtown Huntsville is hosting a Food Truck and Trailer Rally at Big Spring Park from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. There will be over 16 food trucks and trailers to choose from, as well as live music from In the Mood Big Swing Band. (Downtown Huntsville, Inc. via Facebook)
• Huntsville Parks and Recreation is offering lifeguard training this weekend at the Huntsville Aquatics Center. To sign up, email david.kalange@huntsvilleal.gov or call 256-883-3700. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• The Huntsville Museum of Art has announced it will offer free admission on Sunday, May 28, from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for Betsy and Peter Lowe Community Free Day. To learn more, click here. (Arts Huntsville via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• REFLECTIONS FROM MOZART TO GOSPEL - Huntsville Choral Festival Concert (June 3)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.