Community Corner
🌱 How much pay do Madison firefighters say they’re losing per paycheck?
Coming up: A Civil War Santa: TN Valley Civil War Roundtable Open House on the Madison Patch calendar

Hello Madison! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How much pay do Madison firefighters say they’re losing per paycheck?
- Why is Madison fighting the state over online sales tax money?
- How will Madison Hospital’s Wellness Center closure affect local patients?
Also on today's calendar: A Civil War Santa: TN Valley Civil War Roundtable Open House and 3 more events.
Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Cooler with sun and clouds, with a high of 46 and low of 35 degrees.
- Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 61, low: 32.
- Saturday: Cloudy with a shower or two, with a high of 56 and low of 25 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Madison firefighters sue city, claim errors in pay scale cause major financial losses (rocketcitynow.com) — Madison firefighters have filed a federal lawsuit claiming the city misapplied a new pay scale, costing some veteran personnel hundreds of dollars each paycheck. The case challenges how a 2024 compensation ordinance was implemented and seeks back pay and enforcement of the pay plan. City officials say they’ll vigorously defend the lawsuit and maintain Madison’s pay remains competitive regionally.
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2. Another Alabama city joins in lawsuit seeking bigger cut of state's online sales tax money (al.com) — Madison’s City Council has voted to join a lawsuit challenging how Alabama distributes online sales tax, arguing local Madison tax dollars are being diverted from the community and schools. City leaders say they want a fairer share of Simplified Sellers Use Tax revenue and more transparency from the state. Other major Alabama cities, including Mobile and Hoover, have also signed on.
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3. Longtime members of Madison Hospital Wellness Center disappointed over closure announcement (whnt.com) — Madison Hospital’s Wellness Center will close on January 4, 2026, as Huntsville Hospital converts the space into an outpatient imaging facility. Longtime Madison members who rely on evening water aerobics for diabetes management, pain relief, and social connection say they’re devastated and can’t find comparable options nearby.
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4. Margaritaville hotel officially canceled, what's next for Town Madison? (waff.com) — Plans for a Margaritaville hotel and resort at Town Madison, behind Toyota Field, have been officially canceled after years of delays. Developers say they’re pivoting to a new, first-of-its-kind project for North Alabama, emphasizing that Town Madison is only about 60% built out and promising more hotels, shops, and attractions residents can enjoy.
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5. Madison police ask for donations for abandoned and abused puppy (waff.com) — Madison Police are asking residents to help fund surgery for Ringo, a nine‑month‑old abused puppy dropped off at the department and needing a leg amputation. Donations can be made at the Madison Police Records window on Hughes Road or by check to the Madison Police Foundation.
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📸 Around Madison
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Madison
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- A Civil War Santa: TN Valley Civil War Roundtable Open House
Elks Lodge, 725 Franklin St SE, Huntsville
6:30 pm
Thursday December 11
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Santa's Day Out
City of Madison Calendar Madison, AL 35758
10:00 am - Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Huntsville
The Poppy and Parliament , 117 North Side Square , Huntsville
4:30 pm - Shadracks Christmas Wonderland - Madison
Toyota Field , 500 Trash Panda Wy , Madison
5:59 pm - Christmas Light Show
Toyota Field , 500 Trash Panda Wy , Madison
5:59 pm - Shadracks Christmas Wonderland - Madison
Toyota Field , 500 Trash Panda Wy , Madison
5:59 pm
Saturday December 13
Monday December 15
Thursday December 18
Sunday December 21
📣 Madison Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Ribbon Cutting: Tru by Hilton Huntsville Research Park Area
Huntsville Madison County Chamber , 225 Church St NW , Huntsville
10:00 am - Christkindlmarket Huntsville
The Orion Amphitheater , 701 Amphitheater Dr NW , Huntsville
5:00 pm - Artisan Sourdough Bread Dec. Class
University Pickers , 3405 SW Triana Blvd , Huntsville
10:00 am - Peter Antoniou
Huntsville Levity Live , 2012 Memorial Pkwy SW , Huntsville
3:00 pm - Vision for Purpose
5533 AL-53 , Harvest
3:30 pm - City of Madison Christmas Parade
City of Madison Calendar Madison, AL 35758
5:00 pm - Huntsville Anime-Fest 2025
Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville , 800 Monroe St SW , Huntsville
9:00 am
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
Sunday December 14
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- To all the parents who sit and cry at night because you can't afford Christmas gifts for your family this year.
Just remember it's not what you can or can't get them . It's being together for Christmas is what really matters the most . And them knowing how much… (Nextdoor James Record Rd) - My hubby donated blood and was surprised when they sent him testing results.
I guess they test for A1c and cholesterol for everybody. They have to test for hemoglobin and platelet count anyway, I guess the additional cost of… (Nextdoor River Landing)
- Cava posted a job opening for Team Member in Madison. Apply here.
- Staples posted a job opening for Retail Sales Specialist in Madison. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Madison here.
Ok Madison! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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