Six places in the South and West will host practice runs four years prior to the 2030 U.S. census, and that includes Huntsville. U.S. Census Bureau officials said Monday Huntsville residents will be encouraged to fill out practice census questionnaires starting in the spring of 2026. AL.com reports the agency hopes the practice counts will help it learn how to better tally populations that were undercounted in the 2020 census; improve methods that will be utilized in 2030; test its messaging, and appraise its ability to process data as it is being gathered.
This week Madison became the first city in Alabama to exempt hearing aids and similar devices from local sales taxes. The exemption goes into effect Oct. 1. AL.com reports Alabama lawmakers exempted hearing aids and similar hearing instruments from the 4% state sales tax in this year’s legislative session. The bill, which Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law, simultaneously allowed counties and municipalities to exempt them from local sales taxes.
With more rain in the forecast, it’s a good time to remember that Alabama drivers are required by law to turn on their headlights when it’s raining. According to Alabama's traffic laws, headlights must be on from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise. Headlights must be used when windshield wipers are operating due to rain, sleet, or snow, except during intermittent use. This helps other drivers see your car better, reducing the risk of accidents. Rocket City Now reports that drivers who don't follow these rules may be fined, so it's important to remember to turn on your headlights when driving in rainy conditions.
North Alabama is experiencing a huge increase in people who are food insecure. That’s according to Shirley Schofield, CEO of the Food Bank of North Alabama. The Food Bank says there has been a 23% increase in food insecurity in the area this year. WHNT TV reports the increase in food insecurity and decrease in donations is assumed to be caused by inflation. The Food Bank of North Alabama is always in need of contributions from the community. To learn more about volunteering and donating, visit their website: https://www.foodbanknorthal.org/
Huntsville Animal Services is urging the community to adopt or foster animals due to overcrowding. Because of the urgency of its current situation, HAS is waving their adoption fee on most adult pets until the end of July. Nearly 200 dogs and cats are in the shelter now. Interim Director Virgie Graham tells WAFF TV one way the overcrowding issue could be prevented is for more people to spay and neuter their pets. Each pet available for adoption is spayed, microchipped and vaccinated before leaving the shelter. Call 256-883-3782, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal or visit the shelter’s Facebook page to learn more.
Athens State University is launching a bachelor of arts in Music Industry Studies program this fall. The program is designed to offer training opportunities in the music industry, including skills in music performance and production, recording and audio engineering, and music business and management. 256 Today reports classes will be held at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur. It features rehearsal spaces for music, dance, and theatre as well as a studio theatre and recital hall. The facility also has resources for recording and music technology.
You are invited to be a part of the Scarecrow Trail, an autumn family tradition at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Businesses, community groups, schools, and members are all invited to build a scarecrow for the Scarecrow Trail. Your 'crow will be featured along the Scarecrow Trail during the Festifall season at the Garden. This year’s theme is Fairy Tales. Registration and information is at www.hsvbg.org/visit/exhibits and look for “Festifall”. You’ll need to register by August 1.