Good morning, Huntsville.

Over 118,000 votes marked local retail favorites in the Best of Huntsville contest.

Winners include Firehouse Antiques for antique stores, Booklegger Used Books for book stores, Ana Banana for boutiques, and Hiley Audi Volkswagen Mazda for car dealerships.

An AL.com report highlights Huntsville’s most congested roads near I-565, the Parkway, and University Drive — showing high vehicle counts during rush hour as the city grows.

FirstBank has named Angel Stinson as Market Executive and Senior Vice President to lead its Commercial Banking team in Huntsville.

Stinson brings over 35 years of banking experience and strong local ties — including board roles and community support — that are expected to boost local services.

INTUITIVE Planetarium at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center earned a nomination — one of 20 nationwide — for the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Voting continues until Feb. 9.

AAA reported that gas prices in Huntsville averaged $2.52 for regular, $3.01 for mid-grade, and $3.33 for premium on Monday, Jan.

12; national averages stood at $2.80, $3.28, and $3.65 respectively.

State Sen. Chris Elliott and State Rep. Rhett Marques announced legislation Monday at the Fairhope Municipal Pier to end federal dredge dumping in Mobile Bay as it harms oysters and local jobs; they plan to file companion bills in today’s legislative session.

Taxpayers who turned 65 by Dec.

31 last year now qualify for a new $6,000 senior tax deduction added to the standard deduction. The benefit phases out for incomes over $75k (single) or $150k for joint filers, and tax filing starts on Jan. 26.

The City of Huntsville is now accepting applications for its free Civic Engagement Academy spring 2026 cohort, which will run Tuesday evenings from March 10 to April 28; residents 19+ may apply by Friday, Feb.

13 (10 p.m.).

Morgan County Health Department released inspection scores for food and lodging sites inspected Jan.

5-10, 2026; establishments in Hartselle, Decatur, and Trinity scored as low as 80 due to food safety issues (such as improper chemical storage and missing sanitizing supplies).

Loona's Cafe is highlighted in Foodie Fix for its creative spins on local favorites.

The Huntsville eatery invites residents to experience its vibrant menu and friendly service.

Joe Kruzel is set to manage Rocket City Trash Pandas in 2026.

The longtime coach (with over 30 years of experience) previously helped develop players for the Los Angeles Angels and plans to guide the team back to playoff contention.

Huntsville Boat Show

10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Von Braun Center — Single Day Admission: $12 — Explore a variety of boats and enjoy family-friendly boating activities.

Real Interactive Ghost Hunt at The Historic Lowry House

7-10:30 p.m. — The Historic Lowry House — Tickets required — Experience a thrilling paranormal investigation at one of the most haunted places in Alabama.

PMP Exam Preparation Training

9 AM – 5 PM — Alabama A&M University — Contact for pricing — Enhance your project management skills with a comprehensive PMP certification bootcamp.

Twelfth Night Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — VBC Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience Shakespeare's classic comedy of mistaken identities and love.

Alabama Regional Future City Competition

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. — T.M. Elmore Gymnasium — Free entry — Middle school students showcase innovative cities of the future tackling real-world problems.

FREE Latin Dance Night

6:30-10:00 p.m. — The Electric Belle — Free entry — Start with a free dance lesson and keep the rhythm going all night on the dance floor.

Phi Beta Sigma Founders Day Celebration

6-11 PM — Stovehouse — Refund policy available — Celebrate 112 years of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service with music and camaraderie.

Los Rugar Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Ok Corral — Ticket prices vary — Dance the night away to the melodic sounds of Los Rugar featuring their hit Cortinas Guindas.

Loomis Bros. Circus

3-7 p.m. — Alabama A&M Agribition Center — Tickets from $89 — Experience the thrilling performances of Loomis Bros. Circus in Huntsville.

Creative Embroidery Class

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Studio 127 - A Conservatory for Creativity — All materials supplied — Learn the basics of embroidery with guest teacher Dezzy Moon in a fun, stress-free environment.