Good morning, Huntsville.

Decatur Police charged Dakota Charles Epps with possessing child sexual abuse material after investigators, led by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, found three videos during a home search — he is now held on a $300,000 bond — while the investigation continues with more charges expected.

Hartselle police responded to a shooting on Thursday when officers found unarmed 59 year old Nancy Deanne Sandline Fox at a home on Stage Road and arrested 25 year old Wyatt Braxton Young from Falkville for capital murder—police said the incident was isolated and posed no danger to the community.

More than $1 billion in new construction has started in the Huntsville area this year through June 30, with Huntsville Hospital’s Madison Street Tower expansion adding 154,000 square feet of clinical space—top builders like Robins & Morton, Davidson Homes, and Lennar Homes are responsible for major projects and future plans include expansions to parks and community facilities. This growth reflects strong local development and signals continued investments in the region.

Lawmakers passed a smokable hemp ban that took effect on July 1 and has hurt small business owners and patients who rely on hemp products, with vendors like Jason Pauls at the Green Lady Dispensary reporting an 80% income drop and fears that up to 2,000 jobs could be lost.

The law (HB445) makes selling these products a Class C felony and new guidelines from the ABC Board (expected Jan. 1, 2026) are still pending.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reopened Wilson Lock on the Tennessee River this morning at 6:00 a.m. after nearly nine months of repairs to fix cracks in the chamber gates and pintle assemblies—a project costing $20 million and supported by TVA.

The main lock will now restore full navigation capacity, making barge tows 4 to 6 times more efficient—saving 16 to 24 hours per 15-barge tow and easing delays for local vessels.

The Huntsville Police celebrated the graduation of eight new officers from the 72nd Academy Session on July 3 at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering—local leaders praised the graduates for their hard work and commitment.

The officers will soon begin field training to serve the community.

Butterfly Release Program

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. — Purdy Butterfly House — $8 for Garden Members, $20 for Non-Member children — Experience the joy of releasing live butterflies and capturing unforgettable moments.

George Willborn Comedy Show

6-7:30 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of laughter with the talented comedian George Willborn.

Phusion Comedy Open Mic

8-10:30 p.m. — Phat Sammy's — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter with local comedians at this weekly open mic event in Huntsville.

Heartshakers - Tom Petty Tribute

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mars Music Hall — Tickets available at the VBC Box Office and online — Don't miss out on The Heartshakers, a live tribute to the music of Tom Petty.

The Market at MidCity

12-4 p.m. — The Camp — Free entry — Explore local vendors and enjoy community vibes in Huntsville.

Level Up STEAM Camp: Python Coding for Beginners

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM — DiVRgence — Registration required — Dive into Python programming with hands-on projects for young learners.

Mick Foley: A Night of Comedy and Storytelling

7-8:30 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets required — Experience the wit and wisdom of wrestling legend Mick Foley as he shares stories from his colorful career.

Catacombs & Comedians

7-11 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets from $21.42 — Experience a night of laughter with Brandi Augustus, Jesse Brady, Rayna Cahill, Elliott White & Dan Taylor.

CodeHSV Summer Tech Mixer

6-8 p.m. — The Camp — Free entry — Network and innovate at Huntsville's vibrant tech community mixer.

Columbus Clingstones vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas

6:35–8:35 p.m. — Toyota Field — Admission Charged — Don't miss the exciting matchup between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Columbus Clingstones.