Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
Good morning, Huntsville.
🏘️ Community
Friends and family gathered yesterday at a rededicated memorial off Bailey Cove Road to honor fallen officer Eric Freeman, who died 18 years ago while responding to a car wreck.
South Precinct Captain Ricky Stephens recalled Freeman’s legacy — his service united the community.
The Huntsville-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau launched its free 2025 Holiday Magic Pass to guide locals to over 50 holiday events, seasonal discounts and a grand prize drawing when checking in.
Families can download the pass on their phone to earn more chances to win.
Huntsville restaurants and city officials partnered on Dec.
16 to boost nighttime safety by updating protocols at local venues (aiming to keep patrons secure during busy hours).
A Pike Road student launched the Holley Jolly Stocking project yesterday to spread holiday cheer and boost youth volunteerism — the effort has inspired more local community service.
💼 Business
Eli Lilly announced plans to build a $6 billion pharmaceutical campus in Huntsville near Interstate 565 and Greenbrier Parkway; construction will begin in 2026 on a 260-acre site creating 450 full-time and 3,000 construction jobs.
The project is the largest private industrial investment in Alabama history (boosting local manufacturing).
ServisFirst Bank named Jim Holtkamp Regional CEO, Huntsville and Executive Vice President today; he will lead banking operations across North Alabama while former leader Andy Kattos advises on the new building project.
L.L.Bean will open its first Alabama store in April 2026 at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville.
The 16,000 sqft location will offer outdoor-inspired apparel & footwear for all seasons.
🎭 Culture
The DAR is asking hunters + property owners in Madison County to help locate graves of 40 Revolutionary War veterans hidden in old cemeteries.
The group asks anyone finding gravestones dated 1800 to 1850 to notify them for proper restoration.
🏛️ Government
Huntsville Utilities warned that it will resume charging late fees and disconnect service for non-payment starting Jan.
5, urging customers to pay bills on time to avoid interruptions in service.
Madison County leaders are teaming with Greater Huntsville Humane Society to consider plans for a new shelter that aims to ease stray animal overcrowding at a local facility.
Officials say they will share further details as the proposal evolves.
🎉 Huntsville Events
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Bollywood Dance Class
6:15-7:15 p.m. — Saturn Jive Dance Space — $15/$10 for students — Experience the vibrant fusion of traditional Indian dance with modern styles in this inaugural class.
Rudolph Run 2025
8:00 AM — Constitution Village — Save up to $10 — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a fun-filled 5K and 1 Mile run for all ages.
Rocket City Classic presented by Akima - Alabama vs. Kennesaw State
The Crimson Tide return to the Rocket City Classic as they face Kennesaw State at the Von Braun Center on Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. A potential NCAA Tournament first round matchup as the Owls are picked as one of the top teams in Conference USA and led by former Tide star Antonio Pettway.
Rocket City Classic presented by Akima - Alabama vs. Kennesaw State
The Crimson Tide return to the Rocket City Classic as they face Kennesaw State at the Von Braun Center on Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. A potential NCAA Tournament first round matchup as the Owls are picked as one of the top teams in Conference USA and led by former Tide star Antonio Pettway.
Phat Sammy's Phusion Comedy Open Mic
9-11 p.m. — Phat Sammy's — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter at Huntsville's weekly comedy open mic hosted by local talents.
Huntsville Havoc vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers
7-8:30 p.m. — Propst Arena — Watch the thrilling matchup between the Havoc and Ice Flyers on FloHockey.
Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
8:45-9:45 p.m. — Stovehouse Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a stunning candlelight concert featuring the iconic music of Queen and ABBA performed by the Listeso String Quartet.
Phat Sammy's Comedy Open Mic Night
9-11 p.m. — Phat Sammy's — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs hosted by local comedians at this vibrant open mic event.
Cactus Tate Live Comedy Show
7-11 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets starting at $27.02 — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Cactus Tate at this vibrant comedy venue.
Candlelight Concert Featuring Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
6:45-7:45 p.m. — Stovehouse Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical sounds of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a captivating candlelit setting.
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.
🏠 Huntsville Real Estate
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