Entries by Bud McLaughlin

Conference USA extends championship partnership with Huntsville through 2029

With the Conference USA men’s and women’s basketball championships set to tip off in Huntsville next week, the conference and City announced an extension of their partnership. Starting this fall, the Rocket City will not only continue as host of the CUSA basketball championship tournaments, it will host two more conference championship events in conjunction […]

Blue Origin, Marshall Space Flight Center leverage assets to make space more accessible commercially

Built in 1965 to help power the first missions to the moon, Test Stand 4670 at the Marshall Space Flight Center has served well.  Now, thanks to Blue Origin leasing the revitalized test stand since 2023 from Marshall, the current space program stands on the shoulders of the past. “It took four years of construction […]

Holmes Avenue Corridor to ease connection between Cummings Research Park and downtown

Called a game-changer for West Huntsville, the city is another step closer to linking downtown with UAH and Cummings Research Park and some of Huntsville’s more established neighborhoods.  Huntsville took that step when the City Council approved an engineering design and construction administration services contract with Volkert for the “urban park.” “This will be a […]

Dr. Andy Aldrin: Space commercialization riding waves with the occasional wipeout

“Catch a wave and you’re sitting on top of the world,” the Beach Boys sang. And, according to Dr. Andy Aldrin, waves are the perfect metaphor for the commercialization of space. Aldrin, son of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, is the executive director of Space Programs, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. He was the keynote speaker Tuesday at […]

Women-owned small businesses are a vibrant and vital force in the community

Every March, we honor women’s achievements, resilience and innovation as we observe Women’s History Month.   As a crucial part of that, women-owned small businesses are a vibrant and vital force driving economic growth and diversity in the community. Illustrating the diversity of Huntsville’s economy, women are the engine that drive many of our defense, medical, […]

Monte Sano State Park cuts ribbons to renovations of historic CCC-built cabins

After nearly a century of hosting visitors at Monte Sano State Park, the rustic cabins have undergone a facelift. They’re not the “glamping” style of cabins that is gaining popularity around the country, but they provide modern comforts, offering visitors the perfect mix of heritage and hospitality. “Several of these cabins boast stunning views of […]

Tree City USA: Huntsville celebrates Arbor Day with 35-year commitment to urban forestry

Watercress Capital of the World. The Rocket City.  Hockey Capital of the South. Pentagon of the South. To its growing list of monikers, Huntsville has one that brings its own sense of pride to the community: Tree City USA. For 35 years, the city has had this designation by the Arbor Day Foundation. The honor […]

Report says Huntsville is nation’s No. 1 city in financial resilience

Economic and financial pain is everywhere. “Affordability” has become the latest political buzzword as households are juggling rising costs, high debt, and housing pressures.  Though financial strain feels like a universal experience in this economy, some Americans are feeling the burden more than others.  Fortunately, Huntsville is one of those cities that feels the burden […]

Dr. John Christy retiring from UAH; Dr. Lee Ellenburg named state climatologist

After nearly 40 years, an era of climate expertise is coming to an end at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the state. Dr. John Christy, distinguished professor of Atmospheric Science and director of UAH’s Earth System Science Center, is retiring from UAH and as the state climatologist in July. He began studying global […]

For second straight year, Drake State takes part in FICO Educational Analytics Challenge

After a successful inaugural year, Drake State Community & Technical College is taking part in a national AI challenge for the second straight year.  Global analytics software creator Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) announced the continuation of its Educational Analytics Challenge for the spring 2026 semester.  Since its launch three years ago, FICO has partnered with […]