Census Estimates + U.S. Secretary of the Interior + I-565

Up and at ‘em, Huntsville! In this weekend’s Daily, we’ll take a look at the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's announcement that affects the city, what the Census Bureau thinks of Huntsville, and what is going on with I-565.

First, today’s weather:

Saturday will be mostly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. High: 87 Low: 66

Sunday will have scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. High: 85 Low: 69

Here are the top five stories in Huntsville this weekend:

1. According to a Vintage Population from the U.S. Census Bureau chart that estimates the outcome of the 2020 Census, Huntsville could surpass Birmingham as the largest city in Alabama by July 1. Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile were the top three in 2010, but all three are on a downward trend and Ramsey Archibald says it could be from people moving from the city to nearby smaller towns. (AL.com)
2. The first five cities to receive money from Governor Ivey will include Madison County. The county will get $700,000 to help the recovery process from the pandemic. The other counties are: Cullman received $803,861, Dekalb got $500,000, Marshall was given $600,000, and Walker was awarded $288,200. Other counties and cities will be announced as their forms get processed. (WAFF)
3. The U.S. Secretary of the Interior announced 10 new national recreation trails across the country, and three of them are in North Alabama. The Bethel Spring Recreational Preserve Trail System on Keel Mountain in Madison, Chapman Mountain Recreational Preserve Trail System in east Huntsville, and Green Mountain Recreational Preserve Trail System in Huntsville were all named national recreation trails. (WHNT)
4. According to Nolan Crane, many people are reporting damage to their vehicles from driving on I-565. Part of the issue is from the milling process, which removes part of the surface, but leaves tiny pebbles all over the road. These pebbles are being picked up by tires and thrown backwards, causing chips in paint on the front end of the car behind. According to one group of citizens, this is $5000-6000 worth of damage per car for them to have repairs. If you have damage from driving on I-565, file a complaint here. (WAFF)
5. “Military Service: A History in Postcards,” a war exhibit from Troy University, is at the downtown Huntsville Public Library. The exhibit will leave on June 25 to head down to Montgomery. The 30,000 postcards came from a Troy alum, and date from 1902-1966 and are separated by war and military branch. (WHNT)

This weekend in Huntsville

• Paws at the Pitch- Join the North Alabama Soccer Coalition at John Hunt Park for a game against LSA Athletico Lanier. The Greater Huntsville Humane Society will be there with several adoptable pets, and if you donate an item from the GHHS wish list, your entry is free! (7 p.m.)
• Wally Vess Youth Fishing Rodeo @ Brahan Spring Park for ages 6-12 (7 a.m.)
• Summer Reading Kick-Off Party @ the Athens-Limestone County Public Library (10 a.m.)
• Mini Photography Field Trip @ the Huntsville Botanical Garden with Chris Baker (9 a.m.)

Huntsville Patch Notebook

• Seth Smith, a former ICU Nurse at Huntsville Hospital, is walking 100 miles in 24 hours to raise awareness for kids with rare diseases. (Details)
• Harrison Center is opening up for the first time in 15 months for a “Welcome Back Bash” on June 10. (Details)
• The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a grant to buy new radios so communicating between departments is easier.
• The Redstone Arsenal is looking to hire new shuttle bus drivers. (Details)

You're caught up heading into the weekend! I'll see you in your inbox bright and early Monday morning with another update.

-Amy