Alabama A&M + Madison Rental Assistance

Good morning, Huntsville! In today's Daily, we'll look at Alabama A&M's newest addition, who the Madison City Council voted on, and when Madison's rental assistance will be available!

First, today's weather:

Today will be sunny with a light wind. High: 86 Low: 62

Here are the top five stories in Huntsville today:

1. Alabama A&M has broken ground on a new welcome center! The building will be like UAH’s Student Services Building and be a one-stop shop for administrative offices for students. A&M’s new space will also offer retail space, restaurants, and a conference space. (WZDX)
2. The Madison City Council voted on their candidate for police chief on Thursday night. Caroline Klapp said that the vote was not unanimous, but Johnny Gandy of the Virginia Beach Police was chosen as the candidate that will be finalized as the next chief of police for Madison County. (WAFF)
3. It has been revealed that the City of Huntsville has paid $89,132 for William Darby’s defense. The Huntsville Police have also stated that Mr. Darby’s hearing to be fired has been postponed because he changed his leave status from paid administrative leave to accrued leave with pay, which means he is using paid time off. (RawStory)
4. Madison County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program should finally be ready early next month. The county was allocated $5.2 million back in February, while Huntsville was allocated over $6 million and started the process to distribute it in March. Alabama currently leads the U.S. in renters behind in payments, according to Madison Neal. (WHNT)
5. The Trash Pandas are experiencing a shortage in staff, along with the rest of the country. The menu has been trimmed for the time being and there is no in-seat food service to avoid fans having to wait extremely long amounts of time for their service. If you are looking for a job, you can be a part of the Trash Pandas’ inaugural season! (WHNT)

Today in Huntsville

• Free ACT Class @ Rocket City Learning Center (3 p.m.)
• Astronomy for All: Genius-ify Yourself @ The Space and Rocket Center- Let this planetarium show break down complex terms so you can feel confident in sounding smart at your next party! (7 p.m.)
• 11th Annual Rocket City Fair- Now through Memorial Day! (4 p.m.)
• Food Trucks vs. Food Trailers- It is finally time for the food trucks! (5 p.m.)

Huntsville Patch Notebook

• The North Jackson Chiefs took home their first State Softball Title! Congrats Chiefs!
• Huntsville Animal Services is offering reduced fees for certified “genetically adoptable” pets! (Details)
• Straight to Ale and Alabama A&M’s “Alma Mater” American Lager will be released on May 27! (Details)
• WAFF 48 is investigating a daycare that was approved for PPP loans but allegedly had them stolen. (Details)
• Huntsville Utilities Electric Operations had rolling road closures last night on Highway 234/431, but everything should be opened back up now!
• Don’t forget to preorder your replica jersey from the Havoc! The presale ends June 1! (Details)
• UAH has created an endowed scholarship to honor Ann McNair. (Details)

That’s all for today! I’ll catch you in your inbox tomorrow for a weekend update!

-Amy