🌱 Community Leader Ray Jones Passes Away + New Community Center

Hi friends! I'm back with the latest and greatest news and events in the Rocket City. Today's update features:

• Community leader Ray Jones passed away
• COVID numbers this year have topped all of 2021
• Armory to be transformed into community center

First, today's weather:

A t-storm or two; not as hot. High: 86 Low: 70.

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Here are the top stories today in Huntsville:

1. Ray Jones, community leader and son of Carl T. Jones, has passed away after an ATV accident. Jones is from the community-famous Jones family that Jones Valley is named for, and spent his time serving others. The visitation service will be Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. at Mayfair Church of Christ and the funeral will be Thursday at 11 a.m. (WHNT)
2. The number of COVID cases for this year has officially topped 2021’s total. Most of the numbers came in the early part of the year during a surge, but there are currently about 600 hospitalized cases. (WAAY)
3. A press conference was held yesterday with State House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, Representative Laura Hall, and certified OB GYN Dr. Sanithia Williams to discuss Alabama’s trigger law regarding abortion. Dr. Williams emphasized that the state will see a decline in doctors wanting to practice in the state, and wanted to make sure to correctly understand how this law works, since it is only legal to perform an abortion in Alabama when the mother’s life is in danger. (WAAY)
4. City Council has approved a contract to transform the old National Guard Armory into a community center. It will be named the Raymond W. Jones Community Center and will be part of John Hunt Park. (Patch)

Today in Huntsville:

• Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse @ Bridge Street - Tom and Jerry (10:00 AM)
• ReLaunch Career Fair (Day 1 of 2) (4:00 PM)
• District 4 Public Office Hours - City of Huntsville (6:00 PM)
• Concerts in the Park @ Big Spring (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Snap currently has funds, so if you meet the criteria, you can get your pet spayed or neutered for only $5! (Details)
• If you haven’t gotten to hunt for gold at Burritt on the Mountain, it ends in early September so make sure to check it out! (Details)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 22)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See y'all tomorrow for another update!

— Amy Young

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Huntsville Daily? Contact me at huntsville@patch.com