🌱 HPD Officer's Murder Conviction Overturned + Bus Drivers Unionize

Morning, Huntsville. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Huntsville Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now.

Also, FYI: Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Huntsville Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Huntsville long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

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Now, your local weather:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 79 Low: 48.
• Sunday: Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 78 Low: 57.

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Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals has reversed the murder conviction of former Huntsville Police Department officer William "Ben" Darby, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2021 for the on-duty shooting of Jeffery Parker in 2018. The ruling sends the case back to the trial court, and as per defense attorney Robert Tuten, vindicates Darby's belief that he acted correctly. Darby's attorneys filed an appeal arguing that the judge failed to give the jury an instruction related to police officer training in a situation with an armed suspect; Madison County District Attorney Rob Broussard says they will pursue another trial to prosecute Darby. (WHNT News 19)
2. Bus drivers with Huntsville City Schools have successfully unionized after a 131-6 vote earlier this month. The group will be joining Teamsters Local 402, a labor union based out of Muscle Shoals. The unionization will allow Local 402 to represent the drivers, who are contracted out and not employees of the school district, in matters of compensation and benefits. (WZDX)
3. On Thursday, the Huntsville City Council approved the repaving of 51 residential streets, which is part of Mayor Tommy Battle's Phase 2 plan to improve residential areas. The Wiregrass Construction Company won a $5.1 million contract to complete the project. The 2022-2023 budget includes almost $20 million for street improvements, which is the highest amount ever allocated for residential resurfacing. (WHNT News 19)

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From our sponsor:

Today's Huntsville Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today's Huntsville Patch newsletter possible.

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Today and tomorrow in Huntsville:

Saturday, March 25

• Huntsville Yoga Week At MidCity District (9:00 AM)
• Mayor's Spring Tree Planting Day - City Of Huntsville Green Team At John Hunt Park, Airport Road (9:00 AM)
• Huntsville Police Health Expo At House Of Hope And Restoration (10:00 AM)
• Taste Of Soul Family Festival At The Orion Amphitheater (12:00 PM)

Sunday, March 26

• Huntsville Yoga Week At The Orion Amphitheater (10:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• On Wednesday, the Huntsville Botanical Garden signed a partnership agreement with Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley. As part of the agreement, the Garden will provide plant and landscape education for new Habitat homeowners in the area. (Huntsville Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Have you seen the poster for Panoply 2023? The Huntsville arts festival will celebrate its 41st year in Big Spring Park from Friday, Apr. 28 through Sunday, Apr. 30. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• Members of the Huntsville Museum of Arts are invited to an exclusive exhibition preview of "Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the American Folk Art Museum" on Saturday, Apr. 1. Those who are not members can view the exhibit when it opens to the public on Sunday, Apr. 2. (Huntsville Museum of Art via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 27th and 30th at Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (March 27)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (March 28)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll see you around.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.