Jeff Bezos + Madison City Schools

Happy Monday, Huntsville! Congrats to all of the retail workers here for surviving the tax-free weekend! In today's Daily, we'll look at what the Space and Rocket Center is doing for Jeff Bezos, what housing will soon look like in the county, and updates on Madison City Schools.

First, today's weather:

Today will have scattered storms that could produce heavy rain. High: 80 Low: 68

Here are the top stories today in Huntsville:

1. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is hosting a launch party for Blue Origin’s New Shephard launch tomorrow. Jeff Bezos will be aboard the 11-minute flight, as well as both the oldest and youngest individuals to ever go to space. (Alabama's News Leader, Wired)
2. Madison City Schools have decided to make masks optional for the time being. Their quarantine procedures and sanitization processes will remain in place. They will also not offer online school this year for K-8, but the state still has online options. (WAAY)
3. The Near-Earth Asteroid Scout (NEA) made at Marshall Space Flight Center is ready to go for the Artemis I launch in November. You can read more in this Daily! (Clarksville Online)
4. Over the past month, Madison County has approved nearly 3500 lots for homes. This coming expansion is causing leaders to be concerned with current infrastructure not being ready to handle it, as well as worrying how schools will handle the influx of new students. (WAFF)
5. A motion was filed to dismiss the charges against Mike Blakely, the Limestone County sheriff. Blakely is accused of theft and the defense has said that they believe the Attorney General’s office will try to use the indictment for other cases beyond its intended purpose. (WAAY)

Today in Huntsville

• Concerts in the Park (6:30 p.m.)
• Youth kickball @ Mark Russell Recreation Center (4 p.m.)
• CenterStage Musical Theatre Camp @ Lee High School (8:30 a.m.)
• Freshman Academy Tours for New Students (Last names A-L) (8:00 AM)
• Council Member Bill Kling, Jr. Town Hall (6:00 PM)
• Youth summer camps @ Huntsville Botanical Garden
  • Nature's Engineers (9:00 AM)
  • Nature's Mysteries (9:00 AM)
  • Bugs: Heroes and Villains (9:00 AM)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Amy Young

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