Space Command Updates + Fantasy Playhouse Weekend

Good morning, Huntsville! In today's Daily, we will get Space Command updates, what Huntsville has changed for vaccinated individuals, and what Fantasy Playhouse and the Botanical Garden have up their sleeves for this weekend!

First, today's weather:

Saturday will be cloudy with a high of 79 and a low of 56. Sunday will be partly cloudy with a high of 82 and a low of 60. The weekend has a very high UV Index, so make sure to wear sunscreen!

Here are the top five stories in Huntsville today:

1. The Air Force has said that it is confident in the decision to move the Space Force headquarters to Huntsville despite the recent conversation involving the Arsenal needing serious communications upgrades. They are happy to have the decision reviewed, but ultimately feel that it is the right move for the program. Air Force Acting Secretary Ross has said that once the environmental exam at the Arsenal is finished, they will be able to make the final decision in mid-to-late 2022. (AL.com)
2. Huntsville has announced that fully vaccinated people will not have to wear masks or socially distance starting Monday following the CDC’s new guidelines for vaccinated individuals. Lowe Mill and the Trash Pandas both announced yesterday that vaccinated people will be allowed to be mask-free at their locations. (Huntsville)
3. Mayor Battle accepted an $8 million package from the state for housing on the Arsenal. This is something that the state offered to help move Space Command’s headquarters. Once they make sure headquarters will move to Huntsville, it will be a six-year process to move from Colorado, so construction of homes won’t happen for several years. (WAFF)
4. BeArded WARRIORs is hosting Laundry Day today, where they pick up locals that are homeless and take them to the nearest laundry facility. They are looking for volunteers for the future, and are also asking for donations of laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and fresh meals to help out on Laundry Days. (WZDX)
5. A new Alabama’s Challenge Initiative to help with suicide prevention in veterans has launched in the state, and the BeArded WARRIORs are happy for the help in Huntsville. They host events every month to help veterans connect with others and keep their physical needs taken care of so they can better help with their emotional needs. The new program is a partnership to hopefully have a long-term impact on service members and veterans. (WZDX)

Today in Huntsville

• Arley Day Festival, Car Show and Parade- Free and family friendly! (8:30 a.m.)
• Free Dance Day at Project Dance (10 a.m.)
• Fantasy Playhouse’s Tinkerbell at the Botanical Garden (Saturday 12 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.)

Huntsville Patch Notebook

• Decatur’s Dream Weavers Children’s Theatre has announced that their season-ending show will be Mary Poppins. (Details)
• Whataburger in Huntsville will officially break ground in a ceremony at 9 a.m. Tuesday!
• Union Chapel Missionary Baptist is hosting a food box giveaway today starting at 8 a.m. (Details)
• The Trash Pandas beat the Tennessee Smokies 7-1 yesterday in their widest-margin win so far! (Details)
• John and Sara at the Madison at the Range facility were crowned prom king and queen yesterday at the facility’s prom. For the couple, this month marks 65 years since the first prom they attended together. (Facebook)

You're in the loop for this weekend! I'll catch up with you bright and early Monday morning with another update!

-Amy