Von Braun Damage - Reader's Digest in Alabama

Rise and shine, Rocket City! We're already halfway through the week, so let's catch up on the latest and greatest in Huntsville so you can get your day started off right! In today's Daily, we're going to find out what happened to the Von Braun Center last night, which two high schools ranked at the top in the state, and what Reader's Digest rated the most iconic diner in Alabama!

First, today’s weather
Today will be mostly cloudy with breezes all day and a 20% chance of rain in the evening. High: 86 Low: 63

Here are the top five stories in Huntsville today:

1. Before last night’s Havoc game at the Von Braun Center, an awning leading to the Propst Arena collapsed. According to reporter Howard Koplowitz, there were no injuries and no interior damage, but the Havoc game was postponed 35 minutes. (AL.com)
2. New Century Tech Demo High School was ranked second out of 361 schools in Alabama in the U.S. News and World Report ranking of Best High Schools in Alabama. Huntsville High School also made the top 20 as number 18. (WZDX)
3. Thrive Alabama has opened a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for anyone in the community over 18 by appointment. This location will have the Moderna vaccine (two-dose) and both shots will be scheduled when you call to make your appointment. You do not need to be a Thrive patient to participate. (WHNT)
4. Evan Miller in Moulton is the reason that the Supreme Court banned mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles in 2012, but yesterday, a judge in Lawrence County ruled that he would not be eligible for a reduction in sentence. According to Kim Miller, Circuit Judge Mark Craig said that Miller fit the criteria for life without parole, and the original ruling would stand. (APNews)
5. The North Alabama Soccer Coalition has secured two new Ugandan players to join the men’s team for their inaugural season in the National Premier Soccer League. Their team will play their first game Saturday in Gainesville, Georgia against LSA. Both new players already have played at the collegiate and professional levels. (Kawowo)

Today in Huntsville

• Cocktails at the View @ Burritt on the Mountain (5 p.m.)
• Planning Commission Meeting (5 p.m.)
• Sunny Days Outdoor Story Time in the Park- Visit Willow Park for interactive stories, games and songs. (10 a.m.)
• Friends and Readers- This virtual book club through the Downtown Huntsville Library is perfect for ages 11 and up! (4 p.m.)

Huntsville Patch Notebook

• Summer camp registration is open with Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning for ages 6-12. (Details)
• Now through May 4, teachers can send verification that they are a teacher to the Chick-fil-A on 72 and they will send you a free entree on your app to celebrate Teacher’s Appreciation Day! (Details)
• Healthy Huntsville’s Fitness in the Park initiative starts Saturday and will have a free event every Saturday through June at Big Spring to get you out and exercising! (Details)
• Still Serving Veterans is providing free ticket vouchers to current and former military personnel for the Havoc game Saturday night. (Details)
• Reader’s Digest named Huntsville’s City Cafe Diner the most iconic diner in Alabama.
• The UAH Life Science Graduate Student Association is hosting a free plant sale (donations are encouraged but not required and cashless options will be available) for Secret Meals for Hungry Children Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Creekwood Park Pavilion at 360 Harvestwood Ct, Madison, AL 35758.

Now you're in the loop for today, Huntsville! I'll be back in your inbox in the morning with even more news!

-Amy