🌱 Community Safety Concerns + FIRST Robotics Competition Weekend

Hey, neighbors! It's Friday in Huntsville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

Also, FYI: I’m filling in temporarily to write your morning newsletters after Amy’s departure last week. But I wanted to let you know that 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.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Aire Serv

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For clean air in your home, reach out to Scott and the Huntsville Aire Serv team today.

Now, today's weather:

Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. High: 59 Low: 51.

Big love to our other local sponsors. We couldn’t keep the community informed without you!

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Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. Homeowners in the Riverside Landing community in Huntsville share safety concerns after a string of incidents from neighborhood construction. After an independent contractor hit a gas line causing a home explosion in March, other residents have come forward with problems related to internet service projects. As of today, independent contractors are still doing work in Riverside Landing. (WHNT News 19)
2. Work is finally beginning on a MidCity hotel that was announced three years ago. Last week, the permit was issued to start construction on the $15.5 million Hotel Indigo project at 940 Nunnahsae Park. It was the most expensive project issued a permit last week in three Alabama counties. (Subscription: AL.com)
3. Over 1,000 students from 15 states, Mexico, and Brazil, will compete in Alabama’s annual FIRST Robotics Competition this weekend in downtown Huntsville. Students must build and program industrial-sized robots to compete with other teams in a game called CHARGED UP. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday with matches at 9:00 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. (AL.com)

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.

Today in and around Huntsville:

• Friday Night $3 For All At Sammy T's Music Hall (9:00 PM)
• Good Friday Community Event At Trent Standridge Agency in Decatur (11:00 AM)
• The Zooks At The Rocket Republic (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The city of Huntsville recognizes Gold Star Spouses Day to honor those who lost their partners in service to the nation. See the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Veterans Park. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• Congratulations to Alabama A&M University junior Tomia Gordon who recently won big on Wheel of Fortune! Tomia made it to the final puzzle with a grand total of $31,700. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• Exciting news for The Alabama State Department of Education! 122 Alabama schools will receive the 2023 Purple Star School designations. The designation affirms the school’s support of military students and their families. (Decatur City Schools - Alabama via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— 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.