🌱 Second Chance Bill + 'American Idol' Finalist + Riverfront Jazz

Hello, Montgomery! I'm here in your inbox this warm morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 87 Low: 55.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy. High: 83 Low: 59.

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Here are the top three stories in Montgomery today:

1. On Apr. 19, a press conference hosted by Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice was held in front of the Alabama State House in Montgomery to advocate for House Bill 229, the Second Chance bill. The bill would allow judges to examine cases and re-sentence older inmates who are serving a life sentence without parole for crimes that did not result in any physical injury due to Alabama’s Habitual Felony Offender Act. The bill went before the House Judiciary committee yesterday, Apr. 19. (AL.com)
2. On the Apr. 17 episode of the ABC reality series "American Idol," Hannah Nicolaisen, who lives in Montgomery, covered Pink's "Glitter in the Air" in Hawaii. And despite just getting over COVID-19 and still feeling under the weather, the 24-year-old was praised for her performance as one of the top 26 finalists. The results of the votes that determine who makes it to the top 20 will be announced on Apr. 23. (AL.com)
3. The City of Montgomery’s Cultural Affairs Department will host the annual "Jazz on the Riverfront" this weekend! Mark your calendars for the free event on Sunday, Apr. 23, featuring live music, vendors, food trucks, and more. Bring a lawn chair to sit and enjoy the event. (City of Montgomery via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Montgomery:

Thursday, April 20

• First Annual NewSouth Bookstore Poetry Read-Aloud At The NewSouth Bookstore (5:30 PM)

Friday, April 21

• Earth Day Safari Educational Event At Montgomery Zoo And Mann Wildlife Museum (9:00 AM)
• Trivia Night At Maxwell Club (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Apr. 18, Mayor Steven Reed accepted the Energy Star Award on behalf of Montgomery's City team at the City Council Meeting. City Hall earned the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® certification for superior energy performance in 2022. (City of Montgomery, Alabama Government via Facebook)
• "Next to Normal," an award-winning musical, will run from Apr. 27 to May 7 at Cloverdale Playhouse in Montgomery! The story follows a suburban family as it attempts to cope with mental illness. Click here or call (334) 262-1530 for more information and to purchase tickets. (Montgomery Advertiser)
• Join the City of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department for Summer Registration Kickoff and Family Fun Day on Saturday, Apr. 22, at Oak Park in Montgomery! Enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment including music, games, food, and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (City of Montgomery, Alabama Government via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!