Good morning, Huntsville.

Over 1,000 people from around the world are gathering at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to watch the Artemis II launch live today — a celebration of Huntsville's proud space heritage.

The House passed HB580 on Tuesday, allowing public universities to fire tenured professors after due process (UA and Auburn systems are exempt) while requiring new advisory policies; the bill now awaits Senate committee review on Wednesday.

Madison City Chess League hosted its inaugural Raider Rally Chess Tournament at Randolph School in Huntsville, awarding top finishes for students in grades K-12.

Winners include Matthew Ramsey in the K-5 and Benjamin Clayton in the K-8 sections, with team awards to Mill Creek & Rainbow Elementary schools.

Crinan Marlin from James Clemens High School won Best in Show honors at both the State Superintendent’s Art Competition and the Alabama Art Association virtual art show (his work is also featured at the Huntsville Museum of Art).

Four Hartselle High School students have been named Alabama Presidential AI Challenge State Champions today after creating an app that helps locals find storm shelters by listing locations, live weather, and bilingual safety guides (their teacher also encouraged responsible AI use). Regional champions will be announced in April.

Kindergarteners can register for the MCCL Kindergarten Tournament at Mill Creek Elementary on April 11.

Registration is online only - limited to the first 20 players, who must attend an 8:45 a.m. meeting before competing in five rounds with 15 minutes per game.

Huntsville celebrates Earth Month with cleanups and plant giveaways throughout April.

Residents can join a plant and supply giveaway on April 10 at John Hunt Park or a cleanup on April 11 at Richard Showers Jr. Recreation Center — a month-long effort to keep the city green.

Crestwood Medical Center is now part of Huntsville Hospital Health System after it was bought for $450 million earlier this year; the merger includes clinics, outpatient services and a freestanding emergency department — steps expected to strengthen patient care in emergency, labor and delivery, stroke and trauma services.

Arnav Maskey, the three-year captain of Bob Jones’ soccer team, won the Class 7A, Region 4 Scholar-Athlete Award and will attend the Awards Banquet in Birmingham’s Sheraton Hotel on Monday, Apr.

13 (where 52 regional winners receive scholarships).

The Rocket City Trash Pandas will open their season with a three-game series against the Biloxi Shuckers at Toyota Field beginning Friday at 6:35 p.m. Fans can enjoy fireworks, a special appearance by Paul Sidoti (lead guitarist for Taylor Swift), and an Easter Egg Hunt after Sunday's game.

Funny Lane Comedy Night

7-11 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Tickets starting at $27.02 — Enjoy a night of laughter with top comedians Brian Covington, Renard Hirsch, and Mike James.

Rocket City Market

9 AM – 4 PM — University Pickers — Free entry — Discover vintage finds and artisan creations at Huntsville's premier outdoor market.

Easter Celebration at Toyota Field

9 AM – 3 PM — Toyota Field — Free with admission — Kids can run the bases and participate in an Easter egg hunt for a fun-filled day at the ballpark!

Guitars and Stars

7-8 p.m. — Mars Music Hall — Discounted tickets for students and professionals — Enjoy an evening filled with music and a chance to meet the artists.

Rocket City Wine Fest | Italian Wine Dinner

6-8 p.m. — Mazzara's Vinoteca — Ticketed event — Experience a memorable Italian wine dinner with Master Sommelier Michael McNeill showcasing Italy's finest wines.

Glass Fusing Workshop: Introduction to Glass Fusing

1-4 p.m. — Burritt on the Mountain — $70 total — Create a unique 6x6 glass project while learning tips and tricks in a fun, beginner-friendly environment.

Rocket City Market

9 AM - 4 PM — University Pickers — Free entry — Discover unique vintage finds and artisan goods at Huntsville's premier outdoor market.

Young Ballers University Training Sessions

3-4 p.m. — Shoot 360 Huntsville — See website for pricing — A fun and engaging group training class for young athletes aged 7-9 focusing on skill development and teamwork.

Speaker Series with Dr. Tasha Austin-Williams

A Village of Promise 15th Anniversary event bringing people together to hear from Dr. Tasha Austin-Williams, a leader at the intersection of AI and education. This event is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn more about the mission of Village of Promise, and support children and families working to break the cycle of generational poverty. Tickets are available now!

Speaker Series with Dr. Tasha Austin-Williams

A Village of Promise 15th Anniversary event bringing people together to hear from Dr. Tasha Austin-Williams, a leader at the intersection of AI and education. This event is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn more about the mission of Village of Promise, and support children and families working to break the cycle of generational poverty. Tickets are available now!

Drone Days at U.S. Space & Rocket Center

9 AM – 8 PM — U.S. Space & Rocket Center — Check event website for costs — Experience cutting-edge drone technology in an engaging two-day event.