Good morning, Huntsville.

On April 23, hundreds gathered at Saturn Ballroom in Huntsville for the Village of Promise’s 2025 Speaker Series fundraiser where Alabama Men’s Basketball Coach Nate Oats praised the nonprofit’s work with under-resourced families and children.

Oats—fresh off his team’s NCAA Elite Eight run—also sparked excitement by auctioning a game-winning play sheet to raise funds for the organization’s vital programs.

The WEDC Foundation announced five women who will be honored at the 24th annual Women Honoring Women gala on Sept.

18 at the VBC Saturn Ballroom—each recognized for her local impact and dedication to community empowerment.

North Alabama's Launch Tank 2025 competition showcased local entrepreneurial energy, with Relax and Release Shampoo (of Madison County) winning first place and $10,000, Welcome Home Magazine earning $5,000, and Bare Bottom Farms receiving $3,000 while six finalists got $1,500 each at the Scottsboro Civic Center. Plans are already underway for next year's event (a milestone for regional business growth).

Jatahj Malik Malcom was indicted on April 11 by a Madison County grand jury for allegedly assaulting five people in a 2024 shooting at 708 Bar and Grille on Poplar Avenue — surveillance footage and witness accounts led to his identification.

A burglary occurred Monday morning in Madison — at JC's House of Cards as police investigate the incident.

ICE placed an immigration detainer on 23-year-old Luis Enrique Valencia after he allegedly raped a woman on Coffman Road in Limestone County on April 25th—she was injured from blows with a glass jar and other violent acts, and he faces charges including first-degree rape, second-degree domestic violence and domestic violence strangulation or suffocation while a hearing may decide his bond and deportation status.

Huntsville Police Department’s DUI Task Force will conduct traffic safety checkpoints from May 2-4 to honor Kathrynn Lively (who died in 2022 when an impaired driver struck her motorcycle) by stopping drivers at key hotspot intersections (where officers will check for valid driver’s license, insurance and registration) to reduce impaired driving.

Downtown Huntsville Inc. and the Huntsville Music Office announced that 805 After Five will return as a free outdoor concert series at Campus 805’s Butler Green Park every third Thursday from May through October.

The event will kick off on May 15 with Alabama’s own Lamont Landers — guests can also enjoy local artisan vendors, food trucks and craft beverages, with free onsite parking available.

Demolition of the old city hall site in downtown Huntsville has been ongoing for more than two months and will resume today to finish tearing down the building as crews shift focus to clearing debris—new equipment is expected to speed up the process with removal set to finish by the end of June. City officials have kept some marble pieces from the structure and plan to expand Big Spring Park with a pavilion, restrooms, seating, and public art once a contract is awarded in August or September—completion of the park expansion is expected by the end of 2026.

Huntsville realtors report that the housing market is stabilizing as March home sales increased—homes now average 58 days on the market and sell for about $320,000, up $7,000 from last year.

They add that lower interest rates at 6 percent—helping both buyers and sellers take more time to decide—have contributed to a more balanced market.

Jim Parker's Songwriters Series

6:00-7:30 p.m. — VBC Playhouse — $25 — Experience the stories behind hit songs with acclaimed songwriters and soulful performances.

Outdoor Market

11 AM – 4 PM — Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment — Free entry — Explore handmade, second-hand, and locally sourced products at a vibrant outdoor market.

Alabama Plant Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Von Braun Center — $10 cash or $12 credit card — A houseplant lover's paradise with over 100 tables featuring rare and common plants.

Adorama's Public Safety Showcase: Drones & Scuba

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Insanity Complex — Free event — Explore the latest in public safety tech with hands-on demonstrations and expert insights.

Montgomery Biscuits vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas

11:05 a.m. — Toyota Field — Lowest Price Guaranteed — Catch a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between the Montgomery Biscuits and the Rocket City Trash Pandas.

Acres Live Performance

7-10:30 p.m. — Mars Music Hall — Cost info not specified — Experience the blistering passion of Acres' live songs in an electrifying atmosphere.

2025 Huntsville Classic featuring The Avett Brothers

11:00 AM – 11:30 PM — The Orion Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the melodic blend of folk and rock from The Avett Brothers at this must-see event.

A Wrinkle in Time

1-2:30 p.m. — VBC Playhouse — $23/adult, $18/child — Dive into a time-traveling adventure with Meg Murry as she searches for her missing father.

Pete Lee Live Comedy Show

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Huntsville Levity Live — Ticketed event — Experience live comedy with Pete Lee in a vibrant atmosphere.

Smile Empty Soul Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Furniture Factory Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience an energetic performance by Smile Empty Soul at this downtown venue.