The latest on that planned launch from the Kennedy Space Center. There's been a delay in the liftoff so far of the new Orion crew capsule. A boat apparently went into the safety zone in the Atlantic Ocean, and NASA doesn't want to launch the rocket with the possibility of dropping booster parts on a boat. So, they're trying to chase the boat away so they can proceed. While this goes on, the City Decatur will be closely watching today’s test launch. APR student reporter Josh Hoppenstein has more on north Alabama’s role in the blastoff…
United Launch Alliance in Decatur partnered up with NASA to build the Delta IV heavy rocket. The rocket will deliver the Orion capsule to space where it is set to orbit the earth twice. John Seymour is the President and CEO of the Decatur- Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. He feels that the people of Decatur are proud of all that United Launch Alliance has done for them…
“The community is really proud of this company. This company is not only a great employer and a great assist to our community, but they are tremendous corporate citizens they are really involved with things in the community.”
The Delta IV rocket will lift off on Thursday, December 4th/ later today. For APR news, I’m Josh Hoppenstein in Tuscaloosa.
The Alabama Supreme Court is hearing two very different stories about the state’s accountability act. Critics of the act say it’s the state’s way to get around its own ban on using education dollars to support religious schools. Supporters says the measure supports parents trying to get educational opportunities for their children. The high court is taking testimony in a challenge to a lower court ruling that the act is unconstitutional. The act allows parents of students in failing schools to use tax credits to go to private schools.
The holiday season for many is a time for celebration and cheer, but apparently not everyone. The Tuscaloosa Veterans’ Affairs Medical center is offering a class this evening on how to cope with the holiday blues. Damon Stevenson is the spokesman for the Tuscaloosa V-A. He says this for those who feel down this time of year, this class can help…
“They may have lost loved ones or veterans may have lost comrades. It’s a sad time for some, so this class is primarily to help those who are going through those tough times, help give them coping skills to get through it.”
The class is part of an ongoing Community Education Series the VA began several years ago for veterans and their families. The hour long class begins at 6pm at the Tuscaloosa V-A medical center.
The director of the Ardmore High School band is facing a theft charge. The Limestone County Sheriff's Office says Jamie Alan Bowman is charged with first-degree theft. The Limestone County Board of Education last month reported several thopusand dollars was missing from the band's fundraising effort. The money was to help the school's band go to Tampa, Florida for the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day. Limestone County’s superintendent says the band will still make the trip. Bowman is declining comment. ?
