SpaceX Launch Delayed
(Cape Canaveral, FL) -- High winds are responsible for delaying a much anticipated rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center. Last night's scheduled launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy was pushed back to tonight after scientists determined high-altitude winds would have blown the rocket off course. The launch is now set for tonight between 6:35 and 8:31, and launch conditions are 90-percent Go. The Falcon Heavy is the world's most powerful rocket in operation, and its launch is expected to be accompanied by at least one sonic boom.
SunRail Train Collides With SUV
(Orlando, FL) -- One person is hurt after their SUV was hit by a SunRail train. It happened yesterday afternoon in downtown Orlando on Colonial Drive near I-4. The driver of the SUV suffered serious injuries, but no one on the train was hurt. Witnesses tell Channel 9 the driver was a woman, and she was unconscious when she was pulled from the SUV.
Parkland Families Suing Broward School District
(Fort Lauderdale, FL) -- Families of those killed in the Parkland school shooting are suing over what their lawyer calls rampant failures of the district. Attorney Todd Michaels, yesterday, announced 22 lawsuits against Broward school leaders, the sheriff's office and school security officials, including SRO Scot Peterson. Michaels says his clients are on a mission to make sure those responsible for the massacre are made to account for their failures.
Senate To Vote On Extending Visit Florida
(Tallahassee, FL) -- A Brevard County lawmaker wants to make sure a controversial tourism program doesn't avoid scrutiny. Rockledge State Senator Debbie Mayfield, yesterday, proposed extending the life of Visit Florida for another eight years after another senator proposed extending the program indefinitely. Mayfield says having a possible end date will make sure Visit Florida adheres to its mission, and the bill, with her amendment, will go before the senate for a vote next week. Visit Florida has been criticized for its contracts that have cost millions.
UCF ESports Team Appears At Final Four
(Orlando, FL) -- UCF is part of e-sports history. The school's video gaming team, the Gaming Knights, took second place at the first Rocket League National Championships in Minneapolis this weekend, where the men's basketball Final Four was held. UCF qualified for the e-sports Final Four by winning the Southern Region and then made the finals by beating Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. UCF came up short in the finals to Akron, but the school's e-sports director says the tournament brought a lot of recognition to the new program.
Camel Visits PetSmart
(Muskegon, MI) -- Another exotic animal owner is testing out PetSmart's "all leashed pets are welcome" policy. A Michigan petting zoo this week brought in their camel Jeffrey to the Muskegon PetSmart on a leash, and sure enough, he was practically a guest of honor. Jeffrey's adventure delighted the shoppers inside. Technically, camels aren't on the permitted animal list, but the owners got special permission ahead of time.
Man Attacks Barber For Revenge
(China) -- A Chinese man is in custody after attacking his barber as revenge for his haircut. Security footage of a shop in a southeastern province in China shows the large man, identified only as Chen, shoving his barber into a chair and shaving off large chunks of his hair. The man immediately left and that's when the barber called the police. It is believed that the man did this because he was upset about the "ugly" haircut the barber had given him. Some people across social media praised the man for doing what they sometimes wish they could.
TODAY IN HISTORY:
1980, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued regulations specifically prohibiting sexual harassment of workers by supervisors.
1970, Apollo 13 was launched from the Kennedy Space Center. It was intended to land on the moon, but the mission was aborted after an oxygen tank exploded two days later. Despite several obstacles, including limited power, shortage of water, loss of cabin heat and more, the crew safely returned to Earth on April 17th.
1968, President The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was signed into law.
1951, President Harry S. Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his commands in the Far East.
1947, Jackie Robinson became the first black player to play major league baseball when he suited up for an exhibition game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.