Astra Has First Space Coast Launch
(Cape Canaveral, FL) - There's disappointment after Astra's first Space Coast launch. The company yesterday launched a rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station after its two previous attempts were scrubbed. Things looked good early on, but during the second stage, four payloads failed to reach orbit. The company apologized to NASA and the three colleges that paid for the satellites. There's no word on a cause, and Astra's CEO says they're investigating.
Musk Gives Update On SpaceX In South Texas
(Boca Chica Beach, TX) -- The founder and CEO of SpaceX says the company could move some of its operations out of South Texas if the FAA fails to give a green light to more Starship launches. Elon Musk gave an update on the progress of SpaceX last night using the fully assembled Starship as background for his talk. Speaking for about an hour, Musk said the company continues to develop both the Starship and the Super Heavy rocket that will carry it into orbit. Musk also said that if the FAA fails to give SpaceX environmental approval to launch the Starship into orbit from Boca Chica Beach, he could move some operations to Cape Canaveral. The FAA is set to issue a preliminary decision about further Starship launches sometime this month.
Florida Supreme Court Refuses DeSantis Request On Redistricting
(Tallahassee, FL) -- The Florida Supreme Court is refusing to answer Governor DeSantis' question on whether a Black congressman's district is unconstitutional. The district runs from Jacksonville to Gadsden County west of Tallahassee. DeSantis questioned whether drawing it to contain Black communities so far apart met the state and federal constitutions. The court said the issue was too complicated to grant an advisory opinion.
Man Tries To Carjack Fire Truck
(Lauderhill, FL) - Firefighters in Broward County are credited with bringing a dangerous situation to a peaceful end. Lauderhill Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Jeff Levy [[LEE-vee]] says a man tried to steal a fire rescue truck on Tuesday at a station on Northwest 11th Place. Levy says 31-year-old Freddie Ross forced his way into the truck, activated the emergency lights and started backing out. That's when two firefighters jumped in, stopped him and detained him until police arrived and arrested him. Levy tells Local 10 News if the firefighters hadn't acted without regard for their own safety, who knows what would have happened.
Man Arrested For Attack On Crossing Guard
(Orlando, FL) - A man is facing charges for an apparent attack on a crossing guard in Orange County. Orlando Police arrested James Mossetty yesterday afternoon after an alleged incident at John Young Parkway and Harwood Street. Police say Mossetty banged on the officer's marked patrol car, and when the officer confronted him, Mossetty attacked. No major injuries were reported in the fight. The charges against the 33-year-old include aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
Girl Arrested For School Threats Was Framed
(Pembroke Pines, FL) - Pembroke Pines Police are accused of inflicting severe emotional damage on a teenage girl. That's what a lawyer for a 13-year-old girl said yesterday after charges against his client were dropped. The girl was arrested in November for threatening students and staff at Renaissance Charter School, but police announced yesterday that she was framed by a 12-year-old girl who also goes to the school. That girl is now facing charges. The teen's lawyer tells NBC 6 it's investigating to identify those responsible for this travesty and will be pursuing all options available to hold them accountable.
Mayor Of Hudson, OH Says Ice Fishing Leads To Prostitution
(Hudson, OH) -- The mayor of Hudson, Ohio, is going viral after comments he made saying ice fishing leads to prostitution. In a video posted on social media, Mayor Craig Schubert tells members of City Council that allowing ice fishing at Hudson Springs Park would lead to requests for ice shanties which anglers could use to solicit prostitutes. Before the Mayor's comments, the conversation had been about the risk of death that comes with ice fishing. Schubert has made statements about sex in the past, demanding the school board resign over false allegations they allowed pornographic material into a college-level class.
King, Queen On List Of Banned Baby Names
(Undated) -- King, Queen and Robocop are among baby names outlawed around the world. USBirthCertificates.com says a handful of names are banned in the U.S., including Jesus Christ, Santa Clause, Messiah and the "at" symbol. Including numerals in a name will also likely result in a name not being approved. Some names that aren't allowed elsewhere in the world include Metallica in Sweden, Prince William in France and Thor in Portugal.
TODAY IN HISTORY
2006, Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a 78-year-old man while hunting for quail on a ranch in Texas.
1974, America's motorists suffered through the worst day of the energy crisis. Many gas stations were closed and the others often limited purchases to $3.00 per car. Some reported customer lines up to six miles long.
1790, the Religious Society of Friends presented a petition to Congress calling for the abolition of slavery.
1752, the first American hospital opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.