Despite threat, shelters are rare for mobile home parks
Associated Press – Jan. 24
Ten of at least 20 people killed in a weekend tornado outbreak lived in Georgia mobile home parks, yet laws requiring storm shelters in those vulnerable communities are few and far between. Experts have long warned that mobile home dwellers face a higher risk of death when tornadoes strike but said many trailer park owners don’t want to make the costly investment in storm shelters and the sentiment for safety wanes in the weeks after a disaster … “There have been other efforts to attempt that, but the mobile home industry and mobile home park owners have put up a lot of resistance to it,” namely citing high costs, said Laura Myers, who studies tornado disasters and responses as executive director of the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama.
Gilette News-Record (Wyoming) – Jan. 24
Texarkana Gazette (Texas) – Jan. 24
The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) – Jan. 24
CBS North Carolina – Jan. 24
ABC News – Jan. 24
WDRB (Louisville, Kentucky) – Jan. 24
ABC 2 (Oshkosh, Wisconsin) – Jan. 24
The Oklahoman – Jan. 24
Faith, family power Sumterite’s military career goals
The Sumter Item (South Carolina) – Jan. 24
The 2006 movie “The Guardian” had it all: Academy Award-winner Kevin Costner in the lead role and rising star Ashton Kutcher cast in a story about the U.S. Coast Guard’s training program. The action-adventure drama left an impression on Sumter native and University of Alabama sophomore Bailey Connor. Her paternal grandfather was a member of the Coast Guard, so seeing “The Guardian” eventually sealed her decision to pursue a career in the Coast Guard.
UA ROTC wins Brigade Ranger Challenge
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – Jan. 24
The University of Alabama’s ROTC won the Brigade Ranger Challenge over the weekend. The win means the Challenge Team is now getting ready to compete in the national competition, April 7 and 8. That event will be held at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
ABC 33/40 (Birmingham) – Jan. 24
UA study: Fatal crashes increased in Alabama in 2016
Yellowhammer News – Jan. 24
Deaths from the state’s traffic crashes in 2016 increased by nearly a quarter from 2015, according to a recent study of data by researchers at the University of Alabama. Critical causes of more traffic fatalities include increased speeds, lack of safety belts and more distracted drivers as well as pedestrians, according to the analysis of crash reports statewide.
Insurance Journal – Jan. 24
Engineering students take course taught entirely in German
Crimson White – Jan. 24
The University of Alabama is currently offering an engineering course this semester taught entirely in German. According to UANews, 13 engineering students have the opportunity to learn automotive engineering through the course. The program, Two Steps Ahead, offered through the University’s College of Engineering, gives students experience with the latest automotive engineering technology and exposure to the technology environment in the German industry, per UANews.
Sonic Frontiers concert set for Friday in Moody Recital Hall
Tuscaloosa News – Jan. 24
An electronic music pioneer will be featured Friday as part of the University of Alabama’s Sonic Frontiers concert series. Tim Perkis, who has worked in the medium of live electronic and computer sound since the 1970s, will perform beginning at 7:30 p.m. at UA’s School of Music Moody Recital Hall, 810 Second Ave.
Plans to replace two UA residence halls now underway
Crimson White – Jan. 24
With Somerville Hall scheduled to be demolished in the coming weeks and work beginning on Tutwiler’s new parking deck, the University’s plan to revamp student housing is officially underway. Last fall, it was announced that the UA Board of Trustees had approved plans for a new Julia Tutwiler Hall as well as a new dorm to replace Somerville Hall.
UA Dance department to hold dance film festival
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – Jan. 24
With the start of a new year comes a fresh start for Dance Alabama, and this time with a twist. The UA Theatre and Dance student organization Is hosting yet another Dance Alabama Showcase. The event is a film festival that will be held on February 1 in the Ferguson Theatre. Audiences are expected to get a whole new perception of the world of dance that they may not have seen before.
Lawmakers to attend public forum at Bryant Conference Center
Tuscaloosa News – Jan. 24
The public is invited to attend a “Meet Your Legislators Night” on Thursday at the Bryant Conference Center, 240 Paul W. Bryant Drive. The free event,which will begin at 6:30 p.m., will highlight West Alabama lawmakers’ expectations for the 2017 legislative session. Lawmakers invited to attend include state Sen. Gerald Allen, Rep. Christopher England, Rep. A.J. McCampbell, Rep. Bill Poole, Rep. Alan Harper, Sen. Greg Reed, Rep. Rich Wingo, Sen. Bobby Singleton and and Rep. Kyle South.
UA alumnae becomes youngest judge in Alabama’s history
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – Jan. 24
A Wilcox County District Judge is making history in Alabama, At age 27, she became the youngest judge in the state’s history. One week ago today, Brianna Westry Robinson became a district judge in Wilcox County. She is the youngest African American female judge in Alabama history. It’s been quite a road for Robinson. She was born in Germany, but raised in Camden, graduated from The University of Alabama and then earned her law degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge.
WSFA-NBC (Montgomery) – Jan. 24