A tech billionaire with ties to Huntsville is President-elect Trump’s pick to lead NASA. Jared Isaacman was the SpaceX Inspiration4 Commander and is the founder and CEO of Shift4 credit card-processing company. He went to Aviation Challenge when he was 12 years old. WHNT TV reports he was also inducted into the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Space Camp Hall of Fame, class of 2022. In 2022, Isaacman donated $10 million to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to build a new Space Camp facility.
Boeing plans to lay off 158 employees in Huntsville early next year. It’s part of a planned 10% cut to its workforce across the country. According to a notice the company filed with the Alabama Department of Commerce, the layoffs will begin on Jan. 17th. The company announced in October that it would lay off nearly 17,000 employees nationally, including executives, managers and other workers. AL.com reports employees who are eligible will receive severance pay, career transition support and subsidized health care benefits up to three months after they’re laid off.
The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Dale Strong to improve the organization of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The legislation aims to redraw divisional boundaries within the district, assigning counties to divisions with the closest courthouse. The Alabama Political Reporter notes that the passage of the bill marks a significant step toward streamlining court operations and reducing travel burdens for North Alabama residents. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Election Day could become a state holiday in Alabama during years with a presidential or gubernatorial election. Rep. Ontario Tillman, D-Bessemer filed House Bill 64 last month to make the Tuesday after the first Monday in November a state holiday in Alabama. AL.com notes that this year Alabama saw its lowest voter turnout rates since 1988. This year, 58.8 % of registered voters turned out, compared to 56% in 1988.
Alabama public school enrollment reached an eight-year high this fall. Some parts of the state are seeing record growth. Statewide, K-12 enrollment rose 0.3%, or about 2,500 students, from the previous year. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Alabama is just one of 10 states that are projected to see enrollment increase through 2031. AL.com reports that of Alabama’s largest school districts, Huntsville City and Limestone County saw the biggest jumps. Birmingham City and Baldwin County also saw increases.
Madison County commissioners officially approved a contract for a new community center at Sharon Johnston Park on Wednesday. They set out a one year timeline for construction. Commissioner Tom Brandon tells WAFF TV the community center will include two new gyms, an indoor walking track, and rooms for local events. The entire project is estimated to cost about $14 million.
Apollo Park at MidCity is now open after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday morning. The 10-acre expansion links previous phases near Topgolf and The Orion Amphitheater, providing a total of 20 acres of park space. 256 Today reports the park includes a new lower pond for kayaks and canoes and a pedestrian bridge over a new water feature. Apollo Park will be open from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. There will be no lifeguard on duty, and individuals using kayaks or canoes are expected to exercise caution.