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‘World Changers' hard at work in Huntsville

Source: MGN Online

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)-

Dozens of students are in North Alabama this week with the goal of making a difference.

More than 16,000 students
across the nation and Canada volunteer to help improve homes for others with "World Changers." Sixty-two students from Tennessee
and North Carolina are in Huntsville. The students pay to be a part of the "World Changers" organization.

They'll help with a variety of projects, including
painting and siding replacement on homes. 

"The
students pay to come here and they drive, some of them, hours to come and just
to stay in schools or churches, sleep on the floor, air mattresses. They give a
lot and they want to come and just be a part of something big," said Lauren Jones, World Changers.

The students are also running vacation bible
schools and backyard bible clubs while they're in town.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

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AL lawmakers respond to bill allowing police to take cell phones at wrecks

Source: MGN Online

DECATUR, AL (WAFF)- A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced legislation that would give police the right to take cell phones at the scene of crash sites. The officer would have access to the drivers call log to see if the phone played a part in the wreck. But lawmakers in the Tennessee Valley said they don't see a bill like that passing here.

"The short answer is it's probably something that would be very difficult to pass in Alabama," said Senator Arthur Orr (R., Decatur - District 3)

 Orr said a bill like that could be a violation of the Constitution.

"I think there is a problem with the 4th amendment, the searches and seizures law allowing a law enforcement officer just to take someone's cell phone after a traffic accident."

Coyotes sighted in the Tennessee Valley

It's the time of year for coyotes!

MADISON COUNTY, AL (WAFF)-

Don't be surprised if you
see more coyotes in cities across North Alabama.

June, July, August, and September are the months we see the most coyotes in urban areas. Animal experts said this
time of year the adult dogs are looking for more food to feed their babies.

But don't worry if you do spot a coyote experts
said the chances of a coyote attacking a human are slim.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.

Are 5,000 engineering jobs headed to Huntsville?

5,000 engineering jobs could be headed to Huntsville.

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- Are 5,000 engineering jobs heading to the Tennessee Valley? That's what Aerojet-Rocketdyne's president predicts if his company is awarded with the task to build the first new American rocket engine in 35 years.    

Warren Boley made the comments at the Paris Air Show, the same show Alabama Governor Robert Bentley is attending.

Having the opportunity to build the engine for NASA's Space Launch System is one of several priorities for Aerojet-Rocketdyne. Huntsville's engine building history and the workforce could help propel the company into the project.

University of Alabama-Huntsville economics professor Al Wilhite calls the speculation of 5,000 jobs a great opportunity for the area. The economic boost could mean new schools, new restaurants, and even new homes.

Fire damages hardware store in Huntsville

The fire call came just after noon Sunday. (Source: Duane Allen)

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- A faulty air conditioner is believed to have sparked a fire at a North Huntsville business Sunday afternoon.

Engines were called to Harbor Freight Tools at 4321 University Dr shortly after 12 p.m. Flames and smoke could be seen pouring from the business' roof.

Initial reports indicate an air conditioner unit on the roof of the building was the source of the fire, though a root cause has not yet been determined.

Customer Kevin Forshey was inside the store when the manager told everyone to evacuate. "They didn't mention why we had to leave, but they ushered us out of the store. They did a pretty good job of getting everybody out," he said.

Forshey took cell phone video of firefighters arriving on scene, climbing onto the roof and spraying water on the flames.

Fire officials said it took about ten minutes to contain the blaze. No injuries were reported.

UAH students will feel pinch of tuition increase

UAH tuition will increase by nearly $200 per semester.

Huntsville, AL- Tuition is going up again at all three
schools in the University of Alabama school system. This is probably not the
news students at UAH were hoping to hear.

As usual, rising costs are to blame. This
year, it is an increased contribution to the teacher retirement program. UAH
spokesperson Ray Garner explained, "We try to maintain low costs as much as
possible, but sometimes there are circumstances that are kind of beyond our
control."

Friday's tuition hike approved by the board
of trustees brings a 4.5% increase. That's an extra $199 per semester.

"For $200, I'm going to have to eat at Taco
Bell a lot more," said one student. "The dollar menu at McDonald's is going to
be my friend."

But school officials are touting this year's
tuition hike as an improvement. Last year's hike was 8.6% They said the new
hike is the lowest increase they have seen in five or six years.

Man injured in overnight stabbing

Kenneth Smithey (Madison County Sheriff's Dept.)

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- One person was injured following a stabbing in Huntsville Friday night.

Officers responded to a call on the 2900 block of Eighth Street around 11 p.m. Friday night, where they found Phillip Wright with knife wounds. Wright reported that he got into an argument with Kenneth Smithey, who pulled out a knife and stabbed him.

Wright was transported to Huntsville Hospital with minor injuries.

Smithey was arrested and transported to jail.

Copyright 2013 WAFF. All rights reserved.