These are some stories from the 10/3/12 version of Tennessee Valley news update (633, 733, 833am, 304, 404, 504, 604pm) …
ASHVILLE AL - Attorneys involved in the case of an Ashville teenager accused in the hanging death of his 9-year-old half sister are awaiting the results of mental evaluations on the teen. Those tests will help determine whether the 14-year-old will stand trial as an adult. Authorities say the boy told investigators he hanged the girl intentionally. The two were living together with relatives when she died. He remains in custody. A decision on his mental status should be completed by next month.
MADISON COUNTY AL - Lots of people are getting ready for the first presidential debate tonight between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney … and that includes Madison County Democrats and Republicans who will host viewing parties for their constituents. The Madison County Democratic Party is hosting a party at the University Center on the UAH campus. The local GOP is gathering at the party's headquarters at 806 Governor's Drive, behind the Checkers restaurant. You can hear NPR’s live coverage of the debate tonight from 8 until 10.
WASHINGTON DC - The National Endowment for the Arts is honoring 10 new recipients of National Heritage Fellowships in Washington. The 2012 fellows are chosen for their artistic excellence and their efforts to conserve American culture. The executive director of Alabama’s state arts council, Albert Head, is among those who will be honored today.
MONTGOMERY AL - Republican Roy Moore is once again the financial underdog in the Alabama chief justice race, according to campaign finance reports. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Robert Vance, Jr. has $433,910 in his campaign coffers going into the peak of campaign season. Moore has $192,894. Vance became the Alabama Democratic Party's replacement candidate for chief justice after the party removed lawyer Harry Lyon from the ballot last month
HUNTSVILLE AL - The U.S. Space and Rocket Center lit the Saturn V pink last night to kick off the 2012 Lite It Up Pink campaign. The campaign encourages local businesses and residents to switch out their regular porch lights with pink light bulbs as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.