Alabama lawmakers are back in Montgomery for their third attempt at approving a General Fund budget. The special session just getting underway at the Alabama Statehouse. Legislators have so far been unable to agree on how to handle a projected funding shortfall of at least $200 million. The lack of agreement means state agencies are without a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1st.
Democratic Nomination
The Montgomery Advertiser is reporting that former state Rep. Joe Hubbard of Montgomery announced Tuesday he is seeking the Democratic nomination for a circuit judgeship in Montgomery County. He'll run for the seat occupied by Circuit Judge William Shashy. Hubbard's only term in the Legislature ended last year. He did not seek re-election after a redistricting plan approved by the Republican majority moved his district to Shelby County. He ran for attorney general, losing in general election to Republican Luther Strange. The primary election is March 1st.
Prattville Arrest
A Prattville man has been charged with kidnapping, robbery and assault in connection with an incident that occurred Friday. It's being reported that 34-year-old Christopher Morgan Strong is accused of beating a 38-year-old woman before taking her debit card. The victim sustained injuries to her head, neck, arms and back. Strong has been placed in the Montgomery County Detention Facility on bonds totaling $81,000.
Avian Flu
Avian Influenza decimated poultry population in the Midwest in the spring of this year. Now that waterfowl, which can carry the disease, begin migrating south soon, agriculture officials in Alabama have begun preparing for a possible outbreak. State Veterinarian Tony Frazier says stringent testing for the avian flu is standard practice. He says producers should implement biosecurity procedures to make sure the disease is not brought onto their farm. Alabama is the second largest producer of broilers in the U.S.