It's the Alabama Senate's turn to consider a General Fund budget that would make deep cuts of about nine percent or more to state agencies. The Alabama House, voting along party lines, approved the budget on a 66-36 vote Tuesday. Democrat Patricia Todd of Birmingham was vocal about her opposition. But the legislator who helped to write the General Fund budget, Steve Clouse, said there's a chance that additional revenue will be found. Governor Bentley has called the budget cuts irresponsible and vows to use his veto pen and call lawmakers into a special session.
Trash Fires
Montgomery Fire-Rescue officials says someone is setting trash fires in the Southlawn subdivision. Firefighters have turned to the public for help in finding whoever is responsible. Firefighters say in recent weeks, fires involving trash, commercial dumpsters and city trash cans have been burned. The blazes are being set at multiple addresses on the same street around the same time. Residents in the Southlawn neighborhood have advised firefighters that there are a group of juveniles starting the fires mainly after midnight. Fire investigators and Montgomery Police have increased patrols in the Southlawn area. If you have any information, call Montgomery Fire-Rescue at 625-3916.
Cancer Scam
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange says the state will participate in a federal civil lawsuit that accuses a Tennessee man and his family with using much of the $187 million they raised for cancer patients to buy cars, luxury cruises, pay for college tuition and employ family members with six-figure salaries. The attorney general said it is one of the largest charity fraud cases ever, involving all 50 states.
Twin Peaks
The Twin Peaks restaurant franchise came up for discussion during the Montgomery City Council meeting Tuesday night. Council members approved a retail liquor license for the eatery. However, council members sought assurances that Twin Peaks management will be a positive corporate neighbor. The issue arose after a Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, Texas was the scene of a deadly shooting spree Sunday involving rival motorcycle gangs. Mayor Todd Strange said he wanted to make sure all sides are on the same page.
Fighter Ace Honored
A retired Air Force three-star general will be recognized in the nation's capitol today. Montgomery's "Fighter Ace", Lieutenant General Charles "Chick" Cleveland will be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony planned for 2 0'clock this afternoon inside Emancipation Hall. Cleveland is a former Commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base. He earned his "ace status" as a fighter pilot in the Korean war. General Cleveland lives in Montgomery and was recently profiled in the WVAS "Veterans Coming Home" project.