Alabama's unemployment rate has declined slightly. The state Labor Department said the 6.9 percent measured in August was down from 7 percent in July. But the rate was higher than the 6.5 percent recorded a year ago and higher than the national figure of 6.1 percent.
Leonard's Upcoming Trial
Lawyers for a Montgomery man accused of killing two former Auburn football players and a third person in 2012 are asking a Lee County judge to allow testimony about his mental state during his upcoming trial. The defense told the court during a hearing Friday in Opelika that 24-year-old Desmonte Leonard had been shot before and was especially sensitive to perceived threats. July selections begins Monday.
Montgomery's 25th Homicide
Montgomery Police are investigating a late night homicide. Police Sgt. Denise Barnes said officers and Fire Medics responded just after 10 p.m. to a residence in the 3400 block of Margaret Ann Drive. Sgt. Barnes said a male gunshot victim was transported to a local hospital where he later died. The victim's name is being withheld until family members are notified. MPS said the circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation.