The National Weather Service says the upcoming winter might be cooler and wetter than normal in Alabama. The agency's outlook for the upcoming winter says there's as much as a 50 percent chance that temperatures will be well below average across Alabama.
Spending Cuts
A national study says Alabama's cuts in spending for K-12 education have been deeper than nearly every other state. The Washington-based Center for Budget and Policy Priorities says spending per pupil dropped 17.8 percent from fiscal 2008 to the current fiscal year. That is second only to Oklahoma. The amount cut per student in Alabama was $1,128 between fiscal 2008 and now. That is $114 dollars per student steeper than any other state.
Death Investigations
Separate death investigations are being conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff's and Montgomery Police Departments. Sheriff's investigators say a woman's body was discovered late last night off Interstate 65 between the Hope Hull and Letohatchee exits ramps. No other information has been immediately available. Also, Montgomery Police say a female's body was found inside a hotel room off Ann Street Thursday afternoon around 1 p.m. MPD said they are conducting a death investigation.
Drug Ring Sentencing
A self-proclaimed white supremacist will serve 17 years and five months in federal prison for leading a major methamphetamine distribution ring. Federal prosecutors in Montgomery said the lengthy prison term was given to 52-year-old Mark Elliot of Deatsville. U.S. Attorney George Beck said the Elmore County man was convicted of leading a large methamphetamine operation that transported the illegal drug from Atlanta to central Alabama. 15 other people in four counties were also charged for their roles in the drug ring that was dismantled in 2003. The feds said after Elliott completes the 210 month prison term, he will serve five years of supervised release.
ASU Ebola Protocols
Alabama State University has issued new procedures and a preparedness program as concerns grow about the Ebola virus. University administrators say the Ebola Guidance Protocol and Procedures were issued by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Alabama Public Health officials have said there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in the state.