Storm damage assessments have begun in several counties where small tornadoes touched down Monday morning. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service say EF1 twisters caused mostly minor to moderate damage in Bullock, Butler, Crenshaw, Pike, Russell counties. Another tornado hopscotched it way across Washington and Clarke counties in the southwest corner of the state. The best news of all, no one was seriously hurt by Monday's severe weather.
Smoking Ban
The debate over a city-wide smoking ban in Montgomery has begun in earnest. The matter was taken up Monday by a City Council subcommittee. The panel listened to citizens discuss the pros and cons of a proposed ordinance that would ban smoking in all buildings. The anti-smoking proposal is being pushed by City Councilman C.C. Calhoun.
Delayed Trial
A Lee County judge has delayed House Speaker Mike Hubbard's trial on ethics charges until 2015. A grand jury last month indicted Hubbard on felony ethics charges. The indictment accuses Hubbard, who pleaded not guilty, of using his public positions to obtain work for his companies and to solicit investments from lobbyists.
Coastline Restoration
State officials say they've gained approval for nearly $10 million dollars in projects aimed at restoring Alabama's coastline after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. Governor Bentley said $9.6 million for four Alabama projects has been approved by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Author's Sister Dies
Alice Lee has died in Monroeville, Alabama. She was an influential lawyer and church leader, and the sister of Harper Lee, the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Alice Lee was 103. She had practiced law until a few years ago, and had been Alabama's oldest practicing attorney. She also helped guard the privacy of her famous and reclusive sister.