Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency head Spencer Collier are telling legislators their agencies can't properly function if deep budget cuts go into effect. Moore told lawmakers at a hearing in the Alabama House Wednesday that cuts to state courts could result in closings and layoffs. Spencer Collier delivered a similar message. He said if the state law enforcement agency is cut by 16 million dollars that would result in the layoffs of up to 100 state Troopers, the closing of 13 Trooper posts and eliminating other crime units and limited support for events and natural disasters.
Spice Hospitalizations
Alabama Public Health officials say close to 100 people have been hospitalized for health-related issues linked to the use of synthetic marijuana known as "spice." Department of Public Health officials issued a statement Wednesday and said at least 98 people have been hospitalized in the past month with drug overdose symptoms. Montgomery law enforcement officials say in recent days at least 50 people have been treated for health-ailments linked to the smoking or ingesting of spice. Health experts and law enforcement say spice is made with various chemical compounds that can cause rapid heart rated, vomiting and hallucinations.
Third Arrest
A third college student has been charged with participating in a sexual assault on a woman on a Florida Panhandle beach. The gang rape was captured on a cellphone video. Bay County, Florida, sheriff's officials say 21-year-old George Kennedy was arrested Tuesday in suburban Atlanta. Kennedy, a student at Middle Tennessee State University, is charged with sexual battery and other offenses. Two students from Troy University also are charged with sexual assault. Kennedy is being held without bond.
Baby Food Recall
Alabama Food Safety inspectors are conducting recall effectiveness checks for recalled baby food, Beach-Nut has issued a recall for 1,900 pounds of baby food after small pieced of glass were found in the product. The recalled baby food involves 4 ounce jars of Classics Stage 2 Sweet Potato and Chicken sold in retail outlets nationwide. The U.S. Agriculture Department said there has been one injury reported.