Nearly 98,000 people in Alabama selected a plan in the federally operated health insurance marketplace. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the numbers Thursday. Policy Director for Alabama Arise Jim Carnes says after a slow start, word of mouth began to spread. The next open enrollment period begins November 15th.
April Weather
It was an April to remember with regards to severe weather. More than a dozen tornadoes zigged zagged their way from north to west to central sections of the state. Art Faulkner, head of the State Emergency Management Agency, said the severe weather could have been a lot worse. According to federal weather forecasters, April was a soggy month, but not a record setter.
Hearing Challenge
Two administrators in Selma's city school system have requested hearings to challenge the acting superintendent's recommendation that they be fired. The state is seeking the ouster of Selma's suspended superintendent Gerald Shirley and two administrators, Wanda McCall and Mamie Solomon. The state took over Selma's schools in February after a high school teacher was arrested on charges of having sex with a student.
Court Order
A federal judge has ordered the city of Montgomery to end the practice of jailing poor individuals who fail to pay traffic fines. U.S. District Judge Mark Fuller issued the injunction Thursday in connection with a lawsuit filed by three Montgomery residents. The judge said Montgomery City Court officials have failed to determine if a defendant is indigent and has not established guidelines that would allow indigent citizens an opportunity to pay overdue traffic fines and court costs. Montgomery Municipal Court Administrator Ken Nixon tells Al.com the city will comply with the federal court order.