Governor Robert Bentley wants to put weapons in the hands of Alabama National Guard members when they are in uniform. He was set to meet with guard leaders Tuesday about changing a policy that prevents military personnel from carrying weapons when they are on domestic bases or on duty in public places. The action is being taken since the deadly shooting spree at recruiting stations in Chattanooga last week. At least six other states are also considering putting weapons in the hands of military service personnel.
Casino Hearing
A judge has scheduled a hearing for next month on the future of the closed VictoryLand casino in Macon County. Circuit Judge William Shashy issued an order Monday saying he'll consider the owner's bid to reopen the complex on Aug. 4th. Shashy ruled last month that the state wrongly seized more than 1,000 gambling machines and cash from VictoryLand during a raid in 2013. Owner Milton McGregor is in court trying to get everything returned. But the state attorney general's office says Shashy's decision was wrong, and it's trying to block the release of the machines and cash. An attorney for VictoryLand says getting the gambling devices returned could be a key step forward reopening the casino provided they still work.
Cam Comments
Republican State Senator Cam Ward says drinking and driving earlier this month was a huge mistake, but he doesn't feel like he should have to resign. The Alabaster legislator was arrested July 1st for driving under the influence. He says he wasn't working at the time of his arrest and doesn't plan to give up his Senate seat or his industrial development job with the city of Alabaster. A Senate leader has said that he doesn't plan to strip Ward of a committee chairmanship. Ward is awaiting an August 12th trial date.