Alabama is one of 18 states being given federal grants to boost access to preschool programs. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell announced today that federal officials are awarding more than $226 million dollars nationally, and Alabama will be given $17.5 million in development grants. The Pre-K Task Force of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance recently announced that it's planning to ask the Legislature to increase its allocation by $13.2 million dollars to help expand preschool access.
Military Suicides
GOP Congresswoman Martha Roby of Montgomery prodded her colleagues in the U.S. House to unanimously approve legislation Tuesday that would help reduce a suicide epidemic that claims the lives of 22 military veterans every day. The measure requires the Pentagon and VA to submit review of their suicide prevention programs. Roby gave an emotional speech on the House floor Tuesday. She said a veteran, on average, has to wait 67 days to received mental health care at the Central Alabama VA. The legislation is named for Clay Hunt, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran from Houston who killed himself in 2011. The bill was sent to the U.S. Senate.
Walmart Opposition
Dozens of residents packed a meeting last night at Eastmont Baptist Church to express their opposition to building a Walmart grocery store on the site of the now closed Bonnie Crest Country Club on Federal Drive. Developers have asked the Montgomery City Council to rezone about 10 acres of the property for commercial use. People who live near the site said they fear the proposed grocery store would bring down property values, increase crime and hurt small businesses in the community. The Montgomery City Council is scheduled to consider the rezoning issue on Tuesday. Council members and Mayor Todd Strange will meet with Walmart officials on Monday to discuss the matter.
Lowery Recovering
Civil rights icon the Reverend Joseph Lowery is recovering from surgery after fracturing his hip in a fall. Lowery fell in his hotel room in Santa Barbara, California, on Sunday and underwent surgery the following day. In Tuesday's statement, officials said Lowery was in California for a gala hosted by Oprah Winfrey to honor civil right leaders. Lowery is now in rehabilitation and is resting comfortably.
Attempted Murder
Alabama's attorney general says a Perry County woman has been convicted of attempted murder for firing a rifle at a state trooper. Attorney General Luther Strange said in a statement that 47-year-old Janice Green of Marion was found guilty by a jury last Friday. Investigators say Green fired at a state trooper who was trying to serve a warrant at her house. Strange says that warrant was linked to an investigation into allegations that Green was involved in a plan to kill a judge and a special agent working for the Attorney General's office. A second defendant, Green's mother, Marie Billingsley, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit assault.