A judge says Alabama must return seized gambling machines and money to VictoryLand unless it takes legal action against other bingo casinos in the state. WSFA reported the story, saying Circuit Judge William Shashy handed down the order Friday. The state in 2013 seized 1,615 of the slot-like machines and $260,000 in cash from VictoryLand. VictoryLand was the largest of the casinos.
Outer Loop
The Alabama Department of Transportation says the Outer Loop in Montgomery is progressing with the first phase set to be complete by the end of the year. The project began in the 1980s; the first phase connects the interchange at I-85 to Vaughn Road. Brantley Kirk with ALDOT says construction includes paving the roads, the interchange and leveling out the shoulders. Kirk says once the interchange opens traffic congestion will ease near the Waugh and Mitylene exit.
ASU Nanobiotechnology Grant
A new Nanobiotechnology grant has been awarded to Alabama State University. The three year grant allows ASU professors at ASU's Center for Nanobiotechnology Center Research to train ASU students, area teachers and high school students. The grant is part of the Department of Education's Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program; ASU's Director of Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Dr. Komal Vig says funding will also provide high school students with internships. The $750,000 grant will be distributed over three years.
Veterans Job Fair
A job fair for veterans took place Thursday in Opelika. The organization"Still Serving Veterans" gives the area's more than 35,000 veterans a chance to connect with employers and local organizations. In addition to those looking for jobs, the fair also provided people a chance to learn more about resume writing, interviewing and networking. More information can be found at www.servingveterans.org.