A commemoration was held last night to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. He would have been 86-years-old on Thursday. Members of the local community group, Birthplace for Justice gathered on the State Capitol steps to serve cake and sing songs. Cecile Sutton said the event was held after learning that there would be no MLK parade in downtown Montgomery because of Governor Bentley's Inauguration.
New Sheriffs
Montgomery and Autauga counties are getting new sheriffs today. Derrick Cunningham will be sworn in today at the Montgomery County Commission Chambers. In Autauga County, Joe Sedinger will officially become the county's top lawman this afternoon. He will be sworn in at the Autauga County Courthouse.
Prison Razors
Alabama prisons are changing the way razors are distributed. Attorneys had accused the state of giving razor blades to inmates who were known to be suicidal or mentally ill, leading to repeated suicide attempts. According to an agreement filed in Montgomery federal court, inmates in mental health units will use clipper shavers and won't get razors. Inmates placed in segregation units for discipline or other issues will have access to razors only during showers. The Southern Poverty Law Center said the changes should make inmates safer.
Paid Leave
Congresswoman Martha Roby says she will push a proposal that would allow workers to get paid sick leave. The Montgomery Republican said Thursday that she plans to re-introduce the Working Families Flexibility Act. Thursday, President Obama called on Congress, states and cities to pass measures to let workers earn up to a week of paid sick time a year.