The Montgomery Department of Public Safety says the seven people injured in a ten vehicle pile-up on Interstate 65 are expected to recover. Initially, police said three of the victims had suffered life threatening injuries. Three tractor-trailers and seven passenger cars collided near the Hyundai Boulevard exit ramp Monday morning. Three people were killed, their names are being withheld by authorities.
Holtzclaw Stance
A state senator in north Alabama says he will not back down from his decision to use a billboard to state his opposition to Governor Robert Bentley's proposals to raise taxes. Bill Holtzclaw of Madison is blaming the governor for shutting down road projects in his district because of the billboard. Tuesday, legislators will return to Montgomery for the start of the regular session. Republicans say charter schools, prison reform and reducing state agencies are among their priorities for this year's session. The governor will deliver the State of the State speech this evening at 6:30 p.m.
Accountability Bill
The Alabama Supreme Court has upheld a state program that gives tax credits to help families pay for private school. Alabama justices ruled Monday that the law does not violate restrictions on giving funds to private, religious schools because the money goes to parents. Attorney General Luther Strange says the decision is a victory for parents wishing to have more flexibility with their children's educations.
New Trial
Desmonte Leonard wants a new trial. The Montgomery man is serving life in prison for the June 2012 shooting deaths of three people at a party in Auburn. Attorneys representing Leonard, who was convicted of capital murder last October, says he should have been permitted to claim self-defense during his trial in Opelika.
Israeli Speech
Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell says she will attend a planned speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's to Congress to Iran. A sizeable number of Democrats, however, will skip today's visit. Netanyahu told a pro-Israel lobby group Monday that he has respect for both the office and for President Obama.
Daniel Reward
A $1,000 reward is being offered by Central Alabama CrimeStoppers for information leading to the arrest of 28-year-old Juan Daniels. The donation comes from District Four City Councilman David Burkett. Daniels is facing a capital murder charge after he allegedly drove his vehicle into an apartment building off Highland Avenue and cause the death of 6-year-old Aiden Howard. The incident happened on February 12th, the first grader died ten days later. Federal Marshals are also searching for Daniels. Anyone with information about Juan Daniels is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP.