It was a deadly weekend on Alabama roads and highways. State Troopers say a Prattville teenager, who had graduated Friday night from Prattville High School, was among eight people who died in traffic accidents across the state. Troopers said 18-year-old Christy Christian was killed early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle wreck in Chilton County. The crash occurred just after 3 a.m. on Interstate 65 at the 214 mile marker, two miles north of Clanton. Troopers said a passenger in the vehicle was injured and was transported to UAB. Troopers are also investigating traffic fatalities in Chilton, Monroe, Houston, Blount, Limestone and Mobile counties.
Political Ads
You may have noticed a common trend in election ads in recent weeks, President Obama is not on Alabama's primary election ballot tomorrow, but the campaigns in both political parties make it seem like he is. Republicans seeking state offices have built their campaigns around who would fight Mr. Obama the hardest. Democrats have talked about their support of President Obama and have called for Alabama to participate in the federal health care law and expand the Medicaid program. Despite that, election experts are forecasting a lower than normal turnout Tuesday because Alabama does not have a hot race for governor. Secretary of State Jim Bennett is predicting a turnout at about 26 percent. The voter turnout four years ago was 32 percent.
Swim Safety
The American Red Cross has embarked on a national campaign to lower the number of drownings by 50 percent in 50 cities over the next three to five years. The Alabama Red Cross received a sobering reminder why the campaign is so vital when three young children drowned over the Memorial Day Weekend in Alabama and Northwest Florida. Communication Specialist for the Alabama Red Cross Elizabeth Saunders says it's important for entire families to learn how to swim. To sign up for swim classes in Alabama, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to the organization's website at redcross.org.
Medicaid Rally
Dozens of people gathered on the State Capitol steps Saturday for a rally that is aimed at convincing Governor Robert Bentley to reverse his decision not to expand Medicaid in Alabama. The rally was sponsored by the Save Ourselves Movement which is made up of 40 organizations and faith-based ministries. SOS participants say many Alabamians fall into what they call the gap, unable to afford health care or Medicaid. Saturday's rally for Medicaid expansion attracted various politicians including Democratic gubernatorial candidate Parker Griffith. SOS organizer Sophia Bracy-Harris said a petition containing 13,653 signatures was delivered at the State Capitol.
Teen's Big Catch
A 19-year-old Montgomery high school graduate who is confined to a wheelchair and legally blind has fulfilled a dream by reeling in a 105-pound swordfish off the Florida Keys. Celebrating his recent high school graduation with his family, Logan Prickett of Montgomery reeled the fish on Saturday off the Florida coast. In September 2008, Prickett has an almost fatal reaction to intravenous contrast dye administered during an MRI to examine his pituitary gland. He was in a coma for 12 days, was left with severe motor-control deficiencies and couldn't speak above a whisper. He is to enter Auburn University Montgomery in the fall.