The old Montgomery Mall will now be called "One Center." The announcement was made Tuesday by city, county and community leaders. Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Harris says the name is an excellent way of revitalizing the area. Steven Patrick with Blue Ridge Capital says the 250,000 square feet inside the building is available for numerous businesses.
Charter Schools
The Alabama Senate will debate a GOP-pushed charter school bill. The proposal would allow the establishment of up to 10 "startup" charter schools in the state each year and unlimited conversions of existing schools to charter status. Republicans say charters provide education choices to families and encourage innovation. Opponents say they would drain resources from existing public schools. Charter schools are public schools that have freedom from the regulations placed on other public schools. Schools could choose to hire non-certified teachers or not offer tenure.
Hubbard Emails
State prosecutors say indicted House Speaker Mike Hubbard shouldn't complain about emails and other evidence being made public in his ongoing ethics case. Prosecutors say the emails were released after defense lawyers asked them to "put some meat on the bones of the indictment." Acting Attorney General W. Van Davis said Hubbard's complaints that the request result in "exposure of his wrongdoing" should fall on "deaf ears." Hubbard is expected to go to trial in October.
Prattville's Deadly Accident
A Prattville man was killed when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree on Tuesday morning. According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, 58-year-old Willie Lee Sanders was killed in the crash that occurred at around 11:50 a.m. on Autauga County 81 , about five miles west of Prattville, Sanders was driving a 2002 Ford Explorer. Troopers continue to investigate.