Alabama State University's first female president has assumed her new duties. Students, faculty and staffers welcome Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd Monday as she moved into her office at ASU's Councill Hall.
Tax Credit
A federal judge in Montgomery has promised to rule quickly on whether to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Alabama's new tax credits for families that move their children from failing public schools. U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins on Monday heard from attorneys for the Southern Poverty Law Center which has sued on behalf of eight children in poor, rural counties. The judge also heard from the State Attorney's General's Office which is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed.
GOP Runoff
Voters in Elmore and Coosa counties will decide the outcome of a GOP runoff in Alabama House District 31. Timber farmer Mike Holmes and Wetumpka car dealer Jimmy Collier are competing to replace Barry Mask who resigned last year. The special election was scheduled to be held last Tuesday, but had to be delayed one week due to the winter storm. Voters in parts of Jefferson and Mobile counties also picking candidates to fill seats in the Alabama House.
Farm Bill
More than two years of delays are expected to end today as the U.S. Senate sends the compromise, five-year farm bill to the president for his signature. Much of the cost of the bill is for the food stamp program, which is being trimmed one percent. Also, director farm subsidies are being eliminated. GOP Congresswoman Martha Roby of Montgomery said the farm legislation addresses specific needs for Alabama farmers and foresters.
Reward Money
The CrimeStoppers program is offering reward money to the individual who can assist Montgomery Police identify two males who robbed a Family Dollar store on East Boulevard. The armed robbery occurred on the morning of January 5th at 10:36 a.m. CrimeStoppers said one suspect has three tear drop tattoos below his right eye. If you can help authorities, call CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP.