Over 35 state, local and federal law enforcement officials took part in Project Synergy Wednesday. The national initiative is aimed at taking synthetic drugs off the streets across the country. Governor Robert Bentley praised the efforts which included raids in 10 Alabama counties.
School Nutrition
Schools across the country have been grappling with changes to cafeteria menus as they put into place new government-mandated standards. Some nutrition directors have complained that the new requirements are too stringent and too expensive to implement. Program coordinator of child nutrition programs for the State Department of Education June Barrett said reaction from students and faculty in Alabama has been mixed. Barrett notes that Alabama has been installing healthier menus on its own before the government mandates, to address widespread obesity in the state.
Stroke System
Public Health officials say more Alabama hospitals are participating in a pilot Stroke Emergency Care System that was implemented last year. Alabama Public Health Officer Dr. Don Williamson said this week the Southeast Regional Pilot Stroke System has served 1,260 patients in 18 southeast Alabama counties. The network uses an organized plan to route patients with signs of stroke to the closest hospital for treatment.
Minor given Gun
Selma police have arrested a man accused of giving his younger brother a gun they say was used to shot a 12-year-old boy. Police said 19-year-old Antonio-Green Howell is charged with delivery of a firearm to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He's being held in the Dallas County jail on $16,000 bond. The man's 15-year-old brother has been charged with assault in the Tuesday evening shooting and is being held in a juvenile detention center. Authorities have said a 12-year-old boy was shot in his abdomen, but details on the circumstances that led up to the shooting weren't immediately available.