The upper chamber of the Alabama Legislature has approved a nearly six billion dollar Education budget, the state Senate voted 33 to nothing Tuesday afternoon to send the school spending plan to the Alabama House. Legislators are still grappling with the financially-ailing General fund budget and are considering deep cuts to state agencies. A key GOP lawmaker who chairs a Senate Budget committee, Arthur Orr of Decatur told a gathering at the Statehouse Tuesday to make their concerns known to legislators. An early draft General fund budget shows agency cuts between 11 and 16 percent if new taxes are not passed.
Stolen Vehicle
Four juveniles accused of stealing a vehicle from a car dealership in Selma are in police custody. The four males were nabbed Tuesday morning following a high speed chase on Highway 80 that started in Selma and ended with the vehicle crashing into a gas station pump near the Montgomery Regional Airport. Authorities say no one was injured and four minors were returned to Selma to face charges.
Suspect Released
Authorities in Chilton County say the man accused of killing his wife at a doctor's office in Jemison has been released from UAB Hospital and placed in jail. 26-year-old Eric Price has been charged with murder in connection with Monday's shooting death of 24-year-old Leaj Price. The incident led to a nearly 3 hour standoff at a residence on U.S. 31. Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer said the former Marine is being held without bond.
Weight-Loss Winner
A Montgomery minister has been notified that he soon will receive free weight-loss surgery. The Reverend William McCoy is the winner of the a national Humanitarian award from the National Obesity Foundation. He is the pastor of the Greater Destiny Worship Center. McCoy, who weighs nearly 600 pounds, attracted the majority of votes in an online contest sponsored by the Obesity Foundation. The minister hopes the surgery puts him on a path to a healthier lifestyle and enhances public awareness about obesity.