National Weather Service meteorologists say widespread showers and thunderstorms will affect central Alabama today and tonight. Locally heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding. Forecasters say flooding will continue on a few south central Alabama rivers. Also, a cold front will move through central Alabama early Tuesday.
Tax Deadline
Tuesday is the deadline to file tax returns. Millions of tax filers can take comfort in the fact that their chances of getting audited are lower than they have been in years. Budget cuts and new responsibilities are straining the Internal Revenue Service. The U.S. Postal Service said it's ready for last minute tax filers, just don't make it too last minute. Postal officials say there won't be any midnight collection box pickups or parking lot collections at Alabama postal facilities.
Lawsuit Dismissed
A federal judge in Montgomery has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the state which challenged the rights of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to operate three casinos in Alabama. U.S. District Court Judge Keith Watkins ruled Friday that the state has no authority to prohibit the activity on Indian lands. Attorney General Luther Strange said Alabama officials intend to appeal the court ruling to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. The Creek Indians operate casinos in Montgomery, Wetumpka and Atmore.
New South
Senator Hank Sanders of Selma says he's pleased that President Obama in recent weeks said the right to vote in the U.S. is under bigger threat than at any time since the 1965 Voting Rights Act passed nearly five decades ago. Mr. Obama said the idea of "one person, one vote" is the single biggest tool for fighting injustice. Sanders also denounced GOP efforts to pass voting restrictions, such as the Photo ID law. Senator Sanders made the comments over the weekend at the Alabama New South Coalition's annual spring meeting in Montgomery.
New Plant
A multimillion recycling facility goes on line today in north Montgomery. Governor Robert Bentley will join city and county officials for the opening of the Montgomery Advanced Mixed Materials Recovery Facility on Louisville Street. The recycling plant will have the capacity to process up to 225,000 tons of solid waste per year. The grand opening ceremony for the Infinitus Renewable Energy Park will be held this afternoon at 4 p.m.