Alabama's unemployment rate has dropped from 6.1 percent in December to 6 percent in January, but it remains above the national average. Governor Robert Bentley says this is the 14th straight month that Alabama has gone without any increase in unemployment.
Legislative Effort
Prison reform legislation has cleared its first legislative hurdle. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the 130-page bill Tuesday. Much of the proposal is aimed at diverting low-level property and drug offenders away from prison. It also aims to increase supervision for those on probation or recently released from prison. Republican state Senator Cam Ward of Alabaster is the bill's sponsor.
Townhall Meeting
Nearly 60 people attended the veterans Townhall meeting in Montgomery Tuesday. Tuesday's meeting sponsored by the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System was the first quarterly meeting of the year. Representatives from the Montgomery Regional Benefits Office along with staff members from social work, nursing and customer service were on hand to answer questions. Interim Director Dr. Robin Jackson also updated the crowd on actions to improve VA access and health care.
School Lockdown
Authorities say Prattville Junior High School was placed on lockdown Tuesday when a juvenile brought a gun to the school. It's being reported that the student's family alerted the school that a gun was missing from their home. The pistol was then located in the juvenile's backpack. Autauga County school officials say they do not know the motive behind the unidentified student's actions. Police have taken the teen into custody, but there's no word on if the student faces suspension or expulsion. Police say the gun was not loaded.