The week long march from Selma to Montgomery along U.S. Highway 80 is winding down. About 130 people are re-enacting the 1965 Voting Rights march that began last Sunday in the west Alabama city. Brenda Davenport with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference says marchers expected to arrive in Montgomery late Friday morning. Davenport said the SCLC will host a gospel concert this evening at 7 p.m. at Macedonia Church at 3070 Selma Highway in Montgomery.
Multiple Explosions
Authorities in Bibb County say one worker was killed and several others injured after multiple explosions rocked an industrial plant in the town of Brent. The Tuscaloosa News reports that up to a half-dozen other workers received chemical burns and were taken to nearby hospitals after the Wednesday afternoon explosions and fires at Brent Industries. The cause of the explosions is still undetermined. The manufacturing and recycling plant primarily reconditions work gloves.
Charges Upgraded
A west Alabama prosecutor says criminal charges have been upgraded against two Wilcox County teenagers accused of beheading three puppies with a machete and posting video on social media. District Attorney Michael Jackson says 18-year-old Ashley Johnston and a 17-year-old male are each charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and a single count of first-degree cruelty to a dog or cat. The charges are a Class C felony. The charges were upgraded on Wednesday. Authorities have filed a petition to charge the 17-year-old male as an adult due to nature of the crime.
Conflicting Orders
A Mobile probate judge now faces conflicting direct orders from a federal judge and the Alabama Supreme Court gay marriage. An Alabama Supreme Court order issued late Tuesday is the latest development in the saga over gay marriage. A federal judge last month said the Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis could not refuse marriage licenses to gay couples. Davis issued a statement noting the conflicting orders. On the advice of legal counsel, the Mobile probate will not issue marriage licenses to anyone gay or straight to ensure compliance.