The head of the Alabama Emergency says timing, better forecasting and preparation helped the state avoid a repeat of the problems that occurred during a winter storm two weeks ago. Agency Director Art Faulkner says many difficulties were avoided because the worst of the frozen precipitation fell late Wednesday and early Thursday instead of during the middle of the day.
Winter Greetings
A bill that would allow schools to educate students about Christmas and Hanukkah as well as let students and school officials exchange traditional greetings has made it through the Alabama Senate. An attempt was made by State Senator Quinton Ross of Montgomery to add Kwanzaa to the bill, but it failed. Senator Vivian Figures of Mobile has some choice words for the chamber after the vote. The Senate voted 22-7 for the bill by Republican Sen. Gerald Allen of Tuscaloosa. He says it should give clarity to what educators can do. Opponents predict a legal challenge. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
Same-Sex Marriages Lawsuit
Paul Hard, a gay man who got married in Massachusetts, is filing a federal lawsuit challenging Alabama laws that prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages. Hard is going forward with the lawsuit because he was not recognized as the surviving spouse of David Fancher, who died in a car crash in 2011. Paul Hard and David Fancher, both of Montgomery, were married on May 21st 2011, just three months before Fancher's Death.
Barlow Speech
Students at Vaughn Road Elementary School in Montgomery has a visit from a special guest Thursday. Alabama State University's Head Football Coach Reggie Barlow was the guest speaker at the school's launch of a new program, " Reaching Our Legacy of Excellence" or R.O.L.E Model for short. Coach Barlow stressed discipline, focus and a positive attitude. R.O.L.E Model founder, Ronnie Doughty says the mentoring initiative emphasizes behavior, leadership, academic abilities and confidence. The program is aimed at boys aged 5 to 12.