Governor Robert Bentley says state officials are keeping watch on Tropical Storm Issac.
He says state officials will also decide if drastic measures are needed such as reversing interstate highway lanes or ordering massive evacuations. Governor Bentley also said if Tropical Storm Issac appears to threaten Alabama he will stay in the state and cancel plans next week to go to Tampa for the Republican National Convention.
Mosquito Virus
State Health Department officials say half of the 12 cases of West Nile virus confirmed in the state are in Montgomery County. State Veterinarian Dr. Dee Jones said one person died in Montgomery County from what is believed to be a West Nile related illness. The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitos and citizens are being urges to use insect repellant and wear long sleeves and long pants during dawn or dusk hours when mosquitos are most active.
Selma Protesters
Protesters gathered at Selma's Live Oak Cemetery Thursday to protest the construction of a monument to Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Supporters of the monument have defended Forrest from charges that he committed war crimes during the civil war and they're vowing to finish the monument. Selma community activist, Malika Sanders-Fortier said she plans to present a petition asking the Selma City Council to stop the project.
Guilty Plea
A Montgomery man has pleaded guilty in federal court to producing child pornography after he was accused of posing as pop singer Justin Bieber online and convincing hundreds of young girls to sent him inappropriate photos. 31-year-old Christopher Patrick Gunn pleaded guilty Thursday. Gunn faces no less than 25 years, according to federal authorities. No sentencing date was announced.
Local Control
Earlier this week, two Alabama lawmakers said they were pre-filing legislation to return control of school calendars back to school systems. State School Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice commented on that news Thursday, saying he favors locally generated calendars. Last year legislation was passed requiring schools to start classes this year no earlier than August 20 and end the school year no later than Memorial Day.
ASU Volleyball
Alabama State University is ready to open the 2012 Volleyball season as they will host the ISTAP Collegiate Cup beginning today and running through Saturday. Head Coach Penny Lucas-White says after three weeks of practice, the Lady Hornets are ready and excited to get the season started. The Lady Hornets will play at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day.