The state Legislature is moving onto the final stretch of the 2013 regular session. Lawmakers plan to work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. After that, legislators will have five days left in the session. Completing work on the budgets will be the priority in the House Senate this week. The state Education Budget has already passed the House and the Senate has passed the General fund spending plan.
New Democratic Organization
The departing chairman of Alabama's Democratic Party is starting a new organization in hopes of revitalizing the two-party system in the state. Mark Kennedy is organizing a new group called the Alabama Democratic Majority as he steps down as head of the state party. Kennedy has scheduled a news conference today in Birmingham to discuss the new organization.
Elmore County Shooting
Elmore County authorities say a grand jury will decide whether to bring charges against a woman accused of fatally shooting a man at the end of a violent domestic fight. Elmore County sheriff's deputies found Michael Smith suffering from a gunshot wound Friday. He died later at a local hospital. Deputies were called to the home by Bridgette Johnson, who had children with Smith. Authorities say Johnson told deputies Smith was hitting her in the head with a hammer when she pulled out a .38 caliber handgun and shot him in the abdomen.l Authorities said the case will presented in July to a grand jury to decide if Johnson should face criminal charges.
Montgomery's 21st Homicide
Gun violence claimed another young victim over the weekend. Montgomery Police are investigating the city's 21st homicide of 2013. The shooting happened Friday night in the 4800 block of Windywood Court. Police identified the victim as 19-year-old Darryl Morris of Montgomery. Authorities said an initial investigation indicated that Morris was shot during an attempted robbery. No arrests have been made.
Stolen Ambulance
Authorities are on the lookout for an ambulance they say was stolen from a hospital in Birmingham. Authorities say a Haynes ambulance was taken from UAB hospital about 8 p.m. Saturday. It was parked on an emergency room ramp at the time. A police lookout asks motorists to call 911 if they see a Haynes ambulance that's marked with the unit number 206. A notice says the ambulance has an Alabama license plat that begins with the number 29, which represents Elmore County.