Republican state Representative Jay Love of Montgomery is resigning from the Alabama House effective Aug. 1 to pursue business opportunities and to promote education reforms. He is the chairman of the House Ways and Means-Education committee that prepares the state education budget. Love's successor will be chosen in a special election to be called by Gov. Robert Bentley.
Claims Investigation
Gov. Robert Bentley says the state will investigate claims by the Equal Justice Initiative that corrections workers are physically and sexually abusing inmates at three Alabama men's prisons. Bentley said he won't tolerate inappropriate conduct and neither will state Corrections Commissioner Kim Thomas. The Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative issued a report saying it had uncovered dozens of cases of corrections officers abusing men at the Elmore Correctional Facility in Elmore; Bibb Correctional Facility in Brent and Donaldson prison near Bessemer.
Foodborne Illness
Foodborne Illness A group of people who ate at a funeral in Sumter County last week have gotten sick from a foodborne illness. State Department of Public Health Officials issued a release saying at least 30 people have been hospitalized in serious condition. Department Spokesperson Dr. Mary McIntyre says more than 100 people are reported to have attended the funeral July 6th at Eastern Star Baptist Church in York. Hospitalizations from this outbreak have occurred in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Oklahoma.
ASU Coaches Caravan
Alabama State University begins its third annual Coaches Caravan today in Mobile. The caravan promotes awareness of Hornet athletics across the region. Leading the tour team will be acting athletic director Melvin Hines, head football coach Reggie Barlow and head men's basketball coach Lewis Jackson. The caravan will travel to six cities following Mobile including Tuscaloosa, Columbus, Georgia, Atlanta, Birmingham, Dothan and wrapping up in Montgomery July 31st.