Two candidates vying to represent District 74 in the Alabama House are in a runoff set for next month. In Tuesday's special election, Dimitri Polizos tabulated 1,901 votes for almost 46 percent; Charlotte Meadows garnered 1,328 votes or a little more than 32 percent. Heather Sellers finished in third place with 22 percent or 910 votes. The winner will fill the House seat vacated by the resignation of Jay Love. The runoff is November 19th.
Drug Overdose
Public health officials say they're aware of statistics in a report saying Alabama's drug overdose rate has nearly tripled since 1999 and they're working with other agencies to confront the problem. A national report by Trust for America's Health says Alabama's fatal drug overdose rate has climbed to 11.8 per 100,000 people. Many of the deaths are linked to prescription drugs.
Crime Commission
The Montgomery Police Department launched its Homicide and Violent Crime Commission. Its members come from various community-based service providers who will review past cases of violent crimes and determine what could have been done to prevent the violence. There have been 40 homicide in Montgomery this year.