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June 17, 2008
Jury selection starts in Medicaid drugs suit
The state plans to ask for at least $200 million in damages against each of two pharmaceutical companies accused of overcharging the state’s Medicaid program, an attorney representing the state said Monday.
Feds: 27 levees could overflow if sandbags fail
The federal government predicts that 27 levees could potentially overflow along the river if the weather forecast is on the mark and a massive sandbagging effort fails to raise the level of the levees, according to a map obtained Monday by The Associated Press. Officials are placing millions of sandbags on top of the levees in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri to prevent overflowing. There is no way to predict whether these levees will break, said Ron Fournier, a spokesman with the Army Corps of Engineers in Iowa.
Blame for Spears’ pap hit-run on the other foot
A paparazzo who pressed charges against Britney Spears after her car allegedly ran over his foot was himself to blame for any injury it may have caused, prosecutors said in refusing to pursue the case. After reviewing police records and a videotape of the incident last year, Deputy District Attorney Joseph D. Shidler wrote Friday that the “only way the victim’s foot could have been where the video indicates it to be was by the victim placing it in that location.”
Iraqi violence down; war’s root causes unresolved
Signs are emerging that Iraq has reached a turning point. Violence is down, armed extremists are in disarray, government confidence is rising and sectarian communities are gearing up for a battle at the polls rather than slaughter in the streets. Those positive signs are attracting little attention in the United States, where the war-weary public is focused on the American presidential contest and skeptical of talk of success after so many years of unfounded optimism by the war’s supporters.
June 16, 2008
Police Reports for June 17
Police Reports for June 17
Lee County man stands trial for making “terrorist threats”
A Lee County jury heard testimony Monday that a Lee County man threatened his ex-wife.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigating report of sexual abuse
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of the sexual abuse of a 3-year-old female at a residence on Lee Road 243 in Smiths Station, Saturday.
Auburn council to address Indian Hill subdivision
A potential continuation of Indian Hill Road is scheduled to come up again at today’s Auburn City Council meeting, according to the agenda.
Opelika City Council to hold hearing on proposed budget
The Opelika City Council will hold a public hearing on a $252,000 federal grant proposed budget and could vote on the next step in the delayed Frederick Road project during today’s work session and meeting.
Lanett man charged in Valley shooting
A 29-year-old Lanett man was arrested Monday in connection with a weekend shooting on Fob James Drive in Valley that left him and another man injured.
Search for permanent Southern Union president postponed
There is still no word yet on when a Montgomery Circuit Court judge will make a decision on a claim made by former Southern Union State Community College President Susan Salatto over her dismissal.
Defendant pleads guilty after questions, asks victim’s family for forgiveness
Jamaal Kali Yancey, 25, of Auburn, pleaded guilty to murder Monday — but almost didn’t. Yancey was scheduled to stand trial on a murder charge Monday for the July 2006 shooting of George E. Warren Jr., 33, of Auburn.
Investigation into reported rape ‘closed’
A criminal investigation into a report of a resident being raped by another resident at an Opelika nursing home Thursday has been closed, according to local authorities.
Three Alabama universities earn grant for bioenergy efforts
Auburn University and two other Alabama universities join forces under USDA grant to work on bioenergy options for the nation.
Saturday morning shooting wounds two
Saturday at 1 a.m., the Auburn Police Division responded to two reports of aggravated assault.
Mike Rogers: Environment can lend hand to economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Another week, another record. Gas is now averaging more than $4 a gallon across the country.
Opelika police investigate report of rape
Opelika police are investigating a report of a rape of a 22-year-old woman at a residence over the weekend.
Jury selection begins in prescription drugs trial
Jury selection is beginning in the next trial of Alabama’s lawsuits against more than 70 pharmaceutical companies for allegedly overcharging the state’s Medicaid program
Body of fallen Alabama soldier returns home
Army Chief Warrant Officer James Carter was one of two soldiers who died on June 5th at Kandahar Army Airfield, Afghanistan. He was 42.
FCC chief recommends OK of satellite radio deal
The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission is recommending approval of the $5 billion merger between the nation’s two satellite radio broadcasters in exchange for concessions that include turning over 24 channels to noncommercial and minority programming. That condition — along with others, including a three-year price freeze for consumers — convinced FCC Chairman Kevin Martin on Sunday to recommend approval for Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.’s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc..
Gun rights is biggest issue for court to decide
The Supreme Court returns to the bench Monday with 17 cases still unresolved, including its first-ever comprehensive look at the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms. The guns case - including Washington, D.C.’s ban on handguns - is widely expected to be a victory for supporters of gun rights. Top officials of a national gun control organization said this week that they expect the handgun ban to be struck down, but they are hopeful other gun regulations will survive.
Two key Democrats neutral on presidential race
Two Alabama Democrats vying for a pair of open congressional seats are shying away from their party’s apparent presidential nominee, Barack Obama.
State Sen. Parker Griffith of Huntsville and Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright have refrained from endorsing Obama or Sen. John McCain, the presumed Republican nominee. It’s a position that is generating criticism from their GOP opponents. By staying neutral, they join at least a dozen incumbent Democratic members of Congress who are withholding endorsements for Obama.
June 15, 2008
Valley woman pleads guilty to tax evasion
The United States Attorney’s office for the Middle District of Alabama announced Friday that a Valley woman has pleaded guilty to a federal tax evasion charge.
Auburn police respond to SUV- garage accident
No injuries were reported Sunday after a young driver accidentally drove the family’s Lincoln Navigator through the garage and into the house.
Murder trial to begin today
Jamaal Kali Yancey, of Auburn, is scheduled to appear in the Lee County Circuit Court today to face a murder charge related to the 2006 shooting death of an Auburn man.
Judge orders Lockhart’s mental evaluation
Burk friend saddened, but not surprised by order for mental exam
AMA president speaks of pancreatic cancer struggle
CHICAGO (AP)—As a doctor, Ron Davis knew what it meant when he got a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
Two injured in early morning gunfight
Two Lanett men were hospitalized early Sunday morning with gunshot wounds stemming from a possible domestic situation, according to Valley police.
Companies get OK to annoy polar bears
WASHINGTON (AP)—Less than a month after declaring polar bears a threatened species because of global warming, the Bush administration is giving oil companies permission to annoy and potentially harm them in the pursuit of oil and natural gas.
Black conservatives conflicted on Obama campaign
WASHINGTON (AP)—Black conservative talk show host Armstrong Williams has never voted for a Democrat for president. That could change this year with Barack Obama as the Democratic Party’s nominee.
