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Hubbard ethics case update, Special Session preview

A judge says indicted House Speaker Mike Hubbard has been given a sufficient summary of the evidence against him.

Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker rejected a defense request Friday for a more definite statement from prosecutors of how they allege Hubbard broke the law.

Walker says the plain language of the indictment and prosecutors' court filings have provided adequate notice.

Hubbard faces 23 ethics charges accusing him of using his public offices to benefit his businesses.

He has pleaded not guilty. His trial was initially scheduled for October. Walker has tentatively delayed it until March.

Tomorrow starts the second special session for the Alabama Legislature.

Governor Robert Bentley called lawmakers back to Montgomery after they failed to come up with a solution for a $200 Million shortfall.

Huntsville Republican Representative Phil Williams believes that’s because the State House and Senate spent time talking about other things than the general fund…

“We did some great reforms, don’t get me wrong.  We’ve brought expanded school choice to Alabama.  We brought options to parents whose kids are trapped in failing schools but we dodged the hard work and I think we collectively put our heads in the sand.”

Bentley proposes raising $300 million in new taxes to resolve the budget issue rather than make cuts to state agencies, but many lawmakers, including Williams do not want to do that.

The University of Alabama made quick work of the University of Wisconsin this past Saturday in the Advocare Classic in Texas.  Now, the Crimson Tide has their sights set on their home opener against Middle Tennessee State. 

The Crimson Tide is expected to be a heavy favorite against The Blue Raiders.  But Coach Nick Saban does not see it that way…

“It’s the most important game of the season for us because it’s the next game.  And it’s the next opportunity for us to get better.  So we’re not trying to create anything based on who we’re playing because we respect who we’re playing and I suggest that everybody else does, too.  They just put up 700 yards or something on a team.  You know, we respect that.”

Kickoff for Saturday’s game against M-T-S-U is set for 3 p.m. on the SEC Network.  Also, Alabama junior running back Derrick Henry is the S-E-C Offensive Player of the Week after his 147-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Badgers. 

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