A judge has set a hearing on House Speaker Mike Hubbard's claims of prosecutorial misconduct and argument that the ethics law is unconstitutional.
Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker says the hearing is on October 26. Walker says for Hubbard to prevail, he must prove misconduct that substantially impacted a grand jury's decision to indict Hubbard.
Hubbard faces 23 ethics charges accusing him of using his public offices to benefit his businesses.
Hubbard's defense argues that it is a selective prosecution and the ethics law is both unconstitutionally broad and being misapplied by prosecutors.
Walker will hold a separate Oct. 20 hearing on defense efforts to subpoena witnesses. Defense lawyers are seeking additional testimony from Attorney General Luther Strange and others.
Alabama has a new state conservationist. Ben Malone is the new state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Malone’s position will have him providing technical and financial assistance to producers in the state. He will also give direction to producers to implement the best management practices on their land.
Malone says the state conservationist has many roles to fill…
“The state conservationist also develops and manages partnerships with public and private entities to help prioritize natural resources concerns for the state and ultimately it is the state conservationist’s job to provide direction and support to our field officers that implement our programs.”
Malone previously served as the NRCS Alabama’s Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations for the Central Area in Bessemer. Malone says he will start out focusing on improving the state’s forestry and poultry programs.
Eighth ranked Alabama is getting back to work as they host Arkansas Saturday. The Crimson Tide scored 35 unanswered points to defeat Georgia 38-10 in Athens.
Some might have written off the Crimson Tide after Alabama’s loss to Ole Miss. Now after a win at Georgia, Coach Nick Saban has a pretty clear message to the detractors…
“I’ve said before I believe in our team. Alright? and we’re going to work hard to make our team better. And I hope the players hope respond the right way. And It’s not going to be for you. The fans? Yes. Because if it was up to you, we’re six (feet) under already. We’re dead, buried and gone. Gone!”
Junior Derrick Henry is the SEC Player of the week after his 26 carry, 149-yard performance. Calvin Ridley was also named SEC Freshman of the Week after catching five passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. Kickoff for Saturday is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN.