A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against a company accused of retaliating against whistleblowing workers in Selma.
Workers in a Selma automotive parts plant have complained about conditions in the plant and were involved in a federal investigation.
An order filed by the U.S. Department of Labor Wednesday in U.S. District Court Wednesday blocks the Lear Corporation and Renosol Seating from terminating, suspending, suing, threatening or retaliating against current or former employees.
United Autoworkers Union officials said employees at the Selma facility producing foam cushions and headrests for Hyundai are often exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Union officials also say Lear fired an employee who is a key witness in the federal investigation and requested a restraining order against her.
Lear Corporation has not yet responded to the suit.
Alabama’s Attorney General wants the U.S. Supreme Court to allow a lethal injection drug the state plans to use at its next execution.
Luther Strange’s office filed a brief ahead of arguments that will be held at the end of the month.
The drug in question is a sedative called midazolam. Critics are complaining about its effectiveness.
Oklahoma inmates challenged the drug as cruel and unusual punishment after it was used in several problematic executions. The court filing says the drug has been used without a problem in 11 executions.
Strange says it's outrageous for convicted murderers to argue that lethal injection has too high a risk of pain.
Alabama officials announced plans to begin using midazolam last year. However, executions are on hold pending the outcome of the Oklahoma case.
Earth Day isn’t until next Wednesday, but that isn’t stopping Mobile Bay from getting a head start and observing the day tomorrow.
Mobile’s Earth Day will be at the Fairhope Municipal Pier Park to promote environmental citizenship and awareness.
Gary Gover is the president and chairman of Earth Day Mobile Bay. He says their mission is to inform the public.
“Our mission is to broaden and expand the public understanding of the environment and the impacts of the environment that the public needs to know something about and also to provide an introduction and a good time for youngsters and people of all ages.”
Admission to the event is free. There will be live performances and food vendors for the whole family.
Mobile will be hosting a unique student competition this weekend.
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is sponsoring its third annual competition for underwater robots beginning later today.
Student teams have been working for a year to design, build and test their own remotely operated underwater vehicles.
During the competition, the students will put their vehicles in a swimming pool to see how well they can maneuver, identify and retrieve items from the water.
The competition will be held at Bishop State Community College in Mobile. It simulates common tasks in marine research and industry.
Teams are coming from as far away as northern Alabama, Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle to compete.