The federal government has given Alabama a waiver that will make it easier for public schools to make a passing grade under the No Child Left Behind Act. The waiver means the number of students needed to pass standardized tests to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress won't go up when the 2012 results are released next month. Alabama is moving toward measuring student achievement by tracking how much progress individual students make each year.
Drunk Driving
A Montgomery man is facing a drunk driving charge after he rear-ended a state trooper's patrol car. Troopers said Willie Ball was arrested early Sunday morning when his vehicle hit the back of the patrol car in the northbound shoulder of Interstate 65 near the Prattville exit. At the time of the crash, the trooper was outside his vehicle investigating another accident. The state trooper was not injured.
Death Investigation
Authorities in Autauga County are conducting a death investigation after a body was discovered Saturday night. Autauga County Sheriff's officials said the remains were recovered in a wooded area near County Road 85 and U.S. Highway 31. The body was sent to a state forensics lab for identification.
Tax free Holiday
The state's first sales tax holiday to buy goods needed in cases of severe weather ended at midnight Sunday. The state temporarily removed a four percent sales tax on items, costing 60 dollars or less. The attitudes of the shoppers at a local hardware store ranged from enthusiasm to apathy. Next year's sales tax holiday will be held during the last weekend in February.
Tax Incentive
A new tax incentive passed this year by the Alabama legislature and signed by Governor Robert Bentley gives farmers a tax credit to purchase or upgrade irrigation systems. State Agriculture Commissioner John McMillian says irrigation makes sense, even in years without drought conditions.