News Minute: Here is the latest Alabama news from The Associated Press - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

News Minute: Here is the latest Alabama news from The Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama's chief justice says that without more state funding, he expects to lay off 150 employees after the state's new fiscal year starts Oct. 1. Chief Justice Roy Moore says he's grateful that the General Fund signed by the governor increases the court system's appropriation by $5.6 million, but he says that is $8.5 million short of what's needed.

GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - Dozens of guest workers from India claim that an Alabama-based marine and fabrication company financially exploited them. In their lawsuits, they say Signal International LLC forced them to live in squalid conditions after bringing them to work at Gulf Coast shipyards after Hurricane Katrina. A company lawyer declined to comment.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama Legislature says voters should decide whether Alabama must recognize the laws of other states if they violate the public policy of Alabama. Lawmakers agreed to let voters decide on a constitutional amendment.

HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - Authorities say a woman has died after driving her car into a lake near Birmingham. Hoover police say 68-year-old Deanna Owen Shumate was taken to a hospital after driving her car into Star Lake on Friday night. Her funeral is planned Friday in Conway, Ark.

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