The Senate is debating cuts to the federally subsidized crop insurance program as it considers a massive farm bill this week.More >>
The farm bill the Senate is considering this week would cut some farm subsidies but also expand government-subsidized crop insurance, a safety net used by many farmers in case of bad weather or lost revenue.More >>
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:47:11 GMT
- May 31 at 2 p.m., the ASU Honey Beez will debut on nationwide TV!- Free & open to the public! WHEN: Friday, May 31, at 2 p.m.WHERE: ASU's J. Garrick Hardy Student Center, near the Dunn-Oliver AcadomeMore >>
On Friday May 31st the ASU the Honey Beez, the University's plus-sized dance team, will make their national television debut on the Steve Harvey Show. To celebrate ASU will hold a watch party on May 31st at 2pm in the new J. Garrick Hardy Student Center located near the Dunn-Oliver Acadome & Shuttlesworth Dining Hall. More >>
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:46:27 GMT
Residents in tornado-stricken Moore, OK, await news on missing love ones Tuesday, a day after a massive tornado devastated the city, killing at least 51. Rescuers worked all night, with particular attentionMore >>
The tornado, with winds up to 200 mph, cut a 20-mile stretch as wide as two miles through the Oklahoma City metro area. The medical examiner's office reported 24 people died, including nine children. More >>
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:45:54 GMT
From the Alabama Department of Public Health: The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Houston County Health Department, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,More >>
Two Alabama residents have died from a respiratory illness that doctors and health officials have been unable to explain. Five more from Alabama have been hospitalized. More >>
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:45:45 GMT
You can help those affected by the deadly, severe weather that hit Oklahoma Monday. Over the weekend, Missouri, Iowa, Kasas and Illinois also experienced severe weather.The American Red Cross is acceptingMore >>
Learn how you can help victims of severe weather recover in the Plains States...More >>
By Alan Collins
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - A state lawmaker will not say he wore a wire to help with a federal corruption probe that led to the arrest of 11 people, including Victoryland owner Milton McGregor, Country Crossing owner Ronald Gilley, and four state lawmakers.
Gardendale Sen. Scott Beason said Tuesday he approached federal investigators in 2009 after some uncomfortable conversations dealing with support for electronic bingo.
"I did go to speak to authorities in spring of 2009," Beason told FOX6 News. "I was involved in a couple of conversations I didn't think were necessarily appropriate and I went to have a discussion with them."
Senators Jim Preuitt, Hari Anne Smith, Larry Means and Quinton Ross were the four state lawmakers indicted Monday. Beason said he was not happy to see them indicted.
"It's a sad situation," Beason said. "It's unfortunate there are allegation of public corruption in Alabama but I think people have wondered what went on in Alabama for years and years."
In the indictment, prosecutors make reference to lawmaker number two as a state senator who helped with the investigation. Beason would not confirm he was that lawmaker.
"My goal is to make sure I don't do anything to jeopardize what they say is an ongoing investigation," Beason said. "I sure don't want to jeopardize the prosecution."
Some lawmakers say having legislators wearing wires and working with federal investigators may result in strained feelings in the state legislature.
"I think for the first initial session after this will affect some people but I think we will outgrow it," Sen. Jabo Waggoner of Vestavia Hills said.
"Very much so... now we are going to make sure everyone goes into the shower before we talk to them," Rep. John Rogers of Birmingham said.
Beason said he stands by his decision, even though there are safety concerns being linked to the undercover lawmakers.
"You have to be concerned about that. You are talking about millions and millions of dollars at stake for people in this situation." Beason said.
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