Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard's fate will soon be in the hands of a jury.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers have begun closing arguments this afternoon in Hubbard's ethics trial. They are expected to finish Friday morning.
The arguments will cap nearly three weeks of trial that included testimony from the current and past governor. Hubbard testified in his own defense, rebutting assertions that the contracts and investments his companies stemmed from his political sway.
Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges accusing him of using his political positions as speaker and party chairman to make money and solicit jobs and financial favors from lobbyists. Hubbard has maintained his innocence, saying the transactions fell within exemptions for normal business dealings and longtime friendships.
If convicted, Hubbard will be automatically removed from office.
An automotive supplier in central Alabama is expanding its footprint. APR’s Alex AuBuchon has more on the economic benefits expected to follow.
German auto supplier Eismann Automotive is building a $14.5 million expansion of its Pell City, Alabama facility. The new production line is expected to eventually bring 200 new jobs to the area.
St. Clair County Commission Chairman Paul Manning says Eismann will eventually grow to 850 employees in the county once the expansion is completed.
Eismann makes car interiors, shifter modules and other parts for automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jeep and Volkswagen. The Pell City plant has been expanded several times, including a $2.3 million addition last year.
Roughly two thousand future farmers are gathering in Montgomery this week.
The 88th Future Farmers of America state convention is in full swing. Students have been taking part in various agriculture based competitions this week and will be honored today and tomorrow.
Phillip Paramore is the executive secretary for the F-F-A of Alabama. He says some of the most important recognitions will take place tomorrow morning.
“Our fifth and final session begins on Friday where we will recognize those who will be receiving their state F-F-A degree which is the highest honor an F-F-A member can receive at the state level.”
The F-F-A of Alabama was started in 1929. Part of the closing ceremonies on Friday will also include the naming of officers for the 2016-2017 school year.