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Hubbard Ethics Case, European Trade Agreement and Alabama Jobs

Speaker Mike Hubbard
Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard

Lawyers for House Speaker Mike Hubbard are now asking prosecutors to disclose any conversations they had with legislators. They are also looking for conversations with members of the executive branch about the case.

Defense lawyers filed a discovery motion Wednesday asking a judge to force prosecutors to disclose any calls with legislators or executive branch members. They also asked for any copies of conversations that might have been recorded.

Hubbard's lawyers had already asked prosecutors to disclose any media calls.

Defense lawyers say they suspect a prosecutor is trying to influence members of the Alabama Legislature. The defense didn't elaborate on who that prosecutor may be.

Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges accusing him of using his public offices for personal gain. He has pleaded not guilty.

Business owners and economic developers in the Mobile area will gather today to talk about trade with Europe.

A town hall panel will discuss a pending trade deal called the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. Negotiators with the U.S. and European Union are ironing out the agreement, which deals with everything from intellectual property to e-commerce.

Christina Stimpson is director of international trade with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. She says the deal could be good news for businesses in our state.

“Alabama’s economic relationship with the European Union is already strong, and Europe is by far, America’s biggest trading partner. So, a successful conclusion of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership would contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth.”

The Mobile meeting will focus on how Alabama businesses can cash in once the deal goes through. Panelists will include speakers from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the embassy of Belgium.

Alabama is planning on changing the rules when it comes to incentives used to bring new business to the state. Governor Robert Bentley may start looking for some concrete results before handing over any cash.

The Governor is looking at reimagining how the state of Alabama tries to lure new business and industry to the area.

At least, that’s what he told an audience at the Economic Development Association convention in Montgomery.

Governor Bentley says that traditionally the state has offered financial incentives to companies interested in relocating before a plant or facility is built.

But the new system Bentley will propose to Alabama’s legislature will tie those incentives to job creation and productivity. Businesses would have to hit those marks to get the cash.

Encouraging job creation serves Bentley’s own self-interest. He has never drawn a salary as Governor, and according to a 2010 campaign promise, he won’t until unemployment in Alabama hits 5.2 percent.

Three people whose boat capsized on the Tallapoosa River early yesterday morning have been rescued.

Officials with the Alabama Department of Public Safety said the three individuals were bow fishing before 3 AM yesterday when their sixteen foot boat capsized. The boaters swam to safety but were then stranded on Middle Pond Island, near Martin Dam.

One of the fishermen had a waterproof case on his phone and managed to call 911. The three were rescued by Alabama state troopers with no reported injuries.

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