CSX Transportation to speed up trains around Montgomery
A railroad company says its freight trains will soon begin traveling at faster speeds through southern Georgia and portions of Alabama. WALB-TV reports that CSX Transportation plans to increase maximum speeds from 25 mph (40 kph) to 40 mph (64 kph) on its tracks between Waycross, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama. That’s a distance of roughly 260 miles (418 kilometers). – AP
House passes bill allowing direct shipment of wine to consumers
The Alabama House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill Thursday that would allow consumers to order wine and have it shipped to their residencies. House Bill 350 is sponsored by State Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur. The bill would allow a licensed wine manufacturer to purchase a direct shipper license from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. – AR
Medical marijuana bill sponsors slow their roll
Alabama lawmakers could make changes to medical marijuana legislation after the bill hit opposition in the House. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said last week he expects lawmakers to create a study commission instead of legalizing the use of medical marijuana this session. The Alabama Senate earlier this month voted 17-6 for a bill that would allow patients with certain medical conditions to purchase medical marijuana with a doctor’s approval. – Bradenton Herald
Round House founder to face new state charges
A man who pleaded guilty to federal charges in a $2 million scam that sucked in an Alabama town is due in state court to face additional counts. Records show Kyle Sandler has signed papers showing he plans to plead guilty Tuesday to a state theft charge involving more than $2,500 that was taken from a bank. – Washington Post
Historic buildings becoming popular tourist haunts
It was a 71-year-old former auto parts garage, along a road that commuters use to stream out of downtown Montgomery at the end of the workday. Jerome Moore had to be talked into buying it by his mom. “I told her I had enough buildings,” Moore laughed. Mom won. Now it’s one of downtown Montgomery’s most popular gathering spots, with Common Bond Brewers and Bibb Street Pizza Co. – AL.com
