Gambling, tunnel closure, Conecuh Sausage: Down in Alabama

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Capitol update Part I

A two-bill package that would bring Alabama a lottery, casinos and sports betting advanced out of committee in the state House of Representatives, reports AL.com’s Mike Cason.

It could go before the full House as soon as today.

I’ve hate to lay odds on this thing reaching Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk, although she has repeatedly said she wants to see some form of gambling legislation go before the people. If this legislative package makes it through the legislature and is signed by Ivey, it’ll still have to go on the ballot for the state’s voters to accept or reject.

Capitol update Part II

Also making it through committee on Wednesday, this time in the state Senate, a bill that would remove state sales tax from baby formula, baby bottles, baby wipes, breast milk pumping equipment, breast pump, diapers, maternity clothing and menstrual hygiene products.

Tunnel closing

Folks who’ll be driving in Mobile next week take note: The Bankhead Tunnel will be closed from Monday, Feb. 19 until the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 23, reports AL.com’s Margaret Kates.

That’s Highway 98. Since it’s too cold to swim, drivers trying to cross the Mobile River are being asked to use the Africatown Bridge or take I-10, which goes through the Wallace Tunnel.

ALDOT is upgrading the Bankhead Tunnel’s electrical system, and next week they’ll be installing a new generator.

Where they make the sausage

If you like Conecuh Sausage, we have some good news for you: It appears they’re about to start making more of it, reports AL.com’s William Thornton.

The family-owned business out of Evergreen announced it’ll be opening another production facility, this one in Covington County. The company said it’ll be creating creating 110 jobs in Andalusia.

The plant has a price tag of $58 million.

Picture That

The Equal Justice Initiative has unveiled a new statue honoring Rosa Par

More Alabama news

Born on this Date

In 1937, former Congressman Terry Everett of Dothan.

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