BC-AL--Alabama News Coverage Advisory 8:30 am, AL

Good morning. Here's a look at how AP's general news covering is shaping up today in Alabama. Questions about today's coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the Montgomery AP Bureau at 334-262-5947 or apalabama@ap.org.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories and digests will keep you up to date.

Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with all updates

TOP STORIES:

EXECUTION DRUGS

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama is seeking to proceed with executions after a U.S Supreme Court decision allowing use of the lethal injection drug the state plans to use. The state is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that challenged the drug as cruel and unusual punishment. UPCOMING: 450 words.

POND GATOR

AUBURN, Ala. — An Auburn couple recently reeled in an unusual catch from a multi-acre pond on their property just off Alabama 14 - a 10-foot, 2-inch alligator, reportedly the largest caught in a Lee County pond. Terry Parker spotted the estimated 400-pound gator in mid-June when he and Yorkshire terrier Gracie were driving around the family's property. It's not the first time Parker and his wife, Francine, have spotted an alligator in one of their ponds. About five years ago, the Parkers had a 4-foot alligator removed from the property. After welcoming a host of baby goats and geese this spring, the Parkers were worried about the damage a large alligator could do. They consulted with a game warden from Elmore County, who gave the Parkers a permit to kill the "nuisance alligator." By Sara Falligant, Opelika-Auburn News. SENT: 470 words.

Eds: An AP Member Exchange.

ALSO:

—FATALITY-STORM — Authorities say 59-year-old Cullman County man was struck, killed by falling tree during storm.

—OFFICER-ID THEFTS — Former Dothan police officer accused of identity thefts charged with 20 felony counts.

—C3 DESIGNS-EXPANSION — Greenwood modular housing company buys Alabama home manufacturer.

_______

If you have stories of regional or statewide interest, please email them to apatlanta@ap.org. If you have photos of regional or statewide interest, please send them to the AP state photo center in New York, 888-273-6867. For access to AP Exchange and other technical issues, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

MARKETPLACE: Calling your attention to the Marketplace in AP Exchange, where you can find member-contributed content from Georgia and other states. The Marketplace is accessible on the left navigational pane of the AP Exchange home page, near the bottom. For both national and state, you can click "All" or search for content by topics such as education, politics and business.