Prominent witnesses expected in Alabama house speaker's trial

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — The speaker of Alabama's House goes on trial later this week facing a barrage of ethics charges.

House Speaker Mike Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges stemming from accusations that he used his posts as speaker and state GOP party chairman to steer business to his companies.

Hubbard has maintained his innocence.

Opening statements are expected Tuesday in what's become a season of scandal in Alabama.

Gov. Robert Bentley faces impeachment calls following a sex-tinged scandal involving a former aide, and Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore faces possible ouster over accusations that he violated judicial ethics by trying to block same-sex weddings.