Now it's official

The al.com server is back up and running today, and it brings the long-expected news that Gov. Bob Riley will call the Alabama Legislature into special session beginning July 19. Passage of a General Fund budget is the main thing on lawmakers' plate, but Riley likely also will ask them to consider other measures, including a state employee pay raise, more money for prisons, and welcome legislation blocking local governments from using eminent domain powers for private economic development.