'Burglary sparks 3-state chase' and more Chattanooga region news

Burglary sparks 3-state chase

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - Authorities said a burglary in Northeast Alabama sparked a police chase that crossed into Georgia before ending in Tennessee.

WAFF-TV reported that police in Fort Payne, Ala., found a door open at Kilgore Express Pharmacy early Thursday. Items were on the floor.

Police spotted a possible suspect car northbound on Interstate 59 and tried to stop the driver, but ended up in a chase through Alabama and into Georgia and Tennessee. The Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested three people after the vehicle left Interstate 24. Authorities haven't released any names.


Police say puppy dies in dishwasher

MEMPHIS - Police in Memphis said a man put a puppy into a dishwasher and ran the machine.

Police charged 27-year-old Marcus Curry with aggravated abuse to animals. He was held in lieu of $40,000 bond.

Police were called Wednesday by an apartment maintenance man who reported finding a dead puppy in a trash bin.

A police affidavit states Curry told police he didn't put the dog into the dishwasher, but acknowledged putting the dog into a bag and throwing it into a trash bin.

A witness, however, told investigators Curry said he put the dog in the dishwasher, but left it there "too long." Another witness saw the animal in the dishwasher and said when Curry took it out, the puppy was not moving.


Insurance portal opens in August

ATLANTA - Georgia Department of Community Health officials said the state's online enrollment and eligibility portal will be launched Aug. 1.

Department Commissioner David A. Cook said the portal for the State Health Benefit Plan is designed to streamline the enrollment process for plan members and their employers during open enrollment and when adjustments are made because of life events.

Officials said the department contracted with ADP, a human capital management services firm, to develop the portal, and the company also will provide a call center based in Augusta.


Governor touts bills for military

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Gov. Robert Bentley has joined with legislators and military leaders to celebrate the enactment of three state laws designed to make Alabama more military-friendly.

One law, by Republican Rep. Paul Lee of Dothan, allows military members and veterans to receive academic and professional licensure credit for relevant skills acquired in the military. Another, by Republican Rep. Barry Moore, of Enterprise, extends in-state tuition to active service members, their spouses and dependents when they are stationed in Alabama. The third law by Republican Sen. Arthur Orr, of Decatur, allows cities and counties to provide buildings and other facilities to the federal government.

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