Alabama: State rests in Hubbard trial. Yesterday the prosecution finished presenting its case to the jury in the ethics trial of state House Speaker Mike Hubbard (R). The end of the state’s case followed testimony by former Gov. Bob Riley (R), who praised Hubbard for having a “phenomenal” work ethic, reports Al.com ……. Florida: Bongino running for Congress. With US Rep. Curt Clawson (R) stepping down in the safe Republican 19th District (Palm City, etc.), conservative leader Dan Bongino, a former New York City cop, former Secret Service agent, former politico in Maryland, and an ally of hard-right former US Sen. Allen West (R-FL), filed Friday with the Federal Election to begin his congressional campaign, joining two other GOPers in the August 30 primary. West has called Bongino “a true American hero,” reports Sunshine State News ……. North Carolina: McCrory vetoes coal ash bill. Gov. Pat McCrory (R) has followed through on his threat to veto a bill that would recreate the state’s Coal Ash Management Commission. The measure would set up new rules for handling toxic material remaining after coal has been burned for fuel. Environmental groups were divided over the measure, reports WRAL.com, while Duke Energy supported it. The legislature is expected to override McCrory’s veto …….