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March is Women's History Month!

Election Day Races

It is election day in Alabama and across the nation.  The race between Governor Robert Bentley and Democrat Parker Griffith has received the most attention.  But today's ballot also includes contested elections for constitutional offices, county and municipal offices and five statewide constitutional amendments.  Governor Bentley crisscrossed the state Monday to rally support for his re-election bid.  Parker Griffith campaigned in Birmingham Monday.  He said no matter how today's election turns out, he's changed the political conversation to focus on expanding Medicaid and creating a state lottery.  Polling precincts are open until 7 p.m.  

Escape Inmates

Alabama corrections officials are searching for two inmates who escaped from the Frank Lee Work Center in Deatsville.  Officials say 39-year-old John Todd Pike and 22-year-old Orrin Chappell escaped from the work center in Elmore County on Monday.  Prison officials have not said how and when the two inmates escaped.  

Mileage Lawsuit

Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia will have to pay the U.S. government a $100 million civil penalty to end a two-year probe into overstated gas mileage figures on the window stickers on 1.2 million vehicles.  Hyundai Motor America also reports that October sales were down 6 percent compared to the same period in 2013.  The automaker said sales were led by the Elantra and Sonata vehicles built in Montgomery.  

Fire Intentionally Set

The State Fire Marshal's Office says a fire that gutted the home of Mosses Mayor Walter Hill was intentionally set.  Hill's residence in the Lowndes County community went up in flames late Friday night.  The longtime mayor was able to escape the blaze and was not injured, but his residence was declared a total loss.  The State Fire Marshal says anyone with information about the arson is asked to call the state Arson hotline at 1-800-654-0775.  

Dog Ring Sentences

The first people convicted for operating and participating in high stakes dog fights have received federal prison terms ranging from one to five years.  At a hearing Monday at the Montgomery Federal Courthouse, u.S. District Judge Keith Watkins ordered a five year sentence for Michael Martin of Auburn.  The judge  imposed a three year sentence for Irkis Forrest of Theodore and a prison term of one year and one day on William Edwards of Brantley.  Federal prosecutors said the three admitted to providing canines for high stakes dog fights held in east Alabama.  Other defendants from Georgia, Mississippi and Texas will be sentenced later this week.  

Smoking Ban

A Montgomery city councilman is sponsoring an ordinance that would impose a citywide ban on smoking.  City Councilman C.C. Calhoun is expected to introduce the measure at the Montgomery City Council meeting tonight.  The proposed ordinance would ban smoking in all public places, including bars and private clubs.  Supporters say the proposal is an effort to address the issue of second hand smoke.