Republican Congresswoman Martha Roby of Montgomery said she's troubled after hearing a senior official at the Department of Veterans Affair says the agency is improperly spending at least $5 billion a year for medical care and supplies that are being purchased outside of required practices for competitive bidding and written contracts. Roby, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Oversight committee, said she is preparing legislation that would compel the VA secretary to take VA systems, including the Central Alabama Health Care Facility that fail to meet basic standards.
Cosby on Education
Bill Cosby was the special guest Thursday night at a private reception at the Mariott Hotel in Prattville. The 77-year-old comedian is visiting the state for events aimed at highlighting schools in west Alabama. Later today, Cosby will speak to high school students in Demopolis and Selma. He will also participate in a symbolic walk across Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge as part of the Black Belt Community Foundation's "March for Education" to improve area schools.
No Nominees
A member of the State Board of Education says a majority of board members decided Wednesday not to confirm ten members of the newly created Public Charter School Commission. The legislature approved the bill in March to authorize charter schools in Alabama for the first time. State School Board member Stephanie Bell of Montgomery tells WVAS there wasn't enough information about the nominees. The charter school law gives the state school board until June 1st to confirm the commission.
Scam Warning
Alabama's attorney general is warning consumers about another scam involving suspects pretending to be law enforcement and demanding payments for missed jury duty and unpaid debts. Luther Strange said the scam is similar to others that have been reported throughout the state this year. Strange says the scammer uses a caller ID manipulation technique called "spoofing" so caller IDs says attorney general's office when they call. Strange says his office typically contracts people by mail, not over the phone.
Internet Graduations
The Montgomery Public School system will again this year broadcast most of the high school graduation ceremonies on live stream video by way of the internet. MPS said 1,700 seniors will receive diplomas between Friday and next Tuesday at area high schools. No video feed will be available for Booker T. Washington Magnet and Loveless Academic Magnet High School ceremonies that will be held at First Baptist Church.