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March is Women's History Month!

Task Force Revists Medicaid Expansion

A member of a state task force looking at ways to improve health care coverage in Alabama believes Governor Bentley is softening his position on expanding the Medicaid program.  Policy expert Jim Carnes at Alabama Arise said the 30 member panel has recommended the state broaden health insurance coverage.  The governor's office has said the task force recommendations to expand Medicaid will be reviewed.  

House Delegation

Alabama's seven member House delegation voted overwhelmingly to erect high hurdles for Syrian and Iraqi refugees coming to the U.S. Thursday's vote reflects the anxiety of their constituents after the Paris attacks.  47 Democrats, including Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell, voted for the bill which would require FBI background checks and individual sign-offs from three high ranking U.S. officials before refugees could enter the U.S.  Republicans Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby have said they will support similar legislation in the U.S. Senate.  

Strange Challenges Ruling

Alabama's attorney general is challenging a ruling that orders the state to return electronic bingo machines and thousands in cash to VictoryLand.  Luther Strange filed an appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court Thursday.  Strange has maintained the machines are illegal slot machine.  In October, Montgomery Circuit Judge William Shashy ruled the state singled out VictoryLand for prosecution and was enforcing gambling laws unequally.  Despite the ongoing legal squabble, the owner of VictoryLand Milton McGregor said he plans to reopen the casino by the end of the year.  

Tuskegee Airman Dies

Mal Whitfield, a Tuskegee airman who won Olympic track and field titles in the 800 meters in 1948 and 1952, had died.  Whitfield, who was 91, served for decades as a sports affairs officer for the U.S. Information Agency.  Nicknamed "Marvelous Mal," Whitfield flew combat missions during the Korean war.  He's the father of CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield.  She says he died Tuesday at a Washington hospital.

Angel Tree

The  Salvation Army needs donations over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods, the Christian relief organization has set up an Angel Tree at WVAS Radio on the Alabama State University campus.  Tina Golston says an Angel Tree contains the name and a Christmas wish from a child.  The Angel Tree will be in the WVAS studio through December 9th.  The Salvation Army also has started its annual Red Kettle campaign at various businesses in the River region.