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March is Women's History Month!

WVAS Local News

Despite opposition from Alabama sheriffs and business interests, the Alabama Senate worked into the night and approved legislation to ease some of the state's gun restrictions.  The Senate voted 27-5 for the bill sponsored by Republican Scott Beason of Jefferson County.  The legislation which goes to the Alabama House for consideration would allow workers to keep guns locked in their vehicles while at their jobs and it would allow people to get a lifetime permit to keep guns in their vehicles. 

Repeal School Accountability

Democratic leaders in the state Legislature have called for the repeal of the controversial Alabama Accountability Act which provides school tax credit for parents with children who attend failing schools.  Rep. Craig Ford of Gadsden, the House Minority Leader and Senate Minority Leader Vivian Figures of Mobile said returning to the original school flexibility bill is the right thing to do.  Governor Robert Bentley signed the bill into law last month.  Top Republicans have said the legislation will not be changed.

Social Security Cuts?

President Obama is proposing cuts to Social Security as an attempt to compromise with Republicans on the budget.  A senior administration official says the budget Mr. Obama will offer to Congress next Wednesday would reduce the deficit by $1.8 trillion dollars over 10 years.  It includes a proposal that would curb cost-of-living increases in Social Security and other benefit programs.  The president fire made the offer to House Speaker John Boehner last year. 

Sam's BBQ

The contest for the favorite barbecue restaurant in the state is down to Jim 'N Nick's of Birmingham and Sam's BBQ of Montgomery.  The Facebook-based contest is patterned after March Madness and began with 32 restaurants.  An Alabama Tourism Department official said more than 75,000 votes have been cast in the online contest.  The winner will be announced Monday.  The winner will receive a trophy and be named "The Alabama BBQ Bracket Fan Favorite."  The contest is part of the year of Alabama Food promotion.