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March is Women's History Month!

WVAS Local News

The National Weather Service is sending out teams to assess the damage left by strong storms that hit Alabama.  Forecasters say expects will be spread out from east Alabama to northwest Alabama today trying to determine the extent of the damage and what type of weather systems left the wreckage.  The assessment will include parts of Macon and Lee counties, where strong storms damaged homes and knocked down trees in Notasulga last night while a tornado warning was in effect Thursday night.  No injuries are being reported, but damage is being reported in at least a half-dozen counties.  The storms left thousands of people without electricity, but officials say most service has been restored. 

Strange Complaint

Alabama's attorney general has expanded his complaint against casino facilities operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.  Luther Strange contends the three casinos are a public nuisance under Alabama law and the complaint challenges the electronic bingo machines used the Poarch Band.  The AG also argued the Creek Indians have no legal right to operate casinos because they have do not have a legal compact with the state.  The complaint was recently filed in Montgomery federal court. 

Stop the Violence Rally

A group of Montgomery ministers have organized a "Stop the Violence" rally for Saturday at Gateway Park.  Bishop Roosevelt Crawford of is among them.  Crawford tells WVAS he realized it was time to address the city's growing crime when he witnessed a fatal shooting in west Montgomery.  The rally will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gateway Park.  

Another church group will be hosting an event on Saturday.  The Montgomery Antioch District Matron will be  hosting a "Fashion Share" a free clothes and shoes giveaway on Saturday, April 13th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The event will be held at the Branch Grove Baptist Church on 908 Sayre Street.  The public is invited. 

Voter Deadline Change

A bill that would change the deadline to register to vote in Alabama is under attack from black legislators who say its another attempt to suppress minority participation.  Republican Representative Wes Long of Guntersville is pushing legislation to move the voter registration deadline from 17 days before an election to 10 days.  Long said the change is being sought by county registrars who want more time to process voter polls.  No vote was taken because the Alabama House adjourned early Thursday under the threat of severe weather.   

Scottsboro Boys Pardon

The governor has signed legislation that permits posthumous pardons for the Scottsboro Boys.  Governor Robert Bentley signed the bill Thursday.  The Legislature passed the bill last week to allow the state parole board to issue posthumous pardons to the eight Scottsboro Boys who didn't get pardons before they died.  One did receive a pardon before his death.  The nine black youths were convicted in the 1930s of raping two white women on a train in north Alabama.  One of the women later recanted her story.  Bentley says he signed the legislation because it's time to right the wrong.