Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
March is Women's History Month!

WVAS Local News

The effort to remove the state sales tax from groceries is likely dead for another year.  Senator Gerald Dial of Lineville got a Senate committee to approve his bill to phase out the four percent state tax, but he said it is unlikely he can pass it with only five meeting days remaining in the legislative session.  State Rep. John Knight of Montgomery introduced a bill to remove the tax, but it never got brought up for a vote.  Jim Carnes of the Alabama Arise organization that represents Alabama's poor says the grocery tax issue appears dead for this session of the Legislature. 

Manhunt Continues

Montgomery Police have turned to the public for assistance in finding a male suspect wanted in connection with a shooting that left a man in serious condition Sunday evening.  Police said 21-year-old DeKendrick Hudson is being sought for shooting the victim of Bonaparte Boulevard, located off East South Boulevard.  The victim, whose name was withheld, was taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries.  Police said the man was listed in serious, but stable condition. 

Military Driver's License

Alabama veterans will have the option to display proof of their military service on their driver's license.  The Department of Public Safety says the licenses will be available this week beginning May 1st.  Veterans can show their status to obtain benefits, rebates and accommodations.  There is no additional charge for someone getting a new license or renewing a license.  But a veteran seeking the license before the renewal date must pay $18.50 for a duplicate license. 

Wright Flyer

By early July, people coming into downtown Montgomery from I-65 will be greeted by a 42 foot full-scale steel replica of the Wright Brothers Flyer rising up from Overlook Park.  The Burt Steel company is constructing the model as a gift to the city.  Overlook Park will also be getting improved lighting, a new pavilion and a stairway to the riverfront.  A rededication ceremony changing the name to Wright Brothers park will be held July 2nd. 

Industries Expanding

Last year new and expanding industries announced plans to create more than 20,000 jobs with investments topping $5.4 billion dollars in Alabama.  But those numbers did not include a single new job or investment in almost a dozen of Alabama's 67 counties.  Despite the rapid growth of the auto industry over the past two decades, and now with the burgeoning aerospace sector, some parts of the state are simply being left behind. 

New Facility

GE Aviation is opening a $50 million dollar facility that will provide several hundred jobs in east Alabama.  The company has a ribbon-cutting today for a new plant that will make parts for GE jet engines.  The factory is located at Auburn Technology Park West.