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March is Women's History Month!

WVAS Local News

As federal budget cuts known as sequestration continue to play out in the U.S., WVAS News interviewed noted economist Dr. Keivan Deravi about its effects.  Deravi says the reductions are beginning to be more impactful, as in military furlough days and federal job losses.  The AUM professor says the position cuts will become more evident later this year.  Dr. Deravi has little faith that government leaders will revisit the issue and end sequestration.  He says if the budget cuts are allowed to carry on, the economic recovery will be difficult to sustain. 

Alabama's Automotive Industry

A national publication has ranked Alabama the number 2 state for automotive industry strength.  Al.com reports the ranking comes from Business Facilities magazine.  Tennessee was named number one for the fourth year in a row.  The Business Facilities article credits increased production and expansion projects at plants operated by Hyundai, Mercedes, Honda and Toyota for the state's number 2 ranking in 2013.  Last year, Alabama ranked number 7 for strength in the automotive industry. 

Cloverdale Cleanup

All power is restored in affected neighborhoods in Montgomery following a strong line of storms that rolled through the area Tuesday.  Mayor Todd Strange said he is proud of the ongoing work of utility crews to get the Cloverdale area back up and running.  The National Weather Service has said the damage to the Cloverdale area that occurred earlier this week is a result of straight line winds.

Chapman Endorses Thompson

Outgoing Secretary of State Beth Chapman has endorsed one of her employees, Adam Thompson, for state auditor.  Chapman said Thompson was her right hand when she served as state auditor from 2003-2007.  Thompson faces Anniston attorney Ray Bryan in the GOP primary next June.  Democrat Miranda Joseph of Birmingham is also running. 

5k Run

Several physical education instructors joined Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange to announce their partnership in the upcoming 5k run which will take place in downtown Montgomery. This year's run is slated for October, it marks the 5th year for the event and MPS Superintendent Barbara Thompson says its important that area students participate in the mayor's challenge to combat childhood obesity.  Mayor Strange says students who participate in the run will cross the finish line in the Riverwalk Stadium and get to see their faces up on the big screen.

Boat Salvage

Persistent rains, rising water levels and mud are all delaying work to salvage a 50 ton boat on the Alabama River in Montgomery.  A tourist riverboat sank near the Montgomery Marina last year, and workers spent a day trying to remove it in June.  Work has slowed though due to heavy rainfall over the past several weeks.  City officials say the boat will be demolished at the sight where it was pulled from the water.  There's no word yet on when the demolition will be completed.  The owner of the boat, Capitol Oyster Bar, plans to build a dock and deck at the site once the riverboat is gone.