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March is Women's History Month!

WVAS Local News

A relatively quiet hurricane season in the U.S. could get a bit busier this weekend.  Tropical Storm Karen is poised to become the first named storm to hit the U.S. during what had been a relatively quiet hurricane season.  Karen is forecast to lash the northern Gulf Coast as a weak hurricane or tropical storm.  Governor Robert Bentley said Alabama emergency response agencies will be ready to respond to Tropical Storm Karen as needed. 

Alleged Gunman Charged

Authorities in Tuskegee say a 23-year-old Macon County man is behind bars charged in connection with the shooting death of a Tuskegee University senior.  Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford said Kentavious Holland, a resident of the Brownsville Community, was arrested this week and charged with murder in the death of 21-year-old Bobby Smith Jr.  Smith was shot in the back last Friday night at a block party on East Church Street.  Holland is being held without bond in the Macon County Jail. 

Affordable Health Care

A health care expert in central Alabama is applauding the Affordable Health Care Act.  Health Services CEO Bernell Mapp said there are nearly 700,000 Alabamians who don't have access to proper health care.  Mapp who operates a health clinic near the Jackson Hospital Complex, said the law will help many despite initial problems with signups on health exchange websites. 

WIC Program

A federal food program that services nearly 9 million mothers and young children could soon face funding issues because of the partial government shutdown.  Alabama and other states say they can operate the Women, Infants and Children, or WIC program, at least through the end of October.  But advocates and others worry what will happen after that.  In Alabama, there are about  140,000 WIC participants each month. 

Alabama National Fair

The 60th annual Alabama National Fair's Midway opens this afternoon.  This year's carnival will feature the usual array of entertainers, foods and thrill rides.  The fairgrounds are located at the Garrett Coliseum site on Federal Drive.  The Alabama National Fair runs through Oct. 13th.