WVAS Local

A 31-year-old Montgomery man is being held in a Louisiana jail this morning where he awaits extradition to face charges in connection with a shooting Sunday morning that left a Montgomery police officer injured.  Interim Montgomery Police Chief John Brown said Officer Robert Hubbard, a five year police veteran, was shot in the neck and arm when he was attempted to arrest 31-year-old Matthew Wright inside the Walmart store on East Boulevard.  The shooting occurred around 8:30 Sunday morning.  Chief Brown said Wright fled the Walmart and stole a car in the store parking lot.  He said Wright d

With the addition of Bullock County, all of Alabama's 67 counties are now participating in the Yellow Dot program.  Residents who enroll will be given circular yellow decals to place in the window of their vehicle.  They will also be asked to fill out a health information packet and put that into the glove compartment.  That way, first responders can access the motorist's medical history in the event of an accident.  For information on how you can enroll, you may go to the program website, www.adeca.alabama.gov/yellowdot. 

Electronic Solicitation

Federal officials are tracking those who have been in close contact with the first person to be diagnosed in the United States with Ebola.  While that case is in Texas, Alabama Public Health officials are making sure hospitals and doctor's offices across the state are carrying out the correct protocols.  Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Mary McIntyre says the United States is much better equipped to contain the disease and prevent a widespread outbreak like that in West Africa. 

State Fires

Veterans are invited to attend this evening's "Real Help for Real Heroes" event at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Montgomery.  WVAS-FM is sponsoring the jobs and benefits fair to assist veterans with their needs.  "Real Help for Real Heroes" is part of a months long initiative called Veterans Coming Home to highlight veterans-related issues.  The event starts at 5p.m. and concludes at 7 p.m.

Grave Desecrated

The Alabama Prison Reform Task Force is trying to avert a federal takeover of the state's prison system.  The 24-member panel met Tuesday looking at recommendations  on reducing overcrowded conditions.  Some changes the task force is considering: expanding the role of drug courts, using community corrections programs more often and expediting the parole process for non-violent offenders. 

Stone Trial

Diversity in the workplace will be discussed at length during today's annual summit sponsored by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.  Speakers from some of the nation's best-known companies, government agencies and education sectors will weigh in on a variety of topics.  Pat Harris, the Global Chief Diversity Officer at McDonald's Corporation, is among today's keynote speakers.  Harris said America's workforce has redefined itself over the past three decades.  The summit is being held at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Montgomery. 

Mayors Meeting

Montgomery's convention business, sporting events and other attractions are raking in substantial tourism revenue.  According to figures released by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, visitors to the city spend around $1.3 million dollars a day.  Mayor Todd Strange says that figure validates the city's investment strategy.  The total economic impact is about $380 million dollars a year. 

ASU Cancer Research

Jury selection is complete in the high profile capital murder trial of a Montgomery man charged with killing three people and wounding three others at a party in 2012.  Opening statements are expected today in the trial of 24-year-old Desmonte Leonard.  Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Leonard.  He has pleaded not guilty.  His lawyers say the shooting was in self-defense. 

Burglary Suspect

Montgomery Police have charged three men with capital murder in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred a week ago Thursday, on Margaret Ann Drive.  Authorities said 34-year-old Joe Valerio was shot to death.  MPD said the motive was robbery.  The three suspects; 18-year-old Antonio Easterly, 24-year-old Ronald Arms and 28-year-old Casey Murphy are each charged with a single count of capital murder.  All three are being held without bond in the Montgomery County Detention Facility. 

ASU Band Director Honored

UPS says two employees killed in a shooting at a package-processing facility in Birmingham were supervisors who had worked for the company for years.  The company released a statement identifying the men as 46-year-old Brian Callans of Birmingham and 33-year-old Doug Hutcheson of Odenville.  Birmingham Police identified the men's killer as 45-year-old Kerry Joe Tesney of Trussville.  Tensey had been with the company for 21 years but was fired Monday. 

ASU Band Director