WVAS Noon Newscast

Allowing the use of charter schools in Alabama will be a priority of the upcoming legislative session.  Governor Robert Bentley and the leaders of the House and Senate included charter schools among the education reforms they'd like to pass, especially in underserved areas of the state. 

Alabama Gulf coast officials say a string of concerts, social media and a grant from oil giant BP have turned things around for the community.

In other news, Montgomery firefighters extinguished a blaze at an apartment building yesterday.  They were called to the two-story abandoned structure just before noon.

One of the world's largest manufacturers of brake pads plans to expand its Prattville plant and add 100 new jobs.

The Alabama State University Marching Band is playing for the Senior Bowl tomorrow in Mobile.  Senior Bowl President Steve Hale says he expects the Mighty Marching Hornets Band to exceed expectations with their halftime show.