Alabama's Medicaid program is being restructured. Governor Robert Bentley says his administration is changing the way Medicaid services are delivered to control costs. The new system eliminates a fee-for-services model and would change to a managed care program to be operated by six regional care organizations. The RCOs are scheduled to begin operating in October of next year, if the federal government approves the new plan for Medicaid.
Two Major Events
There are two major events planned in the Capital city this weekend. The city of Montgomery will hold its annual Christmas parade in the downtown district. This year's parade on Dexter Avenue will feature more than 100 organizations and bands. But wet weather is expected to move into Alabama later today and tonight. Mayor Todd Strange he will make a decision early this afternoon on whether or not to proceed with the parade.
On Saturday night, the inaugural Camellia Bowl will played at Cramton Bowl. The game will feature the University of South Alabama Jaguars and the Bowling Green Falcons. City officials say tickets are available. Kick-off time is 8:15 p.m.
Murder Charge Upheld
A state appeals court has refused to dismiss a capital murder charge against an east Alabama woman jailed in the running death of her 9-year-old granddaughter. The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals rejected a challenged by 49-year-old Joyce Garrard of Boaz. Garrad has been held since 2012, but the court says trial delays have not violated her constitutional rights. Prosecutors say Garrad forced granddaughter Savannah Hardin to run for hours as punishment for a lie. Garrad's trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 23 in Etowah County.
Stevenson Appointment
President Obama has appointed the leader of a prison watchdog organization to a newly created task force on community policing. A statement from the White House Thursday said Director of the Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan Stevenson, has been chosen to serve on the Task Force on 21st Century Policing.