Open Secret
The Alabama Legislature is about to reach the two month mark of its 2010 session. So far, lawmakers have devoted much of their time to the legality of gambling and the future of the state’s prepaid college tuition program. This week, another big issue got some attention in the House–reform of Alabama’s 1901 constitution. A bill by Democratic Representative Demetrius Newton that would create a constitutional convention was defeated. And a bill by Republican Paul Demarco to rewrite the constitution article by article stalled in the House. This week also saw the premiere of a new film commissioned by the group, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform. Open Secret is based on the actual transcript of the 1901 Constitutional Convention. Filmmaker Melanie Jeffcoat tells WBHM’s Bradley George that the 155 convention delegates–all white males, met in Montgomery with one goal in mind.
In an extended interview, Melanie Jeffcoat talks about researching the convention transcripts and the exclusion of women from the convention.
| State Representative Paul DeMarco (R-Homewood) wants to change Alabama’s constitution by rewriting article by article. He says his approach starts by tackling non-controversial provisions.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
