Thursday 1/26/2006 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/113827078528880.xml&coll=2 – Legislative committee votes along party lines to approve measure that would allow high school Bible course.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/113827091728880.xml&coll=2 – Political operatives expect elections to be close in governor’s race, legislative elections.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/113827061928880.xml&coll=2 – Editorial praises Rep. Jeff McLaughlin (D-Guntersville) for his opposition to measure to restore community service grants in ETF.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/elard.ssf?/base/opinion/1138185146281610.xml&coll=2 – Commentary by Eddie Lard calls for Birmingham officials to work together to solve region’s transit problems.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/113827094828760.xml&coll=3 – Opposing sides face off on bill to call constitutional convention; committee chair says he lacks the votes to approve the measure, may delay action on bill.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/113827085528900.xml&coll=1 – The Huntsville Times’ coverage of yesterday’s hearing and rallies on the proposed bill to call a constitutional convention.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060126/NEWS02/601260337/1009 – Legislative committees consider constitution rewrite, moratorium on death penalty in heated meetings.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060125/APN/601251069 – Summary of yesterday’s committee activity in the Alabama Legislature.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/060126/orr.shtml – Decatur attorney announces run for GOP nomination for seat held by retiring Sen. Tommy Ed Roberts (D-Hartselle).

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/060126/ok.shtml – Bill that would require school day to begin with Pledge of Allegiance clears committee, goes to Senate floor for vote.

http://www.valleytimes-news.com/NF/omf/valley_times/column_story.html?[rkey=0023875+[cr=gdn – Commentary on Maryland proposal to require large employers to provide health insurance.