Saturday 1/27/2007 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116989309752500.xml&coll=2 – Interim chancellor testifies before federal grand jury as Mobile County DA announces arrests in continuing probe of community colleges.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116989331152500.xml&coll=2 – Officials proposed increase in state’s gasoline taxes of 10 cents, with half of that amount to go to counties to fund public transit programs.  Alabama Road Builders endorse proposal.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116989327552500.xml&coll=2 – The Birmingham News comments on the Senate leadership vote by Sen. Phil Poole (D-Moundville) following receipt of AEA contribution.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070126/NEWS/701260355/1050/OPINION – The Gadsden Times praises the state’s shift to ethanol for its motor vehicle fleet.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070127/NEWS/701270354/1001 – Montgomery crowd mobs location of tax refund anticipation loan business.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070127/NEWS/701270301/1012/editorial1 – The Tuscaloosa News likes proposals by Sen. Wendell Mitchell (D-Luverne) to remove sales tax on food, improve school facilities but thinks plan may have little chance of success in divided senate.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0127-0-7a26v1432.htm – The Anniston Star comments on the arrest of James Seale and death of Mendy Samstein, two figures from the civil rights era, happening on the same day.