Monday 1/29/2007 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170065737177910.xml&coll=2 – The Birmingham News calls for state to make an investment in prekindergarten programs.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1170066036178030.xml&coll=3&thispage=1 – “The Political Skinny,” the Press-Register’s weekly political roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170065797178030.xml&coll=3 – Press-Register calls on legislature and governor to work together to craft appropriate measure to address building needs for state’s schools.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170066185178030.xml&coll=3 – Press-Register calls for former Secretary of State to “butt out” of operations of office.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170065792177840.xml&coll=1 – The Huntsville Times warns that the cost of a $1 billion bond issue, though needed, may result in financial difficulties when revenues for ETF dip.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/070129a.shtml – The Decatur Daily criticizes Bush plan to encourage more to obtain health insurance not “ambitious enough.”

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/NEWS02/701290316/1009 – Birmingham school officials expect campus closings, teacher layoffs as student population dwindles.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/NEWS/701290324/1007/NEWS02 – Death penalty cases riddled with inconsistencies.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/NEWS/701290301/1012/editorial1 – The Tuscaloosa News comments that the state’s foster parents, not its legislators, need a pay raise.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0129-editorial-7a28s1528.htm – The Anniston Star agrees with Bob Riley that the law should require a legislator to report even a cup of coffee received from a lobbyist.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0129-editorial-7a28s1628.htm – The Anniston Star wonders who will oppose ending PAC-to-PAC laundering of campaign money in the state.