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.
Pro-Palestinian demonstration draws counter-protest at University of Alabama
Students gathered demanding the school call for a permanent and immediate ceasefire and to push the school to sever ties with defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
A new Statehouse and related projects will cost about $400 million
The Alabama Legislative Council, a 20-member panel comprised of legislative leaders and their appointees, approved the construction of the new Statehouse last year. The panel was given an update on the project on Wednesday.
New pilot program will offer housing, resources to people leaving prison
The Birmingham Reentry Alliance will provide wrap around services to dozens of men and women adjusting to life after prison.
Alabama committee advances ban on LGBTQ+ pride flags in classrooms
The Senate Education Policy Committee voted 5-2 for the House-passed bill, putting the proposal in line for a possible final passage in the last four days of the legislative session.
A New Orleans garden paid hundreds of dollars in fees for a sewer that doesn’t exist
Galvez Garden owner Lissie Stewart has been fighting the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board over inaccurate billing for years.
Alabama coal mine keeps digging after hundreds of fines and a fatal explosion
Following the death of a grandfather, Crimson Oak Grove Resources has left a community afraid for their homes and lives. An expert warns one resident may need to evacuate her home while she still can.
