Siegelman's trial reported on TV blog

An offshore Internet betting operation is laying odds of former Gov. Don Siegelman's chances in court. The bodog.com Web site, as first reported by the Huntsville Times, is allowing bettors to say with money whether Siegelman will be found guilty of bribery, extortion, obstructing justice, fraud or racketeering charges. The third week of a federal trial of Siegelman and three others begins today. The maximum bet is $100. So far, the odds slightly favor a conviction.

It's not quite like Jimmy Carter ordering government thermostats turned down to nearly freezing and limiting vehicle speeds to 55 mph on the interstates, but Gov. Bob Riley has ordered state government to begin energy efficiency. Riley signed an executive order last week to cut state government's energy usage, saving millions of dollars in energy costs. The governor's executive order requires all state agencies and departments to reduce energy consumption in state-owned and operated buildings by 10 percent by Oct. 1, 2008, and 20 percent by Oct. 1, 2010, compared to Fiscal Year 2005 levels when $45 million was spent, Riley's office said. "We will make state government a model of energy efficiency and save millions in energy costs over the next four years,'' Riley said.

Former Gov. Don Siegelman says the prosecution's criminal case against him is falling on its face and he's ahead in the polling for the June 6 Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Siegelman's campaign Web site calls one witness a discredited liar. Siegelman is accusing the government of trying to ruin his political chances. "However, their tactics have failed miserably,'' he says. Siegelman said a poll shows he's leading challenger Lucy Baxley 47 percent to 39 percent. "Organizations and groups are now seeing that governor Siegelman's acquittal is only a matter of time and are lining up with their support,'' the Web site said.

Democrat chief justice candidate Sue Bell Cobb has been getting financial support from women in Mobile and Tuscaloosa. Cobb's campaign says 57 Mobile women pledged to raise $500 each and so far raised $19,000. Then, 60 Tuscaloosa women pledged to do the same and raised over $18,000. Cobb said about 100 women attended a campaign event in Mobile and 200 attended one at the Tuscaloosa home of state school board member Sandra Ray. "I am in office today only because of the financial support men have given me over the years, and I am thankful for that support'' Cobb said. "Women in Alabama give generously to their churches and charities, but not to political candidates. I want to change the culture of women's giving in this state, because when women are financially involved in our elections, we'll see improved policy decisions on issues that affect children and families.''

Cobb, a Court of Criminal Appeals judge, will face the winner of the June 6 Republican primary between Chief Justice Drayton Nabers Jr. and Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker.

Northwest Shoals Community College is planning two expansions. The state school board, during its May 25 meeting, will consider authorizing a $540,000 automotive mechanics technology building and an adjacent parking lot.

The 8,800-square-foot building in a back area of the campus near the railroad tracks will include five classrooms, a garage lab and four automotive bays plus office space. The board also will consider a $2.4 million workforce development center housing three classrooms, two computer labs and conference and adviser offices. School President Humphrey Lee said the 13,200-square-foot building will provide training to current and future employees. The new building will be constructed between the child development center and the business occupation center. Most of the money is from a federal grant.

Dana Beyerle is Montgomery Bureau chief for the New York Times Regional Newspapers.