MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA)- The public's right to know how its government operates took two major hits in recent weeks, with one blow delivered by the Alabama Supreme Court and the other by Millbrook city officials.

The Supreme Court refused by a one-vote margin to reconsider an earlier ruling that allowed the Montgomery County Board of Education to use a sneaky ruse to avoid complying with the state's Open Meetings Act.

And the city of Millbrook used a tried and true tactic of public officials who want to avoid embarrassment and responsibility for their actions -- they settled a lawsuit with a confidentiality clause to avoid having to tell the city's taxpayers how much the settlement will cost them.

MILLBROOK, AL (WSFA)- Millbrook Police and fire rescue units responded to 386 Thornfield Road, Apartment D this morning, in regard to a subject stabbed. When they arrived, officers found a black male suffering from a stab wound to his upper left chest. The victim was treated at the scene, then transported to Prattville Baptist Emergency Room.  He was pronounced dead at 6:22 a.m.

Detectives from the Millbrook Police Department's Criminal Investigative Unit responded to the scene of the stabbing, identified Joyden M. Woods, age 21 of Millbrook, and detained her for questioning. After further investigation, Woods was placed under arrest on murder charges and transported to the Elmore County Jail.

Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson says, "our investigators are still in the preliminary stages of this investigation. We will not release any information pertaining to the victim's identity at this time, pending notification of the victim's family members."

The American Red Cross Alabama Region is monitoring the weather system that is moving across Alabama today and is prepared to respond if needed. Red Cross volunteers, supplies, and shelters are on standby, and will be ready to respond to whatever this system may bring.

The Red Cross urges residents to take steps now to stay safe when severe weather threatens. As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends individuals and families respond to severe weather in the following ways:

• Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur.