Your Daily News Outlook

1) US Supreme Court justices have heard a case that could change the future of voter representation in Alabama.

The Merrill v. Milligan case is about the constitutionality of the Alabama congressional district map that plaintiff’s claim dilutes minority voting strength in a state with a 27% black population. Contrary to what GOP legislators claim, Jerome Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center told reporters a workable 5-2 district map was entered as evidence. The only majority minority congressional district in the state is the 7^th District of West Alabama of Rep. Terri Sewell.  A ruling for the plaintiffs would reduce Republican control of the U.S. House state delegation by one. A ruling is expected from the high court in June.

Get our free mobile app

2) More witnesses are expected today in the Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney trial ongoing at the Tuscaloosa Federal Building.

Yesterday, a 14-year-old girl testified the suspect, 42-year-old Patrick Stallworth, offered her candy earlier in the day the McKinney disappeared from a party at Birmingham apartment complex. Surveillance video of Stallworth in the area where the 3-year-old disappeared was also presented by the prosecution. McKinney was kidnapped and her body later found in a dumpster in 2019.

3) A protest tour featuring “Bloodstained Men” will take place Saturday between 2 and 4 p.m. at McFarland Blvd East and 15^th Street. At issue is infant circumcision. The bloodstained clothing they wear serves as a visual reminder that baby boys are affected by circumcision the rest of their lives. The group will also protest in six other Alabama cities among 13 stops across the south. 

----------

4) The absentee voting period for the November 8 General Election has been ongoing for almost a month. Absentee ballot applications can be downloaded online or requested by visiting or calling the local Absentee Election Manager’s office. November 1 is the last day absentee ballots can be returned by mail and November 3 by hand delivery. The midterm election, which includes the governor and other state constitutional officers, is November 8.