Alabama currently has more than 300 First Class Pre-K classes throughout all 67 counties. Governor Robert Bentley foresees a day when every child in the state is enrolled in such a program. He spoke to the 9th Annual Pre-K Conference in Montgomery Thursday. The governor touted the state's program as one of the best. Governor Bentley plans to ask the Legislature for another 10 to 12 million dollars for the state's Pre-K program in next year's budget.
Legislative Districts
The U.S. Supreme Court has announced it will hear arguments November 12th on lawsuits challenging how Alabama's legislative districts are designed. The lawsuits were brought by the Legislative Black Caucus and the Alabama Democratic Conference. They argue that the Legislature drew districts that packed black voters into overwhelmingly black districts and diminished their influence in other districts. The hearing before the nation's highest court will come out about one week after the November 4th general election.
McFarland Banned
A temporary ban has been issued against the pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery. Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Charles Price ruled that 47-year-old Juan McFarland must return church keys and other property to the church. A final hearing is set for December 1, 2014.