Good afternoon!

Here's your Weekend Digest for October 27.
1. Islamic State leader killed in raid
  • Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the shadowy leader of the Islamic State group who presided over its global jihad and became arguably the world's most wanted man, was killed in a U.S. military raid in Syria, President Donald Trump said Sunday. He provided graphic details of al-Baghdadi's final moments as American forces pursued and cornered him and his children in a dead-end tunnel.
  • "Last night, the United States brought the world's number one terrorist leader to justice," Trump announced at the White House. "Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead."
  • Full story and video HERE.
2. Funeral for Kamille McKinney today
  • The funeral of 3-year-old Kamille McKinney is set for this afternoon at New Beginning Christian Ministry.
  • The 700-seat church is less than 10 miles from a public housing project where the girl known as "Cupcake" was abducted from a birthday party on Oct. 12.
  • The child's body was found amid garbage 10 days later. Authorities have charged a man and a woman with kidnapping and capital murder in her death.
  • The city of Birmingham has announcedwebsite for anyone who wants to make donations to help pay the child's funeral and burial expenses. More than $12,000 has been given and organizers said any leftover money will go to nonprofits that help at-risk people.
  • Also, Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama said it was establishing a permanent reward fund in the girl's name to help in future child abductions. The group said it had received more than $35,000 in donations linked to the girl's disappearance.
3. Help wanted: retail, nursing jobs in demand
  • Amid record low joblessness, Alabama employers are still hiring.
  • According to a new report from the Alabama Department of Labor, the most in-demand occupations are retail salespersons, registered nurses and customer service representatives. Those account for the most posted online jobs, according to Help Wanted Online data.
  • Those occupations accounted for 6,560 ads placed in September and total ads are up 10.9% over the year - a sign that employers in the state continue to need qualified workers.
  • Secretary of Labor Fitzgerald Washington said those looking for work should visit one of the 50 career centers throughout the state.
  • “We continue to see the importance of soft skills to employers,” Washington said. “This is where our Career Centers come in. Alabama now has 50 Career Centers around the state that offer free services to jobseekers including job skill workshops, job searches, rĂ©sumĂ© preparation, and more.”
  • Read the full story from ADN's Caroline Beck HERE.
4. AP Top 25.
  • LSU is your new No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
  • After defeating Auburn Saturday, LSU leapfrogged Alabama to take the top spot by just two points. It's the closest margin between No. 1 and No. 2 since Florida State was two points ahead of Auburn in 2014.
  • Interestingly, Alabama got more first place votes than LSU, but the Tide still somehow got ranked No. 2.
  • LSU and Alabama will play each other in Tuscaloosa in two weeks.
  • Auburn dropped two spots to No. 11.
  • See the full poll HERE.

Headlines.
ALABAMA DAILY NEWS - Trump says US forces cornered IS leader in dead-end tunnel

ALABAMA DAILY NEWS - Help wanted: retail, nursing jobs in demand

ALABAMA DAILY NEWS  - AP Top 25: LSU No. 1 ahead of ‘Bama in close vote

ALABAMA DAILY NEWS - Lawmakers approve additional $5 million in ‘equalization funds’ for state universities

ALABAMA DAILY NEWS - SPORTS BREAK: The 2019 SEC as 2020 Presidential Candidates

ALABAMA DAILY NEWS - Daily News Digest – October 25, 2019

AL.COM  - Inmate found dead in cell at Alabama’s Holman prison
 
AL.COM  - Alabama court upholds death sentence for New Orleans man
 
AL.COM  - Baldwin County resident dies of eastern equine encephalitis
 
AL.COM  - Gov. Kay Ivey blasts impeachment inquiry, backs President Trump
 
AL.COM  - Columnist Roy Johnson: Exonerated 5’s Korey Wise has few words, but wants ‘change’ in justice system.
 
AL.COM  - Black Warrior waterdog warns of degraded waterways in Alabama
 
Montgomery Advertiser  - Statue of controversial Montgomery namesake unveiled near City Hall.
 
Montgomery Advertiser  - Alabama's Kay Ivey, AG Steve Marshall condemn Trump impeachment process; silent on charges

YellowHammer News - B.A.S.S., Alabama Power to award scholarships to two Alabama students

YellowHammer News - Top federal energy official visits Alabama Power’s Smart Neighborhood

Times-Daily  - For prison problems, past is prologue.
 
Times Daily - Lawmakers approve additional $5 million in ‘equalization funds’ for state universities.

Decatur Daily - Marsh supports appointing state school group; elected board member opposes shift

Decatur Daily - Athens State benefits from 'equalization fund'

Dothan Eagle - Dothan’s Glasstream Powerboats making waves in foreign markets

Tuscaloosa News - Tuscaloosa leaders want time, details before deciding sewer dispute

Tuscaloosa News - University of Alabama student killed in crash

WASHINGTON POST  - Trump frustrated as White House effort to defy impeachment inquiry fails to halt witness testimony, advisers say
 
WASHINGTON POST  - The U.S. deficit hit $984 billion in 2019
 
WASHINGTON POST  - CDC: Most people who died from vaping-linked disease used products containing THC
 
NEW YORK TIMES  - Impeachment Inquiry Is Legal, Judge Rules, Giving Democrats a Victory
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