By Brian Lyman | Editor
“Child-centered designs are generally seen as better quality, so things that support language, cognition and social-emotional development for kids. Whereas things that we call engagement-based designs are seen to have a greater negative impact.” - Nashedra Barry, child psychologist, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, on screen time for children
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent watches a crowd of protesters at Delaney Hall in Newark, N.J., on May 25, 2026. (Ben Ackman/New Jersey Monitor)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Ralph Chapoco
The Alabama Department of Corrections last Month signed an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enter a federal program allowing state and local law enforcement to participate in immigration enforcement. The agreement would allow “designated immigration officers to identify and process removable aliens who have pending or active criminal charges.” ADOC and ICE did not respond to requests for comment.
A child with a finger on a tablet. An Alabama commission charged with studying the risks and benefits of screen time instruction held its first meeting on Monday. (Oscar Lopez Rogado via Getty Images)
EDUCATION
By Andrea Tinker
Speakers at an inaugural meeting of a state commission studying screen-based education Monday urged members to consider the quality of students’ screen-based interactions before recommending strict time limits on the use of devices. The Commission on Screen-Based Instruction will deliver a report later this year, a few months after the Legislature approved a law setting screen-time limits in licensed child care facilities.
Jackson Hospital is seen in Montgomery, Alabama on Aug. 17, 2026. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
HEALTHCARE
By Anna Barrett
The president and CEO of Jackson Hospital in Montgomery Monday said the hospital had reached a four-year agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama to stay open. The details of the deal were not shared but Jackson Hospital CEO John Quinlivan said it would allow the hospital to add new services and improve current ones. The state and local governments are also providing aid to keep the 344-bed hospital operating.
ICYMI
Commentary: Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville’s rhetoric about Abdul El-Sayed is dangerous | Allison Berkowitz for Alabama Reflector
Alabama Supreme Court extends Tommy Tuberville’s briefing schedule in residency lawsuit | Anna Barrett, Alabama Reflector
Alabama Community College System to join network expanding broadband | Andrea Tinker, Alabama Reflector
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