By Brian Lyman | Editor
“I don't even have any idea how we'll get ahead of that if the price of diesel doesn’t stabilize between now and next year, but hopefully it will.” - Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey, on a requested transportation funding increase
Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey talks to Alabama State Board of Education members during a meeting on Feb. 12, 2026. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)
EDUCATION
By Anna Barrett
The Alabama State Department of Education’s $5.9 billion budget request for fiscal year 2028 will include requests to make funding for programs like school safety, security and climate line items in the budget; those programs are currently funded by supplemental appropriations that are not “memorialized,” as Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey said. The department is also seeking a nearly 10% increase in transportation as the price of diesel fuel climbs.
State Rep. Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise, the Republican nominee for Alabama's 2nd Congressional District, speaks at a news conference Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, alongside Rosemary Elebach, Alabama state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector).
ELECTIONS 2026
By Ralph Chapoco
State Rep. Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise, the Republican nominee for the high-profile 2nd Congressional District race, said he would work in Congress to pass pro-business laws similar to ones passed in the Alabama Legislature, like the recently-expired overtime tax exemption. The race between Marques and U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, was recently shifted from Leans Republican to Likely Republican.
President Donald Trump speaks during an event at the White House on Aug. 6, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
DC BUREAU
By Ashley Murray
President Donald Trump’s abrupt offer Wednesday to offer $5,000 to every adult if Republicans hold Congress in November would cost over $1.2 trillion and could increase inflationary pressures, according to an analysis from a nonpartisan group Thursday. Vice President J.D. Vance said in an interview after the speech that tariff revenue would pay for the money, but in fact that would only cover a tenth of the cost.
ICYMI
How 9/11 changed the way America surveils its citizens | Amanda Watford, Stateline
Suit challenges Trump administration move to allow some ICE presence at polling places | Ariana Figueroa, DC Bureau
States sue feds over endangered species rollbacks | Alex Brown, Stateline
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