By Brian Lyman | Editor
And wow, did you do it. We went well over our goal for this September fundraiser. To you, and you, and you: thank you. We can do this work because of your support, and we consider that a trust.
As enrollment in the Affordable Care Act in Alabama drops, recent threatened disenrollments could impact the state’s health as a whole, experts say. (Getty Images)
HEALTHCARE
By Anna Barrett
Enrollment in Affordable Care Act plans in Alabama fell nearly 25% after Congress allowed enhanced premium credits to expire. Those numbers could fall still further if the Trump administration carries out threats to disenroll hundreds of thousands of people over what the White House claims is fraud. Experts say that could lead to collateral effects, particularly as the White House’s understanding of fraud may be mistaken.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall speaks at a press conference on Sept. 30, 2026 announcing a lawsuit challenging abortion shield laws in Democratic-led states. (Piper Hutchinson/Louisiana Illuminator)
HEALTHCARE
By Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshal and the attorneys general of Arkansas and Louisiana Wednesday announced a lawsuit against three Democratic-led states that grant immunity to doctors who prescribe abortion-inducing medication to patients in states where abortion is illegal. The suit argues the laws violate the Constitution’s Full Faith and Credit Clause. Louisiana has attempted to extradite a New York doctor who prescribed abortion pills to a person in Louisiana; New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has refused to do so.
Republican nominee Corey Hill (left) and Democratic Ron Sparks (right) will face each other in the November general election for commissioner of agriculture and industries. (Corey Hill by Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector; Ron Sparks courtesy of Sparks2026; Graphic by Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Andrea Tinker
The contest for commissioner of Agriculture and Industries features a mayor and a former commissioner of the office. Ron Sparks, the Democratic nominee, is citing his experience with the office and says he wants to help farmers suffering from high fuel prices. Republican nominee Corey Hill cites his experience as a farmer and says he can run the office in line with the times and support the state’s agriculture industry.
ICYMI
Schumer: Democratic US Senate may block Trump nominees for Supreme Court, lower courts | Ashley Murray, DC Bureau
States OK solar panels for balconies. Safety guidelines haven't caught up. | Alex Brown, Stateline
Justice Department indicts 10 noncitizens in quest to prove Trump claims of election fraud | Jacob Fischler, DC Bureau
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