By Brian Lyman | Editor
This morning we bring you the ongoing prison crisis, the unfolding governor’s race and the furor over Flock cameras touching Alabama’s dominant utility.
An officer is seen in the yard of Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama on Oct. 22, 2019.(Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Ralph Chapoco
The Alabama Department of Corrections last week moved for summary judgment in a long-running lawsuit over violence in state prisons, around the same time the U.S. Department of Justice did so. DOC argued that it had made sincere efforts to improve staffing and that it could not be accused of indifference to violence. DOJ’s filing last week alleged leadership showed little interest in addressing the crisis in state prisons.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones speaks at a town hall focused on veterans' issues in Anniston, Alabama, on Sept. 9, 2026. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Anna Barrett
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones drew over 300 people Tuesday to a town hall in Anniston that was focused on veterans’ issues and featured former Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis. But Jones ended up covering that subject and many more during the event, fielding questions on everything from lotteries and education to healthcare and transgender athletes.
Flock and similar cameras can be attached to utility poles or on standalone poles with solar power. Either way, they’re often contracted through Alabama Power. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News)
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
By Lee Hedgepeth, Inside Climate News
Since at least 2019, Alabama Power has marketed automated license plate readers and other surveillance camera equipment to local governments around the state as a way to improve public safety. Cities typically lease the cameras from the utility at around $250 per camera per month. Elected officials in Birmingham this summer raised questions about the utility’s work as a middleman for Flock and other companies.
ICYMI
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, States Newsroom editor remembers the heroes of Flight 93 | Shalina Chatlani, Stateline
Trump’s trade war with Canada escalates as new tariffs launch | Ashley Murray, DC Bureau
So many election surveys. So few voters willing to pick up the phone. | Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current
Thanks for reading First Look. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.