By Brian Lyman | Editor
“It has been heartbreaking because every time we go to court, we get to live it and do not see that justice has been done.” — Tyrus Franklin, on families’ suit against ADOC and UAB over organ harvesting of deceased loved ones.
Families of loved ones whose organs were harvested after they died in Alabama prisons prepare to speak with reporters after a hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at the Montgomery County Courthouse. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Anna Barrett
Families of incarcerated Alabamians whose organs were harvested after their deaths demanded a meeting with University of Alabama Birmingham officials Tuesday as delays in their civil lawsuit continue to mount. The lawsuit alleges UAB and the Alabama Department of Corrections removed the organs without the families’ permission. A civil trial in the lawsuit, filed in 2024, is not expected to begin until December 2027.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones talked about his education policy plan and other topics during a town hall in Montgomery on Oct. 13, 2026. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)
ELECTIONS 2026
By Andrea Tinker
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones told about 100 people at a Montgomery town hall on education Tuesday night that he wanted to phase out the CHOOSE Act, the state’s effective voucher program, citing costs and potential to drain resources. Jones said he would work to allow kids enrolled in the program to stay in it. Jones also said he would be committed to seeking salary increases for teachers and ensuring affordability of their health insurance.
A woman scratches a measles rash. An international traveller tested positive for measles in early October, the Alabama Department of Public Health said Tuesday. (Getty Images)
HEALTHCARE
By Anna Barrett
The Alabama Department of Public Health said Tuesday an international traveler who visited Huntsville in early October tested positive for measles. The case is the third reported in Alabama since 2025. A child who contracted measles that year later recovered, and a second Alabamian who had the disease was out of state. ADPH has tracked the person’s location to a restaurant and a supermarket in the area.
ICYMI
Trump pressed states for info on millions of voters in the midterms. It's mostly failed. | Jonathan Shorman, DC Bureau
Trump immigration policies could turn away much-needed foreign doctors, critics say | Shalina Chatlani, Stateline
Trump asks Guilfoyle to resign after texts with former KY candidate | McKenna Horsley, Kentucky Lantern
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