By Brian Lyman | Editor
This morning: The results of an Alabama Public Television survey; concerns over virtual schools and the Supreme Court allows a Trump immigration policy to go into effect, at least for now.
Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, speaks before the Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority in Huntsville on Sept. 29, 2026 in support of maintaining Alabama Public Television’s affiliation with PBS. (Ben Sessoms for Alabama Reflector)
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
By Ben Sessoms
A commissioned survey of Alabamians’ attitudes toward public television — which became controversial over its funding and affiliation with a GOP pollster — found broad support for maintaining PBS affiliation, which some conservatives on the Alabama Public Television board want to end. The survey also found 62% wanted officials to stay out of programming decisions.
The Alabama State Board of Education votes to approve a recommendation for social studies textbooks on March 12, 2026. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)
EDUCATION
By Andrea Tinker
Members of the Alabama State Board of Education earlier this month expressed concerns about the performance of virtual schools in the state, after receiving test scores for students in the schools. State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey told board members that it can be hard to track student transfers into the schools. One board member suggested the schools need stronger oversight.
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DC BUREAU
By Ariana Figueroa
The U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday voted to allow the Trump administration to carry out its rapid deportation of immigrants to third countries that are not their own, some with records of human rights abuses. The court scheduled arguments in the case for December. The decision overturned a lower court ruling that said noncitizens must be given time to verify they will not come to harm in a third country.
ICYMI
GOP senator bungles accusation against former special counsel Jack Smith in heated hearing | Ashley Murray, DC Bureau
Anti-abortion groups worry Hyde Amendment’s 50-year run could end with new congressional majority | Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Stateline
Congressional watchdog says Trump administration can’t defy lawmakers to revoke $810M | Jennifer Shutt, DC Bureau
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