By Brian Lyman | Editor
We’re wrapping up our mid-year fundraiser today, and thanks to your generosity we’re about two-thirds of the way there. If you have the means to do so, consider a tax-deductible donation to keep our work going through the end of the year. (A lot of elections ahead.)
A sign on the side of Bryant-Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama as seen March 28, 2026. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)
EDUCATION
By Andrea Tinker
The University of Alabama appears to have reached a settlement with a former instructor who sued the school after being fired for comments made after the death of far-right political commentator Charlie Kirk’s death. The terms of the settlement were not present in the court documents. At least two lawsuits are pending against Auburn University from employees fired for comments made after Kirk’s death.
Contractors working for the Alabama Department of Transportation build new bridges for the Birmingham Northern Beltline. (Lee Hedgepeth/Inside Climate News)
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
By Dennis Pillion, Inside Climate News
The Alabama Department of Transportation has requested a permit to fill 1.36 acres of wetlands and 10,000 feet of linear streams to build the next phase of the Birmingham Northern Beltline. Cost estimates for the project are now projected at $6.19 billion, up from $5.4 billion in 2014. Critics say the Beltline is unnecessary and will destroy huge swatches of ecologically sensitive areas.
Two senators have reached a bipartisan deal on legislation dealing with college athletes' name, image and likeness compensation. (Getty Images)
EDUCATION
By Andrea Tinker
The University of Alabama and Auburn University released a joint statement Monday in opposition to the Protect College Sports Act, which passed a U.S. Senate committee and would allow regulation of college sports, including limits on transfers and spending caps. The universities alleged the legislation would open college sports to private equity and open leagues to litigation. Supporters of the bill said it would provide clarity and uniformity for compensating college athletes.
ICYMI
More states try to give patients relief from medical debt | Nada Hassanein, Stateline
Do data centers impact our physical health? Studies are few and far between. | Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Fabian Schmidt chose America long ago. A year after getting trapped in ICE’s net, he still does. | William Skipworth, New Hampshire Bulletin
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