Alabama PoliticsState audit: Alabama Dept. of Public Health improperly reimbursed $28M in federal vaccine funds A state audit found ADPH reimbursed vendors nearly $28 million for “unallowable or poorly documented services” through its federally funded immunization program. Source: Alabama Daily News Execution set for Sept. 17 despite jury’s life-sentence recommendation Jeffrey Lee, convicted of a double murder, is scheduled for execution Thursday even though the sentencing jury recommended life imprisonment, reviving debate over Alabama’s capital-sentencing rules. Source: WSFA Grocery tax repeal becomes a bipartisan 2026 campaign issue Once a fringe proposal, eliminating Alabama’s state grocery tax now has support from candidates in both parties, including both major gubernatorial contenders. Source: Alabama Reflector |
Alabama EducationScreen-time commission hears recommendations on classroom device use A state teacher survey presented to Alabama’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction found 67% of teachers use screens for assignments and 54% for testing; the panel stressed better parent education on balancing tech benefits against device dependency. Source: Alabama Reflector Alabama charter commission approves state’s first charter school merger The state charter commission unanimously approved merging two Birmingham-area charter schools into the new Alabama Career Institute, serving about 300 students in grades 6-12 starting fall 2027. Source: Alabama Daily News Lawson State lineworker program becomes Alabama’s first Workforce Pell program Gov. Kay Ivey approved a 10-week lineworker training program at Lawson State Community College, developed with Alabama Power, as the state’s first Workforce Pell Grant program; it still needs federal approval before Pell funds can flow. Source: Alabama Daily News Auburn University approves tuition increases for 2027 Auburn’s Board of Trustees approved a 2% ($271) tuition increase for in-state students and 5% ($1,879) for out-of-state students, citing inflation and faculty/staff retention costs. Source: Alabama Reflector |
Rural HealthLakeland Community Hospital receives new investment to support rural health care access Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville (Winston County) received $490,800 through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program for telehealth technology and non-emergency patient transportation, announced with Rep. Robert Aderholt and HRSA officials. Source: WBRC |
