Alabama Politics
TikTok settles lawsuit with Alabama for at least $100 million, will implement safety features
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a settlement of at least $100 million with TikTok over youth mental-health and safety concerns; the company also agreed to implement new safety features for young users. — Alabama Daily News
Bill Poole to step down as director of Alabama Department of Finance
Poole is leaving the post after five years, with successor Doryan Carlton taking over as the state heads into what officials call a “very challenging” budget year ahead of Gov. Ivey’s departure from office. — Alabama Reflector
Rogers, Dobson lay out contrasting plans for Alabama Secretary of State’s office
Republican Caroleene Dobson and Democrat Wayne Rogers offered competing visions for the office — Dobson emphasizing election security, Rogers proposing expanded voting access — with Dobson holding a sizable fundraising lead. — Alabama Reflector
Alabama Education
Alabama Community College System brings AI literacy training to Enterprise
The system’s statewide “AI Community Caravan” stopped in Enterprise to teach workers and small-business owners practical AI skills and responsible use. — WTVY
Governor approves Alabama’s first Workforce Pell program at Lawson State
Lawson State Community College’s lineworker training program became the state’s first approved under the federal Workforce Pell expansion, opening grant funding to short-term career training. — Alabama Political Reporter
Economic Development
New center aims to train Alabamians on parole or probation for manufacturing jobs
The state opened a vocational training facility in neighboring Perry County teaching welding and heavy-machinery operation to people on parole or probation, part of a push to fill skilled-trade labor shortages. — Alabama Reflector
A new $1.5 million, state-funded “Next Gen Heavy Equipment Operator Program” is placing simulators in four high schools to connect students with construction-industry employers. — Yellowhammer News
Rural Health
Aderholt, Dr. Oz highlight Alabama’s $203 million rural health investment: ‘It’s life and death’
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz spotlighted Alabama’s $203 million federal Rural Health Transformation grant, which will fund telehealth expansion, workforce development, and infrastructure upgrades in underserved communities. — Yellowhammer News
