Alabama Politics
Bill Poole to step down as director of Alabama Department of Finance
Finance Director Bill Poole is leaving after five years in the post, effective this week, as Gov. Kay Ivey’s tenure winds down and the state braces for tighter budget years ahead. Doryan Carlton has been named to take over the department.
Source: Alabama Reflector
TikTok settles lawsuit with Alabama for at least $100 million, will implement safety features
Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a settlement with TikTok just ahead of trial over concerns the platform harmed teens’ mental health; the company will pay at least $100 million and add new safety controls for young users.
Source: Alabama Daily News
Rogers, Dobson lay out contrasting plans for Alabama secretary of state’s office
Republican Caroleene Dobson and Democrat Wayne Rogers are pitching very different visions for the office — Dobson focused on election security and business filings, Rogers pushing a proposed “Alabama Voting Rights Act” to expand access.
Source: Alabama Reflector
Alabama Education
Alabama State Board of Education members raise concerns over virtual school performance
Board members flagged that two of the state’s three virtual academies received failing D grades, pointing to weak oversight since those schools’ teachers are employed by private companies rather than local districts.
Source: Alabama Reflector
Economic Development
New center aims to train Alabamians on parole or probation for in-demand jobs
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles opened a new workforce training facility in neighboring Perry County teaching welding and heavy-equipment skills to people on parole or probation, aimed at filling labor shortages in shipbuilding and construction.
Source: Alabama Reflector
Alabama road builders launch student heavy equipment training program
The Alabama Road Builders Association is rolling out a statewide “Next Gen Heavy Equipment Operator Program,” starting with simulator-based training at four high schools, to build a pipeline of workers for road and bridge construction careers.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter
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 grant, which is funding expanded telehealth, specialist access, and workforce development across the state’s rural counties.
Source: Yellowhammer News
