Alabama Politics
Longtime Alabama Finance Director Bill Poole to step down
Poole is departing after five years leading the state’s Finance Department as Alabama faces tightening budgets; Gov. Ivey has named Doryan Carlton as his successor.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama’s TikTok settlement sets new limits for young users
Attorney General Steve Marshall settled the state’s lawsuit against TikTok for at least $100 million (up to $300 million), with the platform agreeing to a two-hour daily cap for kids, overnight restrictions and stronger age verification.
Source: WSFA 12 News
Alabama data center law takes effect Oct. 1: Here’s what it means for your power bill
A new state law governing how data centers are taxed and billed for power took effect today, with implications for utility customers and transparency around future projects.
Source: WBRC FOX6 News
Alabama Education
CHOOSE Act, year two: More students, similar patterns
Nearly 49,000 families have applied for Alabama’s education savings accounts in the program’s second year, with more than 31,000 students already using the funds.
Source: Alabama Daily News
Alabama State Board of Education members raise concerns over virtual school performance
Board members flagged failing “D” report-card grades at two of the state’s three virtual academies and questioned oversight of privately employed virtual teachers; one member is pushing for legislation to tighten state authority over the schools.
Source: Alabama Reflector
Economic Development
1st phase of Birmingham Northern Beltline opens, plans for 2nd phase underway
State and local leaders opened the first completed section of the long-planned beltline and say funding is already secured to begin construction on phase two.
Source: WBRC FOX6 News
New center aims to train Alabamians on parole or probation for manufacturing jobs
A new workforce training facility in Perry County — next door to Bibb County — will teach welding and heavy-equipment operation to people on parole or probation, part of a push to address regional labor shortages.
Source: Alabama Reflector
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 Rural Health Transformation Program award, which is funding telehealth expansion, specialist access and workforce programs in rural counties statewide.
Source: Yellowhammer News
