Alabama Politics
Tolls on Mobile Bridge and Bayway project become election issue in coastal Alabama
Planned tolls on the new Mobile bridge and Bayway project have drawn opposition from candidates across party lines ahead of the 2026 election; the tolls would repay a federal loan, wouldn’t begin until the first phase opens around 2031, and would rise automatically each year.
Source: Alabama Reflector
Lowndes County Commission sued over approval of hyperscale data center
Two residents sued the Lowndes County Commission, alleging its approval of a 2,200-acre hyperscale data center (“Project Red Clay”) and a $1.15 billion tax break violated the state’s Open Meetings Act.
Source: Alabama Reflector
Alabama Education
Ten Commandments display approved for Alabama public schools
State Superintendent Eric Mackey approved a Ten Commandments poster required in public schools starting January 1, 2027; it must be displayed in common areas and in 5th-12th grade U.S. history classrooms, except at schools serving only K-4.
Source: WAKA Action 8 News
Enrollment in Alabama’s public community colleges surpasses 100,000 students
Fall 2026 enrollment across the Alabama Community College System reached 100,262 students, the highest fall headcount since 2010 and up 3.5% over final fall 2025 figures.
Source: Alabama Reflector
Economic Development
Nucor plans $60 million Decatur expansion, adding 60 jobs
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Nucor Corp. will invest $60 million to expand its Decatur manufacturing operations, increasing utility pole production and adding inspection space; the company reportedly considered other states before choosing Alabama.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama League names 2027 Economic Development Academy class
The Alabama League of Municipalities named 12 communities — including Fayette, Jasper, and Selma — to its 2027 Economic Development Academy class at ceremonies in Mobile.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter
Rural Health
UA receives nearly $2 million to improve rural medical care during 911 emergencies
The University of Alabama will use a nearly $2 million grant to equip rural EMS crews across 13 west Alabama counties with telemedicine gear, letting paramedics consult an on-call physician in real time and potentially avoid unnecessary ER trips.
Source: WBRC/FOX10 News
PARCA report examines Alabama’s public health system, rural care challenges
A new PARCA report finds health care tied with education as the issue Alabamians most want state government to address, and notes 37% of the state’s remaining rural hospitals were considered at immediate risk of closure as of July 2026.
Source: Alabama Political Reporter
