Alabama PoliticsTuberville names Eddins communications director, launches transition site Governor-elect Tommy Tuberville named Hannah Eddins as communications director for his incoming administration and launched CoachForAlabama.com, the official transition and inauguration site, which will post appointments, his policy “Playbook” and a jobs portal as he prepares to take office in January. Alabama Political Reporter Senate confirms Gregory Cook as federal judge for north Alabama The U.S. Senate voted 49-27 along party lines to confirm former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, with Sen. Katie Britt leading the push for his approval. Alabama Political Reporter Weather bill strengthening Tuscaloosa’s flood forecasting role heads to House The Senate unanimously passed Sen. Katie Britt’s bipartisan Water Research Optimization Act, part of a larger weather-forecasting package that would codify Tuscaloosa’s National Weather Alert Center as the primary hub for federal flood forecasting and formalize a University of Alabama hydrology research consortium. Alabama Political Reporter |
Alabama EducationAlabama school report card shows improvements across most measures Alabama’s overall score on the 2026 Federal Report Card rose to 88, up from 86, with gains in academic achievement, graduation rates, English language proficiency and college/career readiness. State Superintendent Eric Mackey credited educators statewide, noting most school systems improved. Alabama Political Reporter |
Economic DevelopmentState announces partnership with Heartland Forward’s Center for Investment Readiness Gov. Kay Ivey announced Alabama is the second state to partner with Heartland Forward’s Center for Investment Readiness, which will give participating Alabama communities data, investor connections and tools to compete for capital, with a 2027 investor-matching event planned alongside the Alabama Department of Commerce. Alabama Political Reporter Helix Electric to build $45.3 million facility in Jackson County, creating 160 jobs Helix Electric plans a new manufacturing facility in Jackson County representing a $45.3 million investment and 160 new jobs, part of the state’s metals and advanced-materials growth strategy under Commerce’s 10-year “Catalyst” plan. Trade and Industry Development |
Rural HealthAlabama gets $199 million rural health award as concerns over cuts persist CMS awarded Alabama’s Rural Health Transformation Program nearly $199.3 million for fiscal year 2027, bringing the state’s total to over $400 million since the program launched. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said the funding is welcome but won’t fully offset long-term Medicaid cuts facing rural hospitals. Alabama Political Reporter |
