Alabama Courts: The Alabama Supreme Court ordered a Greene County courthouse workers’ lawsuit to move forward, rejecting a bid to delay a ruling on whether a county insurance fund must defend the county commission over claims tied to alleged rats, faulty air-conditioning, and a leaky roof. State Party Politics: Alabama Democrats elected Sen. Bobby Singleton as party chair, beating Randy Kelley and promising fundraising and listening tours across all 67 counties ahead of November. Health Policy: Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill allowing the state to seize Norwood Hospital via eminent domain and transfer or lease it to a qualified nonprofit to finish the long-stalled project. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: ALEA clarified that “Taylor’s Law” driver-license eligibility rules for students under discipline remain unchanged after confusion over a bill that didn’t pass the Senate. Local Governance: Red Bay City Council will hold a special meeting Aug. 17 on resident concerns about Flock license plate reader cameras and whether more should be installed. Environment/Ports: Mobile Bay dredging opponents say the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is refusing public hearings on thin-layer placement plans, even as state and federal lawmakers push limits. U.S. Senate Politics: Sen. Katie Britt joined efforts to permanently close the “hemp loophole” targeting intoxicating hemp-derived THC products sold near minors.