Gabriel Attal, 34, replaces Élisabeth Borne in a cabinet shuffle that President Emmanuel Macron hopes can reinvigorate a term marked by drift and division.
Republicans are pushing for the removal of Kristina Karamo, an election-denying activist who rose to lead the state party this year, amid mounting financial problems and persistent infighting.
Birmingham-Southern College was on the verge of receiving a multimillion-dollar loan, but the state treasurer balked, saying it was not a justifiable use of taxpayer money.
The state heads into next year with projections of one of its worst budget deficits since the early 1990s recession. Reserves should help cushion the blow.