Food Insecurity Relief: United Way of Lee County kicked off its annual campaign by packing 50,000 meals for the Food Bank of East Alabama, aiming to keep aid local as food insecurity remains high across multiple central Alabama counties. Corporate Earnings: The Dixie Group reported modest Q2 results with net sales essentially flat year over year, while noting continued softness in the home resale and remodeling market. Coastal Recovery Funding: Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is asking for project suggestions for RESTORE Act Direct Component and Spill Impact funding, with a submission deadline in October. Energy & Infrastructure: FERC approved a $1.7 billion, 206-mile natural gas pipeline across Mississippi that would expand capacity into Butler, Alabama, despite landowner and environmental objections. Alabama Power/Meta Solar Deal: The Alabama PSC unanimously approved a Clearview Ranch solar plus battery project in Macon and Bullock counties, with Meta’s Dotier financing and long-term power purchase likely tied to its Montgomery data center buildout. Business Growth in Mobile: BendPak completed the first phase of a 261,600-square-foot logistics and distribution center in Mobile County, designed to support faster shipping and customer-facing operations. Health & Safety: FDA approved Moderna’s first mRNA flu vaccine for older adults, while CDC/FDA confirmed a jalapeño-linked Salmonella outbreak reaching 27 states, with two cases showing antibiotic resistance. Local Business Expansion: Aspen Dental opened its first Shelby County practice in Alabaster, expanding access to dental services with walk-in availability. Defense Manufacturing: Kratos won a U.S. Army contract to develop a next-generation Javelin seeker, with work performed at its Birmingham Advanced Manufacturing Center. Policy & Ethics: Alabama Ethics Commission delayed a revolving-door advisory opinion request tied to a planned insurance licensing consulting firm.