School Safety Training: Hoover Police hosted Alabama’s first School Resource Officer Tactical Assailant Response (STAR) course, training 22 officers over three days to respond to active assailant threats as first responders. Election Participation: An op-ed argues Alabama spent millions on runoff elections that drew about 11% turnout, calling it a costly system that fuels voter fatigue. Public Health & Environment: Mobile Baykeeper warns Alabama’s “Sound Science” law is behind fish consumption advisories tied to mercury, PCBs and PFOS, saying the state is restricted from strengthening protections beyond federal baselines. Education & Accountability: Parents in Jackson County are outraged after a registered sex offender reportedly volunteered at Skyline High School events, while a coach was placed on leave as the probe continues. Higher Ed Leadership: UA promoted DEI advocate André Denham to associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, drawing scrutiny over his past activism. Federal Justice: A Senate Judiciary panel advanced Sean Costello for Alabama U.S. attorney, sending the nomination to the full Senate. Lethal Injection Fallout: Alabama nitrogen gas execution rulings are expected to reverberate beyond the state, potentially reshaping how other states approach capital punishment. Road Safety: A single-vehicle crash closed Crescent Ridge Road in Tuscaloosa County after a vehicle left the roadway near 9th Street NE, killing two people.