Space & Defense: Trump announced a new U.S. Space Academy, modeled on West Point/Air Force standards, and signed an executive order creating a commission to design the NASA-led school. Federal Policy & Infrastructure: The FAA is seeking input on how to build spaceports and space infrastructure, including funding tools like public-private partnerships and tax-exempt bonds. Civil Rights & Voting: Thousands rallied on the National Mall for voting rights and racial justice ahead of midterms, pointing to Supreme Court changes that civil rights groups say weaken Black representation. Alabama Corrections: Alabama’s Corrections Institution Finance Authority approved up to $195 million in bonds to help fund the Escambia County prison in Atmore, alongside $690 million in cash already set aside. Elmore County Hospital Fight: A judge temporarily halted a “secret” plan to build a replacement hospital, granting a restraining order in a dispute involving Ivy Creek Healthcare and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. Economic Development & Jobs: Carrier is evaluating Alabama for a new cooling systems plant tied to data center demand, with a potential nearly $434 million investment and about 500 jobs. Local Government & Privacy: Montgomery began requiring city employees to sign broad non-disclosure agreements, raising concerns about how widely “confidential information” is defined. Healthcare Security: Coosa Valley Medical Center partnered with LeoSight to upgrade hospital security and incident coordination. Elections Watch: Marshall County Democrats will host Wayne Rogers for Secretary of State on Sept. 1.