USDA Grants for Alabama Meat Processors: Alabama agriculture officials are urging eligible meat processors to apply for the USDA Rural Development Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP 4), offering $60M nationwide to expand beef processing capacity; Alabama’s application window runs through Aug. 7, 2026. Energy & Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports diesel prices easing in Alabama—Clarke County’s low hit $5.29 (week ending May 30) and Lee County’s low was $4.49—while premium and regular prices also shifted across counties. Alabama Construction Impact: A new ABC of Alabama study says commercial construction drives more than $20B in economic activity statewide, supporting 223,000+ jobs and $13.5B in earnings. Defense & Advanced Manufacturing: PDW Holdings agreed to acquire Pittsford-based Vanteon Wireless Solutions to boost communications and software-defined radio capabilities for military drones, aligning with Alabama’s growing defense-tech footprint. Workforce & Infrastructure: The Alabama Public Service Commission will hold a natural gas rate case for Spire Alabama/Gulf, the first in decades, after rate negotiations stalled. Local Industry Development: Auburn’s economy gets another lift with a new auto supplier investment bringing 50 jobs and $9.2M. Missing Auburn Student Update (Japan): Kyoto police say it’s highly probable Weston Higginbotham left intentionally after a dispute over ChatGPT, but the search continues amid heavy rains.