Defense & Industry: Lockheed Martin won a seven-year, up to $35B contract to expand THAAD interceptor production, boosting output from about 96 missiles a year to as many as 400—an Alabama-linked win given Redstone Arsenal’s role in missile defense. Local Economic Development: Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair led a delegation to the SEUS-CP forum in Canada, focusing on life sciences, advanced energy and mobility; Alabama exports to Canada topped $4.3B in 2025. Agriculture & Food: Alabama’s annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch spotlighted the summer harvest and local manufacturers, with Commissioner Rick Pate tying it to the Sweet Grown Alabama program. Energy & Politics: Electric Cooperatives of Alabama PAC endorsed Jerry Carl for CD1, citing rural infrastructure and reliability support. Legal/Regulatory: Alabama AG Steve Marshall joined a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it violates the Commerce Clause and drives up costs. Workforce & STEM: Xometry launched the Xometry Foundation with $1M/year for engineering education and workforce development, partnering with groups including ASME and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Environment & Infrastructure: Orange Beach secured an ADEM grant for a $500K stormwater project at its Wind and Water Learning Center to cut runoff and improve Wolf Bay water quality. Public Safety/Health: ADPH approved new rules for nursing homes and assisted living facilities, including changes to water temperature limits and hospice eligibility. Consumer Watch: BBB warned Alabama shoppers about “America 250” holiday scams tied to counterfeit coins and merchandise.