Maritime Workforce: The U.S. DOT’s Maritime Administration named 16 new 2026 Centers of Excellence for domestic maritime training, expanding to 48 institutions and about 58,000 trainees yearly—good news for Alabama’s shipbuilding and logistics pipeline. Cancer Imaging Breakthrough: Researchers led by Georgia State developed a protein-based MRI contrast agent that can detect invasive lung cancer and metastatic disease as small as 1 millimeter, aiming to reduce radiation exposure and late diagnoses. Space Science (Alabama-linked): Using NASA’s Chandra, a University of Alabama-led team found 84 “hypersoft X-ray sources” in multiple galaxies—mysterious objects that may help answer major astrophysics questions. Pediatric Trauma Care: A national study with 230,000+ children suggests current blood pressure cutoffs may miss early signs of circulatory instability, including work involving UAB trauma researchers. Local STEM/Tech & Infrastructure: Moulton applied for extra federal Land and Water Conservation Funds to build a splash pad plus pickleball and tennis courts, while Alabama’s College Savings Month push highlights CollegeCounts 529 for education planning. Defense & Industry: Austal USA’s U.S. unit drew a higher bid interest from Wildcat Infrastructure, and L3Harris won a $4.7B Lockheed Martin PAC-3 propulsion award—both tied to Alabama’s defense manufacturing ecosystem. STEM in the Classroom: Math Success by DMTI launched a teacher-focused, conceptual-first K-6 math program.