Engineering Leadership: Austal USA in Mobile named Gene Miller president, confirming him after an interim stint and adding senior executives as the shipbuilder builds out its management team. STEM Education: UAH appointed thermal-sciences expert Srinath Ekkad as dean of its College of Engineering, effective Aug. 5, after a national search. Industry & Research Translation: UAB ranked No. 42 in the Cure Innovation Index for turning biomedical research into therapies and measurable health outcomes, highlighting strength in market translation and entrepreneurial readiness. Public Health & Training: Troy University’s College of Health Sciences will host a Wiregrass Trauma Team Conference and Workshop June 12 with UAB trauma surgeons, focusing on team-based response and transfer decisions for rural care. Policy & Tech Safety: Sen. Katie Britt proposed a federal bill to block sports-betting digital ads from targeting minors, with FTC enforcement and penalties. Local Infrastructure: Prichard’s court-appointed water expert says water loss fell 12% last year by tackling leaks, while warning long-term fixes likely require a merger with MAWSS. Biosafety Watch: Alabama officials are monitoring the spread of a flesh-eating New World screwworm after confirmed cases in Texas. Community Science: Alabama Audubon’s Black Belt Birding Festival returns July 31–Aug. 2 in Greensboro, mixing birding with local history and conservation. Alabama in the World: Auburn student Weston Higginbotham, an engineering junior, was found dead near Kyoto after a weeklong search following a family dispute involving ChatGPT.