Education & Community: Irondale kicks off the school year with a free Back to School Pep Rally Aug. 4 at City Hall, featuring school supplies, food trucks, entertainment, and a new College & Career Zone. Local Schools & Workforce: DeKalb County unveiled renditions for a new Technology Center in Rainsville, aiming to expand hands-on training in welding, advanced manufacturing, auto mechanics, health sciences, and the arts. Higher Ed: UAB launches a new master’s degree in college athletics administration this fall, designed to blend higher-education leadership with the business and governance side of sports. Culture & Arts: The Alabama Humanities Alliance is relaunching its Major Grants program, offering up to $15,000 for public humanities projects starting with an Aug. 10 application opening. Health & Family: An ACLU of Alabama report highlights severe maternal health care gaps, especially in rural areas, citing transportation barriers, limited postpartum support, and providers undermining autonomy. Sports & Identity: Tuskegee University’s new dress code—banning bonnets, du-rags, and slippers—sparks debate over respectability politics and cultural targeting. Community Spotlight: Cherokee County educators welcomed the Phillie Phanatic’s “Power of Fun” message during the Teacher Institute. Student Life & Housing: Morrison Avenue Capital Partners opened Hilltop Auburn, a 128-bed student housing community for Auburn University students. Alabama in the News: WalletHub ranks Alabama among the worst states for having a baby, citing costs and care access.