Arts Funding: The Alabama State Council on the Arts awarded more than $3.9M in grants to 201 organizations and education programs statewide, backing everything from theatre and festivals to after-school arts. Campus & Community Education: Maryville College’s Blount County College Fair and Financial Aid Night returns Sept. 23, pairing college options with face-to-face help on navigating financial aid. Student Life & Culture: Troy University’s Step Tease brought the Divine Nine and the campus theatre and dance department together at Janice Hawkins Park, spotlighting stepping traditions and community involvement. Public Health Policy: Alabama officials withdrew their objection to federal marijuana rescheduling, framing it as a procedural step while still weighing potential consequences. Local Learning & Opportunity: University of South Alabama launched the Blankenship Scholars program, offering endowments to about 10 students annually for conservation enforcement and law enforcement careers. Education Equity Data: New Alabama college-readiness breakdowns highlight gaps for Black students across multiple districts, including Baldwin, Dothan, and Greene County. Arts Spotlight: A Gordon Parks photo exhibition opens Sept. 18 at Jack Shainman Gallery, spanning his work from Harlem to the Civil Rights era.