TikTok Trial in Montgomery: Alabama’s first major teen-safety case heads to trial as the state argues TikTok and ByteDance made the platform addictive and misled users about safety, with the case expected to last 2–3 weeks. Transgender Rights Push: U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Sen. Katie Britt renewed attacks on transgender Americans, including calls to target gender-affirming care and transgender athletes. Vaping Ban Starts Oct. 1: Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act expands to cover e-cigarettes and vaping in places where smoking is prohibited, aiming to cut indoor exposure to harmful chemicals. Child Mental Health Support: Alabama’s infant and early childhood mental health consultations highlight classroom/home observations, parenting tools, and free Circle of Security groups for families. PFAS Lawsuit: Birmingham sued major manufacturers over PFAS “forever chemicals” allegedly used in firefighter turnout gear, claiming long-hidden health risks and contamination. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $54.6M in rural health transformation grants to boost prevention, access, and workforce efforts. Local Care Update: Woodland Heights Family Medicine added Dr. Kay Nelson to expand primary care access. Health Tech & Research: UAB researchers reported new findings on how glutamate levels tune brain signaling via AMPA receptors. Community Recovery Effort: A Brewton recovery group trained people to use Narcan during National Save a Life Day. Big Local Project: Brookwood confirmed a $3.2B AI data center plan, with promised community benefits that include school funding and potential new medical opportunities.