AGP Executive Report

Public Safety in Selma: Selma leaders held a public safety meeting after a string of shootings, including the death of a 2-year-old, with interim Police Chief Michael Perry saying the city “has a problem” and outlining plans like expanding security cameras, tougher penalties for gunfire, and rebuilding trust with residents. College Sports Crisis: Alabama’s Nick Saban and other major figures testified at a Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act, arguing the system is broken and warning that cuts—especially to women’s and Olympic sports—are accelerating. Alabama Elections Costs: Alabama’s special primary election for multiple U.S. House districts is projected to cost about $4.45 million, with counties reimbursed for election expenses. Redistricting Fallout: Alabama GOP leaders say they’re ready to move forward using the 2023 maps after federal court delays, while voting-rights advocates continue to fight the Supreme Court’s map decisions. Medical Cannabis Access: Alabama’s medical cannabis program is now open, but patients in parts of the state face long drives and limited local options for certification and dispensary visits. Home Building Compliance: The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board warned consumers about unlicensed builders and unlicensed advertising, saying it can put homeowners at risk.

Supreme Court & Voting Maps: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama to use a GOP-favored congressional map for August primaries, even as challengers warned voter reassignment could be “logistically impossible” under state deadlines—setting up new races in Alabama’s 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts. Election Administration: Alabama officials still haven’t fully explained how voter reassignment will work after the ruling, leaving uncertainty for voters and county offices. Missing Student: Search efforts continue for Auburn student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, missing in Kyoto, Japan; his parents say he went off alone after family bickering and may be emotionally distressed. Corrections Healthcare: NaphCare issued a statement defending its healthcare services for the Alabama Department of Corrections amid recent coverage. Local Hiring: TARCOG is hiring case managers for seniors in DeKalb, Jackson and Marshall counties. Business & Industry: A new study says Alabama commercial construction generated $20.1B in output and supported about 223,000 jobs in 2023. Gun Rights Endorsement: In an Alabama Senate runoff, NAGR PAC endorsed Jared Hudson.

Redistricting Fight in Alabama: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama to use a GOP-favored congressional map for 2026, a decision that critics say guts Black voting power and signals a broader rollback of the Voting Rights Act. Civil Rights Mobilization: In Montgomery, thousands rallied at the Alabama Capitol to defend Black political representation, with speakers warning “we won’t go back” to Jim Crow-style maps. SPLC vs. DOJ: The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a federal judge to consider sanctions against the Justice Department after prosecutors shared an unsigned superseding indictment copy with media before it was properly docketed. College Sports Policy: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified in Washington supporting a federal college sports bill aimed at reining in the transfer-and-spending “arms race,” while Sen. Deb Fischer took a friendly shot at Saban over his Nebraska record. UF Presidential Search: Stuart Bell, UF’s presidential finalist, faced questions on DEI and said he won’t bring those programs to Florida. Missing Auburn Student in Japan: Weston Higginbotham, 20, vanished during a family trip in Kyoto; his parents renewed a public plea as Alabama and federal partners join the search.

Supreme Court Redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama to use a GOP-favored 2023 congressional map, a decision that keeps Republicans on track for the November midterms while civil rights groups warn it strips Black voters of a key opportunity district; Reactions in Alabama Politics: Former Sen. Doug Jones blasted the ruling as a “return to the Confederacy,” while Rep. Shomari Figures called it the end of the Voting Rights Act, and GOP candidates in CD-1 and CD-2 largely welcomed the outcome; Missing Alabama Student in Japan: Auburn student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, has been missing since May 29 near Kyoto, with family and police searching wooded trails after CCTV and train activity pointed to Yamashina Station; Local Health Care: Complete Women’s Care of Alabama launched a new website for patients in Birmingham and Alabaster, adding online scheduling, a patient portal, and bill pay; Community & Jobs: TARCOG is hosting a tri-county career fair in Jackson County to hire case managers and recruit older adults for its senior employment program.

Redistricting Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama to use its 2023 GOP congressional map for the 2026 elections, pausing a lower-court finding that the plan intentionally discriminated against Black voters—an outcome that could shift Alabama’s House delegation toward a 6-1 GOP tilt and set up an Aug. 11 special primary for affected districts. College Sports Policy: The Big Ten and SEC said they don’t support the Protect College Sports Act as written, citing unresolved issues and warning it could expand litigation instead of stabilizing rules for NIL and the transfer portal. UAB Sports Radio: UAB Athletics and Cumulus Media extended the “JOX Radio” deal for three years, keeping WJOX-FM as the flagship for football and WJQX-FM for men’s basketball through 2028-29. Engineering Win: Alabama A&M civil engineering students took first place in the ASCE Gulf Coast Mystery Competition, earning top honors for a fast, creative design challenge. Local Economy/Jobs: Huntsville posted a 2.1% unemployment rate in April, among the lowest in Alabama, as the region’s aerospace, defense, tech, and manufacturing base keeps labor markets tight. Retail Growth: Nordstrom Rack is set to open in Huntsville’s University Plaza, adding a major off-price brand to the shopping hub.

Alabama Politics & Courts: Alabama’s redistricting fight stays front and center as plaintiffs urge the U.S. Supreme Court not to pause a block on the state’s 2023 congressional map, warning of election chaos and last-minute logistics. State GOP Runoffs: The Alabama GOP’s June 16 runoff picture is getting sharper: a new Alabama Poll shows Jared Hudson leading in the U.S. Senate runoff, Katherine Robertson ahead for attorney general, and Wes Allen narrowly in front for lieutenant governor—while candidates dispute the poll’s claims. State Senate Qualifying: Qualifying closed for State Senate Districts 25 and 26 special primaries, with Sen. Will Barfoot the only Republican to qualify for District 25. Public Service Commission: Republican lawmakers have recommended candidates for Gov. Kay Ivey to consider for the expanded Public Service Commission, now growing from three to seven members. College Sports Reform: Nick Saban is set to headline a U.S. Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act, pushing back on college athletics turning into a pro-style league. Local Schools: Cullman County Schools named new principals for Holly Pond, with Adriana Skutchan taking over Holly Pond High School. Community & Safety: Tuscaloosa County Schools will offer free summer meals through June, and Central Alabama is under an “Impact Day” severe storm alert for damaging winds and hail.

Perry County Election Fight: A one-vote Democratic primary commission race between Donald Bennett and Albert Turner is still in motion after Probate Judge Carlton Hogue rejected Turner’s challenge, saying Alabama’s 24-hour deadline for contests was missed. Turner now plans to press the issue with the State Democratic Executive Committee. Voting Rights in the Courts: Black voters and civil rights groups urged the U.S. Supreme Court to deny Alabama’s emergency request to use a congressional map with only one majority-Black district, warning it could trigger election chaos ahead of an August special primary. State Politics: The Alabama Republican Party will hold a June 14 hearing on Tommy Tuberville’s residency challenge, as his campaign says it will submit tax and property records. Local Development: Irondale finalized a $105 million deal for a new Costco off I-459, with an on-site gas station and 200–300 jobs expected. Economic/Defense: Lockheed Martin cut the ribbon on an 88,000-square-foot Next Generation Interceptor facility in Courtland, aiming to boost production capacity. Community & Culture: West Montgomery leaders unveiled plans to revitalize the Fairview Farmers Market as part of broader corridor investment.

Auburn Murder Trial: Harold Dabney III, indicted on two counts of capital murder in the Sept. 2025 killing of retired Auburn professor Julie Schnuelle, will stay jailed without bond; the case drew national attention after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk weighed in days before his own death. State Senate Runoff Prep: The Alabama Republican Party set qualifying for special primaries in State Senate Districts 25 and 26 for Monday, with the special primary election slated for Aug. 11. Coastal Growth & Business: Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty is expanding into Fairhope and Gulf Shores, citing momentum along coastal Alabama. Local Politics & Gambling Scrutiny: A new video in Cullman County raises fresh questions about alleged gaming machines tied to campaign contributors connected to Sheriff Matt Gentry and Lt. Chad Whaley. Family Policy: Gov. Kay Ivey signed a “Strong Families Month” proclamation emphasizing “homes led by a father and mother,” drawing criticism. Cybersecurity Alert: BBB of North Alabama warns of a Kali365 phishing scam targeting Microsoft users via Telegram. Jobs & Industry: Pencco opened a new $20 million manufacturing facility in Gadsden, aiming to create 40 jobs. Weather Watch: Forecasters issued an “Impact Day” warning for damaging wind and heavy rain risks Monday.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service says Monday’s storms could hit central Alabama with damaging winds that may topple trees and pockets of large hail, with the hail risk lowered to quarter-size and the main concern still being wind. Public Safety: In Vance, a man accused of pointing a gun at deputies during a warrant service is charged with manslaughter after deputies’ gunfire killed his sister; authorities say the “gun” was a BB/pellet weapon. Local Growth: Irondale is moving ahead with a more-than-$100 million Costco development at Grants Mill Road and I-459, aiming to create 200+ jobs and become Alabama’s sixth Costco. Politics & Elections: Gov. Kay Ivey voided results and called a special election for Alabama State Senate Districts 25 and 26 after a court decision sent the state back to an earlier map, with the special election set for Aug. 11. Sports (Alabama): Auburn landed cornerback Nash Johnson, a former Alabama commit, while Alabama’s softball and baseball postseason storylines continue to roll. Remembering a Tuskegee Legend: Ronald LaPread, a founding Commodores bassist from Tuskegee, died at 75.

Education & Data Privacy: A new debate over Alabama classrooms is heating up as critics warn that AI tutoring and “personalized” learning can also mean deeper tracking of students’ behavior and personal data. Family Policy: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed June “Strong Families Month,” tying the message to Father’s Day and emphasizing households led by a father and mother. Schools & Safety: Albertville’s Asbury High School fired a coach after an investigation into alleged grooming and an “inappropriate” student relationship. Public Safety: Two children died after being swept away in a creek at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Jefferson County; authorities urged extra supervision and flotation around water. Weather Watch: Strong storms are possible Monday across much of Alabama, with damaging winds and large hail in the forecast. Business & Growth: Ivey encouraged Alabama entrepreneurs to apply for the SBA’s “Freedom 250” pitch competition, offering up to $1 million in prizes. Local Development: Irondale cleared the way for a Costco after completing due diligence, targeting a Spring 2028 opening. Parks & Tourism: Gulf State Park’s Shark Fest returns June 25-27 with marine education and hands-on activities. Sports: Alabama softball advanced in the WCWS with a 5-1 win over Nebraska, powered by Jocelyn Briski’s complete-game one-hitter.

Alabama Redistricting: The 11th Circuit cleared Alabama to use the 2021 State Senate maps, setting up elections in Senate Districts 25 and 26 and prompting fresh political sparring over “fairly drawn maps” versus race-based claims. Public Safety in Foley: Foley is moving ahead with plans for a fourth fire station on East Fern Avenue, with design work in 2026 and construction targeted for 2027 as the north side grows. Economic Development: Korea-based DUCK IL USA plans to expand in Auburn with a roughly $21 million project that adds a clean-room manufacturing process and about 21 jobs. Community & Nonprofits: Auburn honored Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center assistant director Jade Kennedy as Alabama Nonprofit Employee of the Year. Wildlife Management: Alabama wildlife officials are asking the public to help with the annual wild turkey brood survey starting June 1 through Aug. 31. Business/Policy Watch: A new Alabama proposal would require big data centers to fully cover added grid costs, aiming to protect ratepayers while still encouraging development.

Redistricting Court Update: The 11th Circuit stayed a ruling blocking Alabama’s 2021 State Senate map, clearing the way for State Senate Districts 25 and 26 to use “fairly drawn maps,” and Gov. Kay Ivey has called an Aug. 11 special primary with no runoff. Election Integrity: Secretary of State Wes Allen weighed in on videos from Jefferson County that raise questions about curbside voting and ballot handling during the May 19 primary. Higher Court Fight Over Voting Maps: Justice Clarence Thomas declined to immediately intervene in Alabama’s congressional redistricting dispute, keeping the legal pressure on GOP map changes. State Government & Families: Gov. Ivey signed proclamations marking June 2026 as “Strong Families Month” and highlighted teacher pay raises and new supports for educators. Local Public Safety: A Columbus, Georgia woman was arrested after an armed robbery at a Smiths Station Dollar General. Health & Community: A new North Birmingham health center opened to expand mental health and behavioral health services for underserved residents. Business/Tech: Alabama-based Octave Intelligence began trading after spinning off from Hexagon, signaling growth ambitions in government tech.

Alabama Politics: Alabama’s congressional redistricting fight is back in the spotlight at the federal level, with the U.S. solicitor general filing a brief supporting Alabama in the Milligan v. Allen case as judges weigh whether the state’s map is tainted by intentional race-based discrimination. Lieutenant Governor Runoff: John Wahl says his campaign raised more than $500,000 in the first week after finishing first in the GOP primary, while Wes Allen’s team has previously challenged Wahl’s residency eligibility. Education & Teachers: Gov. Kay Ivey is using Teacher Appreciation Month to highlight pay increases and new supports for hard-to-staff roles, including paid parental leave for teachers. Workforce: Alabama’s Department of Workforce reports April job ads rose to 120,341, led by registered nurses, customer service, and retail roles. Coastal Economy: Alabama’s shrimping season opens June 1 at 6 a.m. in multiple coastal waters, including Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound. Sports: Alabama softball opened the Women’s College World Series with a 6-3 win over UCLA.

Alabama Redistricting: The 11th Circuit cleared the way for Alabama to use a state legislative map ruled in violation of the Voting Rights Act, reviving a racially discriminatory plan for this year’s state senate races even after voters already cast ballots. Federal Courts & Voting Rights: The fight is tied to the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision, which weakened Section 2 enforcement and has pushed Alabama and other states into faster, more aggressive map battles. Rural Health Funding: Alabama leaders are gathering input on how to spend $203 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program, with workshops focused on maternal care, EMS, treat-in-place models, and mental health. Water Crisis in Shelby County: Coosa Mountain residents say an Alabama Power contractor drained their aquifer, leaving them with unusable water despite new wells. U.S. Attorney Update: Phillip W. Williams Jr. was sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Local Government Spotlight: Fort Deposit’s new mayor, Madelene Means, says she’s focused on improving city operations and attracting industry.

Redistricting Fight at SCOTUS: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed emergency stay requests asking the U.S. Supreme Court to let the state use its GOP-backed 2023 congressional map after a federal panel blocked it as intentionally discriminatory against Black voters, with the DOJ also backing Alabama in a separate Supreme Court filing. Election Calendar Pressure: Gov. Kay Ivey extended the August 11 special primary certification deadline to June 3 to align with the Supreme Court response schedule, as June 16 runoff timing complicates voter record updates. Local Government & Youth Jobs: Foley selected four high school students for a summer internship with the City of Foley through the Baldwin County Utilities Internship Program, giving them hands-on roles starting June 1. Health Research Spotlight: The Urology Care Foundation named 15 2026 Research Scholar Award recipients, funding mentored research aimed at earlier detection and better outcomes in urologic care. Workforce Signal: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon highlighted Alabama in a national workforce initiative, pointing to strong demand for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, energy, and tech.

Redistricting Fight: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall asked the U.S. Supreme Court to fast-track a decision on the state’s congressional map, so Alabama can use its 2023 lines for the August 11 special primary after a lower court blocked the GOP-backed plan and ordered a court-drawn alternative. Election Updates: Gov. Kay Ivey extended a key certification deadline by five days to June 3, aiming to give the state time for a potential Supreme Court ruling before ballots are finalized. Medical Safety: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned doctors not to prescribe or administer “research-grade” or non-FDA-approved peptides, citing safety and quality concerns tied to online wellness products. Consumer Fraud: Mobile-area families say roof and window companies took thousands of dollars and left them with nothing; investigators are looking into the claims. Immigration Courtroom Testimony: An Alabama construction worker testified about repeated federal detentions despite having REAL ID and other documents, as a judge weighs whether to restrict enforcement at construction sites. Sports & Community: Alabama’s Women’s College World Series opener is set, and Amari Allen decided to return to Alabama basketball.