AGP Executive Report

Tropical Watch for Alabama: The Gulf system has upgraded to Tropical Depression Two, and a tropical storm watch is out for the Florida panhandle—while Alabama braces for scattered Sunday storms and a return of hotter, stickier weather early next week. Weekend Weather: Forecasters warn gusty winds and a marginal severe risk Sunday, with storms tapering as highs climb into the mid-90s and heat indexes push past 105. America 250 in Greensboro: A Liberty Tree display is now at People’s Bank Courtyard in Greensboro, set up as part of the 250th anniversary commemoration. SEC Media Days Kickoff: SEC football’s Talking Season starts Monday in Tampa, with Alabama and Auburn among the teams rolling through the four-day schedule. Housing Spotlight: WalletHub ranks Huntsville No. 12 for first-time homebuyers, citing affordability balance, low property taxes, and quality-of-life factors. Food Safety: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has triggered expanded recalls in 27 states, including Alabama—residents are urged to check products. Local Community: Africatown in Mobile hosted a homeownership resource event connecting families with lenders and support.

Noncompete Clash in Space Industry: Blue Origin employees are reportedly upset about an 18-month non-compete tied to stock options after SpaceX’s IPO made rivals’ workers millionaires overnight. College Sports in Alabama: ACU begins a new era in the rebranded United Athletic Conference, adding new opponents including North Alabama, as fall sports approach. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall to 27 states after a cyclospora-linked outbreak, including Alabama. Alabama Politics: Montgomery lobbying firm Fine Geddie hires Preston Cauthen, a former Alabama Power constituent relations manager. Immigration & Enforcement: Sen. Tommy Tuberville says he’d work with federal agencies like ICE and empower law enforcement to deport “criminal” illegal immigrants if elected governor. Education Oversight: Birmingham’s Magic City Acceptance Academy says it’s in compliance with Alabama’s “divisive concepts” ban, but reports say it continues DEI-aligned training partnerships. Community Spotlight: A Huntingdon College program brought 23 Alabama students to learn economic and community development through hands-on city projects.

Prison Cost Probe: U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville vowed forensic accounting after Alabama’s mega-prison plan doubled in cost, reigniting scrutiny of how the state handled the Elmore and Escambia facilities. Election Integrity Fight: Anti-authoritarian Stacey Abrams warned that a MAGA-aligned senator’s on-air “confession” about senators not “legally” winning could further erode trust in elections, as SAVE America Act debate continues. Local Alabama Health & Safety: Oxford leaders are pushing a new Oxford Paramedics ambulance station after rapid growth in west Oxford, aiming to cut response times. Community Good News: An Alabama man’s final wish—deep-sea fishing—was fulfilled through volunteers and a Gulf charter captain, bringing the community together. Economy Snapshot: The U.S. added nearly 3.5 million new businesses in the first half of 2026, signaling continued entrepreneurship despite economic pressure. Back-to-School Help: Jackson County foster children are getting support through a school supply and clothing drive ahead of the new school year.

Election Integrity Debate: Election experts are pushing back on Trump and DHS chief Markwayne Mullin’s claim that 250,000 noncitizens are registered to vote, saying the methodology is opaque and could lead to errors. SAVE Act Watch: As Trump renews pressure for the SAVE America Act, questions grow about whether stricter citizenship proof and photo ID rules can be implemented in time for the 2026 midterms. Alabama Politics—Data Centers: State Rep. Rex Reynolds says a statewide moratorium on data centers likely isn’t the right direction, arguing communities should weigh power strain against jobs and tax revenue. Legal Fight—Tuberville Residency: Plaintiffs in the Tommy Tuberville residency challenge are asking the Alabama Supreme Court to expedite their appeal after lower-court dismissal. Public Safety & Health: Alabama reports at least 11 cyclospora cases tied to Taco Bell lettuce warnings in multiple states. Local Outdoors: Moundville’s public boat ramp reopened after renovations on the Black Warrior River. Business & Growth: Tuscaloosa County won a $2.3M SEEDS grant to prep the Airport Industrial Park for new investment.

Economic Development at Farnborough: Alabama lawmakers head to the Farnborough International Airshow next week to pitch the state’s aerospace and workforce pipeline, highlighting efforts like the Alabama Development Fund that gives the Commerce Department flexibility to recruit and support local projects. Attorney General & Consumer Protection: AG Alan Wilson announced a multistate settlement tied to the 23andMe genetic data breach, resolving bankruptcy claims with $150 million in allowed claims and limited immediate recovery from the estate. Transportation & Safety: A federal CDL school fraud probe is underway after Alabama’s trucking crackdown and new state requirements for foreign-issued licenses and English proficiency. Local Government: Oak Grove is moving toward a street paving bid process, while Hartselle approved a new traffic-calming request policy for residential streets. Infrastructure Funding: Gov. Ivey announced $3.6 million for 11 road projects statewide. Workforce & Industry Sites: Tuscaloosa County won a $2.3 million SEEDS grant to ready an airport industrial park site for advanced manufacturing and aerospace. Health & Community: Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation awarded $1.3 million in community impact grants. Higher Education & Quantum: UAH will host the inaugural Southeastern Quantum Collaborative Colloquium to connect academia, industry, and government on quantum tech and jobs.

Trade & Tariffs: New Alabama trade data shows mixed tariff fallout: April 2026 exports fell to $1.91B (down $119M from a year earlier) while imports jumped to $3.32B (up $568M), leaving a $1.41B trade gap; Mexico led both directions. Voting & Immigration: DHS says more than 250,000 noncitizens are illegally registered to vote in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Nevada, while listing Alabama among states with SAVE access that also found noncitizens and deceased voters. Alabama Tourism Leadership: Gov. Kay Ivey named Glenda Allred as tourism director as Lee Sentell retires after more than two decades, citing tourism revenue growth from $6B to nearly $25B. Data Centers Debate: Sen. Tommy Tuberville backed Trump’s push for data centers, arguing Alabama can benefit but must protect ratepayers; meanwhile, Fairfield is holding a July 28 town hall on a proposed colocation data center. Workforce & Immigration Policy: The end of Temporary Protected Status is accelerating deadlines for restaurant employers, adding pressure as TPS terminations move forward. Sports Media: SWAC and ESPN extended a deal keeping league football and basketball on ESPN networks through 2030-31. Community & Education: Rep. Terri Sewell will host her 15th annual Selma job fair Aug. 6, and Prattville-area partners awarded scholarships to Autauga County early childhood students.

Tourism Leadership: Gov. Kay Ivey announced Lee Sentell’s retirement as Alabama’s longest-serving tourism director and named Glenda Allred to lead the department for the rest of the Ivey administration. State Health Costs: Alabama’s state employee health insurance program is projected to lose $38.5 million this fiscal year, with officials pointing to rising healthcare costs and federal changes. Rural EMS: Greene County restored ambulance service after a funding crisis left ambulances out of compliance; officials say the short-term fix won’t solve the deeper need for stable income. Economic Development Grants: Innovate Alabama extended its supplemental grant deadline to July 17, offering up to $250,000 for companies with eligible federal SBIR/STTR awards. Water Infrastructure: Rep. Shomari Figures secured $50 million for water and wastewater upgrades in Alabama’s 2nd District through the 2026 WRDA. Local Governance: Hope Hull voters overwhelmingly approved incorporation, taking the first step toward becoming a town with local planning and zoning control. Food Safety: Alabama urged residents to follow safe produce handling as ADPH confirmed 11 cyclosporiasis cases statewide. Business/Industry: Alabama’s tourism and aviation push continues as the state delegation heads to Farnborough to court aviation and defense companies.

Election Integrity & Politics: A new opinion piece argues Trump is “assaulting free and fair elections,” pointing to efforts like election-map changes and pressure on voting rules. Justice & Public Safety: Attorneys for Nolan Wells’ family, a Black teen missing after a July Fourth boat trip off Mississippi, say they’ll work with a local prosecutor to inspect his cellphone and push for a grand jury review. Alabama Economy & Business: Dothan is using performance-based incentives that tie city payouts to actual business revenue, aiming to reduce “promises” and boost real tax growth. State Leadership: Gov. Kay Ivey named Glenda Allred Alabama’s tourism director as Lee Sentell retires after more than two decades. Tech & Infrastructure: Auburn’s McCrary Institute is expanding ransomware readiness via a federal-backed cybersecurity effort for Alabama cities and counties. Sports (Local): Alabama State and Southern will headline the SWAC’s inaugural Birmingham Football Classic, with SWAC Media Day spotlighting preseason expectations for the Hornets and Jaguars. Weather: Scattered afternoon storms and mid-90s heat are expected through the weekend into early next week.

Alabama Politics & Courts: Plaintiffs challenging Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s eligibility for governor have appealed a judge’s dismissal to the Alabama Supreme Court, arguing the case was brought properly under quo warranto and that the court should be able to address whether he meets the seven-year residency requirement. State Government & Education: Alabama’s Department of Education is correcting an administrative error after an educator received a letter saying she was appointed to the State Textbook Committee for Digital Literacy and Computer Science when she hadn’t been formally appointed through the required process. Public Safety: Yalobusha County Sheriff Jermaine Gooch says a new mobile app will let residents get arrest and news updates directly from the Sheriff’s Department, with the service funded through the jail’s inmate canteen fund. Local Community: Madison will install a large “Madison” sculpture near Toyota Field, aiming to boost foot traffic and downtown visibility. Business & Economy: NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index rose in June, and Alabama’s small-business director says inflation and hiring challenges remain even as sentiment improves. Aerospace & Trade: Alabama Commerce will take five aerospace/AI/defense companies to the Farnborough Airshow next week. National/Global Policy: Senators unveiled a sweeping Russia sanctions and tariff bill tied to Lindsey Graham’s legacy, and a separate bipartisan bill proposes up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil.

Tuberville Residency Fight: Barry Ragsdale has appealed a Montgomery judge’s dismissal of his lawsuit challenging U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s Alabama residency eligibility to the Alabama Supreme Court, keeping the governor race in November in legal limbo. Closed Primaries Push: Alabama GOP chair Scott Stadthagen says closed primary legislation is “going to be on the agenda next session,” arguing Democrats shouldn’t be able to influence GOP contests. Education Oversight: State Superintendent Eric Mackey apologized after reporting that a Magic City Acceptance Academy staffer was mistakenly sent a letter about being appointed to the state textbook committee without required approvals. Birmingham Public Safety Funding: Birmingham City Council approved $1.15 million to continue a hospital-linked violence intervention program aimed at reducing retaliation after gunshot injuries. Local Politics in Montgomery: Eighteen candidates filed for the Montgomery City Council District 3 special election after a vacancy tied to residency rules; the Sept. 1 vote is set. Daylight Saving Time: The House passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide with state opt-outs, now headed to the Senate. Quality-of-Life Ranking: CNBC named Alabama among the worst states to live in 2026, citing mental health provider shortages and weaker worker protections. Economic Growth: HudsonAlpha’s BRIDGES Engine won major NSF funding to expand biobased manufacturing using underutilized farmland in Alabama and Tennessee. Tourism Win: Visit Cullman was named Alabama Tourism Organization of the Year.

STEM & Workforce: Endeavour Scholarship is sending students to Space Camp in Alabama as part of a global push to build the next generation of science and engineering talent. Election Integrity & Governance: A fresh opinion/editorial argues President Trump is undermining free and fair elections through election-tampering efforts, map changes, and pressure on voting rules. Public Finance & Accountability: Wedowee’s mayor says a utilities audit raised “serious” bookkeeping and governance concerns, but he’s still trying to get the full report. Education Policy: The Alabama Education Association is accused of keeping racially segregated district elections, with “white” and “non-white” designations and race-based bylaws. Corrections Overhaul: Sen. Tommy Tuberville says he would “totally change” Alabama’s Department of Corrections, citing cost overruns and criticism tied to the prison health care contract. Business & Local Growth: Avadian Credit Union plans its first Calera branch, and a new aerospace deal in Fairhope marks a company sale to Segers Aero. Safety & Community: Operation Southern Slow Down kicks off across Alabama and neighbors, targeting speeding with enforcement and crash-prevention messaging. Everyday Alabama: Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs July 17–19, with state and many local taxes waived on qualifying items. Sports: The SEC released the official 2026 Football Media Days attendee list, including Alabama players.

Politics & Voting Rights: U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures says Alabama lawmakers are redrawing the 2nd District to “disenfranchise black voters,” arguing the new map cuts Black voting strength from about 47% to 40%. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Sen. Tommy Tuberville defended Alabama data center projects at the Alabama Sheriffs Association, arguing they’ll help fund public safety and mental health while pushing back on local backlash. Local Governance & Transparency: Environmental groups say Bessemer’s “Project Marvel” data center deal was tied to a non-disclosure agreement they had to fight for to obtain, raising Open Records Act concerns. State Policy: Gov. Kay Ivey is urging families to use Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday July 17–19, with higher exemption limits for clothing, supplies, computers and books. Health & Regulation: Alabama’s coal waste permitting authority is back in the spotlight as the EPA proposes approving Alabama’s program after a prior denial. Regional Road Safety: South Carolina is joining a multi-state “Operation Southern Slow Down” enforcement push with Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee through July 19. Courts & Oversight: Alabama auditors confirmed they’re auditing the Jefferson County probate judge’s office after a complaint led to Blanchard’s suspension.

Pediatric Cancer Fight: Brittney Battles Roberts says online commenters crossed a line while her 15-year-old son, Will Roberts, battles rare bone cancer in California, urging people to think before posting. GOP Primary Pressure: Alabama GOP chair Scott Stadthagen blasted Democrats for urging voters to cross over in the Aug. 11 GOP special primary, arguing it shows why partisan primaries should stay closed. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham Death: Alabama’s congressional delegation mourned Graham after his sudden death, with flags ordered lowered and lawmakers praising his defense and foreign-policy role. Military Leadership Bid: U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson announced he wants to chair the House Armed Services Committee, pitching his Navy background and focus on readiness. Justice System Scrutiny: A panel is set to confront Georgia’s “broken” post-conviction process tied to an Alabama man’s case. Alabama Economy & Aviation: The Alabama Department of Commerce will lead an industry-recruitment delegation at the Farnborough International Airshow. Public Safety & Infrastructure: EPA proposed approving Alabama’s coal ash residuals permit program, shifting permitting authority to the state; and Tuscaloosa added 10 extra dumpsters for student move-in/out season.

Alabama Politics & Elections: Former Alabama GOP chairman John Wahl says Democrats’ midterm turnout could stay unusually strong because national enthusiasm is being fueled by anger at President Trump. Education Transparency: A former member of Alabama’s State Textbook Committee is calling for changes after reporting that a committee appointment tied to a charter school employee came without public approval, while committee meetings are closed and disclosure rules restrict what can be shared. Federal & State Housing: Sen. Katie Boyd Britt highlighted Alabama’s role in advancing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and praised bipartisan housing legislation tied to homeownership and HUD oversight. Infrastructure: ALDOT posted a fact sheet on the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, outlining a revised two-phase plan aimed at starting construction before the end of 2026, pending a federal TIFIA loan. Public Safety: Alabama-area law enforcement is joining a multi-state speed enforcement push, “Operation Southern Slow Down,” running July 13–19. Local Tech/Privacy: The Cullman Tribune’s series reports CCSO’s Flock Safety license plate reader use, including contract details and audit records.

Local Courts & Housing: A Mobile County judge sharply rejected a Bayou La Batre Housing Authority director’s bid to keep nearly $4.2 million in a civil fight tied to a long-running contract controversy. Public Safety & Health: The Greater Birmingham Humane Society sued the City of Birmingham over whether laws were followed in approving a Nebius data center near its Oxmoor Valley animal campus. Workforce & Wages: A new ACHE report says Alabama has more college-educated adults than a decade ago, but wage gains lag and the state still trails the nation. Education & Civic Life: Huntingdon College elected six new trustees, including Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s civic engagement director. Environment: Conservation groups say gopher tortoises are now “critically endangered,” while the Trump administration removed habitat protections that environmentalists say are key to survival. Crime & Family Tragedy: In Daphne, a 17-year-old is accused of stabbing his mother to death and seriously injuring his Army commander father after a dispute over Facebook posts. Elections & Politics: Electric cooperatives’ PAC endorsed State Rep. Rhett Marques for Alabama’s CD-2 special election.

Local Government & Data Centers: The Greater Birmingham Humane Society sued the City of Birmingham and developers over the proposed Nebius AI data center near its Oxmoor Valley campus, asking a judge to answer whether the rules were followed. Public Safety & Health Services: The Alabama Coroner’s Association president says coroner pay and support are too low statewide and calls for changes, arguing coroners are often forced to act as the last “data collectors” for death investigations and prevention. Politics & Elections: Alabama Democrats are urging voters to pick the Republican ballot in the Aug. 11 special primary in districts where no Democratic ballot exists, aiming to keep turnout up. Congressional Race: The Electric Cooperatives of Alabama PAC endorsed State Rep. Rhett Marques in CD-2, citing rural infrastructure and economic growth priorities. Sports & Community: Auburn’s Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is set to open July 16 in a former Tiger Theater location, and the Reds selected Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron in the first round of the MLB Draft. Consumer Protection: AG Anne Lopez and other attorneys general pushed the FCC to tighten rules that block scammers from using legitimate phone numbers for robocalls.