AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Economy: Alabama’s unemployment rate ticked up to 3.4% in July, up from 3.2% in June, with fewer people employed and labor force participation slipping. Local Government & Schools: Franklin County Commission approved resolutions to put a 10-mill, 30-year school tax renewal on the Nov. 2 ballot. Public Health: Franklin County reported 56 straight “satisfactory compliance” health ratings for food and lodging establishments in the latest inspection period. Privacy & Safety Debate: Tuscaloosa schools are moving ahead with new parking-lot security cameras, while residents raise privacy concerns about Flock-style systems. Politics: Blount County GOP named David Thompson for sheriff after the prior nominee withdrew. Sports: Alabama’s Yea Alabama NIL collective says Keelon Russell will start QB in Week 1, beating out Austin Mack. Health Research: A UAB preprint on glioblastoma patients found a COVID-vaccine association with about double survival time before surgery.

Alabama Jobs Update: Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.4% in July, up from 3.2% in June, with more people counted as unemployed and fewer in the labor force, according to the Alabama Department of Workforce. Local Workforce Pipeline: The Academy of Craft Training says nearly 1,000 students are expected across Alabama campuses, with hundreds already moving from internships into construction jobs. Public Safety Tech Debate: State Sen. Chris Elliott says Alabama should balance the potential benefits of Flock Safety cameras with privacy and data-control concerns, warning against knee-jerk law changes. Education & Community: A student-led effort in Gulf Shores is using recycled Alabama Christmas trees to trap sand and plant native dune vegetation, helping protect the shoreline. Business Expansion: RTF Project Services announced a $2.2 million Bay Minette facility expansion expected to bring about 140 jobs. Fraud Watch: Grant tied for ninth among Alabama cities for July BBB scam reports, with employment scams most common.

Church-State Fight: Texas lawmakers voted to add religious readings to a mandatory K-12 curriculum list, drawing pushback over classroom autonomy and the line between church and state. Alabama Politics & Public Safety: Sen. Katie Boyd Britt used recent posts to spotlight fentanyl prevention and community pride, including support for Cullman’s Hallmark contest bid. Property Tax Watch: A 7% cap on property tax reappraisal increases is set to expire in 2027, and Sen. David Sessions says lawmakers should decide whether to extend it. Local Government: A Marshall County Council on Aging director says the agency still needs a permanent home after nearly a year in temporary quarters, with commissioners weighing options. Economy & Jobs: Walker County unemployment fell to 3.6% in July, while Alabama reported year-over-year wage and job gains. Sports: Alabama named Keelon Russell its starting QB for the 2026 season; Mobile’s Jimmy Buffett exhibit is set to open Sept. 12, and a Mobile fireworks event is planned over the bay Aug. 22.

Alabama Football: ESPN reports Keelon Russell has won Alabama’s QB competition and will start the 2026 season, beating Austin Mack after Ty Simpson’s NFL jump. Russell, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, saw limited action last year but brings big-time Texas prep pedigree, including Gatorade National Player of the Year honors. Local Sports: Central High in Tuscaloosa-area action? Central Falcons beat Center Point 27-0 after weather delays and a sloppy, fumble-filled first half. Mobile Community: The Wharf and Buffalo Rock Pepsi kicked in $5,000 for Alabama Credit Union’s Secret Meals for Hungry Children, part of a summer hunger-fighting partnership. Conservation: Alabama is in the thick of fall bird migration along the Mississippi Flyway, with millions of birds using Gulf Coast stopovers to rest and refuel. Courts/Media: An Alabama jury ordered The New York Times to pay $9.25 million in a defamation case involving former UA player Kai Spears. Public Safety/Policy: Senator Tommy Tuberville is set for an Athens visit next week as a featured speaker at the Athens-Limestone Chamber’s Washington Update.

Education & Equity: Decatur City Schools posted lower 2025-26 Alabama ACAP proficiency rates than the state in English language arts, math and science, even as several Decatur elementary schools outperformed the district; the district’s poverty rate (65.4%) remains the highest among the local systems compared. Public Safety: Signal Mountain Fire Chief Larry Sloan resigned after backlash over a TikTok video tied to comments from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez about redistricting; Police Chief Mike Williams is serving as acting chief. Politics & Elections: The Alabama Democratic Party contest committee ordered Albert Turner Jr. certified as the Perry County Commission District 1 nominee after a recount tie and a dispute over voter intent. Weather & Sports: Multiple high school football games across Alabama were delayed by lightning and storms Friday night. Health & Consumer: Vitruvias Therapeutics recalled one lot of 30 mg thyroid tablets after testing found potential super potency. Courts: A federal jury awarded former Alabama basketball player Kai Spears $9.25 million in damages against The New York Times for defamation tied to a 2023 shooting report. Business & Tech: Starting Sept. 1, Alabama will exempt sales tax from credit card transaction fees under a new law.

Defamation Ruling: An Alabama federal jury ordered The New York Times to pay former UA walk-on Kai Spears $9.25 million after finding the paper falsely linked him to a 2023 Tuscaloosa shooting scene. Public Safety Funding: Tuscaloosa’s SWAT team is getting nearly $50,000 in federal grant money for night-vision goggles through Project Safe Neighborhoods. Statewide Coastal Projects: Gov. Kay Ivey announced more than $52 million in GoMESA-funded coastal Alabama projects for 2026. Local Fraud Watch: Opelika and New Market each tied for 33rd among Alabama cities in July BBB Scam Tracker reports, with phishing the top scam type. Sports & Media: Gray Media’s Telemundo stations across Alabama and the Southeast will air two Braves games in Spanish. Business/Community: Bank Independent opened a new Hartselle sales office with a ribbon cutting, highlighting continued local investment. Higher Ed/Tech: UA President Peter Mohler discussed AI and the university’s “Future Ready” push, including plans to address Alabama’s nursing shortage. Politics/Privacy: Sen. Tommy Tuberville weighed in on the Flock camera debate, backing law enforcement tools with tighter rules and privacy protections.

Airport Authority Talk in Tuscaloosa: Tuscaloosa National Airport leaders say the city has long discussed creating an airport authority to run the facility separately from day-to-day City Council control, aiming for a more businesslike approach to keep projects moving. Small-Business Red Tape: Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen praised FinCEN’s final rule that permanently ends beneficial ownership reporting for most U.S. companies under the Corporate Transparency Act, calling it a win for small business owners. Gulf Coast Funding Boost: Gov. Kay Ivey announced $52M+ in GoMESA grants for 21 coastal Alabama projects across Mobile and Baldwin, including Brookley by the Bay, wetlands work, boat ramps, and water quality improvements. Coastal Water Tower Grant for Dora: Dora is getting a $1M Appalachian Regional Commission grant to build a 250,000-gallon water tower to support development at Heritage Landing. Local Infrastructure Updates: ALDOT says pipe replacement on SR-605 in Rehobeth and Taylor starts Aug. 24, with temporary closures and detours. Business & Jobs: Dothan’s Michelin becomes the 100th workplace to earn HeartSafe certification, adding CPR training and more AEDs. Politics & Voting: A report highlights low turnout among Alabama voters ages 18–29, arguing the governor’s race could hinge on young people registering and showing up. Courtroom Win for Alabama Athlete: A jury awarded Kai Spears about $9.25M in a defamation case against The New York Times. Health Watch: Covid is climbing in the U.S. even before the usual respiratory season, with experts urging testing and precautions. Sports QB Battle: Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer says the Week 1 starter race between Keelon Russell and Austin Mack is still too close to call. High School Football Scores: Alabama’s statewide high school football scores are being centralized for the season on the Alabama Sports Writers Association site.

Coastal Funding Boost: Gov. Kay Ivey announced more than $52 million for 21 GoMESA projects across Alabama’s Gulf Coast, including Mobile’s Brookley by the Bay, wetlands creation, boat ramps, and recreation and water-quality upgrades. Local Government & Youth: Madison launched an inaugural Mayor’s Youth Council, selecting 33 high school students for hands-on learning about how city government works and requiring service projects. Data Centers Debate: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt says Alabama should avoid both “every corner” data center growth and a blanket moratorium, arguing communities should weigh power costs and tax benefits before deciding. Public Safety & Courts: A Birmingham man was indicted on alleged $65 million tax fraud tied to geothermal heat pump credits. Community Infrastructure: The Poarch Creek Indians started the first phase of a $24 million road improvement project in Escambia County, aiming to finish by March 2028. Health Myth Check: A new study finds most Americans still believe you should always finish antibiotics, even though guidance can vary by condition. Business Moves: Powers announced it’s selling HVAC/building controls divisions in Alabama and other states to a private equity-backed buyer.

Defense & Industry: Hanwha Defense USA won its first major U.S. Army contract for prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers under the Mobile Tactical Cannon program, with accelerated delivery of six vehicles and an option for 12 more—plus a localization push that includes a three-year lease to stand up an integration and test site in Opelika, Alabama. Local Governance: Harpersville approved a six-month data center moratorium while the town studies impacts on infrastructure and the local economy, with public informational sessions starting Aug. 31. Public Health & Safety: Alabama leaders are urging Congress to delay SNAP-related fees, arguing the state’s low error rate still needs more time to improve accuracy and avoid added costs. Consumer Alerts: The FDA upgraded a Publix frozen blueberry recall to the highest risk level after E. coli concerns, with affected products sold in Alabama and other states. Sports & Community: Red Light Method opened its 18th location in Huntsville, expanding a wellness and recovery franchise. Fraud & Courts: Federal prosecutors indicted a Pinson tax preparer accused of filing false returns tied to geothermal heat pump credits. Alabama on the Field: Alabama’s fall camp continues with a second scrimmage Thursday as the quarterback battle remains a key storyline.

Local Courts & Elections: A Jefferson County judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Tommy Tuberville’s eligibility for Alabama’s governor ballot, saying the court lacked jurisdiction to remove a candidate and that the venue was wrong. Public Safety: A payroll employee in Jackson County, Ala., was charged with skimming from workers’ checks, with allegations totaling more than $15,000. Education & Local Government: Trussville City Schools approved its FY27 budget, projecting about $80.93M in revenue and $81.57M in expenses, with a small surplus after finalized state and local numbers. Cybersecurity: Utilities in north Alabama say they’re preparing for cyberattacks after recent disruptions to water and wastewater systems nationwide. Business & Consumer Protection: Alabama will receive $595,421 from a $45M multistate settlement with Cash App’s parent over fraud and misleading safety claims. Community & Culture: Tuscaloosa City Schools recognized 25 Adopt-A-School partners for “Very Involved Partnerships,” highlighting business-school collaboration. Sports & Entertainment: Visit Tuscaloosa promoted staff to expand sports tourism, while Alabama football coverage highlighted new offensive line physicality under Adrian Klemm.

Defense & Industry: Hanwha Aerospace won a U.S. Army deal to deliver six prototypes of its K9 wheeled 155mm howitzer for the Mobile Tactical Cannon program, with the contract potentially growing to about $262.9 million—another sign Huntsville-area missile work keeps expanding. Space Command: Space Command leaders say its Redstone Arsenal move is moving fast thanks to partnerships across the Army, Guard, FBI, NASA Marshall and other agencies. Insurance & Courts: The Alabama Supreme Court tempered a State Farm order, requiring sharing of certain claims-handling procedures only with safeguards for confidential trade-secret information. Local Politics: State Sen. Andrew Jones warned Democrats are mobilizing after Alabama’s special GOP primary turnout hit record-low levels, urging Republicans to show up in November. Business & Jobs: Raytheon’s expanded Redstone Missile Integration Facility is tied to a $745.4 million SM-3 Block IIA missile contract, supporting production in Huntsville and hiring. Community & Education: Bessemer residents near the QTS data center question an $8M scholarship plan, saying the eligibility rules could exclude students assigned to Jefferson County Schools. Public Safety: A Jackson County payroll worker faces 39 theft counts after investigators allege she skimmed from co-workers’ paychecks, totaling $185,000. Culture: Alabama A&M announced Kirk Franklin’s Homecoming Gospel Explosion lineup, adding Todd Dulaney and Dante’ Pride.

College Football/Local Ties: Texas dominated the preseason AP All-America team with four first-team picks, while the SEC placed 14 of 27 first-team selections; Alabama’s Cam Coleman (Texas, WR) plus Auburn’s Xavier Atkins, and other Tide-area standouts like Bray Hubbard and Evan Crenshaw earned spots. State Politics/Courts: Civil rights groups asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review Texas’s Ten Commandments display law in public schools, a fight that could ripple to Alabama. Higher Education Governance: Jacksonville State University’s board approved dissolving the faculty senate and moving toward new tenure review processes under HB580. Public Safety/Local Government: Montgomery’s city-funded anti-violence program took down its website and social media after arrests tied to the effort. Business/Community: Tuscaloosa Drug Company is relocating into a new Five Points Piggly Wiggly this fall. Sports/Coaching: A Guntersville High School coach resigned after a public intoxication arrest at a preseason jamboree.

Alabama Politics & Elections: Alabama’s special congressional primary drew a decade-low turnout, with just 5.24% of registered voters casting ballots in the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts, as confusion over the election and low competition kept people home. Healthcare & Insurance: Jackson Hospital says it’s on track to exit bankruptcy after approving a new four-year contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, clearing a key condition tied to its reorganization plan. Public Safety & Community: Wetumpka landed in a four-way tie for ninth in Alabama for July BBB scam reports, with five reports and losses totaling about $253. Education & Sports: Alabama opens at No. 13 in the AP preseason Top 25, its lowest preseason spot since 2008, while the College Swimming League announced Alabama and Auburn will compete in its inaugural season meets. Local Government: Toussaint Kirk was named Spalding County’s new community development director, taking over after David Allen’s June resignation.

Bankruptcy Update: Jackson Hospital in Montgomery says it’s filing paperwork today to move forward from Chapter 11, after agreements with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and financial support tied to the hospital emerging from bankruptcy. State Politics: The Alabama Supreme Court extended the briefing deadline in the lawsuit challenging GOP nominee Tommy Tuberville’s residency, pushing it to Aug. 27. Democratic Party Leadership: State Sen. Bobby Singleton was elected chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, beating incumbent Randy Kelley as Democrats gear up for the November general election. Local Crime: A man was arrested in Holmes County after allegedly attempting to break into multiple businesses in Esto while wearing a ski mask. Education & Tech: Central Alabama Community College will host a free AI Community Caravan for beginners on Aug. 28. Sports (Alabama): Alabama football starts the preseason AP Top 25 at No. 13, ending an 18-year run of top-10 preseason starts.

Education & Accountability: Leeds City Schools Superintendent John J. Moore says Leeds Elementary assistant principal Kyle Winningham resigned after an internal misconduct allegation was investigated and found no illegal, unethical, or unprofessional conduct. Public Safety & Community Health: Aesto Health, a Birmingham-based vendor, is tied to a Lone Star Community Health Center data breach affecting 250,130 patients, prompting class-action investigations. Local Government & Civic Pride: Selma is asking businesses and residents to help restore Memorial Stadium’s scoreboard and bleachers, with a donation drive aimed at raising the remaining funds. State Schools Under Intervention: Alabama’s superintendent says Bessemer City, Dallas County, and Sumter County districts under state intervention are showing improvement as the new school year begins. Fraud Watch: Cullman ranked 8th among Alabama cities for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with six reports and thousands in losses. Politics & Campaigns: GOP Rep. Jerry Carl says he won’t debate in Alabama’s CD-1 general election, arguing it would only help his opponent. Business & Jobs: Callan JMB, Alabama State University, and Bia Power Systems announced a $60 million electrical manufacturing venture in Brewton.

Aerospace Jobs in Mobile: Airbus says it’s investing more than $82 million in Mobile projects, including upgrades at its U.S. manufacturing site and a new Airbus Central Distribution Center slated to start in Q1 2027, creating 50 new jobs and adding solar canopies to cut energy use and emissions. U.S. Army Aviation Contracting: The Army is moving to outsource initial helicopter pilot training to private contractor M1 Support Services at Fort Rucker, with 800–1,500 pilots trained each year and the Army keeping control of standards and safety. Alabama Football Buzz: Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins landed on the preseason Butkus Award watch list, adding to other preseason honors as the Tigers gear up for the 2026 season. College Football Poll Watch: Ahead of the AP Top 25 release Monday, CBS Sports projects Florida at No. 22, pointing to the impact of new coach Jon Sumrall and roster retention plus portal additions. Local Business Help: Newbern will host a free small-business support session Aug. 20 (6–8 p.m.) with one-on-one planning and growth guidance for owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.