AGP Executive Report

Local Government: Rainsville City Council approved a sanitation rate resolution, setting monthly charges at $21 and keeping exemptions for veterans and Social Security-only residents, while also moving to redo sanitation contracts with Fyffe and Sylvania. Public Safety: ALEA is urging drivers to “secure your load” as summer travel ramps up, warning unsecured cargo can cause deadly roadway debris. Community & Culture: Denise Davis, a Russellville native, reflected on her 50th anniversary as Miss Alabama (1976), and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s 56th annual pow-wow returns June 5-6 near Livingston. Sports: Alabama men’s basketball will face Miami in the 2026 SEC/ACC Challenge in December, and Alabama State players were permanently banned by the NCAA for fixing a 2024 game. Health & Cost of Living: A new analysis warns Social Security’s trust fund could run out by 2032, potentially cutting benefits nationwide and affecting nearly 1 million Alabamians. Outdoors: Summer swimming-hole guides highlight Alabama waterfalls and natural spots, with Saharan dust also expected to bring hazy skies.

U.S. Supreme Court & Voting Rights: The court cleared Alabama to use its 2023 congressional map for the August 11 special primary, after lower courts had blocked it—prompting sharp reactions from state leaders and voting-rights advocates who warn Black voters face fewer options. Immigration Funding: The U.S. Senate passed a $69.5 billion reconciliation package to fund ICE, CBP and DHS through 2029, after an “anti-weaponization” fund and other White House-linked priorities complicated the timeline. Alabama Sports (Baseball): Troy hosts its first-ever NCAA super regional this weekend against Little Rock, with coach Skylar Meade leading the Trojans after a Gainesville run. College Sports (Big Picture): Seven seeded teams—including UCLA and Georgia Tech—were knocked out in the regional round, setting up a chaotic super regional slate. Search in Japan: An Alabama family is still searching for Auburn student Weston Higginbotham, missing in Kyoto after an argument with his mother over ChatGPT. Local Courts: A Jefferson County probate judge was suspended after a complaint alleged serious misconduct and poor case handling, with a temporary judge taking over.

U.S. Supreme Court Fallout in Alabama: The court cleared Alabama to use a GOP-favored congressional map after lower courts found it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights advocates and Democrats. Voting Rights: The ruling is being framed as a major setback for Black voters, with lawmakers and watchdogs warning it could fuel more election chaos. Alabama Economy & Jobs: Kamtec Auto USA plans a $9.2 million Auburn facility creating about 50 jobs over three years. Public Safety & Local Courts: Huntsville permanently shut down 708 Bar & Grille, ordering licenses surrendered within 48 hours. Health & Families: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed June “Strong Families Month,” and Alabama’s first medical cannabis dispensary opened in Montgomery after years of delays. Education & Relief: Tuscaloosa County approved a back-to-school sales tax holiday July 17-19. Sports: Auburn lost longtime broadcaster Paul Ellen, and Lions rookie Kendrick Law is out for the season with a torn knee ligament.

Supreme Court & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama to use a GOP-favored congressional map for the 2026 elections, overriding a lower court finding that it intentionally discriminated against Black voters; Justice Sonia Sotomayor and other critics called it a debasement of the democratic process, while Alabama officials hailed it as a win for self-governance. Missing Person: An Alabama family is pleading for help as Auburn student James “Weston” Higginbotham remains missing in Japan after last being seen near Kyoto on May 29; police say they’ve narrowed his last movements to the Yamashina area, and search efforts continue. College Sports Reform: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified in support of a federal college sports overhaul bill aimed at bringing order to NIL and transfer rules, arguing the current patchwork leads to endless lawsuits. Local Economy: Foley is moving ahead with a new 121-acre industrial site backed by a nearly $3.33 million state grant through the SEEDS program. Public Safety/Justice: DOJ obtained a superseding indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center in a federal case tied to alleged misuse of donor funds.

US Supreme Court & Voting Rights: The court granted Alabama a stay in Milligan v. Allen, letting the state use its 2023 congressional map for 2026 after lower courts found it intentionally discriminated against Black voters; Justice Sonia Sotomayor called it a “debases the democratic process” move that risks chaos, while Democrats and voting advocates warned the ruling leaves minority voters with fewer protections. College Sports Policy: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified in a Senate hearing backing the Protect College Sports Act, urging Congress to create a national framework to rein in NIL and transfer-portal legal chaos. Alabama Roads Safety: An ALDOT worker was injured in Hale County when a tractor-trailer struck a tractor mower on SR-69 north of Greensboro; the worker is expected to recover. Local Business/Hoover: Riverchase Galleria in Hoover was listed for sale after 40 years, raising questions about the future of the region’s biggest indoor mall. Recruiting & Sports: Alabama’s recruiting push continues with elite cornerback Hayden Stepp after an official visit, while Alabama-related college sports coverage also highlighted the transfer-portal scramble and Women’s College World Series fallout. Missing Person: Auburn student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, vanished during a family trip in Japan, with searches ongoing in Kyoto.

Redistricting Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama to use a GOP-favored congressional map for this year’s elections, rejecting a lower-court finding that the plan intentionally discriminates against Black voters. Utility Regulation Fight: Alabama lawmakers passed major changes to the Public Service Commission, expanding it and making it harder to trigger rate cases that would scrutinize Alabama Power pricing. Local Economy Planning: DeKalb County adopted “Elevate DeKalb,” a countywide economic development strategy aimed at workforce readiness, infrastructure, and long-term job growth. Healthcare & Seniors: CMS data highlighted nursing home rankings across Alabama counties, including several top-rated facilities (like West Gate Village in Escambia County) alongside others with low star scores and fines. Sports Spotlight: Texas Tech beat Alabama twice in the Women’s College World Series semifinals, setting up a finals rematch with Texas.

College Sports, Alabama Spotlight: Texas Tech’s NiJaree Canady shut down Alabama in the WCWS semifinals, pitching a complete-game two-hitter as the Red Raiders beat the Tide 2-0 and set up a finals rematch with Texas. Local Sports, Baseball: Alabama, Auburn and Troy all advanced to Super Regionals, with Alabama hosting St. John’s in a best-of-three starting Saturday after sweeping its regional. State Politics: U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s residency fight is heating up as he filed Alabama income tax returns for 2018-2024 ahead of a June 14 Alabama GOP residency hearing. Public Safety: Correctional officers at Ventress Correctional Facility arrested a former inmate after suspected contraband was found on prison grounds, including marijuana and cellphones. Weather: Alabama faces a cooler, drier stretch with sunshine returning, while tropical moisture could bring heavy rain later in the week.

WCWS Finals Set: Texas and Texas Tech will rematch for the Women’s College World Series title after both survived elimination games Monday in Oklahoma City, with Texas Tech knocking out top-seeded Alabama 2-0 behind NiJaree Canady’s complete-game two-hitter and a key late run. Alabama Sports: Alabama’s WCWS run ended after the Red Raiders’ shutout, but the Tide still leaves with a strong season and praise for its program. Recruiting/College Sports: An NBA mock draft spotlights BYU’s AJ Dybantsa as a top prospect, while Alabama football continues to build its recruiting pipeline. Politics: A look at what Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is leaving behind after losing his Senate bid. Public Safety/Health: Alabama football is adopting a new heat-safety tracker, Heat Sense, aimed at reducing heat strain. Environment: Seaweed is flooding parts of the Gulf Coast, with researchers warning it could worsen through June. Business: Ensign Group announced acquisitions tied to senior care and memory care facilities. Community Events: North Alabama’s African Heritage Festival marks its 25th anniversary June 5-6 in Tuscumbia.

Redistricting Fight in the U.S. Supreme Court: Civil rights groups are urging the Supreme Court to deny Alabama’s emergency request to revive its 2023 congressional map, warning a late switch could overwhelm election officials and trigger voter confusion and ballot problems. Storm Damage Across Alabama: Strong storms Monday knocked out power for more than 100,000 Alabama Power customers, with crews responding to widespread tree and power-line damage in multiple counties. Animal Cruelty Case: Homewood police say a man threw five kittens from a moving car on Interstate 65; he was arrested on aggravated cruelty charges after witnesses reported the animals were killed by traffic. WCWS Spotlight for Alabama Fans: Texas advanced to the Women’s College World Series finals by beating Tennessee twice, setting up a championship matchup that will include Alabama or Texas Tech. Local Sports/Community: The Double T Sports Network laid out WCWS semifinal radio coverage, including Alabama vs. Texas Tech, for listeners across the state. Public Safety Update: A crash in DeKalb County closed all lanes of Alabama 40 near mile-marker 40 for an undetermined time.

Alabama Sports: No. 7 Alabama baseball survived Oklahoma State 9-7 in 11 innings at the Tuscaloosa Regional to reach the Super Regionals for the first time since 2006, with Brady Neal’s 3-run homer in the 11th sealing it. Women’s College World Series: Alabama softball is rolling—Jocelyn Briski tossed a one-hitter as the Tide beat Nebraska 5-1 to move to the WCWS semifinals, while Texas Tech eliminated UCLA 8-7 and will face Alabama Monday. State Politics: Alabama Democrats say the May 19 primary was a win, but challenges remain; in Huntsville-area Senate District 2, voters will pick a runoff nominee June 16. Corrections & Health Care: A controversy is swirling around NaphCare, the Alabama Department of Corrections healthcare provider, after other states raised concerns about its care. Public Health: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned clinicians against prescribing “research-grade” peptides, citing safety and FDA approval issues. Weather/Community: Storm threats continue across Alabama, and local reports include serious incidents like a plane crash in Lowndes County and drownings at Turkey Creek in Pinson.

Local Business Expansion: Irondale is moving ahead with a more than $100 million deal to bring a Costco Wholesale store to the city, expected to create 200+ jobs and become Alabama’s sixth Costco. Alabama Sports: Alabama baseball is set for the Tuscaloosa Regional championship game Sunday at 7 p.m. CT after beating top seeds, while Auburn faces UCF in an elimination game at Plainsman Park at 3 p.m. WCWS Spotlight: Alabama softball continues its run in Oklahoma City, with elimination-game matchups shaping the bracket. Public Safety: Safety advocates are urging parents not to leave children in hot cars after a Tuscaloosa-area tragedy. State Outdoors: Alabama alligator season registration opens June 2, with updated management areas, dates, and limits. Arts & Culture: Ronald LaPread, co-founder and bassist of the Commodores, has died at 75.

Alabama Sports Spotlight: Alabama’s path at the Women’s College World Series is set after Saturday’s winner’s-bracket schedule: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 4 Nebraska at 7 p.m. on ESPN, with Texas Tech vs. Tennessee also on the slate after a broadcast outage briefly knocked ABC off the air. NCAA Baseball (Auburn Regional): UCF’s Andrew Williamson went off with three homers in a 9-3 win over N.C. State and now faces Milwaukee at 8 p.m. Saturday in the winner’s bracket at Plainsman Park. Local College Softball (Northeast Alabama): Northeast Alabama Community College softball is one win from a national title after advancing to the NJCAA championship game. Public Safety: A Baldwin County mother, Kaitlynn Dominick, was charged after authorities say she killed her medically fragile 17-month-old by administering a deadly liquid mixture through his feeding tube. Community & Health: Central Alabama’s Nurses Honor Guard is conducting Nightingale-style tributes for fallen nurses across the region.

Redistricting Update: Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger says the 11th Circuit cleared the way for the state to use its 2021 State Senate maps in upcoming Senate District 25 and 26 elections, calling the ruling a win for “reason over race.” Health in Pregnancy: A UAB study in Nature finds pregnant women have worse cardiovascular health than non-pregnant peers, with gaps driven by lower activity, cholesterol differences, and higher body mass index. Safety Campaign: ALEA is continuing its “101 Days of Summer” push after Memorial Day weekend fatalities, citing DUI arrests, speeding citations, and seat belt enforcement. NCAA Baseball (Alabama): Alabama opened the Tuscaloosa Regional with a 21-3 rout of Alabama State, powered by Justin Lebron’s big swing and a late surge; next up is USC Upstate. NCAA Softball (Alabama): Alabama is set for the WCWS winners-bracket matchup vs. Nebraska after beating UCLA 6-3, while Texas kept its title hopes alive by shutting out Mississippi State.

Redistricting Fight in Alabama: Gov. Kay Ivey called an Aug. 11 special primary for State Senate Districts 25 and 26 after the 11th Circuit stayed a lower-court block, allowing Alabama to use the 2021 state Senate map; the general election remains Nov. 3. Election Integrity Concerns: Secretary of State Wes Allen responded to videos from Jefferson County voters alleging apparent illegal curbside voting, saying Alabama law restricts voting machines outside enclosed polling places. Local Environment Clash: Guntersville residents packed an ADEM hearing to oppose a proposed limestone quarry near Lake Guntersville, citing noise, traffic, water impacts, and quality-of-life worries. Mental Health in Selma: Selma held its fourth annual Mental Health Awareness Day, spotlighting resources and reducing stigma with community and state leaders. Alabama Sports Spotlight: Troy baseball is headed to the NCAA Gainesville Regional, opening Friday vs. Miami.

Alabama Courts & Voting Rights: The 11th Circuit stayed a federal ruling that would have forced Alabama to use a Democrat-friendly State Senate map, keeping the fight over redistricting lines alive heading into the 2026 election. Alabama Politics: Alabama’s redistricting battle continues as AG and Gov. Ivey’s office press appeals tied to congressional map rulings. Women’s Sports: Alabama softball opened the Women’s College World Series with a 6-3 win over UCLA, powered by Brooke Wells’ go-ahead three-run homer; the Tide next faces Nebraska. College Baseball (Alabama): NCAA regional action begins with UCF at the Auburn Regional, while Alabama’s own tournament run continues to draw attention. Coastal Alabama: Shrimp season opens June 1 in Mobile Bay, Bon Secour Bay, Mississippi Sound and other coastal waters, with rules keeping permanently closed areas off limits. Local Culture: South Baldwin Community Theatre debuts an original Vietnam-era family play in Gulf Shores, running June 5-14.

Redistricting Fight in the Courts: Alabama’s GOP map battle is back in the spotlight as the U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief backing the state’s push to use a 6-1 congressional plan, calling the lower-court order a “court-ordered racial gerrymander,” while Gov. Kay Ivey delayed certification steps for the Aug. 11 special primary ballots amid SCOTUS timing. Local Education Tension: Cullman High School FFA members rallied after their advisor, Ramona Weeks, said the Cullman City School Board abruptly declined to renew her contract just before the Alabama State FFA Competition. Public Safety and Accountability: A federal appeals court heard arguments in the Guntersville City Harbor dispute tied to a $10 land transfer, with a judge remarking “kind of smells” about the deal. Healthcare in Rural Alabama: Dr. Iliet Payan joined Sampson Women’s Center, starting June 1, to provide family medicine and obstetrics care in Clinton and nearby communities. Weather Update: The latest drought monitor shows improving conditions across parts of the Southeast, including Alabama, after weeks of more widespread rain.