AGP Executive Report

Mobile River Bridge: Alabama officials and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy broke ground in Mobile on the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, a major I-10 crossing meant to ease long-running traffic bottlenecks; Elections & politics: Senate Leadership Fund is pulling back on a North Carolina effort tied to Michael Whatley and shifting money elsewhere as Republicans brace for a tougher midterm fight; Local leadership: Monroeville elected Charles Andrews as its first Black mayor in the city’s 121-year history; Public health: A frozen-berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak linked to certain Great Value and Trader Joe’s organic berry products sickened 17 people; State media: An Alabama survey says most respondents back keeping Alabama Public Television’s PBS relationship and favor increasing state funding; Road safety: A Pike County head-on crash killed a woman and injured three others, and an Autauga County Mustang crash killed a driver; Sports (Alabama): No. 7 Alabama visits No. 16 Mississippi State in a key Week 5 SEC matchup at noon on ABC.

New Alabama vaping rules: Starting Oct. 1, Senate Bill 9 expands Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act to cover electronic nicotine delivery systems, meaning vaping is now restricted where smoking is restricted. Local planning in North Alabama: Bartow County’s Planning Commission recommended denying a proposed 70-acre Highway 113 housing development near the Hyundai-SK Battery plant, a plan that would have added about 240 homes. Mobile River Bridge push: President Trump returned to Mobile, touting the $3.2 billion Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project and joking that officials might “name the damn bridge after me,” as the groundbreaking drew fresh attention. Politics and the ballot: Trump also endorsed Katherine Robertson for Alabama attorney general at the Mobile rally, while Democrats held a separate “People’s Rally” downtown. Public safety: Guntersville police say an armed burglary suspect from Sept. 21, Adam Stanford, is in custody on a first-degree burglary charge. Community events: Tuscaloosa Public Library’s “Dolly Day” celebrates its 1 millionth book milestone Saturday with free family activities and giveaways. Sports (high school): Week 7 action included big results like Vestavia Hills 52, Tuscaloosa County 7, and Bessemer City 36, Central 17.

Public Health: The CDC reports 3,887 measles cases in the U.S. as of Oct. 1, with Alabama among 47 jurisdictions reporting cases and 95% of cases tied to outbreaks. Local Schools & Community: Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary in Tuscaloosa held a dunk-tank fundraiser for United Way of West Alabama, letting students “dunk” their new principal. Oral Health Push: Alabama’s Department of Public Health is inviting third-graders to enter the 10th annual “Share Your Smile with Alabama” photo contest to promote dental health. Breast Cancer Awareness: University of Alabama students and local health workers are ramping up screening and education efforts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Rural Healthcare Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced nearly $55 million in new rural health grants, including maternal health networks, emergency upgrades, and expanded cancer screening. Transportation Safety: ALDOT switched left turns at the Pinson intersection to protected-only operation after years of crash complaints. Politics & Campaign Trail: President Trump is set to rally in Mobile ahead of the midterms, aiming to energize GOP voters in deep-red Alabama. Insurance: Alabama’s Department of Insurance approved 2027 ACA individual-market premium rates, with average increases ranging from 11.4% to 33.8% by carrier.

Midterm Politics: President Donald Trump kicked off a 32-day campaign blitz with rallies in Texas and Oklahoma, telling supporters to “vote like I’m on the ballot” as he tries to energize Republicans ahead of the Nov. 8 midterms. Local Spotlight: Mobile is preparing for Trump’s Friday rally at the University of South Alabama, with students and residents planning both welcome and protest. Alabama Economy & Energy: Diesel prices are near record highs, and Alabama truckers say fuel costs have doubled their daily expenses, forcing slower speeds and shorter routes. State Taxes: Alabama collected $38.3 million in severance taxes in 2024, down nearly 30% from the prior year. Courts & Community: A Mobile judge is being asked to award $2.1 million to a family alleging harassment tied to a Saraland high school football eligibility dispute. Sports (Alabama): No. 1 Williamson rolled past No. 6 Orange Beach 42-0, while Northside shut out Holt 42-0.

Abortion Shield Laws Fight: Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down “shield laws” that protect abortion-pill providers in states where abortion is illegal, arguing the rules violate the Constitution’s full faith and credit. Gas Prices & Taxes: With fuel costs staying front and center nationally, more states are suspending or cutting gas taxes, including a 90-day holiday in Ohio, as voters weigh affordability ahead of midterms. Alabama Politics & Courts: Former Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs commissioner Kent Davis has refiled a lawsuit against Gov. Kay Ivey in state court after a federal case was dismissed. Public Safety Law: Alabama’s Child Predator Death Penalty Act takes effect, making certain child sex crimes against kids under 12 capital offenses. Health Care Funding: Gov. Ivey announced nearly $55 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants to improve access in rural Alabama. Local Justice: A Montgomery man, Arsenio Hall, was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for drug trafficking. Sports Spotlight: No. 7 Alabama and No. 16 Mississippi State meet Saturday in the SEC’s biggest Week 5 test for both unbeaten teams. Mental Health Treatment: Montgomery Behavioral Health is offering voluntary residential DBT skills training for adults with borderline personality disorder.

STEM Education Boost: Gov. Kay Ivey announced Alabama’s new Alabama STEM Council Seal of Approval, recognizing qualifying out-of-school STEM programs and recurring events statewide, with applications now open. New DUI/Hit-and-Run Penalties: Starting Oct. 1, Alabama’s Safe Streets Act toughens consequences for DUI and hit-and-run crashes, including making certain serious cases a Class B felony. Local Government Accountability: Greene County Commission filed suit against Sheriff Joe Benison over alleged mismanagement of nearly $5 million in bingo funds, citing improper spending and missing reconciliations. Beau’s Law for Tethering: Alabama’s updated statewide dog tethering rules take effect Oct. 1, including limits on tether type and requirements for shelter, food, and water. Death Penalty Expansion: A new Alabama law allowing prosecutors to seek death in certain child sex-crime cases under age 12 takes effect Thursday, though enforcement may face legal hurdles. Public Safety & Weather: Oak Mountain State Park’s lightning-strike fire jumped containment lines and grew to 130 acres, while forecasters warn of a multi-day flood threat across parts of the Southeast. Business & Jobs: Hyundai says it will invest $500 million in Alabama to build Tucson Hybrid and extended-range electric powertrains, aiming to reduce tariff exposure. College Sports: Alabama and Mississippi State kick off at noon today, with TV listings released, as the Tide prepares for a major SEC matchup.

College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77-22, moving the NIL/transfer/antitrust overhaul to the House; former Alabama coach Nick Saban is a key supporter, and the bill now faces an uncertain House path after the November midterms. Health & Safety Legal Fight: Alabama AG Marshall joined Louisiana and Arkansas in a major push at the U.S. Supreme Court over “abortion shield laws,” while also suing providers they say shipped abortion pills across state lines. State Politics & Schools: Alabama voters will decide Nov. 3 on two constitutional amendments tied to school anthem/Pledge requirements and student-led prayer. Food Insecurity Drive: Gov. Kay Ivey kicked off the “Beat Bama Food Drive” and “Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger” competition, with proceeds going to food banks across Alabama. Local Tech/Health: Alabama’s TikTok settlement adds teen safety limits and new features, following a $100M deal. Sports (Alabama): Alabama volleyball fell to 0-2 in SEC play after a loss to Ole Miss; Alabama football continues its Week 5 focus ahead of Mississippi State.

Medicare Oversight: CMS will expand its Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Review Choice Demonstration to all IRFs billing Medicare Administrative Contractor Jurisdiction J, covering Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, with new facilities choosing pre- or post-payment review by Nov. 13 and the expansion starting Dec. 14. Public Safety: A Trenton, Georgia man wanted in a Tuesday shooting is now in custody after a nearly 10-hour manhunt, according to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office and GBI. Local Business & Workforce: Albertville Chamber President Stan Witherow completed Auburn’s Intensive Economic Development Training Course, aimed at boosting Alabama economic growth and workforce development. Community Health & Support: A kids fishing tournament at The Wharf in Orange Beach raised a record $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Alabama. City Planning: Birmingham City Council approved nearly $700,000 to plan eight walkable “urban village” neighborhood centers. Education & Research: Alabama A&M’s Environmental Health program earned national accreditation through August 2032. Teen Privacy: Alabama’s TikTok settlement adds teen use limits and safety features, while raising fresh questions about what data is collected and how it’s handled. Sports: Alabama men’s golf won the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational; Alabama football keeps rolling after a 49-18 win over South Carolina, setting up a big Week 5 matchup at Mississippi State.

Alabama Politics & Public Safety: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed says the city should require an audit of Jackson Hospital’s finances before any new funding, after the hospital exited bankruptcy and secured a new Blue Cross/Blue Shield deal. Local Governance: The City of Montgomery has begun requiring Montgomery Police Department employees to sign non-disclosure agreements, raising transparency concerns among police leadership. Health & Education Policy: Alabama’s updated K-12 sex education rules take effect Wednesday, tightening requirements around abstinence and restricting explicit materials and instruction for younger grades. Transportation & Infrastructure: ALDOT cleared the way for construction to begin on the first phase of the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, with a ceremonial groundbreaking set for Oct. 2. Courts & Crime: A Montgomery County grand jury indicted a Wetumpka man in a fatal Alabama River boat crash, alleging reckless murder tied to alcohol and high-speed operation. State Leadership: ALEA named Col. Jeremy Burkett as director of the Department of Public Safety. Elections & Campaigns: U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s potential incoming administration is already drawing attention from Alabama GOP leaders as the November race heats up.

TikTok Settlement: Alabama reached a major deal with TikTok over teen safety claims, with the state set to receive at least $100 million and potentially up to $300 million, plus new safety features and tighter limits on teen use. Local Government & Infrastructure: Montgomery will unveil a new city flag at City Hall, replacing the long-used design tied to a petition campaign. Public Safety: A Kentucky State Trooper was killed on I-65, triggering a statewide manhunt that ended with a suspect in custody; authorities had warned residents not to approach the vehicle. Education & Health: Children’s of Alabama will serve as an enrollment partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, sending books home to kids under five. Sports (Alabama): No. 8 Alabama keeps rolling after a dominant SEC home win, and attention turns to the next road test at Mississippi State. Business & Finance: Gov. Kay Ivey named Doryan Carlton to replace outgoing Finance Director Bill Poole. Environment & Outdoors: Alabama’s new Clean Indoor Air rules expand vaping restrictions in indoor public places starting Oct. 1.

Alabama Football: Alabama climbed to No. 7 in the AP Top 25 after its 49-18 rout of South Carolina, extending a historic streak of being ranked in 300 straight AP polls. SEC Scheduling: The SEC set Georgia’s Oct. 10 road trip to Alabama for 7:30 p.m. on ABC. Gamecocks Discipline: South Carolina suspended defensive end Dylan Stewart indefinitely after a punch during the Alabama game; he will miss the Kentucky matchup. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports Alabama gas averaged $4.05 a gallon, up 6.1 cents this week, while Montgomery County’s lowest E85 hit $2.99. Public Safety: Huntsville police are investigating the deaths of a man and woman found in an apartment. State Government: Alabama Finance Director Bill Poole is stepping down, with Doryan Carlton named to lead the department. TikTok & Kids: Alabama’s case moves forward after TikTok agreed to pay at least $100 million and add teen usage limits.

Alabama Football: No. 8 Alabama rolled past South Carolina 49-18 behind Keelon Russell’s 5-touchdown night, with the Tide starting fast and turning big plays into a comfortable SEC win. Gamecocks Discipline: South Carolina suspended edge Dylan Stewart indefinitely after a punch and multiple sideline incidents during the Alabama loss; he will miss the Kentucky game as coach Shane Beamer reviews his future. UA Student Life: The University of Alabama is boosting its Engagement Stipend up to $150 to help students cover costs for research, dues, travel tied to curriculum, and other involvement. TikTok Settlement (Alabama): TikTok agreed to pay Alabama at least $100 million and add teen safety limits, including stricter age checks and daily usage controls. Local Arts: Selma Art Guild will feature famed Selma photographer Jerry Siegel with a reception Oct. 4 and an exhibit running through October and November. Community & Safety: An investigation continues after a Florida woman reported missing from an Andalusia RV park was found dead near her campsite.

Alabama Football Playoff Push: No. 8 Alabama kept rolling with a 49-18 Week 4 rout of South Carolina, with QB Keelon Russell throwing for 365 yards and four TDs and adding a score on the ground; the Tide now head to Mississippi State for a top-25 Week 5 showdown at 11 a.m. CT on ABC/ESPN+. Rankings Shake-Up: After Week 4 upsets, Alabama sits in the AP Top 25 and is also climbing in the US LBM Coaches Poll and ESPN SP+; Florida jumped to No. 8 after beating Ole Miss 52-28. SEC Playoff Odds: Updated SEC CFP odds show Texas and Georgia leading the pack, while Alabama’s chances remain strong after its dominant win. TikTok Settlement in Alabama: Alabama AG Marshall announced a major settlement with TikTok over teen safety claims, including limits on teen use and new safety steps, with TikTok paying at least $100 million. Local Courts & Crime: A Coffee County jury convicted an Andalusia man of grooming a teen girl after he posed as a 17-year-old online. Business & Jobs: Starbucks plans to close 250 stores across North America, raising concerns for Alabama-area staff. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports some of the lowest midgrade and premium prices in Alabama counties, including Lee County and Lauderdale County, for the week ending Sept. 19.

Alabama Football: Keelon Russell threw for 365 yards and four TDs and ran for another as No. 8 Alabama routed South Carolina 49-18 in Tuscaloosa, jumping ahead early and keeping the Gamecocks scoreless until the Tide led 21-0. Local Sports Spotlight: Mississippi State stayed undefeated, rallying past Missouri 31-24—setting up next week’s big matchup at Alabama. Teen Safety & State Policy: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a settlement with TikTok, including at least $100 million for the state and new teen protections like a two-hour daily limit, overnight restrictions, and stronger parental controls. Business & Labor: Alabama-based Caddell Construction agreed to pay about $35 million in a Milan probe tied to alleged worker exploitation at the new U.S. consulate site, without admitting liability. Community & Public Safety: A deadly train crash in Theodore killed a local pastor’s close friend and his fiancée, with police saying the car tried to beat the train at the crossing.

TikTok Settlement: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a first-in-the-nation deal requiring TikTok to restrict access for children, with Alabama set to receive at least $100 million (up to $300 million) and new safety features after the case was headed to trial. Public Safety: Two elderly people died after an early-morning home explosion in Hazel Green; investigators say the cause is still under review. Local Crime: A Smiths Station man was arrested and charged after a late-night stabbing injured a juvenile. Workforce Training: Morningbird Space Corporation partnered with Alabama A&M to expand online workforce training and education through the Morningbird Academy. Sports—Alabama Focus: Alabama’s SEC opener vs. South Carolina is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN, with injury updates affecting both teams; meanwhile, JMU swept South Alabama in Sun Belt volleyball action. Economy & Cost of Living: Gas prices continue climbing, with the national average near $4.48 per gallon. Retail Pressure: Cato Fashions plans to close 120 stores nationwide amid pressure on shoppers’ spending.

TikTok Settlement: Alabama reached a landmark deal with TikTok and ByteDance, requiring at least $100 million in payments and new teen protections—two-hour daily limits, midnight-to-6 a.m. curfews, stronger age checks, “productive pause” prompts, and bans on beauty filters for teens. Local Public Safety: Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver after a Goodwill employee was struck while crossing Air Base Boulevard in Montgomery; leaders say the area lacks proper pedestrian protections. State Courts & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to use the revamped SAVE voter-eligibility system for now, pausing a lower-court block tied to privacy and wrongful purge concerns. Sports—High School Football: Friday’s AHSAA results included Vigor 20, Benjamin Russell 10; Mountain Brook 10, Oxford 3; and Calera 42, Gardendale 32. Community & Health: Publix Charities awarded $350,000 to the Food Bank of North Alabama to boost distribution and operations. Local Sports—College: UAH swept Montevallo 3-0 in Gulf South Conference volleyball.