AGP Executive Report

Sports & Local Pride: Alabama held media day Saturday ahead of its Sept. 5 opener vs. East Carolina, with players leaning into a “prove them wrong” message after national disrespect. Motivation in the Locker Room: Veteran DB Keon Sabb pushed back on Paul Finebaum’s “Mr. AI” jab and the “sleeper” label, saying the Tide expects to earn respect on the field. Community & Environment: Hundreds of volunteers joined the 16th annual Renew Our Rivers cleanup along Valley Creek in Jefferson County, removing trash before it reaches waterways. Public Health Watch: Coosa Riverkeeper reported high E. coli at six Coosa River swim guide sites, urging people to avoid those locations when tested. Business & Jobs: Eli Lilly’s Huntsville expansion was highlighted at a Business Council of Alabama conference, with Alabama credited for cross-agency collaboration that helped land the project. Crime Update: Authorities in Gadsden arrested eight people in a multi-agency drug investigation, seizing fentanyl, meth, firearms, cash, and vehicles. Food News: Sister Schubert’s sausage wrap rolls are returning to Alabama grocery shelves soon, announced at the same BCA conference. College Football (ASU): Alabama State held a fall camp scrimmage in Montgomery as the Hornets ramp up for the season opener at Legion Field.

DOJ Leadership: Senate Republicans confirmed Trump loyalist Todd Blanche as attorney general, as the Justice Department continues its push on voting-related efforts and election interference claims. Local Politics & Courts: A federal judge rejected the SPLC’s bid to toss the Trump administration’s fraud case, calling the group’s “vindictive” prosecution argument insufficient and criticizing the heated legal rhetoric. Public Safety: Alabama’s Geneva County circuit clerk Ashley Powell was arrested on ethics charges tied to using her office for personal gain, including more than $93,000 in public funds. AI & Energy Debate: Rep. Terri Sewell backed a temporary pause on large AI data center construction while Congress writes federal safeguards, citing water, energy, and community impacts. Health Watch: A rare “flesh-eating” bacteria outbreak in Louisiana has killed five this year, with officials urging caution around warm coastal waters and raw shellfish. Sports & Community: Alabama football kicked off fall camp with a new defensive-line focus on size and physicality, while Montgomery-area fans also got a reminder of the Aug. 11 Hale County GOP primary.

West Alabama Voting Reset: Alabama’s Aug. 11 special primary sends voters back to the polls in Bibb, Hale, Greene, Pickens and parts of eastern Tuscaloosa County after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the state to revert to its 2023 congressional map, shifting District 2 into southeast Alabama and changing which districts West Alabamians vote in. Corrections Contract Scrutiny: A state representative is raising alarms over Alabama Department of Corrections spending tied to DOJ-related litigation, questioning a proposed $30 million contract amendment and broader legal costs. Schools Budget Watch: Tuscaloosa City Schools plans to cut its 2027 general fund reserve by $13 million, moving from about three months of coverage toward a 1.5-month minimum. Crime & Courts: A Morgan County man faces felony charges after investigators say he stole and injured cattle in Cullman County; in DeKalb County, Ivan Laferty pleaded not guilty by reason of mental insanity in a capital murder case. Public Safety Ops: Etowah County agencies made a coordinated drug-and-gun bust with eight people in custody. Early Learning Funding Fight: A proposed Trump Head Start overhaul is drawing concern in Alabama over classroom quality and possible cost shifts to states. Mining Push: Federal financing tied to critical minerals includes $58 million for an Alabama graphite project.

Local Public Safety: Montgomery police say a man was injured in a shooting on Carmichael Road near Eastern Boulevard; injuries are believed non-life threatening. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in 19 states, including Alabama, after Salmonella was found in a routine test; the affected lot is 6.7-ounce jars (Lot LB028ACP04, best-by Jan. 28, 2027). Community Growth: Pinson City Council approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, citing concerns about power, water, noise, and infrastructure limits. Civic & Environment: Albertville authorized a Drum Creek Greenway Master Plan agreement aimed at restoring impaired waters and building an 11-mile trail network. Health Watch: Alabama’s cyclosporiasis cases climbed to 85 as of Aug. 3, with Northern Alabama accounting for most illnesses. Education/Policy: UA received a “green light” update from FIRE after revising free-speech policies. Sports (Prep): ASWA released preseason high school football rankings, with Central-Phenix City, Auburn, and Thompson leading top classes.

Alzheimer’s Access Gap: New amyloid drugs like lecanemab and donanemab can slow Alzheimer’s, but Alabama patients may still hit roadblocks from PET scan needs, infusion logistics, and coverage rules. Farm Bill Standoff: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee stalled a farm bill over a fight tied to SNAP cost-sharing, with Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville absent for the final vote. Local Government Staffing: Homewood paused hiring and promotions citywide for an organizational assessment, raising concerns about future police staffing and first-responder coverage. Election Deadlines: Alabama voters have days left for the Aug. 11 special primary—absentee application in person ends Aug. 6, in-person return is Aug. 10, and mailed ballots must be received by noon Election Day. Alabama Football Camp: Fall camp is underway with the QB battle still open between Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, while the offense leans on transfers and a revamped run game. Conservation: Forever Wild moved forward on acquiring thousands of acres across multiple Alabama counties, including land tied to drinking-water protection.

Fauci Contempt Vote: A U.S. Senate committee voted to hold former Alabama-linked infectious disease figure Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt after he refused to answer COVID-19 questions, escalating a long-running fight over the pandemic response. Alabama Courts & Safety: Alabama A&M faces a federal Title IX lawsuit alleging a residence hall director from Moulton sexually assaulted a student and the university rehired him despite alleged misconduct history. Crime Update (Montgomery): The last defendant in a violent Montgomery cleaners robbery was sentenced to 121 months, closing out the federal case tied to a BB-gun attack on the owner. Public Health (Montgomery): Health officials confirmed a rabid raccoon in Montgomery’s Dalraida neighborhood, urging precautions. Community & Local Life: United Way of Lee County kicked off its annual campaign by packing 50,000 meals for the Food Bank of East Alabama. Economy & Energy: FERC approved a $1.7 billion natural gas pipeline expansion into Butler, Alabama, despite protests. Sports (Alabama): Alabama’s fall camp continued with day two practice observations, while Auburn announced downtown parking will be free Aug. 10-14.

Public Health Watch: Alabama health officials say cyclosporiasis cases have climbed to 85 statewide, with 61 in North Alabama, and urge residents to watch for diarrhea, fatigue and nausea and seek treatment early. Education & Law: A new Alabama Ten Commandments display law for grades 5-12 takes effect Oct. 1, reviving First Amendment debate over mandatory religious displays in public schools. Immigration & Community: An Albertville teen, Elder Chavez, remains in ICE custody in Louisiana after a Boaz prayer vigil drew national attention and support. Courts & Accountability: A class action lawsuit accuses Alabama A&M of failing to pay faculty promised summer compensation from 2020-2025, potentially affecting retirement contributions. State Politics: A new poll shows the Alabama governor’s race tightening, with Tommy Tuberville leading Doug Jones by 8 points. Health & Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños has spread to 27 states, prompting major restaurant chains to pull the peppers. Local Jobs: Rep. Terri Sewell’s 15th annual Selma job fair brings 75+ employers to Wallace Community College on Aug. 6.

Education Staffing Crunch: Alabama districts are reporting major educator shortages as students return, with the biggest gaps in elementary education (751 positions), early childhood (356), and special education—often filled with substitutes, emergency certificates, or out-of-field teachers. LGBTQ Policy Shift: The University of Alabama system removed explicit LGBTQ+ language from non-discrimination policies, though officials say “sex” still covers sexual orientation and gender status; Auburn athletics made a similar DEI language change. Health Access & Costs: WalletHub ranks Alabama 50th for having a baby, citing weak healthcare access and low provider counts (OB-GYNs, midwives, pediatricians), even as costs look relatively better. Food Safety Recall: FDA warns of recalled bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states including Alabama due to possible salmonella contamination. Local Economy/Tech Debate: A new op-ed argues Alabama’s data center push is a major AI and national security issue, not just a local zoning fight. Public Health Watch: CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak is expanding, with cases now reported across many states and deaths confirmed in Michigan.

University of Alabama Leadership: Chad Tindol, a top UA administrator, is leaving to become senior vice president for administration at the University of Florida under former UA president Stuart Bell. Free Speech: UA also earned a “green light” rating from FIRE after policy updates aimed at better protecting protected speech on campus. Local Government & Schools: Auburn approved more than $241.8 million in debt to build a second public high school and other facilities, with Plains High School targeted to open in fall 2028. Broadband Expansion: Childersburg approved a franchise agreement with Coosa Valley Technologies to bring broadband internet and phone service via city rights-of-way. Civic Participation: Huntsville election manager Shaundrika Edwards urged residents to register by Aug. 10 ahead of the Aug. 25 municipal election. Sports (College Football): The 2026 preseason US LBM Coaches Poll has Alabama at No. 11, while Auburn is in “receiving votes.” Health Access: Accordia Health marked National Health Center Week with plans for community tours and proclamations across Alabama.

Alabama Courts & Public Safety: A 21-year-old Nigerian basketball player, Daniel Tobiloba Adegboyega, was arrested in Alabama on a first-degree rape charge and suspended indefinitely by Jacksonville State while he awaits a bond hearing; authorities say ICE has placed a hold, and he’s presumed innocent. Local Government: Holly Pond is considering a fix to its business license rules so mobile vendors can pay a single-day fee for events instead of a full-year license. Transportation & Infrastructure: Cullman Regional Airport is set to receive about $280,000 for taxiway pavement repairs, with FAA and local matching funds. Business & Community: Mavis Tires & Brakes opened a new Anniston location, expanding service and maintenance options for drivers in the area. Health & Policy: The ACLU of Alabama released a report saying maternal care access is “severely limited” in rural areas, citing transportation, financial instability, and inadequate postpartum support. Food Safety: Walmart recalled a pistachio nut butter sold in 19 states, including Alabama, after salmonella was detected. Weather: Autauga County reported a multi-vehicle crash with a dump truck fire that shut down part of AL-14 temporarily.

Local Governance: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed laid out city priorities and defended the Momentum 2040 bond proposal ahead of a council vote, while also urging residents to turn out for National Night Out and highlighting back-to-school efforts. Public Health: Alabama is seeing more cyclosporiasis cases, with the CDC reporting an outbreak that has already killed two in Michigan and reached 28 cases in Alabama; health officials urged careful produce handling. Food Safety: Walmart is recalling Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states, including Alabama, after salmonella was found in testing. Medicaid & Kids: A Fairhope family says stricter Medicaid reviews cost a disabled child E&D waiver benefits, despite complex medical needs. Economic Development: Minth Group broke ground on a $430M Gadsden facility expected to create 1,300+ jobs, with construction focused on utilities and road access. Justice & Courts: The U.S. DOJ announced “unprecedented” fraud enforcement in the Southeast, including a Birmingham tax preparer accused of baseless green energy credit claims. Sports: Alabama baseball added two Class of 2028 shortstops, while fall camp coverage continues across the state’s college and high school football scene.

Fauci Probe Expands: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill says the state will join Alabama and Florida in investigating Dr. Anthony Fauci after his Senate hearing where he repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment. GOP Primary Watch: Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch endorsed former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl ahead of Alabama’s Aug. 11 special Republican primary. Rail Safety Push: State Rep. Danny Garrett argues communities shouldn’t pay the price for a Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, warning about blocked crossings and emergency delays. Education Funding Debate: An Alabama opinion piece questions whether there’s ever enough money for K-12 education, pointing to the state’s Literacy Act and the costs of meeting reading requirements. Local Crime Briefs: Elmore County bookings included warrant charges and domestic harassment, while a Hartselle man was charged with stealing more than $14,000 in cash and coins. Roadwork Update: Construction has begun on a new Jackson County Welcome Center in Mississippi, expected to finish by summer 2028.

College Football Recruiting: Top JUCO cornerback Alius Mayo, once expected to pick Alabama or LSU, instead committed to Cal—an early hit to the Tide’s 2027 plans. Local Sports & Community: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed is using the Birmingham Stallions’ departure to push a proposed $375 million Montgomery sports complex bond, arguing facilities matter for pro teams. State Education Policy: Alabama Superintendent Eric Mackey says AI is “here to stay,” urging schools to teach students how to use it ethically and spot bias. Public Safety: Cullman County deputies arrested a registered sex offender, James Jackson Pace, after an anonymous tip led to his capture on SORNA violations. Health & Weather: National athletic trainers are urging safer heat rules for football linemen, warning preseason exertion drills can contribute to heatstroke deaths. Civic Calendar: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed Aug. 1 “Will Roberts Day,” honoring the Alabama teen whose cancer fight inspired statewide support.

Fauci Probe Escalates: Louisiana is joining Florida and Alabama in launching investigations into Dr. Anthony Fauci after a Senate hearing where he invoked the Fifth Amendment, keeping pressure on pandemic-era decisions. College Sports Clash: The NCAA is pushing back hard after a Colorado judge’s eligibility ruling, calling it “egregiously wrong” and warning it could spark more chaos for student-athletes. Alabama Politics: The Alabama Republican Party met in Montgomery to plan for upcoming elections, including debate over closed-party primaries and efforts to stop out-of-party voting in GOP primaries. Local Spotlight: Montgomery-area supporters rallied for Gail Royal’s cancer fight, with AL-02 frontrunner Rhett Marques visiting her café ahead of a benefit. Quirky Alabama Dining: Tuscumbia’s Rattlesnake Saloon earned national “quirkiest restaurant” buzz from Tasting Table for its cave dining experience. Weather: A rare August cold front brings cooler temps and a lower storm risk Sunday, with only spotty showers possible.

Alabama Health & Safety: The American Red Cross has declared a rare national blood supply crisis, with UAB doctors warning hospitals could face shortages; UAB says its own supply is currently safe, and officials are urging donations. Alabama Industry: HD Hyundai Electric marked a major milestone in Alabama by producing its 1,000th ultra-high-voltage transformer in the U.S., with the latest unit headed to Georgia Transmission to support power needs in Florida. Local Sports: Birmingham Bulls released their 2026-27 schedule, kicking off Oct. 16 at home, as the SPHL also rolls out a new three-point standings system and coach’s challenges. Community & Public Service: A missing elderly Cullman man was found safe after a multi-agency search. Food Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold in Alabama and other states due to possible E. coli contamination. College Sports Policy: Big Ten and SEC leaders endorsed a bipartisan college sports bill, the Protect College Sports Act, aimed at NIL, transfers, and eligibility rules.

College Sports Buzz: USA Today’s top-25 college football stadium rankings put LSU’s Tiger Stadium at No. 1, with the SEC dominating the list. Court & Eligibility: Indiana’s Sam Alexis won a Tennessee court injunction for an extra year of eligibility, with a special transfer portal window opening Aug. 3–10. Alabama in the NFL: Dolphins rookie Kadyn Proctor, an Alabama product, is learning the NFL learning curve at left guard after a standout practice moment. Local Faith & Community: Central Baptist in Alabama introduced its new pastor, with the church spotlighting a leadership transition. Remembering Will Roberts: Tuscaloosa teen Will Roberts’ funeral will be livestreamed Saturday, with Gov. Kay Ivey naming Aug. 1 “Will Roberts Day.” Weather Watch: West Alabama faces a First Alert-style storm setup Saturday, including damaging wind gusts and a flash-flood risk. Growth Planning: Baldwin County released a draft 76-page master plan covering land use, transportation, and “good neighbor” education for residents near agriculture. Politics: Alabama GOP leaders gathered in Montgomery for the party’s Summer dinner, featuring Gov. Ivey and Sen. Tommy Tuberville.