AGP Executive Report

College Football (Alabama): No. 12 Alabama flexed in its SEC opener, scoring 32 unanswered points to beat Kentucky 45-17 after a shaky first half, and the Tide moved into the top 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. Coaches Poll Shakeup: Texas took over No. 1 after a 24-23 comeback win over Ohio State; Indiana jumped to No. 4, and Alabama cracked the top 10. Injury Update (Georgia Tech): Jaylen Mbakwe was released from the hospital after a scary collision in Georgia Tech’s loss to Tennessee; he was talking and responsive afterward. Local Sports (Alabama): Alabama basketball landed its first 2027 commitment with 4-star guard Chase Lumpkin. Gas Prices (Central Alabama): Premium gas hit $4.17 in Montgomery County and $4.19 in Autauga County in the week ending Sept. 5, according to GasBuddy. Local Government: Foley approved a six-month moratorium on data centers and related uses while it studies zoning and environmental impacts. Public Safety: An 83-year-old Clanton man died after a two-vehicle crash near Childersburg on U.S. 280 and Alabama 76.

Alabama Football: No. 12 Alabama shook off a rough first half to beat Kentucky 45-17 in the SEC opener, with Keelon Russell overcoming two early interceptions and Alabama scoring 32 unanswered points after halftime. Local College Sports: Troy rolled past Alabama State 34-17 as Jaheim Merriweather ran for 127 yards and three touchdowns, giving the Trojans a 2-0 start. More Alabama on the Field: Alabama A&M topped Tennessee State 30-3 in the Legacy Series, with Cornelious Brown IV throwing for 326 yards and three scores. Public Safety: An Alabama woman says a caller ID spoof scam drained her Wells Fargo accounts after she answered a “fraud flagged” call, prompting a warning from state securities regulators. Weather/Community: A water outage left residents of a Hoover apartment complex without service for nearly two weeks. Business & Defense: An Austin-based firm opened a 191,000-square-foot plant to expand counter-drone production for its Bullfrog system.

Elmore County Schools: Alabama Department of Education data shows Elmore County districts were majority white in 2023-24, with white students at 66.4% (Black or African American students 27%). Guntersville Honors AAMU Alumnae: Jeanette Scissum and Dr. Barbara Anthony, both Alabama A&M graduates, received keys to the city and a yearly “Jeanette Scissum Day” proclamation for their careers in math and education. SEC Nation in Lexington: Ahead of Alabama’s SEC opener at Kentucky, SEC Nation’s panel picked the Crimson Tide to win at Kroger Field. Alabama Agriculture Scam Warning: The state is warning cattle buyers about fake social media sellers after one scheme cost more than $100,000, urging buyers to verify listings and sellers. Public Safety: A Gardendale woman was arrested in Florida for promoting child sex abuse material, with extradition to Alabama and expected additional charges. Local Events: The North Alabama Airfest returns to Pryor Field Regional Airport Sept. 12-13. SEC Legal Update: The SEC’s lawsuit against LSU is reportedly stalled as courts weigh whether the conference can act.

Alabama Politics & Policy: A 2% statewide pay raise for teachers kicks in October after House Bill 239 passed, with Alabama’s education leadership saying it’s meant to help retain and recruit educators. Cybersecurity & Consumer Safety: The Alabama Securities Commission is warning Alabamians about “evites” and other electronic invitations that can lead to scams, fake login pages, and malware—urging people to slow down before clicking. Courts & Schools: Testimony continued in a Saraland QB eligibility civil trial tied to online defamation claims, with a judge set to decide whether the plaintiffs are owed compensation. Public Safety: Birmingham Police arrested a fourth suspect in the 2024 Five Points South mass shooting, charging him with capital murder and multiple counts of assault. Local Sports: Hillcrest dominated Central 53-13 in a home opener, while Tuscaloosa County High fell 49-0 to Hewitt-Trussville. Community & Faith: All Saints Church announced a Sept. 16 postcard-writing session aimed at boosting voter turnout for voters of color in North Carolina and Georgia ahead of the 2026 midterms.

9/11 Remembrance: Gov. Kay Ivey marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with a statewide video message honoring nearly 3,000 victims and calling on Alabamians to never forget. Local Events: The Hank Williams Museum will celebrate the country legend’s 103rd birthday in Montgomery this weekend, with a graveside memorial and a free concert at Troy University featuring Moe Bandy and other performers. Education & Community: Fort Payne’s school board approved its FY2027 budget after public hearings, with major increases tied to teacher retirement and PEEHIP health costs. Higher Ed & Research: UAB is buying nine acres of the Southern Research campus on Birmingham’s Southside, while Southern Research keeps its main research building and leases back space. Public Health: The FDA says the multi-state Cyclospora outbreak is over, though it’s still investigating infections tied to recalled lettuce. State Politics: Absentee voting is underway in Alabama, with key deadlines set for late October.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly a million Americans in 30 states, including Alabama, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to federal exchange “user fees,” with checks starting in October. Absentee Voting in Alabama: Secretary of State Wes Allen says absentee voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway, with key deadlines for applications and ballot returns. Public Safety: ALEA wrapped up Labor Day enforcement, reporting six traffic deaths during the period and 322 crashes investigated with 107 injuries. Corrections Contraband Bust: ADOC agents arrested three people after a traffic stop near Donaldson Correctional Facility, seizing hydrocodone, marijuana, and a drone. Local Growth Plan: Huntsville leaders proposed a $230 million tax district in Limestone County to fund road work, sewer expansion, and a new K-8 school tied to major industry growth. Wildlife Warning: Alabama officials urged hunters to watch for New World screwworm, which targets open wounds on living animals. Alabama Sports: No. 13 Alabama opens SEC play Saturday at Kentucky, with injury updates including cornerback Zyan Gibson ruled out.

Tariffs and costs: A new analysis estimates executive tariffs have cost Alabama about $5.4 billion since Jan. 2025, ranking the state No. 20, with roughly 85% hitting manufacturers through imported raw materials, parts and equipment. Public safety: Alabama saw six deaths in Labor Day weekend traffic crashes, with troopers investigating 322 crashes statewide. Education outcomes: Alabama’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black/African American students who entered in 2018 was 38% by 2024. Elections: A federal appeals court upheld a block on Trump’s mail-voting executive order, warning it’s hard to meet the requirements as ballots go out, including in Alabama. Health policy: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America pledged $100 million to cut U.S. maternal mortality by half by 2031. Local courts & crime: An Auburn man pleaded guilty in federal court tied to COVID relief fraud and unlawful employment. Food recall: Walmart shoppers in 16 states, including Alabama, were told to check freezers after a Great Value frozen fruit recall over possible E. coli contamination.

Alabama Politics & Courts: Alabama AG’s office asked a judge to hold a Homeland Security Investigations officer accused of sex charges without bond pending trial, citing Aniah’s Law. Local Public Safety: A rollover on Alabama 59 in Summerdale left a teen and a woman trapped; crews freed them through the sunroof and both were taken for evaluation. Economy & Daily Life: Gas prices climbed in Huntsville as the Iran conflict disrupted global oil supply, with drivers reporting more frequent fill-ups and tighter budgets. Health Watch: The CDC reported 19,595 confirmed Cyclospora cases in the U.S. since May 1, with thousands more under review. Sports (National, with Alabama ties): Sam Darnold was ruled out for the rest of Week 1 after a hip injury in Seahawks’ opener; Drew Lock took over. College Football TV: Miami vs. FAMU kicks off Thursday at 8 p.m. on ACC Network. Housing: A local housing trends update points to higher prices and mortgage rates squeezing buyers, even as inventory improves.

Education & Honors: Three Hewitt-Trussville students—Henry Haynes, Riley Morris and Caden Williams—were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, putting them in the race for about 6,700 scholarships worth $24 million. Public Safety & Policy: Alabama’s U.S. Rep. Barry Moore pushed back on “dark money” claims tied to the Club for Growth, saying the group backs conservative causes and includes donors from within Alabama. State Politics: Former ALGOP chair Terry Lathan says closed-primary legislation is likely to return in 2027, with Gov. Tommy Tuberville potentially making the difference. Consumer Protection: Alabama Attorney General Brenna Bird is part of a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Government: Clarke County approved a $17.66 million FY2027 budget, including a 3% merit raise and funding for law enforcement and road-related accounts. Community & Culture: The 25th anniversary of 9/11 is being marked across South Alabama with personal remembrances and local observances. Sports: Alabama’s high school flag football Super 10 rankings after Week 2 keep Central-Phenix City and Moody atop the list, with Montgomery Catholic and Hewitt-Trussville also featured.

Alabama Politics & Elections: Alabama’s governor’s race is in the fall stretch, with Republican Tommy Tuberville reporting about $829,000 raised in August and $9.51 million cash on hand, while Democrat Doug Jones raised about $803,000 and has $2.53 million cash—setting up a spending gap heading toward Nov. 3. Local Voting: Absentee voting is underway in Madison County, with key deadlines for registration and ballot requests coming in late October. Public Safety: ALEA’s Labor Day report says troopers investigated 322 traffic crashes over the holiday period, with 6 deaths and 107 injuries; marine patrol reported no boating fatalities. Community Spotlight (Jasper): Jasper’s Sgt. William Jasper mural has been recreated after a 2025 downtown fire, and the Foothills Festival kicks off Friday with major acts across two nights. Campus Incident: Mississippi State student Zayden Leonard was detained after a report of terroristic threats toward the financial aid office; he and his lawyer deny the claims. Business/Defense: Austal USA in Mobile is in play as Wildcat Infrastructure submits a higher $1.25–$1.35 billion cash-free, debt-free proposal, topping Hanwha’s earlier bid.

SEC Drama in Court: The SEC escalated its fight with LSU, filing an amended lawsuit in federal court in Alabama and seeking a temporary restraining order ahead of a Thursday meeting that could lead to LSU’s expulsion. Alabama Football on the Road: After a 48-10 Week 1 win over East Carolina, Alabama sits at No. 12 in the AP and Coaches polls and heads to Kentucky Saturday for SEC play. Maternal Health Watch: A new nationwide study finds Alabama’s maternal mortality rate is 38.6 deaths per 100,000 live births (2018-2022), among the highest in the country. New Alabama Pet Law: “Beau’s Law” takes effect Oct. 1, setting minimum outdoor dog care standards for tethering, shelter, and prohibited cruel practices. Local Community & Services: Cornerstone Connectivity officially launched after a telecom brand merger, and gas prices in Alabama averaged $3.78 a gallon, up 9.4 cents over the week. Rural College Spotlight: University of West Alabama earned a top national rural ranking from Washington Monthly.

Alabama Heat & Safety: Extreme heat is hitting Alabama’s Farmers Market on Finley Avenue, with vendors and shoppers relying on shade, fans, and extra cold drinks to get through the day. Local Environment Funding: ADEM awarded nearly $2.5 million in recycling grants for fiscal 2027 to 20 Alabama cities, counties, and solid waste groups, including Florence and the Shoals Solid Waste Disposal Authority. Community Events: United Way of Northwest Alabama will hold its Donor Appreciation & Campaign Kickoff Sept. 17, and volunteers are gearing up to pack more than 17,325 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Education & Pathways: Northwest Shoals Community College and UNA signed an articulation agreement to help eligible NWSCC graduates transfer into UNA’s Interdisciplinary Studies program with transfer scholarships and a tuition discount. Sports (National, Alabama-linked): Florida State’s ACC opener at Doak Campbell Stadium was delayed nearly two hours by a power outage before the Seminoles fell 27-24 to No. 19 SMU.

Alabama Football: Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb says the Tide will work on quarterback sliding this week after Keelon Russell’s Week 1 run-and-escape style raised concerns about unnecessary hits ahead of Saturday’s trip to Kentucky. Injury Updates: Coach Kalen DeBoer provided positive progress reports on AK Dear, Jireh Edwards, and Noah Rogers, all expected to be closer to returning after missing the ECU game. SEC Week 1: A conference roundup highlights how most SEC teams opened with wins, keeping the league’s power picture largely intact while still raising questions for a few programs. Flock Cameras Debate: State Sen. Arthur Orr says Alabama lawmakers could revisit Flock license-plate reader cameras next session, with a full ban possible but more likely guardrails and penalties. Public Safety/Local: Russell County investigators are probing after human remains were found in the Seale area, with identification pending. Social Security Snapshot: ZIP code 35801 reported 4,845 Social Security beneficiaries in December 2024, a slight uptick from the year before.

Alabama Football: No. 13 Alabama opened 2026 with a 48-10 home rout of East Carolina, powered by QB Keelon Russell’s first-start surge (256 passing yards, 86 rushing) and a balanced attack that saw multiple backs find the end zone. College Sports Watch: Labor Day night brings Florida State vs. No. 19 SMU on ESPN, with many staff predictions leaning SMU despite FSU’s home-field. CFP Buzz: Early Week 1 results are already reshaping playoff talk, with LSU’s big win and Ole Miss’s late survival helping the SEC’s case. SEC Legal Fight: LSU’s lawsuit challenging SEC rules on former pros has sparked debate over fairness and where such eligibility fights should be handled. Public Safety/Tech: In Marshall County, Sheriff Phil Sims says Flock ALPR cameras helped track a vehicle in a child-custody case and speed up a safe recovery. Community & Culture: Alabama-based Krewe members are among those traveling to New Orleans for the Southern Decadence parade, a major end-of-summer celebration. Weather/Travel: Labor Day weekend brings storm and heat concerns across Alabama, with officials urging safe travel.

Alabama Politics & Courts: The Trump administration is back at the U.S. Supreme Court, again asking judges to let new USPS mail-ballot rules take effect before the November midterms—warning that ballots already being mailed (including Alabama planned for Sept. 9) could turn a legal fight into a scramble for election officials. Alabama Sports: No. 13 Alabama opened the 2026 season with a 48-10 rout of East Carolina, with Keelon Russell flashing dual-threat promise as the Tide leaned into the run game and big plays. Local College Football: Arkansas rebounded from a tough Week 1 by turning the page after beating North Alabama 31-14, and now faces No. 21 Utah next week in Salt Lake City. Community & Culture: Alabama EMA launched a new podcast, “Ready for Anything,” aimed at disaster preparedness beyond tornadoes, including flood and earthquake scenarios. Business & Travel: A long-running Red Lobster in Oxford, Ala., is set to close after 35 years, citing specific lease and operating conditions. Weather Watch: A Heat Advisory is in effect across northern Alabama with heat index values around 105–109, plus storms possible later today.

Alabama Football: Keelon Russell made his first career start count, throwing for 249 yards and a TD while running for 86 yards and another score as No. 13 Alabama rolled East Carolina 48-10. The Tide’s defense set the tone early, including a Yhonzae Pierre pick-six, and the offense leaned hard on Ryan Coleman-Williams’ big day (130 yards). Alabama State Football: The Hornets opened 2-0 with a 34-0 home shutout of Lane College, forcing turnovers and keeping the Dragons off the board; ASU hosts Troy next. South Alabama Football: Bishop Davenport powered South Alabama past Southeastern Louisiana 39-14, with the Jaguars jumping out to a 19-0 lead and controlling the ground game. Troy Football: Goose Crowder threw three TD passes as Troy beat Sam Houston 24-21, sealing it after a late onside kick. College Football National: LSU’s Lane Kiffin era began with a 51-10 demolition of Clemson, while Michigan survived a clock controversy to beat Western Michigan 13-12.