AGP Executive Report

Alabama Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court’s latest ruling on Louisiana’s congressional map is being framed as another blow to Black voting power, keeping the spotlight on how courts and lawmakers shape representation. Alabama Sports: Alabama’s 2026 quarterback room is heating up after Ty Simpson, with Austin Mack and Keelon Russell among the key questions for how quickly the offense can gel. Missing Person (Birmingham-area): An Auburn student missing in Japan, James “Weston” Higginbotham, has sparked a family-led search after police scaled back efforts following a reported sighting. Health & Medicine: A new obesity drug, petrelintide, is showing “clinically meaningful” weight loss in early trials with fewer stomach side effects than many GLP-1s. Local Business & Growth: Barberitos is set to expand to Tuscaloosa (and likely Birmingham), while Alabama’s construction sector continues to post strong gains. Community & Culture: The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is preparing for its annual powwow, with thousands expected to attend.

QSBS Tax Break: Congress expanded the Qualified Small Business Stock (Section 1202) exclusion, letting more investors potentially dodge federal capital gains taxes—an Alabama-relevant reminder that tax policy can reshape who gets to grow wealth. Gulf Seafood Transparency: Alabama shrimpers say the real problem isn’t foreign shrimp—it’s restaurants marketing imported product as locally caught, pushing for stronger seafood labeling rules. Construction Boom: Alabama hit an 18-year high in construction jobs (nearly 112,000) as demand for housing and projects keeps worker shortages front and center. Meat Processing Grants: Alabama agriculture officials urged eligible meat processors to apply for USDA beef processing expansion grants (MPPEP 4), with an Aug. 7 deadline. Energy Costs & Rates: A new map shows electricity prices vary wildly by state, while Alabama’s Public Service Commission ordered a hearing on a natural gas company’s rates. Defense Tech: Alabama firm Astrion won a $349.4M Navy framework role supporting unmanned maritime systems through 2034. Local Politics: Kent Back announced his reelection campaign for Gadsden City Council District 4. Health Care Watch: Jackson Hospital warned it may close by July without a deal with Blue Cross, as leaders point to reimbursement pressure.

Pride alternatives in Alabama: Gov. Kay Ivey has declared June “Strong Families Month,” joining other GOP governors who’ve rebranded Pride with “Nuclear Family” or “Fidelity” themes. College sports fight: A Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act featured Alabama’s Nick Saban and others warning the system is broken, with cuts to women’s and Olympic sports at stake. Alabama election costs: Alabama’s special primary for four U.S. House districts is projected to cost about $4.45 million, mainly to reimburse counties for election expenses. Infrastructure and jobs: The Alabama Port Authority highlighted more than $49 million in federal funding for Mobile projects, while Auburn is set to gain Kamtec Auto USA’s $9.2 million facility and about 50 jobs. Local governance: Huntsville permanently shut down 708 Bar & Grille after a judge found zoning violations and a public nuisance. Health and safety: Alabama’s medical board is warning doctors to avoid non-FDA-approved peptides as the social-media trend grows.

Redistricting Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama’s use of a GOP-friendly congressional map that had been ruled discriminatory, likely flipping the state’s House edge and tightening limits on court challenges to racial gerrymandering. Elections Set: Alabama’s special congressional primary fields are now locked in for the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts after the ruling, with the state moving to certify candidates and update voters. Healthcare Crisis: Jackson Hospital in Montgomery warned it could close June 25 unless Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama boosts reimbursements, escalating a long-running fight after the hospital’s Chapter 11 filing. Medical Cannabis: Alabama’s first medical cannabis purchase was made in Montgomery as dispensaries begin opening after years of delays, with products limited to specific forms and conditions. Jobs & Industry: South Korean supplier Kamtec Auto USA plans a $9.2 million Auburn facility and about 50 jobs, while Foley secured nearly $3.33 million for a new industrial site. Politics & Integrity: A new controversy swirls around Rep. Barry Moore’s military record ahead of Alabama’s Senate runoff.

Alabama Medical Cannabis: Alabama’s first state-sanctioned medical marijuana purchase happened at Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery, with Amanda Taylor becoming the first patient to buy cannabis products for MS symptoms. Local Infrastructure: Phenix City is moving ahead with a $7.5 million water meter replacement, switching to an AMI system to modernize aging equipment and improve utility management. Culture & Identity: North Alabama Cherokee descendants say forced removal and hidden identities still shape how families trace heritage and preserve traditions today. Sports Policy: Sen. Nick Saban testified in Washington urging Congress to “bring order” to college sports amid NIL and transfer chaos, backing the Protect College Sports Act. Higher Education Politics: University of Florida presidential finalist Stuart Bell says he supports Florida’s conservative higher-ed reforms, including DEI changes. Defense Industry: Anniston Army Depot celebrated completion of a new $44 million combat vehicle welding facility to modernize operations. Culture War in June: GOP-led states, including Alabama, are designating June as “Nuclear Family Month,” drawing criticism as counterprogramming to Pride Month.

Leadership & Business: GreenPoint Ag, based in Decatur, named Athens resident Amy Winstead as its new CEO, tapping her 20+ years in agribusiness leadership to guide the company’s next chapter. Defense & Industry: Lockheed Martin opened a new Missile Assembly Building in Courtland to produce the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Next Generation Interceptor, aiming to ramp production ahead of major design and testing milestones. Higher Education & Military Policy: Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright will become the inaugural dean of UA’s new School of Leadership and Policy starting Aug. 1. Local Economy: IMA Financial named Rob Price Alabama Market president, overseeing the firm’s Alabama offices and growth in the state. Energy: PowerSouth is expanding its Lowman Energy Center in Leroy with a second advanced-class gas turbine from Mitsubishi Power to add capacity for Alabama’s growing demand. Health & Community: Alabama’s medical cannabis program officially begins with Callie’s Apothecary opening in Montgomery, while WIC income guidelines increased so more families may qualify. Sports & Culture: Alabama’s Girls State continues at UA, highlighting its long-running leadership pipeline.

Housing Market: A new survey finds Alabama homeowners are stuck in “mortgage rate limbo” — 42% of those who want to sell say they won’t because they don’t want to give up their lower pandemic-era rate, translating to about 26,435 homes effectively sidelined. Legal & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court let Alabama use a GOP-friendly congressional map for this year’s midterms, cutting a seat held by a Black Democrat, in a decision tied to the Voting Rights Act fight. Health Care: Black midwives are suing Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi over state rules that require costly physician “collaborative practice” deals, arguing the limits restrict maternal care for low-risk pregnancies. Public Safety & Environment: A fungal disease called brown spot needle blight is spreading across Alabama pine forests, with cases reported in 58 of 67 counties and researchers warning it threatens the state’s major pine economy. Local Economy: Mobile City Council is weighing a $20 building-permit fee to fund the South Alabama Homebuilding Academy, a workforce pipeline for construction jobs. Community & Culture: Alabama A&M launched its College Bridge dual enrollment program, and AAMU civil engineering students won first place in an ASCE Gulf Coast mystery challenge. Business/Industry: Huntsville-based Applied Aerospace & Defense priced an IPO at $20, raising $650 million.

Public Utilities Overhaul: Alabama’s top GOP leaders have recommended six nominees to Gov. Kay Ivey for the newly expanded Public Service Commission, kicking off the appointment process under the Power to the People Act. Defense & Jobs: L3Harris is investing $25 million to expand solid rocket motor production in Huntsville, adding 130,000 square feet and more hiring. Local Schools: Cullman County Schools named Adriana Skutchan as the new principal of Holly Pond High School, succeeding Nate Ayers. AI & Health Policy: Minnesota moved to bar health insurers from denying prior authorizations based solely on AI recommendations, requiring licensed physician review. Cyber/Identity Security: BIO-key announced a phishing-resistant biometric security partnership for Alabama’s AOD Federal Credit Union. Space Education: NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge is testing student-built moon rovers in Huntsville. Politics & Runoffs: An Alabama Poll shows Jared Hudson leading in the GOP Senate runoff, while Barry Moore and others push back on “bogus suppression” claims.

Workforce & Safety: Alabama ranks 7th nationally for safety manager ratios, as employers face tougher OSHA demands on heat illness, workplace violence, and chemical hazard rules. Courts & Voting Rights: Alabama officials and Black voters ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh whether a court-ordered election map is a fair Voting Rights Act application or a “roadmap for evading” the ruling. Defense & Jobs: Lockheed Martin cut the ribbon on an 88,000-square-foot Next Generation Interceptor facility in Courtland, aiming to boost missile defense production and expand Alabama’s workforce. Local Growth: Irondale finalized a $105M deal for a new Costco off I-459, with 200–300 jobs expected. Energy & Storms: Severe windy storms left more than 113,000 Alabama customers without power, with major outages in Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. Community & Pride: Pride Month kicks off nationwide, with Birmingham-area celebrations including events tied to local LGBTQ+ groups. Education Leadership: Carroll County schools named new principals for Temple Middle and the College & Career Academy South Campus.

Alabama Corrections Contract Scrutiny: A Birmingham-based prison healthcare provider, NaphCare, is facing fresh questions after controversies in other states, including claims tied to negligence and bans—raising the odds of Alabama lawmakers reviewing its $500M ADOC deal. Local Business & Jobs: Pencco opened a new $20M manufacturing facility in Gadsden, aiming to expand water-infrastructure support and create about 40 jobs. Real Estate & Tech Risks: Huntsville homeowners are using ChatGPT to sell homes, but brokers warn about privacy leaks and generic listings that can misprice properties. Coastal Growth: Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty is expanding into Fairhope and Gulf Shores, citing momentum on Alabama’s coast. Cybersecurity Alert: A new Kali365 phishing scheme targets Microsoft users and can bypass multi-factor authentication, prompting urgent guidance for Alabama businesses and residents. Sports Gambling Legal Fight: A major-questions doctrine debate could reshape how courts handle sports prediction market cases—an issue with national ripple effects. NFL/College Sports Buzz: Alabama recruiting and athletics continue to draw attention, from top EDGE interest to NCAA baseball momentum. Costco Expansion: Costco’s Irondale project is moving forward after due diligence, with a $105M plan expected to bring hundreds of jobs.

Medical Cannabis Rollout: Alabama’s long-stalled medical marijuana program is moving forward as Callie’s Apothecary opens in Montgomery and more dispensaries are expected soon, with licenses approved for up to 12 locations statewide. State Elections: Gov. Kay Ivey voided results and called a special election for Alabama State Senate Districts 25 and 26 after a court decision allowed the state to revert to an earlier map. Space & Jobs: NASA’s Moon Base plans put Huntsville at the center of lunar infrastructure work, with new robotic missions and cargo landers tied to Artemis. Local Nonprofit Support: CNI Solutions expanded its 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower to serve 40 North Alabama mothers with essential infant supplies and education. Community & Culture: Huntsville’s Cigar Box Guitar Festival wrapped with a grand finale at Orion Amphitheater, capping a 22nd-year run. Sports Recruiting: Alabama landed 4-star RB Nigel Newkirk after an official visit, while another top recruit, 4-star LB Jeremiah Culpepper, committed to Ole Miss. Business & Defense: Lockheed Martin won $1B+ in military contracts tied to F-35 armament readiness as the Iran conflict drives buildup.

Space & Industry: NASA unveiled expanded Moon Base plans, with Huntsville and Blue Origin expected to play a central role as the agency moves toward robotic lunar infrastructure for future Artemis missions. Local Economy & Growth: Irondale cleared the due-diligence phase for a new Costco, aiming for an opening near Spring 2028 and projecting 200–300 jobs plus millions in annual sales-tax revenue. State Politics & Family Messaging: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed June “Strong Families Month,” tying the push to Father’s Day and emphasizing “stable” homes led by a father and mother. Education & Data Privacy: A new Alabama-focused debate argues student data and AI tools in classrooms can create risky access to kids and their personal information. Parks & Hospitality: Alabama State Parks announced a 10-year concession with Guest Services Inc. to run lodging and hospitality at Lake Guntersville and Cheaha State Parks. Sports & Community Interest: Hoover earned a top-10 national ranking in U.S. News’ Best Places to Live list, while Alabama also named Lydia Lasprilla as its next women’s golf coach. Obituaries & Culture: Remembering Alabama-born Commodores bassist Ronald LaPread, who died at 75 in Auckland.

Trade & Industry: Alabama auto supply chains are watching proposed E.U. auto tariffs closely, with analysts warning higher costs could ripple into vehicle pricing and repair demand. Agriculture & Food Security: China has reopened poultry imports for 17 U.S. states after HPAI-related restrictions eased, a potential boost for U.S. chicken exports. Defense & Manufacturing: GDELS and KNDS are pairing the PIRANHA 10x10 carrier with a 155mm cannon module to build a more mobile NATO howitzer—another sign of Alabama’s defense-industrial momentum. Local Growth: Foley is moving ahead on a fourth fire station, targeting better coverage as the north side expands. Health Care Oversight: CMS data show Northway Health and Rehabilitation in Birmingham is owned by Northport Holding Operations and earned a 2-star overall rating in early 2026. Workplace Safety: OSHA says a roofing company faced repeated citations after a fatal fall at Mississippi University for Women, including penalties tied to fall-protection failures. Community & Culture: Southern Living spotlighted Birmingham’s “Special Dog,” tying the recipe to the city’s immigrant lunch-counter roots.

Alabama Politics & Courts: A federal judge ruled the University of Alabama didn’t violate free speech by shutting down student magazines Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six, rejecting claims the closures were unconstitutional. Local Economy: Cullman City Council approved a tax abatement for “Project Panel,” a $5.3 million investment expected to add 18 jobs in phase one and 75–100 later. Public Safety & Health: Alabama confirmed an invasive Asian longhorned tick in DeKalb County, urging pet owners to use flea-and-tick prevention and seek testing if bites occur. Education: Adriana Skutchan was recommended as principal of Holly Pond High School, bringing 21 years of secondary education experience. Environment & Community: Residents in Guntersville pushed back at an ADEM hearing over a proposed limestone quarry near Lake Guntersville, citing noise, traffic, and water impacts. Infrastructure & Utilities: A Central Alabama Water workshop highlighted rate-structure options as the utility weighs revenue needs amid usage and cost pressures. Business & Tech: Octave Intelligence, spun from Hexagon, debuted on NASDAQ and is positioning for more gov-tech work.

Local Politics: Gadsden City Council District 6 Councilwoman Dixie Minatra officially announced her bid for re-election, touting neighborhood improvements and major economic development work. Federal Watch: A new federal prosecutor has been sworn in for the Northern District of Alabama, with Phillip W. Williams Jr. taking the helm for prosecutions and civil cases across 31 counties. Courts & Accountability: A federal judge in the 11th Circuit faced disciplinary action after an investigation found an extramarital affair with a police officer, including sex in chambers and an initial denial. Economy & Consumer Impact: The FTC is investigating anticompetitive behavior in the fertilizer market after farmers reported persistently high prices tied to industry consolidation. Community & Culture: Coca-Cola is rolling out America250 mini cans, including an Alabama design celebrating football tradition. Public Safety: Authorities say two former Colt Grill employees pleaded guilty in an undocumented labor scheme that included Alabama locations. Coastal Alabama: Alabama’s commercial and recreational shrimp season opens June 1 in state waters including Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound. Tech & Policy: Alabama lawmakers heard calls to define AI rules for children clearly, warning against blanket bans.

Environmental Permitting: Marshall County residents packed a public hearing urging ADEM to pause permits for a proposed limestone quarry near Guntersville, citing dust, blasting, groundwater worries, and heavy truck traffic on Warrenton Road. Local Courts & Development: A new legal filing says Birmingham and data-center developer Nebius are in a civil conspiracy tied to the 300-megawatt BHM01 project, alleging land values were inflated and arguing the project should be covered by the city’s data-center moratorium. Water Safety Fight: Coosa Mountain residents say Alabama Power drained their aquifer and left them with unusable, sulfur-smelling water despite new wells—prompting an ongoing dispute over fixes. Federal Justice Leadership: Phillip W. Williams Jr. was sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, overseeing federal prosecutions across 31 counties. Statewide Economy & Housing: A VA home-loan index ranks Alabama 14th in total Q1 2026 VA loan value, at about $1.5 billion. Tech & Growth: Hexagon spun off its Alabama government tech business into Octave Intelligence, now trading on Nasdaq.