AGP Executive Report

Alabama Politics: The midterms tested the state’s Republican stronghold: Tommy Tuberville won the governor’s race, but Democrats held Shomari Figures’ seat and made other gains, including Allison Montgomery’s historic State House win. Birmingham Innovation: Techstars Alabama EnergyTech has brought eight new startups to Birmingham, building on 68 companies backed since 2019; this year’s cohort is tackling grid reliability, biomass recycling and data-center cooling. Utility Costs: Alabama Power spent more than $6 million on advertising last year, with customers potentially footing half the bill through 2029. Its parent company also reported a $2 billion profit as scrutiny of customer costs grows. Local Development: Cullman’s Planning Commission delayed a proposed 7 Brew site plan over traffic and safety concerns near schools. College Football: Alabama beat LSU 31–13 in Baton Rouge, spoiling the Tigers’ home game and drawing national attention with Melania Trump’s announcement of a $7.2 million LSU scholarship fund for students who have been in foster care.

Utility Bills: Alabama Power spent more than $6 million on advertising last year, and customers can be charged for half the cost until 2029. State regulators are urging the utility to stop billing for those ads now; its parent company reported a $2 billion quarterly profit. Agriculture: Marshall County farmer and Douglas Mayor Corey Hill won the agriculture commissioner’s race with 54% of the vote, defeating former commissioner Ron Sparks after campaigning in every county. Election Fallout: Alabama saw record turnout and Democratic gains, though Republicans held the state’s top offices. Allison Montgomery also made history as the state’s first transgender legislator. Data Center Debate: A proposed $33.1 billion data center in Lowndes County is drawing scrutiny, with the county commission facing a second lawsuit over its tax break for the project.

SEC Showdown: Alabama visits LSU in a high-stakes game in Baton Rouge; the rivalry is set to take a break until 2028. State Elections: Tommy Tuberville won the governor’s race and Barry Moore captured Alabama’s U.S. Senate seat. Democrat Allison Montgomery flipped a state House seat to become Alabama’s first transgender lawmaker, while Corey Hill won the agriculture commissioner’s race. Prison Oversight: A state audit faulted the Department of Corrections for secrecy and delays in providing records, raising fresh questions about agency oversight. Data Centers and Power Costs: Southern Company reported a record $2 billion quarterly profit as Alabama Power customers watch costs. In Lowndes County, commissioners face a second lawsuit over a data-center tax break amid plans for a $33.1 billion project. Agriculture: The Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network is working to keep the farmers behind the state’s food from being overlooked.

Manufacturing: Sanko Gosei Technologies has acquired Opelika-based Cumberland Plastic Systems, an injection-molding manufacturer with about 135 employees. The companies have not disclosed financial terms or any effect on jobs. Power Line Dispute: A viral video has drawn supporters to Calera property owner Fenn Church, who opposes Alabama Power’s planned transmission line across his land. The utility is seeking a court order to clear a path; a hearing is set for Monday. Local Economy: Retail recruiter Robert Jolly told Walker County business leaders that store vacancies are a major obstacle and defended public incentives as necessary to attract projects. Flood Planning: Updated flood-risk maps for Jackson County are nearing completion. Residents and businesses will have 90 days to comment before the maps are finalized. Election Milestone: Allison Montgomery’s win makes her Alabama’s first transgender state legislator, amid broader Democratic gains in the midterms.

Airport Funding: ALDOT awarded $12.1 million in grants to public-use airports statewide for runway, lighting, drainage and other upgrades, part of $73 million in planned projects. Election Shift: Alabama voters elected Democrat Allison Montgomery, the state’s first transgender legislator, in a district Trump won three times. Barry Moore won the U.S. Senate race, while Tommy Tuberville won the governor’s race; Republicans kept legislative supermajorities. Data Center Debate: Meta says its $1.5 billion Huntsville center is on track, with local hiring and power and water commitments. In Lowndes County, commissioners face another lawsuit over a data center tax break as a separate $33.1 billion campus is planned. Workforce and Industry: Calhoun Community College will expand free CNC machining training, including workshops for K-12 students. NexPoint plans to close its Burkville polycarbonate plant and shift production to Mount Vernon.

Election Aftermath: Strong Democratic turnout helped Shomari Figures win reelection to Congress despite a newly drawn district. Huntsville also elected Allison Montgomery, Alabama’s first transgender state legislator. Lowndes County Development: Lambda’s proposed $33.1 billion AI data-center campus faces a second lawsuit, adding local scrutiny to a project billed as a major economic investment. Consumer Costs: Alabama joined a multistate lawsuit accusing Dollar General of charging shoppers more at checkout than advertised, with the complaint alleging harm to budget-conscious customers. Ride Safety: At Dothan’s Peanut Festival, operators described multiple ride inspections, but reporting highlighted a state oversight gap: Alabama has not appointed an agency to enforce its ride-safety law.

Statehouse: Alabama Senate Republicans re-elected Garlan Gudger as president pro tem and chose April Weaver as majority leader, making her the first woman to hold the post. Historic Elections: Democrat Allison Montgomery won House District 25, becoming Alabama’s first transgender state legislator; Brett Jones was elected the state’s first openly gay sheriff. Data Center Dispute: A residents’ group and Alabama Rivers Alliance are suing over Lowndes County’s approval of tax breaks for a proposed $33 billion data center, alleging officials violated open-government laws. Utility Fight: Alabama Power has asked a court to restrict protester Fenn Church and supporters as the company seeks to clear land for a planned transmission line. Community Health: UAB Eye Care is accepting applications for free exams and glasses for eligible residents in Jefferson County, with services scheduled Nov. 30–Dec. 4.

Alabama Elections: Tommy Tuberville won the governor’s race as Republicans held the state’s top offices, while Barry Moore captured the U.S. Senate seat. Democrat Allison Montgomery flipped Huntsville-area House District 25, becoming Alabama’s first openly transgender legislator. Lowndes County Data Center: Lambda says it will invest $33.1 billion in a planned AI campus, promising 225 permanent jobs and major school funding. Opponents have sued over the county’s approval process and raised concerns about water and power demands. Utility Costs: Alabama regulators asked Alabama Power to stop charging customers for ads promoting the company, years before a new law bars those costs from bills. Local Oversight: Madison County voters approved state regulation of private sewer rates after residents raised concerns about repeated increases. Workforce: West Alabama organizations are working to expand childcare options, as limited care and high costs keep some parents from taking jobs or advancing at work.

Alabama Elections: Tommy Tuberville won the governor’s race, and Barry Moore captured Alabama’s U.S. Senate seat as Democrats took control of Congress. Allison Montgomery won House District 25, becoming the state’s first transgender legislator. Corey Hill defeated former agriculture commissioner Ron Sparks, and Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens held his seat by 593 votes. Public Safety: One person was killed and eight injured in a shooting after Birmingham’s Magic City Classic; police sought video and witnesses. Economic Development: Lambda announced a $33.1 billion AI data center in Lowndes County, described as the county’s largest-ever project. Hyundai plans another $450 million investment in its Montgomery plant, while Mercedes pushed back planned GLC production in Vance from 2027 to 2030. Local Growth: Irondale is weighing data center rules addressing water and power use, noise and neighborhood impacts.

Alabama Elections: Tommy Tuberville defeated Doug Jones in the governor’s race, while Democrat Brett Jones unseated Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner. Shomari Figures also held Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District seat. Business and Jobs: Alabama ONE completed its acquisition of Peoples Independent Bank, expanding its reach in northeast Alabama. Hyundai announced a $450 million investment in its Alabama plant, while auto supplier IAC plans to close its Cottondale plant and cut 83 jobs. Household Finances: A new state report found 60% of Black Alabama households had incomes below the estimated cost of basic needs in 2024. Campus Innovation: Alabama A&M students are exploring uses for land around the university’s solar farm, from agriculture and outdoor classrooms to improved solar maintenance.

Election Day: Jefferson County voters filled polling sites in Hoover, while Alabamians faced high-profile federal, state and local races; results were still unfolding. Economic Investment: Hyundai announced a $450 million expansion at its Montgomery plant to support future vehicle production. In contrast, an auto supplier plans to close its Cottondale plant, eliminating 83 jobs. Business: Shrimp Basket is closing several inland Alabama restaurants as the Gulf Coast-born chain refocuses on coastal markets. Mobile: The decommissioned USS Enterprise is heading to Mobile for dismantling, a major Navy contract expected to bring the historic nuclear-powered carrier to Alabama around Nov. 13. Agriculture: Alabama is among 13 states sharing $51.9 million in USDA funding for feral-swine control, aimed at reducing damage to farms and livestock.

Election Day: Alabamians are voting in closely watched races for governor, U.S. Senate and Congress, along with local contests and ballot measures. Doug Jones faces Tommy Tuberville for governor; Barry Moore and Everett Wess are competing for the Senate seat. Industry: Hyundai plans to invest about $413 million at its Montgomery plant, adding 53 jobs and expanding production of hybrid engines and future vehicles. Dothan also received $3.5 million for sewer upgrades at an industrial site. Birmingham: One person was killed and eight injured in a shooting after the Magic City Classic. In Huntsville, a Halloween apartment fire displaced more than a dozen families as officials investigate reports of malfunctioning hydrants. Business: Shrimp Basket has closed five Alabama locations, including its Gardendale restaurant. History: Freedom Riders have completed the bus journey from Washington to New Orleans, 65 years after a mob attack in Anniston interrupted the original trip.

Magic City Classic: One person was killed and eight wounded in two shootings after Saturday’s game in Birmingham. A 17-year-old was detained as police continue to investigate and seek video. Manufacturing: Hyundai plans an investment of about $450 million at its Montgomery plant, adding 53 jobs and expanding engine production for hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles, including future Tucson and Santa Fe models. Election Day: Alabama voters head to the polls Tuesday as high utility bills put state regulators in the spotlight; the governor’s race between Tommy Tuberville and Doug Jones is also on the ballot. Health Costs: A Birmingham family’s Blue Cross Blue Shield premium is set to reach about $51,000 for 2027, up sharply in two years. Business: Shrimp Basket is closing five Alabama restaurants, including locations in Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Gardendale, Auburn and Bay Minette, as the chain refocuses on coastal markets.**

Birmingham Violence: One person was killed and eight injured in two shootings near Legion Field after Saturday’s Magic City Classic. A 17-year-old was detained, and police are investigating; the gunfire overshadowed a major celebration of Alabama A&M and Alabama State. Alabama Politics: Gubernatorial nominees Doug Jones and Tommy Tuberville are making final pitches ahead of Tuesday’s vote. Jones has emphasized a lottery, Medicaid expansion and a pause on data-center projects; Tuberville has campaigned on a conservative platform. Industry and Jobs: Blue Origin’s new Alabama apprenticeship program has started with 10 machinist trainees, offering a path into space manufacturing without requiring a four-year degree. Hyundai also plans a major Montgomery plant investment to build its next Tucson. Higher Education: UAB has become Alabama’s first member of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of research institutions.

Magic City Classic: One person was killed and eight injured in a shooting near Legion Field after Saturday’s Alabama A&M–Alabama State game. Police detained someone for questioning as the investigation continued. Governor’s Race: Doug Jones and Tommy Tuberville made their final pitches ahead of Tuesday’s vote, offering sharply different visions for Alabama. Auto Industry: Hyundai plans to invest $500 million in its Montgomery plant, while Mazda Toyota Manufacturing in Huntsville marked production of its millionth vehicle. Jobs and Research: Blue Origin has launched a space-manufacturing apprenticeship program in Alabama, starting with 10 machinist apprentices; UAB also became the state’s first member of the Association of American Universities. Agriculture: Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate is urging the federal government to include loggers in an $8 billion fuel-relief program.

Election Watch: Alabama’s Nov. 3 ballot includes the governor’s race and a closely contested 2nd Congressional District contest that could help decide control of the U.S. House. Business and Jobs: Hyundai plans another $450 million investment at its Montgomery plant, while Helix Electric’s planned $45.3 million Jackson County facility is expected to create 160 jobs. Rural Economy: Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate is urging federal officials to include Alabama loggers in an $8 billion fuel-relief program, citing rising diesel costs and forestry’s major role in the state economy. Local Business: Birmingham-born Full Moon BBQ is marking 40 years in business and now operates 15 Alabama locations. Health: Medical cannabis dispensaries are set to open in Bessemer and Birmingham, bringing the statewide total to five. Environmental Oversight: ADEM has proposed a $38,600 penalty for the operator of a north Mobile County landfill over waste management and other permit violations.