AGP Executive Report

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The justices are poised to rule on major “culture wars” cases, including gun-law challenges and bans on transgender athletes—decisions that could further shift federal policy rightward. Alabama Courts & Voting Rights: A fresh wave of coverage follows the Supreme Court’s Alabama redistricting ruling, with critics warning it signals a broader retreat from voting-rights protections. College Sports Policy: Nick Saban is back in the national spotlight, urging Congress to “bring order” in college athletics as NIL and the transfer market fuel an arms race. Local Federal Presence: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin joined Alabama lawmakers for a ribbon cutting for the new U.S. Coast Guard Training Center at Birmingham-Southern. Community & Public Safety: A missing Auburn student in Japan, Weston Higginbotham, has been found dead near Kyoto, ending a dayslong search. State Regulatory Notes: Alabama’s Board of Medical Examiners issued a warning to physicians about prescribing or recommending non-FDA-approved peptides. Quick Hits: A Walker County probate notice was published for the Estate of Jeanette Waid.

Alabama Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama’s GOP-favored congressional map for the 2026 midterms after emergency action, a ruling that critics say further weakens protections for Black voting power and reshapes the redistricting fight going forward. U.S. Senate Race: President Trump renewed his endorsement of Rep. Barry Moore as the Alabama GOP runoff tightens against Jared Hudson, with polling showing a close race. Immigration Funding: Sen. Katie Britt blasted Democrats for “radical, dangerous demands” that delayed ICE and CBP funding, while Republicans moved a $70B immigration enforcement package toward the House. Health Regulation: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned physicians about “increased interest in peptides,” reiterating restrictions on non-FDA-approved substances. Local Government & Health Costs: Medicaid spending data show Birmingham providers billed $3.03M for durable medical equipment in 2024, up 5.9% from 2023. Public Safety: A Hartselle-area crash killed 19-year-old Wenceslao Gonzalez Arroyo after a single-vehicle wreck early Saturday.

College Sports Policy: Nick Saban and other leaders are pushing Congress to rein in college athletics through the Protect College Sports Act, as lawmakers debate rules on transfers, eligibility, and recruiting—while the SEC and Big Ten resist. Alabama Higher Ed: UA named retired Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright as the inaugural dean of its new School of Leadership and Policy, starting Aug. 1. Local Government & Ethics: A Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office employee tied to a campaign money funnel is facing scrutiny over alleged incomplete ethics disclosures tied to contracts. Elections Ahead: Alabama is headed for a June 16 runoff and an Aug. 11 special primary after the Supreme Court cleared the state to use its 2023 congressional map. Public Safety: The Coast Guard is launching a new training center at Birmingham-Southern College’s campus, continuing the site’s legacy. Health & Community: A Birmingham-area mental health story highlights how social connection can help reduce suicide risk. Sports (Alabama): Auburn’s baseball season is on the brink after a super regional opener loss to Ole Miss.

Redistricting Fallout: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall says a three-judge panel will “stand down” after SCOTUS cleared the state’s GOP-favored 2023 congressional map for the 2026 cycle, setting up elections to proceed on the new lines. Election Integrity: Sec. of State Wes Allen reports a Mexican noncitizen pleaded guilty in federal court to voting in Alabama elections in Marion County, after Allen referred 25 noncitizens for prosecution. Campaign & Residency Fight: Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s residency challenge keeps heating up as new reporting alleges his Florida ties and tax filings don’t match his Alabama residence claims. Voting Rights After SCOTUS: Civil rights advocates warn the Supreme Court’s approach to Black voting power is reshaping representation, pointing to Louisiana v. Callais as a key signal. Courts & Public Safety: A Fayette County man, Matthew Bruce Page, was sentenced to life in prison after a jury conviction tied to drug trafficking, weapons, and eluding law enforcement. Statewide Practicalities: ALEA kicked off its “101 Days of Summer Safety” with a reminder to “secure your load” as travel ramps up.

College Sports & NIL: Nick Saban’s Senate testimony and Donald Trump’s push for the bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act” keep the spotlight on NIL chaos and the fight over media-rights rules, with calls for either collective bargaining or antitrust relief to fix the system. Immigration Funding Fight: The U.S. Senate passed a $69.5B immigration enforcement package funding ICE and CBP after internal GOP disputes over a DOJ “anti-weaponization” fund and other security money. Alabama Redistricting Fallout: A Democracy Docket report says the Supreme Court’s latest shadow-docket move makes it harder for courts to block maps as intentionally discriminatory, adding fuel to Alabama’s ongoing voting-rights battles. Human Services Contracting: Alabama lawmakers approved a $12M quality-assurance contract for DHR’s SNAP/TANF eligibility systems, as critics questioned the cost and anti-EBT fraud spending. Child Safety in Schools: A former Faith Academy guidance counselor was convicted for failing to report suspected sexual misconduct under Alabama’s mandatory reporting law. Health Care Crisis: Jackson Hospital’s potential closure by July is being tied to a Blue Cross reimbursement dispute, while records suggest financial trouble predates the current fight. Gov. Ivey & Family Messaging: Alabama’s “Strong Families Month” proclamation joins other GOP-led states’ efforts to rebrand June away from Pride. Economy & Jobs: A new study says Alabama commercial construction generates over $20B in economic activity and supports more than 223,000 jobs.

Public Safety in Selma: Interim Police Chief Michael Perry told a City Hall meeting that Selma has “a problem” after a string of shootings, outlining plans like expanding security cameras, tougher penalties for gunfire, and rebuilding trust so residents will share information. College Sports Policy: A Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act drew major voices including Nick Saban, with lawmakers pushing for national rules as NIL and the transfer market strain budgets—while debate now shifts to who controls the money and how far Congress should go. Alabama Election Costs: Alabama’s special congressional primary on Aug. 11 is projected to cost about $4.45 million to reimburse counties for election expenses. Medical Cannabis Launch: Alabama’s program is open, but access is uneven—patients in the Wiregrass face long drives and must be certified by an in-state physician. Redistricting Fallout: Commentary and reactions continue after the Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a GOP-favored map, with critics warning it deepens voting-rights harms. State Politics & Runoffs: ALGOP chairman Scott Stadthagen says the party is ready to move forward with special elections using the “23 maps,” after months of legal uncertainty.

Redistricting Fallout: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama to use a GOP-favored congressional map for the Aug. 11 special primaries, even as critics warned it effectively lets courts back away from remedies for racially discriminatory lines. Election Administration: Alabama officials still haven’t fully explained how voter reassignment will work on tight deadlines, leaving confusion over when records lock and how changes get processed. State Senate Shake-Up: After months of litigation and a voided primary, Alabama’s special primaries for State Senate Districts 25 and 26 are finally set—though the final field is smaller than expected. Gun Rights Runoff: In the Alabama Senate runoff, Jared Hudson picked up an endorsement from NAGR PAC, while Barry Moore also continues to court major Second Amendment groups. Corrections Health Contract: NaphCare issued a statement responding to recent coverage of its healthcare services for the Alabama Department of Corrections. Medical Cannabis Launch: Alabama’s first medical cannabis store opened in Montgomery, with patients making the first purchases after years of delays. Local Economy: A new study says Alabama’s commercial construction sector generated $20.1B in output and supported about 223,000 jobs in 2023.

Redistricting Fight: Thousands rallied in Montgomery to defend Black political representation as the Supreme Court clears Alabama’s GOP-favored congressional map, with speakers warning the ruling echoes past efforts to roll back voting rights. Legal Pressure on SPLC: The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a federal judge to consider sanctions against the DOJ after prosecutors shared an unsigned superseding indictment copy with media before it was docketed, as DOJ alleges SPLC donor money funded KKK-related activity. College Sports Overhaul: Former Alabama coach Nick Saban testified for the Protect College Sports Act, arguing NIL and the transfer portal have turned college football into an “arms race,” while the bill faces pushback from major conferences. Higher Ed Politics: UF presidential finalist Stuart Bell faced questions about DEI and said he won’t bring DEI back to Florida, after his Alabama record drew scrutiny. Local Government & Utilities: Phenix City announced a $7.5M switch to advanced water metering, and Bladen County commissioners voted to keep a 9-member board. Criminal Justice: A second suspect was charged in the 2023 capital murder of Birmingham mother Justina Zenola Wallace, and Ibraheem Yazeed’s team filed for a new trial in Aniah Blanchard’s case. State Social Policy: Alabama joined other GOP-led states in declaring June “Nuclear Family Month,” drawing criticism as Pride Month counterprogramming.

SCOTUS Redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama Republicans to use a 2023 congressional map in the 2026 midterms, a move that would eliminate one of the state’s two majority-Black districts; Democrats and civil-rights advocates blasted the decision as a dangerous retreat from the Voting Rights Act, while conservative justices said Alabama was likely to prevail and faulted lower courts for not applying the standards from Louisiana v. Callais. Candidate Reaction: In the wake of the ruling, Rep. Shomari Figures said it signals the end of the Voting Rights Act, while GOP candidates in CD-1 and CD-2 praised the decision as a win for Republican values. Residency Fight: Separate from the map fight, Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s team filed tax-return and property-tax material in his residency challenge, keeping the question of where he actually lives in play. UF Leadership: University of Florida forums begin Wednesday for presidential finalist Stuart Bell, with student, faculty, and staff sessions scheduled at Emerson Alumni Hall. Local Governance & Community: Gov. Kay Ivey ordered flags lowered for late state lawmaker and judge John Amari; Orange Beach Councilman Jerry Johnson resigned to care for his hospitalized grandson; and TARCOG announced a tri-county career fair for case managers and senior employment roles.

Redistricting Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama’s 2023 congressional map for the 2026 midterms, letting Republicans use a plan that cuts the state down to one majority-Black district; the 6-3 ruling blocks a lower-court order and could flip the seat held by Rep. Shomari Figures, with Justice Sotomayor warning it risks “chaotic” elections under a never-before-used map. College Sports Policy: The Big Ten and SEC said they don’t support the Protect College Sports Act “as drafted,” citing unresolved issues and warning it could expand litigation and disrupt revenue-sharing rules. Public Safety: ALEA and Montevallo police issued a missing-and-endangered alert for 78-year-old Kathryn Ellen Dexter, last seen June 1 and possibly driving a white 1991 Mazda MX-5. Law Enforcement: ALEA K-9 Toby received a bullet- and stab-resistant vest via a national nonprofit donation. Courts & Politics: Rep. Juandalynn Givan sued over a Democratic House District 60 opponent’s eligibility, alleging she was disqualified for working in Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s office. Crime: Authorities are investigating multiple shootings in Lowndes County over two weekends, including one homicide.

Alabama Redistricting: Alabama’s congressional map fight is back in the spotlight as plaintiffs urge the U.S. Supreme Court to keep a “race-blind” approach for 2026, arguing there’s no time to reassign voters and that the 2023 map still violates Section 2 after Louisiana v. Callais. State Senate Special Primary: The Alabama GOP says qualifying is closed for Senate Districts 25 and 26—only Sen. Will Barfoot qualified on the Republican side for District 25, while District 26 has no GOP qualifier; the special primary is set for Aug. 11. PSC Expansion: Republican House leadership has sent Gov. Kay Ivey recommendations for two of the new Public Service Commission seats created by the PSC expansion law, with Ivey appointments due by July 15. U.S. Senate Runoff Politics: A new Alabama Poll shows Jared Hudson leading in the GOP Senate runoff, while Katherine Robertson and Wes Allen lead in their respective AG and lieutenant governor runoffs—candidates dispute a “suppression poll” narrative. Gun Rights Endorsement: NRA-PVF endorses U.S. Rep. Barry Moore for the Senate runoff, highlighting his opposition to gun-control proposals and support for suppressor-related changes. Death Penalty Update: A federal judge upheld Alabama’s nitrogen hypoxia execution protocol, clearing the way for Jeffery Lee’s scheduled execution. College Sports: Nick Saban is set to testify at a U.S. Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act, as lawmakers push for rules on transfers, eligibility, recruiting, and NIL.

Perry County Election Fight: Marion businessman Donald Bennett was certified winner over Albert Turner by one vote, but Turner is appealing the recount denial to the State Democratic Executive Committee after Probate Judge Carlton Hogue said Turner missed the statutory challenge deadline. Voting Rights in Court: Civil rights groups urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Alabama’s emergency bid to revive a 2023 congressional map with one majority-Black district, warning a last-minute switch could cause voter confusion and administrative errors. GOP Leadership & Runoffs: Pat Bishop endorsed John Wahl in Alabama’s lieutenant governor runoff, while the Alabama Republican Party scheduled a June 14 hearing on Tommy Tuberville’s residency challenge. Redistricting Backdrop: Election experts and officials warned Alabama’s map fight could trigger election chaos, as the state and national GOP groups continue filing briefs. Public Safety & Crime: Chickasaw County, Miss., authorities arrested 59 people and seized 164 fighting roosters in a large cockfighting bust with alleged interstate participants. Local Disruptions: Alabama Highway 69 in northern Tuscaloosa County temporarily closed after storms brought down power lines. Policy Debate: Dem lieutenant governor candidate Phillip Ensler called for a data center construction moratorium amid concerns over transparency, environmental impacts, and energy costs.

Auburn Murder Trial: Harold Dabney III was indicted on two counts of capital murder in the killing of retired Auburn professor Julie Schnuelle, keeping him jailed without bond; the case drew national attention after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk commented on it days before his own death. State Senate Special Primary: Alabama GOP qualifying opens Monday for State Senate Districts 25 and 26, with the special primary set for Aug. 11 after the 11th Circuit allowed use of the 2021 state Senate map. Election Integrity Scrutiny: A new video in Cullman County raises fresh questions about gambling machines tied to businesses connected to Sheriff Matt Gentry’s campaign and Lt. Chad Whaley’s bid. Corrections Contract Controversy: Alabama’s new prison health care provider, NaphCare, faces controversy in other states, prompting lawmakers to consider contract review. Family Values Proclamation: Gov. Kay Ivey signed a “Strong Families Month” proclamation that explicitly promotes “homes led by a father and mother,” drawing criticism over its stance on same-sex marriage. Runoff Politics: Pat Bishop endorsed John Wahl in the GOP lieutenant governor runoff, adding to Wahl’s momentum against Wes Allen. Public Health Warning: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned providers not to prescribe “research-grade” peptides, citing lack of FDA approval and safety oversight. Federal Trade Watch: U.S. senators expanded an inquiry into imported shrimp, pressing major seafood certification groups over health risks. Civic Education: Alabama’s American Legion Auxiliary Girls State opened in Tuscaloosa with more than 400 delegates, including appearances by Ivey and Sen. Katie Britt. Sports: Auburn baseball forced a winner-take-all NCAA regional Monday after beating Milwaukee 8-1, setting up the final game.

Redistricting & Elections: Gov. Kay Ivey voided primary results and called a special election for Alabama State Senate Districts 25 and 26 after a court allowed the state to revert to an older map, with the special election set for Aug. 11. Public Safety & Policy: State Rep. Matt Hanson (D-Montgomery) advanced a bill expanding law enforcement discretion in juvenile domestic abuse cases by removing a requirement to use a specific risk-typing tool and urging officers to consider mental health, trauma, intoxication, and other factors. Weather Watch: The National Weather Service flagged a Monday severe-storm threat across central Alabama, with damaging winds the main concern and hail risk lowered to large hail up to quarter-size. Violence Prevention Spending: Montgomery’s Office of Violence Prevention paid $220,143 in overtime to employees since 2022, including one liaison’s $176,334. Medical Cannabis: Alabama’s stalled medical marijuana program took a step forward as a Montgomery dispensary opened May 4 and additional licenses are set to bring the total toward 12 locations statewide. Community & Tragedy: Selma marked a young girl’s birthday with a balloon release after she was killed in a home shooting. Sports: Auburn baseball’s NCAA regional matchup vs. UCF shifted after weather delays, setting up a key Sunday game.

Education & Safety: Marshall County Schools fired Asbury High School coach/math teacher Kyle Rusk after a state-referred investigation into alleged student grooming and an “inappropriate” relationship. Courts & Public Safety: A Tuscaloosa judge authorized involuntary medication for a capital murder suspect, Matthew Taylor, citing a mental health danger assessment while he’s accused in the killing of nurse Ada Doss. Law Enforcement: Authorities are searching for four inmates who escaped the Perry County Correctional PREP Center in Uniontown, with charges including murder and robbery. Corrections: ADOC reported multiple arrests tied to contraband attempts at Ventress Correctional Facility, including meth and marijuana trafficking charges. Federal Appointments: Thomas R. Govan Jr. was sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Politics & Governance: Alabama’s redistricting fight continues as the state seeks Supreme Court action to keep GOP-favored maps in play after lower-court rulings. Housing & Utilities: Alabama and Georgia homeowners are scrambling after Trump EPA cancellations of grants aimed at cutting utility bills. Opinion: A new debate over the death penalty spotlights nitrogen execution concerns and Alabama’s broader role in capital punishment policy.

Alabama Redistricting: Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger says a key 11th Circuit ruling clears the way for elections in State Senate Districts 25 and 26 using the 2021 maps, calling them “fairly drawn” and criticizing the lawsuit as a waste of time and money. Voting Rights Fallout: The week’s broader legal fight over the Voting Rights Act continues to reverberate, with coverage noting the Supreme Court’s recent decisions have sharply narrowed protections and triggered new map challenges. Federal Courts & Alabama Politics: The state’s redistricting battles remain tied up in federal court orders and appeals, with officials reacting to rulings that either block or allow specific map versions for upcoming contests. Public Safety: ALEA kicked off its “101 Days of Summer” campaign after Memorial Day fatalities, highlighting DUI arrests, speeding citations, and seat belt enforcement as summer travel ramps up. Wildlife & Outdoors: Alabama’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries division is asking the public to help with a wild turkey brood survey starting June 1 through Aug. 31 to improve statewide data.