AGP Executive Report

Storm Response: Gov. Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency in 40 Alabama counties as Hurricane Isaias threatened the Gulf Coast, with officials warning of damaging winds, flooding and storm surge. Data Center Oversight: Alabama’s Public Service Commission approved a new process for reviewing Alabama Power contracts with large data centers, a growing political flashpoint as communities weigh power costs and protections. Public Broadcasting: Ivey replaced five Alabama Public Television commissioners after months of debate over PBS, reshaping the board’s leadership. Montgomery Health Care: Mayor Steven Reed proposed a city-county health care authority to oversee public investment and protect regional access after Jackson Hospital’s bankruptcy; he said the plan is not a city takeover. Voting Rights: Alabama remains a key test of voting protections, as organizers say Black voters’ influence in November will depend on turnout and districts that allow them to elect candidates of their choice. Policy Agenda: Alabama Arise members made ending the grocery tax, raising the minimum wage and giving counties more authority over data center safeguards priorities for the 2027 legislative session.

Data Center Oversight: Alabama regulators approved a new process for reviewing Alabama Power contracts with large data centers, while new state rules seek to tighten oversight. Public Broadcasting: Gov. Kay Ivey replaced five Alabama Public Television commissioners after months of debate over PBS, giving the board a new start. 2026 Elections: Alabama’s November 3 ballot includes statewide, legislative, congressional and local races; voters must register by October 19. Mobile County voters will also decide whether to direct $82 million to road and bridge projects, with no new taxes or debt. Transportation: A bipartisan group of state and federal leaders broke ground on the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, including U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures.

Midterms Kickoff: Early voting for the Nov. 3 U.S. midterms began in major states, with the fight for control of the House and Senate driving a final push from Trump and Obama. Alabama Elections & Voting Access: Voting rights advocates are organizing volunteers to watch for potential intimidation at the polls, while Alabama election officials continue reminders ahead of deadlines. Public Safety & Crime: The FBI says Operation Summer Heat led to 200+ arrests in Alabama, with local partners continuing coordinated enforcement. Privacy & Surveillance: A Birmingham-area resident is raising concerns about license-plate reader cameras and data retention, as Flock Camera use expands. Utilities & Data Breach: Southern Company’s data breach reportedly affected nearly 100,000 Alabama Power accounts, with credit monitoring offered. Local Government: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed discussed the future of Montgomery Whitewater and the need for stronger financial management and community outreach. State Policy Watch: Outgoing Rep. Greg Barnes is seeking tougher penalties for educators accused of sexual crimes against students. Weather Alert: A Gulf storm system (Isaias) is forecast to strengthen, with Alabama Gulf Coast events like the Shrimp Festival facing possible disruption. Business & Community: TARCOG is offering free small-business financing training in north Alabama.

Data Centers & Tax Policy: Sen. Tommy Tuberville is pushing a “tax breaks, no more” message in a new ad, arguing data centers should pay the maximum property tax rate and lose incentives—while communities should have more say. Election-Year Voting Rights: Voting rights groups are organizing “Vote Safe” volunteers to monitor and deter intimidation at polling places, focusing on Black, Latino and Asian voters. Alabama Sports & Politics Collide: Trump’s planned visit to Tuscaloosa for Alabama-Georgia is expected to mean added security, screening and possible communication disruptions for fans. Alabama Girls in Sports Day: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed Oct. 10 as Alabama Girls in Sports Day, reiterating protections for girls’ sports. Crimson Tide Update: Aden Holloway has been reinstated to Alabama’s roster, with a suspension for several exhibition games. Legal/Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Roy Moore’s bid to restore an $8.2 million defamation verdict. Public Safety/Health: Alabama Board of Nursing says a ransomware attack may have exposed personnel data.

Midterm Politics: With less than a month to go, Democrats are gaining ground nationally and Republicans are scrambling, as President Trump pushes a 32-day rally blitz while facing low approval and voter frustration over prices. Fuel Policy & Campaigning: Trump signed an executive order in Nebraska easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel for highway use, arguing it will cut costs for farmers and truckers ahead of Nov. 3. Alabama Election Watch: Sen. Katie Britt rallied Mobile County Republicans, warning against complacency and highlighting data centers as a flashpoint in the governor’s race. Alabama Government & Policy: Gov. Kay Ivey announced Alabama is entering the competition to host the U.S. Space Academy, with Huntsville as the preferred site. New Alabama Laws: A roundup notes multiple laws taking effect Oct. 1, including changes tied to animal care, criminal penalties, vaping, highway safety, and real-estate fraud. Public Safety: Auburn police say two men accused of posing as law enforcement officers to rob a home were arrested out of state. Cybersecurity: The FBI says AI is fueling online scams, and Alabama reported AI-related complaints costing millions. Healthcare Funding: Ivey announced nearly $55 million in rural health grants through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program. Tourism: North Alabama’s AMLA PEAK Awards recognized Shoals-area leaders and organizations.

Midterms & Campaign Trail: President Trump is set to rally Monday in Grand Island, Nebraska, as part of a 32-day push in red states, pitching lower taxes and farm support while new polling shows voters are skeptical about his promises. Supreme Court Watch (Energy/Climate): The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County over whether local governments can force oil companies to pay for climate damages under state law; Alabama AG Steve Marshall and a 26-state coalition backed the idea that federal law should control interstate energy policy. Alabama Politics & Law Enforcement: State Rep. Brett Easterbrook was arrested in Escambia County on first-degree human trafficking and prostitution charges, tied to a multi-day operation that also ensnared other public officials. Public Safety: A Blountsville woman died after a crash on Alabama 67 that ended in a ditch, tree impact, and fire; in Covington County, a two-vehicle crash killed a Texas woman and left two others hospitalized. State Government/Media: Gov. Ivey reshaped Alabama Public Television leadership, replacing five commissioners amid an ongoing PBS-related dispute. Local Community: UA and Auburn kicked off Beat Bama/Beat Auburn/Beat Hunger, continuing a long-running effort to stock food banks across Alabama.

Alabama Abortion Fight in U.S. Supreme Court: Alabama joined Arkansas and Louisiana in a Supreme Court bid to block “abortion shield” laws that they say shield out-of-state abortion-pill enforcement, arguing the pills drive hundreds of abortions a month in Alabama. Death Penalty Fallout: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike—after two failed lethal-injection attempts—keeps the spotlight on lethal-injection reliability and renewed calls for execution changes. Midterm Politics & Cash Promises: President Trump is pushing a closing message of relief payments, including $90 Medicare Part B checks for 20+ million seniors, while Democrats gain ground in tight races. Public Safety in Alabama: ALEA is investigating an officer-involved shooting on I-65 in Chilton County after a wanted suspect brandished a gun; separate reports also note a Birmingham family still searching for a critically missing man with dementia. State Government & Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced nearly $55M in rural health grants, and Alabama continues rolling out Rebuild Alabama Act road funding. Higher Ed & Culture: UA’s interim social work dean oversaw a report on “religious trauma” in the LGBTQ+ community that later disappeared from the university site.

Medical Cannabis Licensing: A Russellville-based applicant says it’s “optimistic” about Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission approval in 2027 after years of denials, court reversals, and restarting the licensing process. Immigration & Workforce: Alabama employers in the Educational Services industry filed 400 H-1B petitions in 2025, with a 97.3% approval rate, led by UAB and Auburn. Supreme Court Politics: Justice Samuel Alito says calls to expand the U.S. Supreme Court are an “effort to intimidate the court,” as trust in the justices remains low. Public Safety: Chilton County is investigating an officer-involved shooting on I-65 with ALEA handling an independent review. Traffic Fatality: ALEA is seeking the driver of a black Chevrolet Avalanche tied to a hit-and-run that killed a 70-year-old man on Alabama 216 near Tuscaloosa. Local Government Hiring: Marion is taking resumes for a municipal judge and a water/sewer manager, with deadlines in October. State Infrastructure: Mobile leaders broke ground on the $3.2B Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, with Phase 1 targeting earlier traffic improvements. U.S. Rep. Nominations: Rep. Terri Sewell is accepting applications for military academy nominations from Alabama’s 7th District, due Nov. 18.

Alabama Politics & Government: Gov. Kay Ivey moved fast on Alabama Public Television, replacing five of seven commissioners after months of controversy over the board’s PBS relationship and internal disputes. Elections & Campaigns: President Trump returned to Alabama for a midterm push, urging GOP turnout in the newly redrawn AL-2 race and framing the election as a fight over “common sense” versus “radical” Democrats. Public Safety & Courts: A Jefferson County judge temporarily blocked Brookside’s plan to shut down its police department, citing a whistleblower lawsuit alleging retaliation and missing 911 records. Local Law Enforcement: ALEA reported an I-65 crash in Mobile County that briefly closed southbound lanes near the 2-mile marker before reopening. State Legal Trouble: An Alabama state lawmaker and a Satsuma school board president face human trafficking-related charges, according to the Escambia County sheriff. National Policy Watch (with Alabama ties): Trump said the war on Iran could end soon while campaigning, and he’s also been defending data center buildouts as a jobs and tech-race issue.

Mobile Trump Rally & Protest: Protesters targeted President Donald Trump and “capitalism” outside the University of South Alabama, with socialist groups and prepared signs joining the scene. Public Safety: Three USA students were arrested on federal charges for alleged social-media threats against Trump ahead of the rally. GOP Push in Alabama: Sen. Katie Britt rallied in Mobile after the Mobile River Bridge groundbreaking, urging turnout and framing Democrats as “radical.” State Government Watch: Alabama Public Television’s PBS relationship remains popular in a new statewide survey, with 54.2% favoring keeping it and 39% backing increased state funding. Local Governance & Courts: Escambia County Sheriff says a state lawmaker and Satsuma school board president face human trafficking charges. Infrastructure: Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project broke ground, with Trump floating the idea of naming it after himself. Health & Community: Fayette Medical Center’s lease dispute raises uncertainty, but officials say the hospital remains open through the lease term. Energy & Economy: G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel and oil reserves after U.S. pressure, aimed at easing fuel prices.

Trump in Mobile: President Donald Trump returned to Alabama for a midterm rally in Mobile, telling supporters to “pretend I’m on the ballot,” touting crime drops and federal investments, and promising to come back for the Alabama-Georgia game. Endorsements: Trump backed GOP gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville and endorsed Alabama Attorney General nominee Katherine Robertson. Mobile River Bridge: Officials broke ground on the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway, a $4B-plus I-10 project aimed at easing decades of congestion. Elections & turnout: Coverage highlighted Trump’s strategy of campaigning in deep-red states while GOP polls remain shaky. New Alabama laws (Oct. 1): Vaping restrictions kicked in under an expanded Clean Indoor Air Act, alongside other changes. Public safety: FBI and local agencies arrested three people in Mobile over alleged threats against Trump ahead of his rally. Health & costs: Trump announced $90 Medicare Part B premium payments for millions of seniors, while diesel prices continued to strain truckers. Local governance: Gov. Kay Ivey dismissed five members of the Alabama Public Television governing board. Business climate: Alabama moved up in a national “doing business” ranking, scoring top marks in several categories.

Trump Campaign Push in Alabama: President Donald Trump is set to rally in Mobile Friday to energize GOP voters and back candidates including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, while also spotlighting Alabama’s newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced nearly $55 million in new Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including major awards for rural EMT and nursing training, maternal health, EMS trauma/stroke, and cancer screening. Public Safety—Local Crime: Birmingham Police renewed appeals for help solving two unsolved homicides, including a June killing and an August apartment shooting. Statehouse Oversight: A new Greene County audit found major financial reporting failures, road-fund problems, and contract-bidding violations, landing amid a separate dispute over allegedly misused bingo revenues. Transportation Safety: ALDOT switched a Pinson intersection to protected-only left turns after crash complaints and a reported spike in collisions. Courts & Accountability: A Shelby County property-access fight involving Alabama Power is headed to the Alabama Supreme Court. Legal System—Federal Case: A former Fort Hood soldier from Tuscaloosa was convicted in federal court on 9 of 10 child sex abuse counts.

Death Penalty Watch: Tennessee’s Christa Pike survived a botched lethal injection attempt after two pentobarbital doses, renewing scrutiny of how executions are carried out and what happens when a prisoner doesn’t die as scheduled. Campaign Trail: President Trump and VP JD Vance launched a 32-day midterm blitz in heavily Republican areas, even as a new poll shows low approval for Trump on cost of living and the economy. Fuel Prices Relief: States are moving to blunt high gas and diesel costs, including tax suspensions and diesel rules for farmers—an issue likely to stay front-and-center for Alabama voters. Alabama Transportation: Tommy Tuberville floated a plan to expand and widen Alabama interstates, aiming for “three-lane” upgrades over the next decade and calling for new funding sources. State Budget/Taxes: Alabama collected $38.3 million in severance taxes in 2024, down nearly 30% year over year, ranking 19th nationally. Local Governance: Bessemer’s mayor and mayor-elect are disputing when the transition should begin, with state law pointing to an Oct. 5 start. Health Care: The Trump administration began mailing $500 HealthCare.gov refund checks to nearly 1 million enrollees, with scammers already targeting recipients.

Abortion “Shield Laws” Fight: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill, joined by Alabama and Arkansas, filed a U.S. Supreme Court challenge targeting New York, California and Massachusetts over “shield” policies meant to block enforcement against out-of-state abortion-pill providers. Fuel Prices Relief: With diesel and gasoline costs tied to the Iran war, Alabama is among states moving to ease prices—recently halting enforcement of red-dyed diesel restrictions for 120 days—while other states roll out gas tax holidays and targeted diesel relief. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded nearly $55 million in new rural health grants under the Trump-backed Rural Health Transformation Program, sending money to hospitals, ambulance services and colleges. School Choice Push: A new federal “Federal Scholarship Tax Credit” proposal would expand school-choice funding to participating states, with Alabama voters already showing strong support for CHOOSE Act expansion. College Sports Law: Nick Saban criticized NIL for creating “no control, no guardrails,” as the Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act. Local Governance: Selma will swear in new Police Chief Ettice Brickus on Oct. 8. Public Safety/Crime: Alabama also warned consumers about unlabeled kratom products as state and local enforcement ramps up.

Energy & Trade: President Trump says South Korea will invest about $54B to export Alaska natural gas, a pitch tied to Sen. Dan Sullivan’s reelection fight. Public Safety Law: Alabama’s new Safe Streets changes take effect Oct. 1, raising penalties for DUI and hit-and-run crashes and making fleeing police a felony. Corrections & Courts: Tennessee officials botched the lethal injection of Christa Pike, leaving her alive and triggering more legal fallout. Education & Workforce: Gov. Kay Ivey launches an Alabama STEM Council “Seal of Approval” to recognize qualifying STEM programs statewide. Local Government Finance: Greene County Commission sues Sheriff Joe Benison over alleged bingo-fund mismanagement and missing nearly $5M. Immigration Pressure: North Alabama’s Haitian community says fear of ICE is keeping people away from church after Temporary Protected Status ended. Sports Policy: Nick Saban backs the Protect College Sports Act as the Senate moves it forward, with new rules on NIL, transfers, and revenue sharing. Infrastructure: Ivey announces Rebuild Alabama road funding, including Walker County resurfacing projects.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Alabama, will receive $500 “Obamacare” refund checks starting Sept. 30, with letters signed by Trump tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Abortion Pill “Shield Law” Fight: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill, joined by Alabama AG Steve Marshall and Arkansas AG Tim Griffin, filed suit at the U.S. Supreme Court and in federal court challenging “shield laws” they say block investigations into abortion-pill providers. Alabama Public Television/PBS: A Cygnal poll released to Alabama officials found 54% support keeping APT’s PBS relationship, while many respondents also say they perceive political leaning in coverage. Birmingham Northern Beltline: Gov. Kay Ivey announced the first 1.88-mile segment of the Northern Beltline is open to traffic in northeast Jefferson County, with more phases planned. Public Safety & Crime: U.S. Marshals arrested two men tied to an Auburn home invasion robbery after they allegedly posed as law enforcement; separately, Butler County deputies helped arrest two Florida fugitives. State Watch: Gov. Ivey and ALEA warned Alabamians about kratom products, urging parents and consumers to watch for illegal, mislabeled items. Business/Jobs: Alabama ranked No. 7 for “Top States for Doing Business” by Area Development, including multiple No. 1 category placements. Community: Auburn and Alabama student leaders kicked off a statewide “Beat Bama Food Drive” to fight hunger.