AGP Executive Report

GoMESA Gulf Coast Boost: Gov. Kay Ivey announced $52M for 21 Alabama GoMESA projects, including $9M for Mobile’s Brookley by the Bay and major upgrades tied to boating access, water quality, and environmental education. Public Safety in Montgomery: Montgomery police say an officer fired during an arrest attempt after a suspect pulled a gun; the suspect was taken to the hospital and the case is now with ALEA/SBI. Tax Fraud Crackdown: A Birmingham man was indicted in federal court for allegedly preparing false tax returns tied to geothermal credits, with alleged losses of about $65M. Tribal Infrastructure: The Poarch Creek Indians began the first phase of a $24M road improvement project in Escambia County, targeting completion in March 2028. Data Center Politics: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt says Alabama should avoid both “every corner” development and blanket moratoriums, arguing for community control with clearer guardrails. Local Government Youth Program: Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett named 33 high school students to the inaugural Mayor’s Youth Council. Child Exploitation Sting: Jefferson County authorities arrested 14 people in a five-day operation targeting online sexual exploitation of children. Road Closure: Highway 31 between Montgomery and Prattville was shut down due to an ongoing investigation.

Alabama SNAP Fight: Food bank leaders in Alabama are urging Congress to delay SNAP-related fees under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” arguing the state needs more time to lower its payment error rate and avoid higher costs. Federal Fraud Crackdown: A federal grand jury indicted a Center Point tax preparer accused of filing false geothermal-related returns, and prosecutors say the scheme netted about $70 million. Local Government & Public Safety: The University of Alabama SGA launched “Capstone Corner” to bring student outreach to the Quad with monthly events. Utilities vs. Property Rights: A Trussville homeowner says Alabama Power’s planned transmission line would let outside crews use his driveway around the clock, calling it an invasion of privacy. Law Enforcement Leadership: Selma’s interim police chief says the city’s search for a new police chief must rebuild culture, facilities, and equipment to restore public trust. Crime & Courts: Four former Hanceville officers were sentenced after a corruption trial tied to drugs and misuse of office. Health & Community: Alabama leaders also highlighted the broader impact of SNAP cuts on local food insecurity.

Alabama Data Centers & Economic Development: Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones and candidate Shomari Figures pitched voters at Troy University on how Democrats can compete as Alabama’s data center boom accelerates, with Jones criticizing local regulatory battles and Tuberville’s approach. Transportation Infrastructure: Rep. Barry Moore floated naming the new Mobile River Bridge the “Donald J. Trump Bridge,” as the $3.2 billion project moves toward an October start. Public Safety & Surveillance: State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough renewed his pushback against Flock Safety “mass surveillance,” arguing it threatens constitutional freedoms even as supporters say it helps solve crimes. Local Government Finance: Trussville BOE approved its FY27 budget, projecting about $80.9M in revenues and $81.6M in expenses, while highlighting 100% bus inspection compliance. Statewide Legal/Consumer Protection: Alabama AG Steve Marshall announced the state’s share of a $45M multistate Cash App settlement over alleged fraud and misleading safety claims. Cybersecurity: Reports highlight growing cyberattacks on water utilities nationwide, with Alabama towns describing steps to block suspicious activity. Defense & Research: Auburn opened a $30M Applied Research Institute lab in Huntsville to speed defense and space tech development, with Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Dale Strong attending. Community & Grants: Wiregrass RC&D grant allocations were announced in Russell County, including education and public safety funding. Crime & Courts: A third juvenile was charged in the Aug. 6 Tuscaloosa shooting death of 19-year-old Kaleb Tyrone Rollins. Education & Workforce: Auburn’s new research facility and other training updates underscore the state’s push to build technical talent for defense and industry.

Death Penalty in Alabama: Alabama executed Jeremy Tremaine Williams for the kidnapping, sexual assault and murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland, after he waived further challenges and asked for an expedited process. Courts & Legal Process: In Jefferson County, new attorneys for suspended probate judge Yashiba Blanchard asked to delay her ethics trial by four months, arguing the case is too large to defend adequately by the current date. Insurance & Consumer Rights: The Alabama Supreme Court ordered limits on what State Farm must share in claims-handling disputes, requiring disclosure in some cases while adding safeguards for confidential trade-secret information. Elections & Party Strategy: State Sen. Andrew Jones warned Democrats are mobilizing after a record-low GOP turnout in a special primary, urging Republicans to rally and vote in November. U.S.-China & Campus Scrutiny: A new congressional China investigation renewed questions about University of North Alabama’s ties to a Chinese university. Defense & Jobs in Huntsville: Raytheon won a $745.4 million missile-defense contract, with production and integration work expected to expand in Huntsville. Ten Commandments Legal Fight: Alabama’s Ten Commandments classroom law faces fresh scrutiny as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs similar challenges. Public Safety Tech: Flock Safety camera policies are being tightened amid privacy and misuse concerns raised by Alabama communities and officials. Business & Red Tape: Secretary of State Wes Allen praised a U.S. Treasury change that permanently removes beneficial-ownership reporting burdens for U.S. small businesses under the Corporate Transparency Act.

Montgomery Finance: S&P Global Ratings gave the City of Montgomery’s proposed $375 million bond issuance an AA rating with a stable outlook, even as the City Council vote remains pending. Higher Ed Governance: Jacksonville State University’s board moved to dissolve the faculty senate and shift to tenure and post-tenure review processes under Alabama’s HB580. Public Safety Tech: Alabama officials and sheriffs are still debating Flock Safety cameras after renewed scrutiny and misuse concerns, with law enforcement arguing the tools can save lives when used lawfully. Campaign Trail: Doug Jones is set to hold a Marshall County town hall in Guntersville with running mate Jeff McLaughlin. Courts & Legal Ethics: A federal judge sanctioned a Priceville officer’s attorney for using “fabricated legal citations” in a filing tied to the officer’s lawsuit. School Religion Challenge: Civil rights groups asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review Texas’s Ten Commandments-in-public-schools law, with Alabama cited as part of the broader fight. Statewide Politics: Doug Jones is also pushing back on claims of “socialism” in the Democratic Party ahead of the Alabama governor’s race.

North Alabama Campaign: Democratic nominee Andrew Sneed kicked off a new round of town halls in Alabama’s 5th District, pitching “unity and accountability” and taking questions on affordability, Social Security, and government reform. State Courts & Elections: A legal fight in Indiana’s GOP Senate primary could hinge on six rejected ballots, with attorneys asking the state Supreme Court to pause the outcome while judges review whether election-worker omissions led to improper rejections. Public Safety Tech Debate: State Rep. Shane Stringer says Flock Safety cameras need “checks and balances,” arguing misuse by officers and private investors can turn the system into “revenue generators.” Health Care & Insurance: Jackson Hospital says it’s on track to exit bankruptcy after approving a new four-year reimbursement deal with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Local Government Procurement: Shelby County is seeking bids for renovations to Courtroom 2A at the courthouse, with proposals due Sept. 3. Federal Immigration Policy: Alabama Department of Corrections signed a contract with ICE, adding to the week’s broader immigration enforcement headlines.

Trust Fund Fight in Alabama’s Orbit: Nick Reiner, facing murder charges tied to the deaths of his parents, is still blocked from accessing a $1.5M trust fund for his defense, with trustees citing California’s “slayer statute” and arguing any payout would be irreversible. State Party Leadership: Alabama Democrats elected Sen. Bobby Singleton as party chairman, beating incumbent Randy Kelley by nearly 3-to-1 as the party heads into the November general election. Energy & Power Testing in Alabama: The Alabama Mobility and Power Center is partnering with PowerBox Technology on a smart energy pilot at AMP’s Power Research Lab, aiming to manage complex on-site power systems. Surveillance Cameras Pushback: State Auditor Andrew Sorrell says Flock Safety cameras should be illegal in Alabama and calls for removing them rather than a moratorium. Local Government Watch: Gulf Shores is weighing closing the Canal Park boat launch under Highway 59 to expand parking and greenspace as part of the Waterway Village transformation. Public Safety: Cullman police arrested a man after a traffic stop tied to alleged amphetamine possession and distribution charges.

State Education Oversight: Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey says three districts under state intervention—Bessemer City, Dallas County, and Sumter County—are showing improvement as the new school year starts, with reading gains cited for Bessemer City and Sumter County’s new school opening. Public Safety & Compliance: ALEA is reminding drivers about Alabama’s back-to-school safety push, while Perry County Schools reiterates the state’s compulsory attendance rules for 2026-27, including how absences and truancy are handled. Economic Development: Callan JMB announced a $60 million joint venture with Alabama State University and Bia Power Systems to manufacture transformers and electrical equipment in Brewton, targeting reshored production and new jobs. Elections & Money in Politics: A new report says AI-focused super PACs are flooding state and federal races, with Alabama among the states seeing major spending. Legal/Justice Watch: A Marshall County jury convicted John Bannan of aggravated cruelty to animals for killing the elderly rescue dog “Jack,” after video showed him beating and shooting the dog.

U.S. Army Contracting: The Army will outsource initial helicopter pilot training to private contractor M1 Support Services, with training taking place at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and the Army keeping control over standards and safety. Military Safety: The Army temporarily halted AH-64 Apache training flights after a fatal Fort Hood crash killed two pilots, with investigators still working to determine the root cause. Alabama Justice & Courts: A Prichard man, Delando Travon Perkins, was sentenced to 46 months after being convicted of illegally possessing firearms as a felon and assaulting Homeland Security Task Force officers. Local Public Safety: ALEA recovered the body of a missing Hartselle boater, Randall C. Gibbs, from Wheeler Lake after a multi-agency search. Capital Punishment: Alabama executed Jeremy Williams for the rape and murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland, closing out a case that has reignited debate over mental health and the death penalty. National Voting Fight: A federal judge continued blocking a Trump executive order restricting mail voting, citing unlawful interference with elections and harm to voters. Trust Fund Legal Battle: Nick Reiner’s request to access a $1.5 million trust was blocked under California’s “slayer statute” while he awaits trial in his parents’ murder case.

Alabama Courts & Public Safety: The Alabama Supreme Court rejected a Dale County man’s appeal tied to a 2023 child pornography conviction, leaving Daniel J. Gilley’s 22-year sentence in place. State Government & Infrastructure: The Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority approved financing and toll policy for the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, with construction targeted to start in October. Local Government & Property Rights: A Hoover family near I-459’s planned Exit 9 interchange says the city hasn’t explained why it needs their full property and disputes compensation after offers rose from $500,000 to $1.2 million. Immigration & Military Families: ICE released an Army sergeant’s wife from custody after removing her from a deportation flight, a case that drew national attention. Crime & Courts: Montgomery police-linked contraband case: an ADOC arrest involving marijuana and cash reportedly connects to a city-funded anti-violence initiative Mayor Steven Reed promoted. Transportation & Traffic: ALEA is investigating a fatal hit-and-run on Capshaw Road in Madison County involving a black Toyota 4Runner. Economy & Taxes: Alabama collected $229.9 million in motor vehicle license taxes in 2024, according to Census Bureau data. Community & Health: Megan Montgomery Foundation awarded a new $40,000 UAB Theatre grant for relationship violence prevention education.

Mobile River Bridge & Bayway: The Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority approved financing and a toll policy for the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, with an ALGO Pass toll set at $3 per trip and a phased plan aimed at making the project buildable. Montgomery Public Safety & Courts: A Montgomery man arrested in a contraband probe at Fountain Correctional Facility appears tied to a City-funded anti-violence effort Mayor Steven Reed promoted, raising questions about how the program operates and who’s connected to it. Statehouse Priorities: A Statehouse beat piece argues Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s choices show what he prioritizes, pointing to delays and limits on a school clothing voucher push while spotlighting major Capitol events. Workforce & Innovation: DeKalb Works won an Innovate Alabama Network designation to launch talent attraction and workforce development initiatives, while DeKalb County also approved a new jail logging system to reduce paperwork and overtime. Local Government & Tech: Windom Galliher lobbying firm added Derek Trotter as a partner, signaling continued political staffing in Montgomery. Public Safety Alerts: ALEA reminded drivers to slow down and stay alert as Alabama schools reopen, with more traffic and pedestrian activity around school zones. Search & Rescue: Authorities continued searching for a missing Hartselle man after his boat was found adrift on Wheeler Lake. Death Penalty: Alabama executed Jeremy Williams for the 1985 murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland, closing another high-profile case.

Back-to-School Safety: ALEA is urging Alabama drivers to slow down, stay alert, and put phones away as students return and buses make frequent stops, with troopers stepping up visibility in school zones. Local Courts & Public Safety: Talladega City Schools says a bus driver shortage left some students over an hour late and points to a statewide staffing crisis, while Talladega and other districts lean on retired drivers under a new state law. Corruption Case Update: A former Hanceville officer and his wife have filed to enter plea deals in a state corruption probe tied to the dissolution of the city police department. Missing Person Search: Attalla police continue a search for 40-year-old Nathaniel Jackson, last seen in late July, as investigators track limited camera footage and expand efforts. Higher Ed & Free Speech: Troy University declined to address specific claims that it disciplined a math professor for writing lawmakers about the Alabama Numeracy Act review process, drawing FIRE scrutiny. Criminal Justice: Alabama executed Jeremy Williams for the rape and murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland, as officials defended the decision amid calls for protocol review. Community Watch: Homeowners in Somerville say they’ve traced a proposed Bitcoin mining center through state records to related companies tied to a Texas man, raising transparency concerns.

Alabama Public Safety: ALEA is investigating a fatal bicycle crash in Birmingham after a 39-year-old rider was hit by multiple vehicles early Thursday, including a Jefferson County Sheriff’s patrol car. Food Safety Enforcement: Jefferson County health inspectors flagged handwashing and training failures at multiple restaurants during Aug. 4–11 checks, including improper handwashing and expired food-handler training. Transportation Disruption: A two-vehicle crash has blocked all northbound lanes of I-459 in Jefferson County near mile marker 21, with lanes expected to remain closed while troopers investigate. Capital Punishment & State Policy: Alabama carried out the execution of Jeremy Williams for the 2021 rape and murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland after Gov. Kay Ivey denied clemency, as the U.S. saw a rare same-day triple execution across three states. Conservation & Politics: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt was named the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Legislative Conservationist of the Year for conservation and natural-resource initiatives. Legal/Political Accountability: A Jefferson County judge is hearing a new challenge to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s residency, with logistics tied to ballot deadlines. National Security (Alabama tie-in): Space Command is emphasizing offensive anti-satellite capabilities, with Huntsville highlighted as the setting for the latest requirements push.

Capital Punishment: Alabama executed Jeremy Williams for the 2021 rape and murder of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland, as Gov. Kay Ivey declined clemency and state officials emphasized the case’s “depravity.” The execution came during a rare national stretch: Tennessee and Oklahoma also carried out lethal injections the same day, the first triple-execution in the U.S. since 2010. Public Safety & Courts: Dallas County signed a $27 million contract to fully rebuild its tornado-damaged jail, ending years of negotiations and costly inmate housing elsewhere. Law Enforcement & Privacy: Alabama sheriffs weighed in on Flock Safety’s updated camera policies, including shorter data retention and tighter sharing rules. Education Policy: Alabama’s school-threat law is back in focus as false threats trigger serious criminal and school consequences under House Bill 7. Elections & Representation: In Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District GOP primary, Dixon conceded to Congressman Palmer. Local Government: Geneva County’s circuit clerk Ashley Powell was arrested on ethics charges tied to personal gain. Sports & Legal Fallout: Former Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold is reportedly set to sign with the Seahawks despite ongoing felony legal issues. Transportation: A Selma woman died in a weekend crash on U.S. 80, and a Tuscaloosa County motorcyclist died after being thrown from a bike.

Death Penalty Cluster: Oklahoma executed Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez and Tennessee executed Anthony Hines, with Alabama set to carry out Jeremy Williams later Thursday—marking a rare same-day triple execution across three states. SPLC Fallout in Alabama: Federal prosecutors added Heidi Beirich to the Justice Department’s broader Southern Poverty Law Center case, alleging fraud and money-laundering tied to informant payments; SPLC and Beirich’s camp call it politically motivated. Corrections Policy: Alabama ADOC announced a phased tobacco-free push across state prisons, ending canteen tobacco sales Sept. 1 and treating tobacco as contraband after Oct. 1. Local Governance & Health: Tuscaloosa-area leaders used the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s State of the Community to spotlight mental health gaps and infrastructure priorities. Immigration Enforcement: Alabama AG Alan Wilson backed a Supreme Court filing arguing states can detain illegal immigrants without bond hearings while removal is pending. Tourism: Florence’s SkyDog Shoals released single-day tickets for Aug. 28–30 at Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa.

Capital Campaign: Doug Jones held a town hall in Montgomery, hitting affordability, healthcare, and the growing fight over AI data centers while also criticizing Trump tariff impacts on Alabama farmers. Fair Housing Fight: HUD’s Fair Housing Initiative Program changes are drawing a lawsuit from fair housing groups, arguing new $5M budget rules will wipe out most nonprofits and weaken enforcement. Space Force Push: Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced a bill to expand Space Force readiness amid China’s space buildup. SPLC Crackdown: Federal prosecutors unsealed superseding charges tied to the Southern Poverty Law Center, including the arrest of former SPLC intelligence chief Heidi Beirich over alleged secret informant payments. Elections & Turnout: Alabama’s special congressional primaries saw very low turnout (about 5%), with few surprises as GOP nominees advanced under the new map. Death Penalty: Three executions are set for Thursday—Alabama’s Jeremy Williams, plus Tennessee and Oklahoma—marking a rare same-day triple. Local Government: Clay City Council advanced an ordinance to refund rental real estate business license overpayments, citing a state-law compliance issue.