AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Isaias: The Category 3 storm is closing in on the Alabama-Florida coast, bringing dangerous winds, flooding rain and potentially life-threatening storm surge. Coastal evacuations are in effect; Mobile has ordered a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., and Gov. Kay Ivey declared an emergency in 40 counties. State officials are also warning residents to watch for repair scams after the storm. Politics: President Donald Trump canceled his planned trip to Tuscaloosa for Saturday’s Alabama-Georgia game, saying first responders should focus on the hurricane. Election Law: The Alabama Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s residency, leaving the earlier decision in his favor intact.

Hurricane Isaias: Gov. Kay Ivey declared an emergency in 40 counties and ordered evacuations for coastal areas as the Category 2 storm heads toward the Alabama-Florida line. Landfall is expected late Friday or early Saturday, with damaging winds, flooding and storm surge possible. State offices and some Medicaid offices are closing, while Alabama Power says crews are ready. Game-Day Changes: The Alabama-Georgia matchup is still scheduled, but tailgating before noon and Quad activities are canceled, and ESPN’s College GameDay is moving indoors. Election Reminder: Secretary of State Wes Allen says the deadline to register for Alabama’s Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 19. Business Climate: Alabama is ranked seventh nationally for business, and companies invested $1.46 billion in the state in 2025, according to a recent review of Gov. Kay Ivey’s economic-development record.

Hurricane Isaias: Alabama is under a state of emergency in 40 counties as the first Atlantic hurricane of the season approaches the Gulf Coast. Forecasters warn of damaging winds, dangerous storm surge and flooding, with landfall expected late Friday or early Saturday. Mobile County will open three shelters Friday at 8 a.m.; residents needing a ride can call 2-1-1. Officials urge people to follow trusted weather updates and finish preparations now. Court Operations: Alabama’s chief justice authorized local judges to close courts as conditions warrant; closures are not statewide. Game Day: College GameDay will move indoors to Coleman Coliseum ahead of Saturday’s Alabama-Georgia matchup, while the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival and a Tuscaloosa concert were canceled because of the storm. Election Deadlines: For Alabama’s Nov. 3 election, the voter-registration deadline is Oct. 19 and absentee-ballot requests are due Oct. 27.

Hurricane Isaias: Gov. Kay Ivey declared an emergency for 40 Alabama counties as the storm strengthened in the Gulf. Coastal officials warned of dangerous winds, flooding and storm surge; Gulf Shores canceled its National Shrimp Festival, and organizers ended the Great Alabama 650 early. Alabama State also moved its homecoming game to Friday, while weather could affect Saturday’s Alabama-Georgia matchup. Costs and Business: Alabama loggers say rising diesel prices are squeezing an already struggling industry, as a temporary federal order allows red-dyed diesel on highways. Hyundai plans to invest $500 million in hybrid production in Alabama, while a new Boeing award is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to Huntsville. Election Watch: With midterms approaching, Alabama races are drawing attention over turnout and voter representation; Trump’s planned visit to Tuscaloosa for the football game is also stirring debate as storm concerns grow.

Tropical Storm Isaias: Alabama’s Gulf Coast faces a hurricane threat, prompting organizers to cancel Gulf Shores’ National Shrimp Festival. Alabama State moved its homecoming game against Florida A&M to Friday at 11 a.m.; Alabama says its Saturday showdown with Georgia remains on schedule. Energy Costs: President Trump’s order allowing dyed farm diesel for road use may offer limited relief, a fuel analyst warns. Alabama is among 11 states waiving penalties, but availability and state enforcement remain concerns. Business and Infrastructure: A $14.7 billion missile-component contract is expected to support hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in Huntsville. In Mobile, voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to fund $82 million in county road and bridge work, with no new taxes or debt. The separate $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge project has broken ground. State Government: Gov. Kay Ivey replaced five Alabama Public Television commissioners after months of debate. State regulators also approved a process to review Alabama Power contracts with data centers, a growing economic and political issue.

College & Local Sports: Alabama fans are watching two big storylines collide: a potential hurricane threat could disrupt the Georgia–Alabama SEC showdown in Tuscaloosa, with heavy rain and gusty winds possible, while the college football conversation keeps turning to Nyck Harbor’s hands issues and the wider receiving corps consistency. Politics & Voting: Early voting for the U.S. midterms is underway in many states, with inflation and uneven civics education cited as key drivers of turnout and confusion about what midterms mean. Alabama Governance & Public Life: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed says the city wants Whitewater to succeed and is pushing for better community outreach and stronger financial management after the complex’s unexpected early closure. State & Local Business: Brookwood City Council backed an Applied Digital AI data center deal, despite community concerns about transparency and environmental impacts. North Alabama Economy & Defense: Huntsville and Colorado Springs leaders are teaming up around Golden Dome missile defense, with implications for the region’s aerospace workforce. National Spotlight on Alabama: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt was named to TIME’s 2026 Time100 Next list.

Election & Voting Rights: With Election Day under a month, voting rights groups are mobilizing volunteers to watch for intimidation at polls, while Alabama’s own political fight keeps sharpening around turnout and district power. Trump, Security & Alabama Football: President Trump says he’ll attend Alabama-Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium, raising the stakes for traffic, screening and possible communications disruptions—while players insist they’re focused on the game. Midterms & Campaign Economics: Sen. Tommy Tuberville pushes a data-center message in a new ad, arguing communities should control siting and that big tech should pay more. Healthcare & Business: Global drugmakers are announcing major U.S. investment plans, and Alabama’s Bradford Health Services names its first-ever president as it prepares for growth. Public Safety & Health: Alabama marks National SIDS Awareness Month with a renewed push for safe sleep. Local Notes: Auburn edges Opelika in a gritty late-game finish; Fort Payne approves a tax abatement for new manufacturing machinery; and a Coleman Wolf leadership change lands at Jax State.

Midterms Momentum: With less than a month to go, Democrats are gaining ground in House and Senate races, fueled by low approval for President Trump and a national mood shift. Campaign Fuel Relief: Trump signed an executive order in Nebraska easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel, arguing it will cut costs for farmers and truckers and lower prices ahead of Nov. 3. Alabama Politics & Public Safety: Alabama’s new laws took effect Oct. 1, including changes tied to animal care, vaping, highway safety, and criminal penalties. Local Economy & Industry: Alabama is entering the competition to host the U.S. Space Academy, with Huntsville positioned as the preferred training hub. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Ivey announced nearly $55 million in second-round rural health grants to expand services like EMS “treat-in-place” and cancer detection. Cybercrime Watch: The FBI says AI is fueling a surge in online scams, with Alabama reporting AI-related complaints and losses. Business & Growth: Opelika appointed Mark Ennis as director of Opelika Power Services, bringing 35 years of utility experience back to the city. Tourism Spotlight: North Alabama’s AMLA PEAK Awards honored Shoals leaders, including Tourism Professional of the Year Rob Carnegie.

Supreme Court & Energy: Justices heard arguments in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, a fight over whether a Colorado locality can make oil companies pay for climate damages under state law—Alabama AG Steve Marshall joined a coalition backing West Virginia’s energy workers and states’ rights. Politics & Crime: Alabama Rep. Brett Easterbrook was arrested in Escambia County on first-degree human trafficking and prostitution charges, part of a broader multi-day operation that also hit other public officials. Elections & Campaign Cash: Trump doubled down on promises of $5,000 checks and new $90 Medicare Part B deposits, while polls show voters are skeptical. Alabama Governance: Gov. Ivey reshuffled Alabama Public Television leadership, replacing five commissioners after a long PBS dispute. Local & Community: Goodwill will present an $8,000 donation to Alabama Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches from shopper “round up” contributions. Business/Industry: Hyundai plans a major $500M hybrid investment in Alabama. Sports: Alabama football continues to climb in national rankings after Week 5, with debate over how much the AP Poll should matter.

Medicare Relief: President Trump announced $90 Medicare Part B relief checks for more than 20 million seniors, funded through the Medicare Improvement Fund, with payments set for early October. Midterm Politics: The move lands as Republicans face tighter races and Democrats gain ground in polling, with Trump also spending campaign time defending “red” territory. Alabama in the Polls: Alabama climbed to No. 6 in the AP Top 25 after Week 5, swapping spots with Indiana, while Missouri’s rout of Florida vaulted it to No. 14. Death Penalty Scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike—after failed pentobarbital attempts—renewed debate over lethal injection failures and whether states should switch methods. Local Community: A Birmingham family is still searching for critically missing Joseph Turner, last seen near the Greyhound station, who reportedly has dementia and missed daily medication. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced nearly $55 million in 2026 Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program grants for projects aimed at improving access and outcomes in rural areas. Weather Watch: The Gulf has a “medium chance” of tropical development, with possible impacts for the Alabama region later this week.

Alabama Politics & Elections: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed October as Beef Month, while Alabama voters also face constitutional amendment decisions tied to school prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Local Infrastructure: Ground broke on the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, a six-lane plan aimed at easing I-10 congestion over Mobile Bay. Public Safety & Courts: A Russellville-based medical cannabis applicant says it’s optimistic about approval in 2027 after years of licensing delays and court battles. Health & Community: Venison Provisions is asking hunters to “Donate a Doe” to help feed Alabama families, pairing pledges with drop-offs and processor partnerships. Education & Civic Life: An Alpha Kappa Alpha event in Tuscaloosa will help residents register to vote and learn about restoring voting rights. Sports (Alabama): Alabama rose to No. 6 in the AP Top 25 after a 56-23 rout of Mississippi State, setting up a major matchup with No. 2 Georgia. National Politics: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito criticized calls for court reforms as an effort to intimidate justices.

Alabama Politics & Campaign Trail: President Trump is in the middle of a midterm blitz that included a stop in Alabama, urging voters to “pretend I’m on the ballot” and pushing GOP turnout as he campaigns for candidates. Health Care in Alabama: Orlando Health has completed its acquisition of RMC Health System in Anniston, renaming the 375-bed hospital Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital and planning upgrades over the next five years. Food Safety Recall: Frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s are under recall for possible E. coli contamination, with Alabama included among affected states. Sports — Alabama Football: Keelon Russell threw for three touchdowns as No. 7 Alabama routed Mississippi State 56-23, while Caleb Woodson highlighted a key interception in the Tide’s defensive surge. Sports — College Football Landscape: Week 6 rankings put Alabama among the movers after Week 5, and SEC “big-win hangover” talk is growing after multiple top teams stumbled. Sports — Local College Volleyball: Northwest Mississippi CC kept rolling at the Alabama Gulf Shores Invitational, extending its dominant season with two more sweeps. National Justice Watch: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike is renewing debate over the death penalty’s reliability, with broader attention on how states handle lethal injection failures.

Mobile Politics & Protests: President Donald Trump returned to the University of South Alabama in Mobile for a midterm rally, drawing both supporters and protesters who denounced Trump and capitalism outside the event. Campus Threats: Three USA students were arrested on federal charges over alleged social-media threats against Trump hours before the rally. GOP Push in Alabama: Sen. Katie Britt told the crowd Republicans must vote Nov. 3, framing Democrats as “radical” and urging turnout. Public Television Shake-Up: Gov. Kay Ivey removed five Alabama Public Television board members after a PBS-related survey stirred controversy. Health & Safety Funding: Alabama rural hospitals are set to receive nearly $55 million in federal grants for emergency labor-and-delivery equipment and training. Local Tragedy: Authorities say a dog in Sulligent attacked and killed a 3-year-old boy; the family surrendered the animal for euthanasia. Economy & Fuel Costs: The G7 agreed to release emergency diesel and oil reserves after U.S. pressure, aiming to cool fuel prices ahead of the election. Infrastructure: Groundbreaking began on Mobile’s $3.2 billion River Bridge and Bayway project, with Trump suggesting it could be named after him.

Midterm Politics in Mobile: President Donald Trump returned to Alabama for a rally at the University of South Alabama, urging GOP turnout and endorsing candidates including Tommy Tuberville for governor and others, while again telling supporters to “pretend I’m on the ballot.” Mobile River Bridge Groundbreaking: Trump’s visit also spotlighted the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, a $3.2 billion I-10 crossing expected to take about five years and ease decades of Mobile Bay traffic. Fuel Prices, Iran War, and Diesel: Trump defended the economic pain of the Iran conflict as a “small price,” while the G7 agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude from emergency reserves after U.S. pressure—aimed at cooling prices ahead of November. Election Security and Threats: The FBI arrested three people in Mobile for alleged threatening communications toward Trump, with University of South Alabama officials condemning intimidation. Local Governance: Cordova approved a voluntary fire donation program funded through water bills, and Jackson County commissioners approved new courthouse security and election-support staffing. Business Climate: Alabama moved up to No. 7 overall in Area Development’s 2026 “Top States for Doing Business,” including No. 1 rankings for cost of doing business and property tax environment.

Mobile River Bridge breakthrough: Alabama broke ground Friday on the long-awaited Mobile River Bridge and Bayway, a $3.2 billion I-10 crossing studied and promised since 1990, with construction expected to take about five years and a late-2031 opening. Rural health funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced nearly $55 million in new Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including maternal health, EMS upgrades, cancer screening, and simulation training. Politics and turnout: President Trump is in Alabama to “thank” loyal voters ahead of the midterms, while Democrats and Republicans both push turnout in a tight national environment. Education culture war rankings: A national “Integrity in State Education” report put Alabama second in the country, fueling fresh debate over how states handle school content. Public safety: Birmingham police are asking for help solving two unsolved open homicide cases from June and August. Local governance: Bessemer’s new mayor, Louise Alexander, is in a swearing-in standoff with the city council. Environment/regulators: ABC Coke’s expired air permit renewal fight is back in court after delays by the Jefferson County health department.

Midterms & turnout: President Donald Trump and VP JD Vance kicked off a 32-day campaign blitz in deep-red states, trying to boost GOP enthusiasm as new polling shows low approval for Trump on the cost of living and the economy. Fuel-cost pressure in Alabama: With diesel near record highs, Alabama truckers say costs are forcing slower speeds and shorter routes; Gov. Kay Ivey has already suspended taxes on dyed diesel to ease the hit. AI data center push in Brookwood: Applied Digital says its $3.2 billion AI campus is essentially set, with Brookwood’s council vote next after state environmental approval. Death penalty scrutiny: Christa Pike’s botched Tennessee execution—surviving two lethal-injection attempts—has renewed national attention on backup plans and lethal-drug failures. Health care expansion: Orlando Health is acquiring RMC Health System in Anniston, rebranding it as Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital. Local courts: A Mobile judge is being asked to award $2.1 million in a case alleging harassment tied to a Saraland football eligibility dispute.