AGP Executive Report

SEC vs. LSU: The Southeastern Conference is escalating its federal fight in Alabama, filing an amended complaint that seeks authority to expel LSU and setting a Thursday meeting of presidents/chancellors—while also asking a judge to block LSU from interfering with the vote. College Football Polls: LSU jumped into the AP Top 10 after a 51-10 win over Clemson, with Alabama still ranked No. 12 in the latest coaches/poll updates. Alabama Sports Spotlight: Alabama receiver Derek Meadows praised QB Keelon Russell’s playmaking after the Tide’s season-opening win over ECU. Maternal Health: A new national study finds Alabama’s maternal mortality rate is among the highest in the country, trailing only a few states. Local Governance & Growth: Trussville’s booming population and strong sales tax collections are colliding with the next challenge: making sure growth pays its way through infrastructure and services. Community & Veterans: Morgan County is displaying 150 flags for Operation We Remember, honoring Alabama veterans who died by suicide. Business/Tech: Cornerstone Connectivity officially launches after a broadband provider name change and expansion. Food & Health: A national report ranks states on school lunch access and participation, with Vermont leading the pack.

Alabama Politics & Courts: Alabama is set to start mailing midterm ballots Sept. 9 as Trump’s solicitor general warns the Supreme Court that once ballot envelopes enter the mailstream, “there is no retrieving them,” pushing a fresh emergency fight over USPS mail-voting rules. Local Growth & Infrastructure: Mobile is taking a major step toward the long-awaited I-10 bridge project, with Alabama DOT aiming to lock financing next week for a $3.2 billion, six-lane cable-stayed span. Housing/Utilities: Red Bay leaders are seeking a 10% sewer-rate decrease after higher water-rate revenue helped fund sewer projects. Health & Community: Thrive Alabama plans a new primary-care clinic in Albertville after a $650,000 federal grant. Public Safety: A Homeland Security Investigations special agent was arrested in Alabama on rape and sexual abuse charges. Business/Real Estate: Hoover developer Broad Metro bought the final 65 acres for $4.6 million to complete Phase Three of Stadium Trace Village. Sports (Alabama): Alabama opened with a 48-10 win over ECU, but coaches flagged a controversial illegal-motion penalty on the first offensive snap as they turn to Kentucky. Agriculture: Extreme heat is hitting Alabama farmers market attendance and operations. Medical Cannabis: Talladega’s second medical cannabis dispensary is now open for qualifying patients.

Labor Day in Alabama: Gov. Kay Ivey used her holiday video message to salute “hardworking men and women,” crediting their work across factories, farms, classrooms and construction. Higher Ed & Governance: At the University of Alabama, the faculty union is pushing back on post-tenure review changes tied to House Bill 580, arguing the university is still inviting political interference. Defense & Industry: Austal confirmed early talks with Wildcat Infrastructure that could challenge Hanwha’s bid for Austal USA, while Lockheed’s Javelin JV signed an MOU with Tata Advanced Systems for co-production in India. Courts & Student Press: The Heights joined a coalition backing an amicus brief urging a federal appeals court to protect student press freedom in a case involving UA’s closure of two student magazines. Local Labor: Mobile’s Labor Day parade returned downtown, spotlighting union workers and community support. Politics: Alabama Republicans voted to limit the U.S. Supreme Court to nine justices, while Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures voted no. Economy: Alabama tobacco sales tax collections fell to $131.8M in 2024, down from $145.2M in 2023. Sports (UA): Alabama opened SEC play with a 48-10 win over East Carolina, with focus on QB Keelon Russell’s development and sliding technique.

Mail-ballot fight in focus: The Trump administration is back at the U.S. Supreme Court asking to lift a federal judge’s block on new USPS mail-ballot requirements, warning that ballots already started going out in North Carolina and that Alabama is set to mail Sept. 9—arguing delays could create “confusion and chaos.” Alabama politics, campaign trail: New campaign finance numbers show Democrats and Republicans for Alabama statewide offices largely matched in August, with the attorney general race the main outlier. ALGOP leadership change: Reid Harris was named executive director of the Alabama Republican Party, stepping into day-to-day operations ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Community needs: The Salvation Army’s Tuscaloosa Center of Hope says demand is rising as families feel higher food and housing costs, and it’s asking for non-perishable food donations and monthly supporters. Sports recruiting: Alabama baseball landed a major late off-season boost as top-ten 2027 recruit Harry “Chubb” Jones Jr. reclassifies to join the Tide in spring.

Mail Voting Fight: The Trump administration is back at the U.S. Supreme Court for a third time, asking justices to let USPS enforce new mail-ballot requirements despite a federal judge’s block—warning ballots already going out in North Carolina, with Alabama set to mail Sept. 9, could trigger “confusion and chaos.” Alabama Politics: Alabama GOP named Reid Harris as executive director, a leadership shake-up as the party prepares for the Nov. 3 general election. Campaign Watch: August fundraising in Alabama’s governor’s race stayed close overall, with Democrat Doug Jones out-raising GOP Tommy Tuberville in August but Tuberville holding a bigger cash-on-hand advantage. Local Scams: Pike Road ranked among Alabama’s higher scam-report cities in July, with Better Business Bureau data showing two reports and losses tied to employment-related schemes. College Football (Alabama): Alabama’s Keelon Russell made his first start vs. East Carolina, flashing speed and rushing production in a 48-10 win, while ECU’s “Shipwrecked” social media jab kept the Week 1 trolling rolling. Energy & Growth: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach tourism reported strong lodging-rental numbers through July, projecting another solid year as fall approaches.

Alabama Football: No. 13 Alabama opened with a 48-10 rout of East Carolina, leaning hard on the run and a swarming defense. Luke Metz looked comfortable in his first start, and Yhonzae Pierre capped the day with a pick-six after reading the quarterback’s eyes. LSU Football: In Baton Rouge, Lane Kiffin’s LSU debut turned into a 51-10 statement over Clemson, even with a lightning delay and a celebrity-heavy Tiger Walk. Local Events: Bama Bash BBQ is set for Sept. 12 at Civitan Park in Lake Guntersville, bringing barbecue contests, vendors, and family entertainment. College Sports Elsewhere: South Alabama beat Southeastern Louisiana 39-14, and Austin Peay fell to Vanderbilt 28-9. Alabama Business/Economy: Toyota announced a $280 million Huntsville investment to expand hybrid engine production. Elections & Voting: A federal fight over USPS mail voting rules continues, with DOJ asking an appeals court to pause a judge’s block ahead of the midterms.

Alabama Football Kickoff: Alabama opens its 2026 season Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium against East Carolina, with a newly released depth chart and a Week 1 starter spotlight on QB Keelon Russell. Recruiting Weekend Buzz: The same game day is also a major recruiting moment for Alabama, expected to bring in multiple 2027–2029 prospects and current commitments to Tuscaloosa. SEC Legal Drama: LSU’s Lane Kiffin is still at the center of a college eligibility fight tied to ex-NFL players, with the Tigers’ roster decisions and court battles continuing to ripple across college sports. Local Consumer Watch: Montgomery ranked 4th statewide for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses. Mail Voting Fight: A federal judge blocked Trump administration mail-voting restrictions, extending an injunction as midterm ballots begin going out. Labor Day Safety/Weather: North Alabama is bracing for a record heatwave over the holiday, with heat advisories and guidance for drivers and travel.

Alabama Politics & Accountability: Oakman’s two-year municipal audit found major problems, including missing documentation, unclear restricted-fund handling, and gaps in the town’s audit trail after 2019. Defense & Industry: The U.S. State Department approved two Saudi arms deals totaling $5.75 billion, with tank-engine work tied to Anniston Army Base in Alabama. Local Government Funding: Decatur City Council heard nonprofit requests totaling about $3.2 million, as the city weighs its fiscal 2026 funding package. Agriculture Costs: Record-high diesel prices are squeezing North Alabama farmers, cutting hay production and raising fuel and fertilizer expenses. Education & Safety: An AI “Cat in the Hat” threat trend triggered security response at Smiths Station High School; officials say no direct threat was found, but extra law enforcement was added. Elections: Mail voting for the midterms began amid court fights over Trump administration limits, with a judge blocking key USPS-related changes. Sports (Alabama): Alabama named captains for 2026—Ryan Coleman-Williams, Bray Hubbard, and Zabien Brown—and Trent Seaborn broke AHSAA’s all-time career passing record.

Mail-voting fight in court: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a lower-court order blocking new Postal Service limits on mail-in ballots, as ballots for the midterms begin going out and states warn of chaos. LSU ex-pro eligibility showdown: A Louisiana judge cleared the way for LSU to add former NFL players, but the SEC has sued LSU and Lane Kiffin to stop it—sparking backlash from other SEC states. Alabama politics and residency challenge: Sen. Tommy Tuberville defended his Alabama residency in Alabama Supreme Court filings after residency allegations tied to Florida. Local data-center rules: Decatur adopted strict new requirements for future data center development, including public review and special permits. Labor Day message: Gov. Kay Ivey released a Labor Day video honoring Alabama workers. Alabama basketball staffing: Alabama hired Nate Oats’ wife, Alex Accetta, as director of program relations. Education and policy: Florida approved a rule barring undocumented students from initial enrollment in public universities, starting in 2027-28.

Trade & Investment: Japan’s industry minister Ryosei Akazawa met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, with major investment projects likely on the agenda, including possible small modular reactor work in Tennessee and Alabama. Public Safety: Mobile investigators arrested neurosurgeon Shawn Broxton Clark on child pornography charges, including production counts that carry up to 10 years to life. Elections: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a block on mail-ballot restrictions before states start mailing, as litigation continues and Alabama is named among affected states. Local Business: Coca-Cola Bottling United opened a new Birmingham headquarters, bringing 750 employees under one roof after a $300M-plus move. Sports & College Football: A Louisiana judge cleared LSU to add former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, setting up a high-stakes SEC showdown ahead of LSU’s season opener. Community/School: Central Coosa was designated an Official Alabama Semiquincentennial School, highlighting student history projects tied to the Declaration of Independence.

SEC vs. LSU: The SEC filed a federal lawsuit in Alabama against LSU and coach Lane Kiffin over former NFL players returning to college football, seeking injunctions tied to what the league calls a “deliberate and coordinated campaign.” Prison Oversight: Federal prosecutors asked a judge for summary judgment in a case alleging Alabama Department of Corrections officials failed to protect inmates from violence and excessive force. State Economy: Alabama collected $1.4 billion in individual income taxes in Q1 2026, up 3.3% from the prior quarter, according to Census data. Public Safety: Alabama agriculture officials warned of cattle scams using fake social media listings and AI-generated images. Local Politics & Growth: Brookwood residents packed a town hall to question proposed data centers, raising concerns about schools, power bills, and noise. Sports & Community: Bama Bash returns to Guntersville Sept. 12 for barbecue, family fun, and vendor competition. College Hoops: Alabama basketball named Alex Accetta—Nate Oats’ wife and a former program staffer—director of program relations.

Student Media Rights: Alabama’s student press fight stays in the spotlight as 40 outlets and 15 editors back an amicus brief tied to the Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six magazine lawsuit, arguing courts shouldn’t treat student journalism as “government speech.” Election Integrity & Ethics: Opinion and reporting swirl around AI in political ads, with Alabama examples cited as voters face more misleading, synthetic content. Local Safety & Schools: A viral AI “Cat in the Hat” trend has prompted Walker County school security upgrades after posts referenced specific schools. State Politics: A Montgomery judge dismissed a Perry County election lawsuit after the filing couldn’t show a specific, current action to block. Law Enforcement & Courts: In Shelby County, a former Alabama sports media figure pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution and received probation after a bond-revocation fight. Economy & Industry: Gov. Kay Ivey praised federal moves targeting illegal and unsafe trucking practices, highlighting Alabama’s role in cracking down on non-licensed operators. Community & Infrastructure: Cullman opened a new courtesy dock at Lake Catoma to make boat launches safer.

Election Integrity Fight: Alabama AG Steve Marshall says Democrats are obstructing ballot-tracking safeguards tied to mail ballots, arguing it’s about securing elections ahead of the midterms. State Government & Policy: Alabama’s Department of Revenue issued guidance for employers on Alabama income tax withholding for remote and traveling workers, stressing withholding only for wages tied to services physically performed in Alabama. Public Safety: A rabid bat exposure in Colbert County prompted a safety warning; health officials say Alabama has confirmed 34 rabies cases so far in 2026. Local Business & Community: Trussville Witches Ride founder Christy McDonald was named Birmingham Realtor of the Year, and downtown Greenville’s Camellia City Fest returns Sept. 12 with vendors, food trucks, and family activities. Economy & Jobs: Norfolk Southern completed rail upgrades across Alabama to boost freight capacity and improve access to the Port of Mobile. Health & Culture: A new 16th Street Education and Visitor Center opened beside Birmingham’s historic church, aiming to carry civil rights lessons forward.

Meta Settlement: Alabama is set to receive $117 million from a landmark multistate deal requiring Facebook and Instagram to add youth protections like daily limits and stronger age checks. Public Safety Tech: Gov. Kay Ivey activated a statewide notification system to speed disaster alerts to phones and local TV/radio, following past flood tragedies. Health Watch: Alabama health officials warn residents to use insect repellent and cut standing water as West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses show up in humans and animals. Local Government: Opelika revoked the business license of Top Shelf Alternatives after undercover buys were found to be marijuana. Crime Update: A 13-year-old was found safe after a kidnapping at a Moody gas station; investigators used Flock cameras and CCTV, with the FBI and ALEA’s Internet Crimes Against Children involved. Community & Education: Leidos boosted support for the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering to $1.025 million. Sports/Local Life: Jasper Main Street earned statewide recognition for its welcome center, sculpture trail, and downtown holiday marketing.

Education & Kids: Gov. Kay Ivey marked Dolly Parton’s death by spotlighting Alabama’s Imagination Library, which mails free books monthly to about 116,000 children across all 67 counties. Public Health: A cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce continues to spread, with cases now linked in more states including Alabama. Local Infrastructure: Calera drivers and first responders are still dealing with frequent train blockages; city leaders are pushing a proposed $32 million bridge project to keep roads open. Outdoor & Tourism: Baldwin County celebrated a major Fort Morgan Trail extension at Gulf State Park, adding 4.4 miles and bringing the route to about 10.5 miles. Community Fundraising: Selma’s Freedom Ride Rally aims to raise $100,000 for underfunded local schools, starting with Southside High School. Sports (Alabama): Alabama opens its season Saturday vs. East Carolina with a new QB1, Keelon Russell, and updates on the offense and line. Business & Data Security: Birmingham-based Aesto Health disclosed a breach that exposed data for more than 9.5 million people.

Alabama Politics & Courts: The Trump administration is pushing the U.S. Supreme Court and federal appeals courts to weaken federal voting protections, including efforts to revive rules that could affect last-minute ballot handling in states like Alabama. Local Governance & Growth: Alabama county leaders are calling for a broader zoning conversation as data center expansion sparks pushback, with the Association of County Commissions of Alabama warning counties lack authority to grant industry-specific zoning powers. Education & Community: TVA is taking applications for K-12 STEM classroom awards, offering up to $5,000 for projects across its seven-state region. Public Safety: Walker and Jasper schools are on heightened alert after “Cat in the Hat” social media threats that officials say appear AI-generated. Business & Defense: Tata Advanced Systems and Javelin partners are moving toward co-production of Javelin anti-tank missiles in India, with Alabama-linked U.S. subassembly work expected to continue. Sports: Alabama opens its season Saturday against East Carolina with freshman Keelon Russell set to start, while the Tide also announced no permanent captains yet. Agriculture: Commissioner of Agriculture candidates are weighing in on Trump’s pause on tariff-free beef imports, warning it could unsettle Alabama cattle producers.