AGP Executive Report

Tariffs and costs: A new analysis estimates executive tariffs have cost Alabama about $5.4 billion since Jan. 2025, ranking the state No. 20, with roughly 85% hitting manufacturers through imported raw materials, parts and equipment. Public safety: Alabama saw six deaths in Labor Day weekend traffic crashes, with troopers investigating 322 crashes statewide. Education outcomes: Alabama’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black/African American students who entered in 2018 was 38% by 2024. Elections: A federal appeals court upheld a block on Trump’s mail-voting executive order, warning it’s hard to meet the requirements as ballots go out, including in Alabama. Health policy: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America pledged $100 million to cut U.S. maternal mortality by half by 2031. Local courts & crime: An Auburn man pleaded guilty in federal court tied to COVID relief fraud and unlawful employment. Food recall: Walmart shoppers in 16 states, including Alabama, were told to check freezers after a Great Value frozen fruit recall over possible E. coli contamination.

Alabama Politics & Courts: Alabama AG’s office asked a judge to hold a Homeland Security Investigations officer accused of sex charges without bond pending trial, citing Aniah’s Law. Local Public Safety: A rollover on Alabama 59 in Summerdale left a teen and a woman trapped; crews freed them through the sunroof and both were taken for evaluation. Economy & Daily Life: Gas prices climbed in Huntsville as the Iran conflict disrupted global oil supply, with drivers reporting more frequent fill-ups and tighter budgets. Health Watch: The CDC reported 19,595 confirmed Cyclospora cases in the U.S. since May 1, with thousands more under review. Sports (National, with Alabama ties): Sam Darnold was ruled out for the rest of Week 1 after a hip injury in Seahawks’ opener; Drew Lock took over. College Football TV: Miami vs. FAMU kicks off Thursday at 8 p.m. on ACC Network. Housing: A local housing trends update points to higher prices and mortgage rates squeezing buyers, even as inventory improves.

Education & Honors: Three Hewitt-Trussville students—Henry Haynes, Riley Morris and Caden Williams—were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, putting them in the race for about 6,700 scholarships worth $24 million. Public Safety & Policy: Alabama’s U.S. Rep. Barry Moore pushed back on “dark money” claims tied to the Club for Growth, saying the group backs conservative causes and includes donors from within Alabama. State Politics: Former ALGOP chair Terry Lathan says closed-primary legislation is likely to return in 2027, with Gov. Tommy Tuberville potentially making the difference. Consumer Protection: Alabama Attorney General Brenna Bird is part of a bipartisan push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Government: Clarke County approved a $17.66 million FY2027 budget, including a 3% merit raise and funding for law enforcement and road-related accounts. Community & Culture: The 25th anniversary of 9/11 is being marked across South Alabama with personal remembrances and local observances. Sports: Alabama’s high school flag football Super 10 rankings after Week 2 keep Central-Phenix City and Moody atop the list, with Montgomery Catholic and Hewitt-Trussville also featured.

Alabama Politics & Elections: Alabama’s governor’s race is in the fall stretch, with Republican Tommy Tuberville reporting about $829,000 raised in August and $9.51 million cash on hand, while Democrat Doug Jones raised about $803,000 and has $2.53 million cash—setting up a spending gap heading toward Nov. 3. Local Voting: Absentee voting is underway in Madison County, with key deadlines for registration and ballot requests coming in late October. Public Safety: ALEA’s Labor Day report says troopers investigated 322 traffic crashes over the holiday period, with 6 deaths and 107 injuries; marine patrol reported no boating fatalities. Community Spotlight (Jasper): Jasper’s Sgt. William Jasper mural has been recreated after a 2025 downtown fire, and the Foothills Festival kicks off Friday with major acts across two nights. Campus Incident: Mississippi State student Zayden Leonard was detained after a report of terroristic threats toward the financial aid office; he and his lawyer deny the claims. Business/Defense: Austal USA in Mobile is in play as Wildcat Infrastructure submits a higher $1.25–$1.35 billion cash-free, debt-free proposal, topping Hanwha’s earlier bid.

SEC Drama in Court: The SEC escalated its fight with LSU, filing an amended lawsuit in federal court in Alabama and seeking a temporary restraining order ahead of a Thursday meeting that could lead to LSU’s expulsion. Alabama Football on the Road: After a 48-10 Week 1 win over East Carolina, Alabama sits at No. 12 in the AP and Coaches polls and heads to Kentucky Saturday for SEC play. Maternal Health Watch: A new nationwide study finds Alabama’s maternal mortality rate is 38.6 deaths per 100,000 live births (2018-2022), among the highest in the country. New Alabama Pet Law: “Beau’s Law” takes effect Oct. 1, setting minimum outdoor dog care standards for tethering, shelter, and prohibited cruel practices. Local Community & Services: Cornerstone Connectivity officially launched after a telecom brand merger, and gas prices in Alabama averaged $3.78 a gallon, up 9.4 cents over the week. Rural College Spotlight: University of West Alabama earned a top national rural ranking from Washington Monthly.

Alabama Heat & Safety: Extreme heat is hitting Alabama’s Farmers Market on Finley Avenue, with vendors and shoppers relying on shade, fans, and extra cold drinks to get through the day. Local Environment Funding: ADEM awarded nearly $2.5 million in recycling grants for fiscal 2027 to 20 Alabama cities, counties, and solid waste groups, including Florence and the Shoals Solid Waste Disposal Authority. Community Events: United Way of Northwest Alabama will hold its Donor Appreciation & Campaign Kickoff Sept. 17, and volunteers are gearing up to pack more than 17,325 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Education & Pathways: Northwest Shoals Community College and UNA signed an articulation agreement to help eligible NWSCC graduates transfer into UNA’s Interdisciplinary Studies program with transfer scholarships and a tuition discount. Sports (National, Alabama-linked): Florida State’s ACC opener at Doak Campbell Stadium was delayed nearly two hours by a power outage before the Seminoles fell 27-24 to No. 19 SMU.

Alabama Football: Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb says the Tide will work on quarterback sliding this week after Keelon Russell’s Week 1 run-and-escape style raised concerns about unnecessary hits ahead of Saturday’s trip to Kentucky. Injury Updates: Coach Kalen DeBoer provided positive progress reports on AK Dear, Jireh Edwards, and Noah Rogers, all expected to be closer to returning after missing the ECU game. SEC Week 1: A conference roundup highlights how most SEC teams opened with wins, keeping the league’s power picture largely intact while still raising questions for a few programs. Flock Cameras Debate: State Sen. Arthur Orr says Alabama lawmakers could revisit Flock license-plate reader cameras next session, with a full ban possible but more likely guardrails and penalties. Public Safety/Local: Russell County investigators are probing after human remains were found in the Seale area, with identification pending. Social Security Snapshot: ZIP code 35801 reported 4,845 Social Security beneficiaries in December 2024, a slight uptick from the year before.

Alabama Football: No. 13 Alabama opened 2026 with a 48-10 home rout of East Carolina, powered by QB Keelon Russell’s first-start surge (256 passing yards, 86 rushing) and a balanced attack that saw multiple backs find the end zone. College Sports Watch: Labor Day night brings Florida State vs. No. 19 SMU on ESPN, with many staff predictions leaning SMU despite FSU’s home-field. CFP Buzz: Early Week 1 results are already reshaping playoff talk, with LSU’s big win and Ole Miss’s late survival helping the SEC’s case. SEC Legal Fight: LSU’s lawsuit challenging SEC rules on former pros has sparked debate over fairness and where such eligibility fights should be handled. Public Safety/Tech: In Marshall County, Sheriff Phil Sims says Flock ALPR cameras helped track a vehicle in a child-custody case and speed up a safe recovery. Community & Culture: Alabama-based Krewe members are among those traveling to New Orleans for the Southern Decadence parade, a major end-of-summer celebration. Weather/Travel: Labor Day weekend brings storm and heat concerns across Alabama, with officials urging safe travel.

Alabama Politics & Courts: The Trump administration is back at the U.S. Supreme Court, again asking judges to let new USPS mail-ballot rules take effect before the November midterms—warning that ballots already being mailed (including Alabama planned for Sept. 9) could turn a legal fight into a scramble for election officials. Alabama Sports: No. 13 Alabama opened the 2026 season with a 48-10 rout of East Carolina, with Keelon Russell flashing dual-threat promise as the Tide leaned into the run game and big plays. Local College Football: Arkansas rebounded from a tough Week 1 by turning the page after beating North Alabama 31-14, and now faces No. 21 Utah next week in Salt Lake City. Community & Culture: Alabama EMA launched a new podcast, “Ready for Anything,” aimed at disaster preparedness beyond tornadoes, including flood and earthquake scenarios. Business & Travel: A long-running Red Lobster in Oxford, Ala., is set to close after 35 years, citing specific lease and operating conditions. Weather Watch: A Heat Advisory is in effect across northern Alabama with heat index values around 105–109, plus storms possible later today.

Alabama Football: Keelon Russell made his first career start count, throwing for 249 yards and a TD while running for 86 yards and another score as No. 13 Alabama rolled East Carolina 48-10. The Tide’s defense set the tone early, including a Yhonzae Pierre pick-six, and the offense leaned hard on Ryan Coleman-Williams’ big day (130 yards). Alabama State Football: The Hornets opened 2-0 with a 34-0 home shutout of Lane College, forcing turnovers and keeping the Dragons off the board; ASU hosts Troy next. South Alabama Football: Bishop Davenport powered South Alabama past Southeastern Louisiana 39-14, with the Jaguars jumping out to a 19-0 lead and controlling the ground game. Troy Football: Goose Crowder threw three TD passes as Troy beat Sam Houston 24-21, sealing it after a late onside kick. College Football National: LSU’s Lane Kiffin era began with a 51-10 demolition of Clemson, while Michigan survived a clock controversy to beat Western Michigan 13-12.

Alabama Football Season Opener: Alabama kicks off its 2026 home slate against East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with several offensive players listed as injured but dressed for warmups, including RB EJ Crowell, RB AK Dear and WR Noah Rogers, while kickoff is set for late morning. SEC Legal Fight: LSU coach Lane Kiffin says it “wasn’t easy” to decide not to add former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris for the Clemson opener, citing uncertainties as the SEC’s lawsuit continues in federal court in Alabama. College GameDay Spotlight: ESPN’s College GameDay begins its season tour with LSU-Clemson in Baton Rouge, while Kirk Herbstreit picks Notre Dame to win the national championship. Local Sports Pipeline: Multiple Alabama-area high school standouts are listed on college rosters for the week ending Sept. 6, including players tied to Alabama A&M and other regional programs. Community & Education: New state data show Madison County’s Black bachelor’s completion rate at 24.6% and Tallapoosa County schools remain majority white in 2023-24.

Local Animal Care: Marshall County Animal Shelter in Albertville finished drainage-system renovations and teamed up with Greater Huntsville Humane Society for a free Monte’s Wellness Clinic, with 130+ pets getting exams and vaccines and 161 spay/neuter vouchers handed out; the shelter is now asking for forever homes for its ready-to-adopt dogs and cats. Alabama Football Kickoff: Alabama opens the 2026 season at noon Saturday vs. East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium with Keelon Russell making his first career start at QB, as the Tide look to prove themselves in a new era under Kalen DeBoer. High School Spotlight: Thompson quarterback and Alabama commit Trent Seaborn set the AHSAA career passing yardage record in a 49-0 win over Vestavia Hills. Road Work in Huntsville: ALDOT says nighttime resurfacing on US-231/US-431/North Memorial Parkway starts Tuesday, Sept. 8, with single-lane closures Sunday through Thursday nights. Community Help: Bottoms Up Diaper Bank is running a September donation drive for diapers and baby essentials for West Alabama families. Sports Elsewhere: UAH volleyball stayed undefeated in the UAH Invitational, and West Alabama swept LeMoyne-Owen before edging Henderson State in five sets.

College Football Kickoff in Alabama: No. 11 Alabama opens its season Saturday at noon ET vs. East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with Keelon Russell set to lead the offense and the Pirates bringing sixth-year QB Mitch Griffis. Local Sports Business: Alabama hires Nate Oats’ wife, Alex Accetta, as director of program relations for the Crimson Tide men’s basketball program. Public Safety: A Villa Rica man faces multiple charges after a high-speed chase in Cullman County that topped 130 mph and ended with spike strips and a controlled substance found in the car. Health Alert: Walmart expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to E. coli risk, including Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 16 states (Alabama included). State Government & Elections: The Trump administration asks the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a lower-court block on new Postal Service mail-ballot restrictions as midterm mail voting begins. Montgomery Community: Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama donated $25,000 to the Montgomery Zoo to support capital improvements, including a new reptile facility. Education & Opportunity: University of West Alabama was ranked No. 1 nationally for rural America by Washington Monthly.

Mars Communications: NASA picked Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to build a new $700 million Mars Telecommunications Network, aiming to be operational by 2030 and boosting data relay for missions. Alabama Education: As students head back to classrooms, Alabama leaders point to mixed statewide test results and ongoing efforts to lift public education outcomes. Capital Case Upheld: Alabama AG Marshall says the 11th Circuit upheld capital murder convictions for the 2001 claw hammer double homicide in Sylacauga. Court Cyber Scrutiny: Alabama appellate courts are investigating whether sensitive court-record information was accessed after Thomson Reuters’ C-Track platform incident. Voting Fight: The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to lift a block on USPS mail-in voting rules, warning ballots could go out in Alabama and North Carolina before the deadline. Labor Day Costs: Gas prices are surging ahead of Labor Day, with AAA reporting a national average near record highs. Local Business: Coca-Cola Bottling Company opened a new Birmingham headquarters, bringing employees and distribution functions under one roof. Sports & Courts Collide: LSU’s eligibility fight continues as a judge clears former NFL players to return, while the SEC pursues legal action in Alabama.

Alabama Sports & Community: Alabama men’s basketball made two staff moves, naming Josh Pierre director of player development and bringing back Alex Accetta as director of program relations. Public Safety & Health: Alabama is bracing for dangerous heat at the sold-out Bryant-Denny opener, with extra medical staff and cooling and water stations, plus guidance for fans to hydrate early. Opioid Response: In Guntersville, an opioid committee meeting focused on funding for housing, mental health links, and more staffing and presence in Marshall County. Local Growth: LivAway Suites broke ground on its first Alabama location in East Montgomery, offering extended-stay rooms with kitchens and workspaces. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a recall of frozen organic blueberries due to possible E. coli contamination, including a Great Value triple berry blend sold in Alabama. Wildlife & Outdoors: Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge was flagged as a tick hotspot, with warm weather and thick vegetation helping ticks thrive.

Space & Defense: The Pentagon says U.S. Space Command is accelerating its headquarters move to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, with more than 140 staff already there and plans for 900-plus by fiscal 2028. Energy & Growth: Huntsville Utilities says rising natural gas demand is driving a proposed 137-mile pipeline, with surveys underway and nearly 1,000 landowners contacted. Cybersecurity: Thomson Reuters says an unauthorized party accessed files tied to its C-Track court platform, affecting court systems including Alabama. Public Safety: Parents in multiple states are pushing Congress for a federal ban on nitrous oxide (“whip-its”), arguing Louisiana’s ban hasn’t stopped sales elsewhere. Schools & Tech Misuse: Alabama officials increased security after a viral AI “Cat in the Hat” trend showed up around Walker County schools. Health: UAB doctors warn extreme heat can affect anyone and stress prevention steps as Alabama faces dangerous conditions. Community: The YMCA of the Coosa Valley will end operations Sept. 30 after 120 years, with water-safety work continuing through a regional YMCA alliance. Local Outdoors: A new courtesy dock at Lake Catoma in Cullman aims to make boat access safer for anglers.