AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Isaias: The storm came ashore near Destin, Florida, late Friday as a Category 2 hurricane, then weakened as it moved toward Alabama. High winds, heavy rain, downed trees and widespread power outages are reported; officials urge residents to stay off the roads, and federal disaster aid has been approved for Alabama. Alabama-Georgia: The Tuscaloosa game remains scheduled for Saturday, but weather has disrupted tailgating and other events. President Donald Trump canceled his visit. Montgomery Football: Florida A&M edged Alabama State 28-27 after blocking a potential game-winning field goal as time expired. The matchup was moved up because of the storm. Colbert County Crash: Two Killen residents were killed when their moped was struck by a pickup on Alabama 20 near Muscle Shoals.

Hurricane Isaias: The Category 3 storm, packing 120-mph winds, is expected to make landfall near the Alabama-Florida line Friday night, bringing dangerous storm surge, damaging winds, flooding and possible tornadoes. Gov. Kay Ivey declared an emergency in 40 counties; visitor evacuations and state office closures are in effect, and Alabama’s price-gouging law is active. Mobile’s airport is closing to commercial flights, and shellfish harvesting is suspended in parts of Baldwin and Mobile counties. Game Day Changes: ESPN’s College GameDay moved indoors to Coleman Coliseum, while Alabama-Georgia remains scheduled for Saturday night as officials monitor conditions. Alabama State’s game against Florida A&M was moved to Friday. Tuberville Challenge: The Alabama Supreme Court upheld dismissal of a lawsuit challenging Tommy Tuberville’s residency, ruling that courts lack jurisdiction to hear the case; the decision does not determine his eligibility.

Hurricane Isaias: The Category 2 storm, packing winds near 105 mph, is bearing down on the Gulf Coast. Gov. Kay Ivey declared an emergency in 40 counties, and mandatory evacuations were ordered for parts of Baldwin and Mobile counties. Coastal facilities and Alabama Port Authority vessel operations have closed as officials warn of flooding and damaging winds. Game-Day Changes: Alabama’s matchup with Georgia remains set for Saturday, but tailgating and campus parking are delayed until noon, outdoor events are canceled, and ESPN’s College GameDay is moving indoors. Montgomery Public Schools closed Friday after Alabama State moved its homecoming game because of the storm. Schools: State officials report a preliminary drop of about 12,000 K-12 students, more than twice last year’s decline; the loss could mean roughly 800 fewer teacher units and affect school budgets. Customer Alert: A data breach may have exposed personal information for more than 100,000 Alabama Power customers. The company says access has been stopped and is offering free credit monitoring. South Alabama Football: The Jaguars beat Arkansas State 56-49, in the season’s highest-scoring FBS game so far.

Hurricane Isaias: The storm strengthened to 85 mph Thursday and could reach near 110 mph before making landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday. Alabama’s coast is under a hurricane warning, with 5- to 7-foot storm surge, flooding, damaging winds and possible tornadoes expected. Gov. Kay Ivey declared an emergency in 40 counties as residents prepare for outages and evacuations. Alabama-Georgia Showdown: The top-10 game remains scheduled for Saturday night in Tuscaloosa despite the storm threat. ESPN’s College GameDay has moved indoors to Coleman Coliseum, and officials urge fans to watch for updates. Pinson Hit-and-Run: Authorities are investigating after a pedestrian was struck and killed Wednesday night on Alabama Highway 75. The driver left the scene; the victim’s identity has not been released.

Hurricane Isaias: Alabama is under a state of emergency in 40 counties as Isaias strengthens over the Gulf. Hurricane warnings cover the coast, with damaging winds, storm surge, flooding rain and possible tornadoes among the threats. Fire and rescue teams are preparing to deploy, while Gulf Shores has canceled its National Shrimp Festival and Alabama State moved its homecoming game against FAMU to Friday. The Alabama-Georgia game in Tuscaloosa remains scheduled, but officials are monitoring conditions. Power Customer Alert: Nearly 100,000 Alabama Power accounts were affected by a Southern Company data breach; state officials have warned customers to watch for online bill-payment risks. Manufacturing: Novelis has produced the first coil at its $5 billion Bay Minette aluminum plant, now undergoing commissioning. The facility is expected to add up to 1,000 jobs and begin commercial shipments in 2027. Public Broadcasting: Gov. Kay Ivey removed five Alabama Public Television commissioners, describing the move as a fresh start after months of debate over PBS.

Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Isaias could strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or Saturday, bringing heavy rain, flooding and possible tornadoes to Alabama. The Alabama-Georgia game remains scheduled, with officials monitoring conditions. Homecoming Changes: Alabama State canceled Friday classes and events, moved its football game against Florida A&M to 11 a.m. Friday, and postponed other weekend activities. Road Projects: Mobile County voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to fund $82 million in road and bridge work across 39 projects, with no new taxes or debt. Workforce Investment: The GE Aerospace Foundation is putting $1 million into training across the Auburn-Montgomery region, including a free manufacturing bootcamp at Southern Union State Community College. Election Calendar: Alabama’s voter-registration deadline is Oct. 19; the Nov. 3 ballot includes statewide, legislative, congressional and local races. Data Security: Nearly 100,000 Alabama Power accounts were reportedly affected by a Southern Company data breach.

Hurricane Watch: A developing Gulf system—Tropical Depression 9—could strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane and bring damaging winds, heavy rain, and flash-flood risk to west Alabama this weekend, with the SEC Georgia-Alabama game at Bryant-Denny Stadium under close monitoring for possible late kickoff or disruption. State Benefits Update: Alabama DHR is rolling out a new SNAP/TANF computer system, ACES, with a self-service portal starting Oct. 5 in Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, Elmore, Dallas, and Talladega counties; benefits won’t change, but clients will get new login IDs and online options for applications and recertifications. Local Government: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed discussed the future of Montgomery Whitewater, saying the city wants the 120-acre complex to succeed in city limits through stronger outreach and better financial management. Education & Business: Bevill State named Shawn McDaniel vice president of instruction and student services, while TARCOG is offering a free two-part small-business financing class in Rainsville. Public Safety: Walker County ranks among Alabama’s worst for accidental overdose rates, according to recent reporting. Sports: Troy opened Sun Belt play with a 55-34 win over Southern Miss, and Alabama football’s Georgia showdown remains the week’s biggest local draw.

Safe Sleep Push: Alabama health officials are urging families to “Clear the Crib” during October’s National SIDS Awareness Month, emphasizing the ABCs of safe sleep—alone, on their back, in a crib—and removing pillows, loose blankets, bumper pads, and stuffed items. College Football Spotlight: Former Alabama coach Dennis Franchione, who led programs including Alabama, TCU and Texas A&M, died at 75. Health Tech in Alabama: Tanner Health rolled out AI-assisted ECG assessment for suspected heart attacks across west Georgia and east Alabama, aiming to speed detection and improve outcomes. Alabama Politics & Sports: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed Oct. 10 as Alabama Girls in Sports Day, citing protections for girls’ sports. Election-Year Costs: With fuel prices a hot-button issue, states are moving to suspend gas taxes or expand dyed-diesel relief ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Data Centers Debate: Alabama’s data-center boom is drawing backlash over power, water use, incentives, and local transparency.

Mental Health Focus: Alabama Department of Mental Health is kicking off Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 4-10, aiming to cut stigma and push people toward early care, citing 860,000+ adults reporting mental illness in 2024. Space & Jobs: Gov. Kay Ivey says Alabama is entering the bid to host the U.S. Space Academy, with Huntsville as the preferred training home. Rural Healthcare: Ivey announced nearly $55 million in second-round Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program grants, including EMS “treat-in-place” and cancer detection expansion in North Alabama. Tourism Spotlight: North Alabama’s tourism leaders were honored in the AMLA PEAK Awards, with multiple Shoals-area wins. Fuel Costs Politics: President Trump signed an order easing restrictions on tax-free red-dyed diesel, a move aimed at lowering costs for farmers and truckers. Local Crime: Two men accused of posing as law enforcement to rob an Auburn home were arrested out of state. Sports (Alabama): Alabama beat Mississippi State 56-23 in Starkville, and the Tide’s Keelon Russell and freshmen Xavier Griffin and London Simmons earned SEC honors.

Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded again, now pulling additional lots of Great Value and Trader Joe’s frozen organic berries sold in Alabama and more than two dozen states. Public Safety: An Opelika man was killed in a Chambers County shooting; deputies arrested Queston Vantavis Perry, charging him with murder. Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking a Gulf low that could develop into Tropical Storm Isaias, with Alabama bracing for heavy rain risk ahead of the Alabama-Georgia game. College Sports: Alabama is up to No. 6 in the AP Top 25, while the Tide’s next big SEC test vs. Georgia is set for a major matchup with kickoff time and TV details still being finalized. Local Business/Economy: PermaCold Logistics is building a 121,270-square-foot cold storage warehouse in Albertville, backed by $40 million in New Markets Tax Credits and expected to create 50+ jobs. Health & Education: Two Tuscaloosa elementary schools are receiving Blue Cross and Blue Shield grants for hands-on learning and outdoor activity programs.

Weather Watch: A Gulf low could bring another soaking weekend across Florida, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas, with Pensacola projected up to 12 inches and Birmingham around 5.3 inches, while a separate system has a 40% chance to form in the central Gulf. Severe Alerts: A tornado warning was issued west of Gulf Shores after radar showed rotation aloft over coastal Baldwin County, prompting people to seek shelter. Local Public Safety: Alabama Law Enforcement is investigating an officer-involved shooting on I-65 in Chilton County after a wanted Dothan man brandished a gun during a traffic stop. Politics & National Spotlight: President Trump heads to Nebraska for more midterm campaigning after a weekend of rallies that included Alabama, where he drew attention for empty seats and continued attacks on media coverage. Courts: A former Fort Hood soldier from Tuscaloosa was convicted in federal court on multiple counts tied to sexual abuse and exploitation of two minors. Community: Team WHIP held its 11th annual awareness celebration in Lanett, raising $2,540 to help people affected by breast cancer. Sports (Alabama): No. 6 Alabama rolled past Mississippi State 56-23, setting up a major Georgia showdown next.

College Football: Alabama stayed unbeaten and mostly untested after a 56-23 road rout of Mississippi State, with Keelon Russell throwing his name into the Heisman conversation and the Tide setting up a major Week 6 showdown at No. 2 Georgia. AP Top 25: Missouri surged to No. 14 after beating Florida 45-17, while Texas held No. 1 and Alabama remained in the top tier. Local Sports: MTSU hockey dropped both games in College Hockey South against Alabama in Pelham, as the Frozen Tide won 3-2 and 3-2. State Politics & Policy: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed October as Beef Month in Alabama. Infrastructure: State and federal leaders broke ground on the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, a six-lane crossing expected to take about five years. Public Safety: Alabama Highway 216 reopened after a fatal hit-and-run that killed a Tuscaloosa man; troopers are still looking for the driver. Weather: A flash-flood threat remains elevated across parts of Alabama and the Gulf Coast with heavy rain possible.

Alabama Football: No. 7 Alabama rolled past previously unbeaten Mississippi State 56-23 behind Keelon Russell’s four touchdown performance, setting up a huge Week 6 showdown at home with No. 2 Georgia. SEC Spotlight: Georgia also stayed sharp, beating Vanderbilt 38-14, while Missouri’s statement win over Florida reshuffled the national picture. College Gameday: ESPN announced College Gameday is coming to Tuscaloosa for Alabama-Georgia next weekend. South Alabama: Jared Hollins threw for 321 yards and three TDs as South Alabama beat Louisiana-Monroe 52-35 in a Sun Belt opener. Local Health: Orlando Health finalized its acquisition of RMC Health System in Anniston, renaming it Baptist Health Calhoun Hospital. Courts & Public Safety: A judge froze Brookside’s plan to shut down its police department after a whistleblower lawsuit raised concerns about deleted 911 records and retaliation. Sports Beyond the Tide: Plainview’s girls cross country team placed fifth at the Gatorade Classic, led by Jaxson Bruce’s school-record run.

Mobile River Bridge: Alabama officials and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy broke ground in Mobile on the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, a major I-10 crossing meant to ease long-running traffic bottlenecks; Elections & politics: Senate Leadership Fund is pulling back on a North Carolina effort tied to Michael Whatley and shifting money elsewhere as Republicans brace for a tougher midterm fight; Local leadership: Monroeville elected Charles Andrews as its first Black mayor in the city’s 121-year history; Public health: A frozen-berry recall expanded after an E. coli outbreak linked to certain Great Value and Trader Joe’s organic berry products sickened 17 people; State media: An Alabama survey says most respondents back keeping Alabama Public Television’s PBS relationship and favor increasing state funding; Road safety: A Pike County head-on crash killed a woman and injured three others, and an Autauga County Mustang crash killed a driver; Sports (Alabama): No. 7 Alabama visits No. 16 Mississippi State in a key Week 5 SEC matchup at noon on ABC.

New Alabama vaping rules: Starting Oct. 1, Senate Bill 9 expands Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act to cover electronic nicotine delivery systems, meaning vaping is now restricted where smoking is restricted. Local planning in North Alabama: Bartow County’s Planning Commission recommended denying a proposed 70-acre Highway 113 housing development near the Hyundai-SK Battery plant, a plan that would have added about 240 homes. Mobile River Bridge push: President Trump returned to Mobile, touting the $3.2 billion Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project and joking that officials might “name the damn bridge after me,” as the groundbreaking drew fresh attention. Politics and the ballot: Trump also endorsed Katherine Robertson for Alabama attorney general at the Mobile rally, while Democrats held a separate “People’s Rally” downtown. Public safety: Guntersville police say an armed burglary suspect from Sept. 21, Adam Stanford, is in custody on a first-degree burglary charge. Community events: Tuscaloosa Public Library’s “Dolly Day” celebrates its 1 millionth book milestone Saturday with free family activities and giveaways. Sports (high school): Week 7 action included big results like Vestavia Hills 52, Tuscaloosa County 7, and Bessemer City 36, Central 17.

Public Health: The CDC reports 3,887 measles cases in the U.S. as of Oct. 1, with Alabama among 47 jurisdictions reporting cases and 95% of cases tied to outbreaks. Local Schools & Community: Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary in Tuscaloosa held a dunk-tank fundraiser for United Way of West Alabama, letting students “dunk” their new principal. Oral Health Push: Alabama’s Department of Public Health is inviting third-graders to enter the 10th annual “Share Your Smile with Alabama” photo contest to promote dental health. Breast Cancer Awareness: University of Alabama students and local health workers are ramping up screening and education efforts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Rural Healthcare Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced nearly $55 million in new rural health grants, including maternal health networks, emergency upgrades, and expanded cancer screening. Transportation Safety: ALDOT switched left turns at the Pinson intersection to protected-only operation after years of crash complaints. Politics & Campaign Trail: President Trump is set to rally in Mobile ahead of the midterms, aiming to energize GOP voters in deep-red Alabama. Insurance: Alabama’s Department of Insurance approved 2027 ACA individual-market premium rates, with average increases ranging from 11.4% to 33.8% by carrier.