AGP Executive Report

Alabama Maternal Health: Alabama birth leaders say the state’s maternal system is failing women—especially Black mothers—citing gaps in obstetric care, stalled Medicaid expansion, and limits on midwives’ scope, while pushing community-centered care. World Cup Accessibility: Alabama-based KultureCity is bringing sensory relief to Atlanta’s FIFA Fan Festival with a quiet vehicle and free sensory kits for families overwhelmed by noise and crowds. Election Runoff Tuesday: Alabama voters head to the polls June 16 for multiple primary runoffs; polls run 7 a.m.-7 p.m., photo ID is required, and no crossover voting is allowed. Port of Mobile Growth: Ray-Mont Logistics is building a new export transloading facility at the Port of Mobile, aiming to boost exports starting in Q4 2026. Labor Rights Probe: An Alabama-based contractor tied to a new U.S. consulate in Milan faces allegations of paying foreign workers under $2 an hour, with prosecutors saying wage cuts and harsh schedules left some with about €500 a month. Healthcare Costs Watch: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually. FBI Cyber Training: The FBI’s Huntsville cyber range uses a replica town to simulate attacks for training and research.

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals they’re not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million annually for noncompliance—another push ahead of the midterms. Alabama Politics: Alabama voters head to Tuesday’s primary runoffs, including a north Alabama State Board of Education race where Emily Jones and William Matthews face off for an open District 8 seat. Public Safety & Courts: A new report says nearly 75% of suicides in Mississippi prisons happened in restrictive housing, renewing scrutiny of solitary confinement practices. Local Infrastructure: Mobile will close a stretch of Mobile Street starting Monday for Alabama Power pole installation work, with weekday closures running through June 26. Tech & Training in Huntsville: The FBI’s Kinetic Cyber Range—an indoor replica town at its Huntsville campus—trains agents to respond to realistic cyberattacks. Environment & Community: In Madison, an HOA voted to euthanize hundreds of federally protected Canada geese, sparking calls for non-lethal alternatives.

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide for not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million annually—an Alabama-relevant issue as patients and employers push for clearer costs. Cybersecurity in Alabama: The FBI’s Kinetic Cyber Range in Huntsville is training agents using a fully built, realistic “fake town” to practice responses to ransomware and other critical-infrastructure hacks. Wildlife Conflict in North Alabama: An Edgewater HOA in Madison voted to euthanize hundreds of federally protected Canada geese, despite residents urging non-lethal options and questions about permits. Alabama Sports Spotlight: Alabama opened the College World Series with a 9-0 loss to Oklahoma, while a German World Cup traveler posted viral stops around Auburn and Alabama hospitality. Local Business & Community: Alabama Beer Co. and Murder Point Oysters teamed up to protect waterways through a conservation fund supporting rapid-response grants.

FBI Cyber Training in Huntsville: The FBI opened a 22,000-square-foot “Kinetic Cyber Range” in Huntsville—an indoor replica town with a hospital, homes, a power company, and 200+ servers—so agents can practice responding to real-world cyberattacks. Health Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide to post basic pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually, pushing harder enforcement of price transparency rules. Alabama Runoff Election Watch: Alabama voters head to June 16 primary runoffs, including a Democratic U.S. House race in the 5th District and GOP contests tied to the State Board of Education in District 8. Coastal Conservation & Aquaculture: Alabama Beer Co. and Murder Point Oysters teamed up to protect Alabama waterways, while Dauphin Island Sea Lab harvested its first redfish from an offshore aquaculture platform off Fort Morgan. Food Safety Recall: The FDA says a frozen snack recall covers Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers sold in more than 20 states, including Alabama, due to possible metal pieces. Business & Jobs: Arcline Investment Management announced it’s acquiring Mobile-based Continental Aerospace Technologies for about $535 million.

Alabama Politics: Alabama voters head to GOP and Democratic primary runoffs Tuesday, June 16, with statewide races including U.S. Senate, Lt. Gov., and Attorney General plus Agriculture Commissioner and Public Service Commission contests—here’s who’s on which ballot. Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution of Jeffrey Lee, calling the method cruel and unusual, though the state can still pursue other options. Health Care Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide for not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million annually for noncompliance—Alabama patients could feel the ripple effects. Food & Safety: FDA recalled Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Alabama, due to possible metal contamination. Local Economy & Jobs: ITU AbsorbTech broke ground on a $24.5M McCalla plant, its first Alabama processing facility, aiming to process reusable textiles and oil absorbents. Business/Community: The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama held a State of the State at the River Market, focusing on education funding, infrastructure, and Alabama’s newly drawn congressional map. Weather: West Alabama faces hot, humid conditions with scattered storms Friday-Sunday and a better chance of heavier rain early next week.

U.S. Health Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide that they’re not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million a year for noncompliance—another push aimed at lowering what patients pay for common care. Alabama Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution of Jeffery Lee, keeping the lower-court ruling that the method is unconstitutionally cruel. Public Safety in Selma: Selma’s interim police chief told city leaders the department needs more cars and major station repairs after 34 felony arrests in two months, with officers dealing with worn-out vehicles and missing essentials. Education Policy: The Alabama State Board of Education discussed proposed updates to world language course standards, including adding “critical languages” like Chinese, Korean, Russian and Japanese. Coastal Restoration: Gov. Ivey announced $87 million in RESTORE Act funding for Gulf Coast projects in Alabama. Medical Cannabis Launch: Alabama’s first dispensary in Montgomery reported 102 patients making 111 purchases since opening, with limited product rations easing as more shipments arrive. Labor Probe Tied to Alabama Firm: Foreign workers building a $350 million U.S. consulate in Milan alleged they were paid under $2 an hour by Alabama-based Caddell Construction, as Italian prosecutors investigate labor exploitation claims.

U.S. Supreme Court: Alabama can’t immediately carry out a death sentence using nitrogen gas, dealing a fresh setback to the state’s execution plans for Jeffery Lee. State Politics: Tuesday runoffs will settle several Alabama party nominations, including key Jefferson County races and statewide GOP contests. Coastal Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced $87 million in RESTORE Act money for Gulf Coast restoration projects. Education & Youth: Junior Achievement of Alabama opened the $18M JA McWane Economic Education Center in downtown Birmingham to teach financial literacy and career skills. Local Culture: The 28th Rhythm and Roots Festival adds more kid-focused programming and interactive live art. Environment: Wildlife officials are racing to slow the spread of invasive tegu lizards across the South, with reports reaching Alabama. Business & Growth: Alabama’s rare-earth push gets a boost as REalloys secures Appalachian feedstock access tied to defense supply deadlines. Community: Alabama nonprofit leaders head to Tuscaloosa for a Community Summit aimed at strengthening fundraising, strategy, and collaboration.

Alabama Politics & Policy: Alabama AG Steve Marshall escalated the fight over abortion access, issuing cease-and-desist letters to mail-order abortion pill providers and warning drug companies not to ship to the state. Courts & Civil Rights: A federal judge blocked Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution plan pending appeal, keeping the death-penalty method in limbo. Elections & Taxes: John Wahl, a Trump-endorsed conservative, pushed a proposal to eliminate Alabama’s state income tax, arguing it would boost jobs and competitiveness. Agriculture & Growth: Christina Woerner McInnis pledged an audit-style review of data centers and solar farms’ impacts on farmland, water, energy demand, and long-term food security. Business & Jobs: Simmons Bank hired veteran banker Jim Recer to lead commercial and industrial strategy in Texas and other major markets. Community & Culture: Auburn City Schools named Ben McQueen and Shelby Wall as the new AHS soccer coaches after Bill Ferguson’s retirement. Sports & Local Interest: Steppin’ Out Performing Arts announced a downtown expansion with a new studio location. World Cup Watch: A guide for Alabama viewers breaks down World Cup kickoff times and how to watch.

Infrastructure & Flood Risk: Central Alabama’s heavy rain is leaving behind damage that can surface days later, with experts warning floodwater can cause hidden electrical problems in modern cars. Workforce & Local Economy: Eastaboga’s Legacy Cabinets abruptly closed, leaving nearly 500 workers without jobs and triggering a WARN Act review. Education & Culture at UA: UA student media is launching “Druid,” a new Tuscaloosa/Southern lifestyle magazine replacing suspended titles, plus campus groups like the Spanish Club keep language practice going weekly. Training for Critical Jobs: Drake State and Huntsville Utilities are teaming up on an underground utilities class using heavy equipment and safety training to feed North Alabama’s infrastructure workforce. Agriculture Watch: Alabama livestock producers are urged to stay alert after a New World screwworm detection in Texas, even as the immediate state risk is low. Courts & Alabama Death Penalty: A federal judge ruled Alabama can’t use nitrogen hypoxia for an execution, saying a firing squad is feasible. State & Federal Policy: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals to improve price transparency or face fines, and Alabama’s AG announced a multistate GS Labs COVID test settlement. Business & Industry: Mobile’s port is drawing new export logistics investment after channel deepening, while West Marine plans to close 59 stores nationwide, including in Alabama.

Abortion Enforcement: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued cease-and-desist letters to six companies over alleged illegal advertising and sales of chemical abortion-inducing drugs, warning of investigations and penalties. Courts & Executions: A U.S. judge moved to block Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution of death-row inmate Jeffery Lee, citing constitutional concerns, as the state’s legal fight continues. Higher Education Governance: Auburn’s board took full control of curriculum and dissolved the faculty senate, replacing shared governance with a new advisory council—prompting faculty backlash. Local Business & Growth: Birmingham City Council approved a data center zoning ordinance after a public fight over safeguards, following controversy around an Oxmoor Valley project. Public Health & Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide to improve price transparency or face fines, including Alabama facilities. State Economy & Industry: Alabama officials joined a U.S.-Japan shipbuilding push, with Japanese delegations touring the Alabama coast to expand maritime and defense capacity. Sports & Security: Lionel Messi returned from a hamstring issue in Alabama, but a pre-World Cup friendly was marred by a passport-details leak in the team sheet. Agriculture: North Alabama Agriplex hosted its 26th Touring Farms for Kids program, giving children hands-on lessons about local farms and where food comes from. Tech & Safety Training: Industrial Consulting & Training expanded MSHA certification training across Houston and multiple mining states, including Alabama, to help workers meet federal safety requirements.

Abortion Pill Crackdown: Alabama AG Steve Marshall sent cease-and-desist letters to six companies he says are illegally advertising and selling abortion-inducing medication to Alabama consumers, warning of investigations and penalties. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide—including Alabama-area facilities—over missing price transparency, with fines up to $2 million annually for noncompliance. Public Health Alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting FDA recall updates. Local Growth & Planning: Leeds approved a one-year moratorium on new data center campuses and similar high-impact facilities as officials study infrastructure and utility impacts. Community & Culture: Black Music Month spotlights W.C. Handy’s legacy in the Shoals, while Huntsville’s Tennessee Valley Jazz Society hosts a free Acoustic Jazz Jam. Space & Education: Alabama A&M researchers brief U.S. Space Command as the command expands at Redstone Arsenal, and the university and Forest Service host a Forestry Fair for youth.

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million a year, pushing tougher enforcement of federal price-disclosure rules. Rural Health Policy: Alabama’s rural hospitals gained new legal permission to cooperate under Certificates of Public Advantage, aiming to keep small clinics and emergency rooms open by sharing services and staff. Higher Ed Governance: Auburn trustees voted to dissolve the faculty senate and take direct control of curricula, replacing it with a presidential advisory council and sparking backlash from faculty governance advocates. Workforce & AI Infrastructure: Meta launched America’s Workforce Academy, a $115 million paid training push for AI-infrastructure jobs, including roles tied to data centers and modernized grids. Local Business & Jobs: Virginia Transformer is set to build a major Muscle Shoals plant, targeting 1,100 jobs, as Alabama eyes its place in the nation’s transformer bottleneck. Politics: In Alabama’s AG runoff debate, Jay Mitchell and Katherine Robertson sparred over “dark money” accusations. Community & Culture: Birmingham’s FISE return is getting a local boost, with rEvolution named agency of record for FISE Birmingham 2026.

Economic Development: Kamtec Auto USA will open a manufacturing operation in Auburn, investing $9.2 million and creating about 50 jobs over three years. Tech & Infrastructure: Google plans “infrastructure and community investments” across Alabama, with an announcement tied to its Bridgeport data center in Jackson County. Shipbuilding Leadership: Austal USA named Gene Miller president and added senior leaders as the Mobile shipbuilder continues expanding its management team. Workforce & Industry Recognition: HL Mando won GM’s 2025 Supplier of the Year award again, with its Alabama plant producing millions of brake-control units. Higher Education: UAH appointed Srinath Ekkad as dean of its College of Engineering, effective Aug. 5. Local Governance: Prichard Mayor Carletta Davis fired back at council allegations over withheld financial information, citing delays tied to accounting software and a dispute over an interim finance director. Sports (Alabama): Alabama baseball is headed back to the College World Series after a Super Regional sweep; Troy also punched its ticket for the first time in program history.

Medical Marijuana Expansion in Alabama: Alabama’s first legal medical cannabis dispensary, Callie’s Apothecary in Montgomery, opened this week, letting patients buy products under the state’s program—while more storefronts are planned for Mobile and Daphne. Gulf Coast Access: Two Gulf Coast cities are getting their first dispensaries as medical marijuana expands across Alabama. Local Community & Health Care: CMS ratings updates highlight ongoing nursing home performance in Birmingham and Mobile, with facilities earning 3- and 5-star marks in Q1 2026. Politics & Representation: The Congressional Black Caucus warns Southern redistricting could cut Black members of Congress by about a third, after Supreme Court changes affecting how maps are drawn. Labor Push: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler pledged to unionize 2 million workers over five years. Sports & Courts: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby won a temporary injunction to play in 2026 despite NCAA gambling admissions. Tragedy in Japan: Auburn student Weston Higginbotham, missing for a week, was found dead near Kyoto, prompting an outpouring of support across Alabama.

Supreme Court & Alabama Redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map previously deemed racist, a major shift that could reshape the state’s political battlefield. Health Care & Alabama Hospitals: Jackson Hospital’s leaders say time is running out and are pressing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for fair reimbursement to keep the facility open. Higher Education Policy: Auburn’s Board of Trustees voted to replace the Faculty Senate with a new Presidential Academic Advisory Council under HB520, aiming to tighten curriculum and course oversight. Public Health & Cancer Screening: Alabama is getting a new colorectal cancer screening option: a blood-based test for people who won’t do stool tests or colonoscopies. State Politics & Culture Wars: The Supreme Court is also set to weigh major “culture wars” cases, including gun rights and transgender athletes. Community & Storm Recovery: After a storm hit Orange, hundreds of residents were still without power as crews worked to restore electricity. Workforce & Unions: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler pledged to unionize 2 million workers in five years, betting on turnout and organizing momentum.

Alabama Health: The American Cancer Society added a blood-based option to colorectal cancer screening guidelines, a big deal for Alabama where the disease remains a leading cancer killer. Wildlife & Development: In Baldwin County, gopher tortoises were relocated after burrows were found during a Daphne housing project, showing how private land partnerships can protect threatened species. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings updates show Mobile’s Gulf Coast Health and Rehabilitation and Northport’s Park Manor Health and Rehabilitation both landing in the 2–3 star range for Q1 2026, with no fines reported. Supreme Court Culture Wars: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on major gun and transgender-athlete cases, with decisions expected later this month. Local Governance: Homewood City Council will meet Monday to discuss data center zoning and a moratorium idea, plus hemp product business rules. Sports & Community: The HBCU Legacy Bowl is relocating to Atlanta for 2027, and Alabama’s recruiting buzz continues with new commitments. Tragedy in Japan: Auburn student Weston Higginbotham, from Birmingham, was found dead near Kyoto after a dayslong search.