AGP Executive Report

Alabama Workforce & Education: Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Workforce launched “Workforce Pell,” expanding federal Pell eligibility for approved short-term training programs aimed at in-demand jobs and credentials. State Regulation Watch: Alabama’s Department of Insurance says fees for insurance producers, continuing education providers, premium finance companies and more could rise as much as 30% starting Jan. 1, 2027, with a public hearing set for Aug. 6 in Montgomery. Public Accountability: A state audit found repeated compliance and financial-control problems at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, including concerns about federal grant spending and procurement practices. Local Business & Jobs: PopUp Bagels announced its first Alabama location in Birmingham, with additional openings planned across the state. Community & Outdoors: Wild Alabama is hosting free “Wild Wednesday” hikes and a special evening walk in Bankhead National Forest, with volunteer ranger patrol plans for early July. Health & Care: A new partnership will expand specialized anesthesia services at Hughston facilities in Phenix City and other regional sites, reflecting rising orthopedic demand. Consumer Safety: The BBB is warning shoppers about “America 250” scams, including counterfeit coins and merchandise.

Nicholls State Sports: Nicholls State named Darion Brown as its new men’s basketball head coach, bringing back a familiar face who helped the Colonels win and reach the NIT. NBA Free Agency: Free agency opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, with teams already lining up deals and trade chatter as the offseason heats up. Roadwork in Huntsville: The city is working to widen Winchester Road between Dominion Circle and Naugher Road to five lanes, but the process is slow—environmental review, right-of-way, and utility moves come first. AAMU Grant: Alabama A&M won a $600,000 USDA grant to launch an agricultural data science specialization, aiming to train students for tech-driven agriculture and environmental careers. Local Health Care: Spring View Hospital added board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Eric Griffin, expanding women’s health and minimally invasive surgical services. Alabama Groceries: Alabama’s two-month grocery tax holiday ended, so shoppers are back to paying the 2% sales tax on food. Heat Safety: West Alabama EMS reported heat-related emergencies as humidity and triple-digit heat push health risks higher. Critical Minerals: The U.S. Army selected Titan Mining for graphite processing at Anniston Army Depot in Alabama and Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas. America250 & Civil Rights: Hawaii displayed rare photos from Selma, including MLK wearing flower lei, tying Alabama’s civil rights history to the national anniversary.

Wildfire tragedy in Alabama ties to national response: Federal officials released the identities of three firefighters killed fighting the Knowles Fire in western Colorado; one was Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama, assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew. Alabama tourism surge: Cullman County is outpacing the rest of the state, with visitor spending up more than 16% in 2025 to $325.5 million and 3,468 tourism-supported jobs. Energy shift with local impact: TVA’s draft plan scales back wind expectations and leans more on natural gas to meet rising demand tied to growth like data centers and manufacturing across its region, including parts of Alabama. Construction industry spotlight: Alabama AGC’s annual convention drew 500+ leaders and featured Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s keynote. Weather alert: Strong storms are possible across parts of Alabama Tuesday, with damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph, plus heat index values around 105–110°F. Local business/tech: Drive Electric Alabama plans free EV ride-and-drives July 11 at the Hoover Met. Radio shake-up: Two Birmingham-area country radio DJs were cut in iHeartMedia’s nationwide layoffs. Data center theft risk: Reports say cargo thieves are targeting data center equipment, including shipments linked to Alabama.

Nursing Workforce: Covista and Advocate Health announced a new nursing collaboration through Chamberlain University, offering scholarships, clinical placements, and loan repayment support to grow a practice-ready nurse pipeline. Wildfire Tragedy: Federal officials released the names of three firefighters killed responding to Colorado’s Knowles Fire, including Sydney Watson of Warrior, Alabama. Alabama Data Centers: A new AI data center is moving forward in Shelby County after a bitcoin-mining site conversion plan, with major multi-phase capacity and investment outlined in recent building permits coverage. Local Infrastructure: ALDOT is set to resurface 5.4 miles of US-43 near Lake Tuscaloosa, with guardrail work and traffic delays expected through fall. Health & Community: Blood Assurance is urging donations ahead of the July 4 holiday with a $40 e-gift card promotion as local supplies run low. Culture & Tourism: Alabama’s Black Belt got a new 72-page travel guide highlighting 23 counties, history, and outdoor adventures. Film in Birmingham: A feature film, “The Girlfriend,” is filming in Birmingham’s Forest Park neighborhood starting June 29. America 250 in Alabama: Irondale unveiled an America’s 250 street mural and kicked off a week of events.

Holiday Safety: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says it will ramp up patrols statewide on roads and waterways for the Fourth of July, joining “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement as travel and gatherings surge. Reentry Access: Alabama is expanding a pilot that lets incarcerated people get state-issued driver’s licenses or IDs before release, starting with Elmore Correctional and growing to five more facilities. Workforce Training Leadership: AIDT director Ed Castile is retiring after 33 years, with Kevin Taylor named to lead the state’s job-training and industry recruitment effort. Manufacturing & Jobs: U.S. Steel approved about $475M to expand Fairfield Tubular Operations, while Michelin announced it will close the BFGoodrich tire plant in Tuscaloosa by end of 2028, affecting about 1,200 workers. Health & Industry Pivot: BioCryst will wind down internal drug discovery and close its Birmingham research facility by end of 2026, shifting toward external partnerships for rare diseases. Local Governance: Cullman joins Birmingham, Leeds, and Homewood in pausing new data center development with a one-year moratorium.

Alabama SNAP Costs: Alabama’s SNAP payment error rate jumped to 9.52% for fiscal year 2025, putting the state on track for a roughly $200 million price tag unless it cuts errors this year. Local Courts: The Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals cleared newly elected Baldwin County Commissioner John “Tater” Harris of business-license convictions tied to Gulf Shores golf cart rentals. Environment & Property: A Bella Mina quarry operator agreed to new limits after residents’ complaints over blasting, dust, noise, and alleged impacts to water and property. Public Health: Alabama agriculture officials are tightening animal entry rules to keep the New World Screwworm out after detections in Texas and New Mexico. Healthcare Leadership: Huntsville Hospital CEO Jeff Samz was elected chair of the Alabama Hospital Association board. Business & Jobs: Deep-tech firm Advanced Navigation says it’s opening its first U.S. manufacturing hub in Huntsville, Alabama, as it expands. Community Support: Perry County schools and a local coalition launched “No Child Without a Bed,” backed by a $20,000 grant, to provide beds for children lacking them.

SNAP Costs: Alabama’s SNAP payment error rate jumped to 9.52% for fiscal 2025, putting the state on track for a roughly $200 million price tag under federal rules unless it cuts errors. Hospitals Leadership: Huntsville Hospital CEO Jeff Samz was elected chair of the Alabama Hospital Association board, aiming to boost access, quality, and long-term hospital sustainability. Alabama Recruiting: Alabama landed 4-star WR Osani Gayles for the 2027 class, adding a major target for the Tide’s future quarterbacks. Engineering Rankings: UA’s Styslinger College of Engineering climbed to No. 83 overall in U.S. News graduate engineering rankings, the biggest jump among peers. Food Safety Alert: USDA issued a public health alert for Private Selection Honey Dijon raw chicken breasts sold in Alabama and eight other states due to an undeclared allergen. Weather: Magnolia is set for hot, humid conditions with highs in the mid-90s through Tuesday. Sports Court: Former Alabama Lions CB Terrion Arnold faces a major Monday hearing tied to serious criminal charges.

Federal Privacy & Data Security: AssuranceAmerica says a breach may have exposed Social Security, driver and insurance data for 1.1 million people across seven states, including Alabama, after “suspicious activity” was found March 17. Public Health: Reser’s Fine Foods recalled 5,300 pounds of “Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad” in Alabama and six other states after it was mislabeled and could contain undeclared egg and milk allergens. Alabama Courts & Justice: A Jefferson County man, Carlton Lenard Adams, was sentenced to 10 years for federal dogfighting and firearms charges tied to the rescue of 78 dogs. Space & Local Industry: NASA tested an in-orbit refueling “cryocoupler” at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, developed by L3Harris, aimed at future deep-space missions. State & Local Economy: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Alabama small businesses hit by a December 2025 drought. Sports (Alabama tie-in): Former Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. was selected by the 76ers, with DeMarcus Cousins praising the fit and Philly’s depth.

HBCU Fundraiser: Thousands turned out for a 5K in Atlanta that raised about $150,000 for scholarships at historically Black colleges and universities, with Stillman College President Yolanda Page firing the starting gun. Alabama Heat Safety: The Weather Service in Birmingham warns of several days of extreme heat and humidity ahead of the Fourth of July, with “feels like” temps near 100–103 degrees in parts of West Alabama—stay hydrated and limit outdoor time. Local Economy/Insurance: Property insurance experts say Florida’s storm-season outlook is improving, but premiums may not fully ease after years of spikes—an issue Alabama homeowners watch closely. Manufacturing Investment: U.S. Steel announced a $75 million upgrade at its Fairfield Tubular Operations in Alabama to expand premium thread-line production. Defense Industry: L3Harris broke ground in Arkansas for added PAC-3 propulsion facilities, supporting faster U.S. Army interceptor output. Politics & Culture: Alabama Republicans are rebranding Pride Month with “family” messaging, drawing criticism over hypocrisy and harm to LGBTQ communities.

BFGoodrich/Michelin Fallout in West Alabama: Michelin says it will close the BFGoodrich Tuscaloosa plant by 2028, with about 1,200 jobs affected, and local leaders met to plan for the transition. Critical Minerals on Army Bases: The Trump administration is moving mineral processing onto U.S. military installations via partnerships, including a graphite purification facility tied to Alabama’s Anniston Army Depot. Public Health Alerts: USDA issued a public health alert for misbranded raw boneless chicken breast sold at Kroger and Fred Meyer stores in nine states, including Alabama, due to an undeclared allergen. Animal Cruelty Case: A Bessemer-area man was sentenced to 10 years in a federal dog-fighting ring case after 78 pit bull-type dogs were rescued; he also faces restitution over $500,000. Local Governance & Crime: Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin says homicides are down 70% and the city has a 100% clearance rate this year, while data centers remain a flashpoint. Transportation: I-59 Chalkville Mountain Road ramps in Trussville reopened early as part of the widening project.

BFGoodrich/Michelin Reshuffle: Michelin says it will wind down BFGoodrich’s Tuscaloosa tire plant by end of 2028 and consolidate “nearly all” production to its Fort Wayne, Indiana facility, citing structural inefficiencies and tougher recreation/off-road markets—Tuscaloosa employs about 1,200. Defense Spending in Alabama: Lockheed Martin won a up-to-$35B, seven-year contract to quadruple THAAD interceptor production, with Alabama tied to new interceptor and munitions work. Local Manufacturing Boost: U.S. Steel plans a $475M expansion at its Fairfield Tubular Operations plant, adding a quench-and-temper line plus training and storage. Alabama Politics: Birmingham educator/entrepreneur Dr. Ammie Akin launched her campaign for Alabama’s CD-7 special GOP primary against Rep. Terri Sewell. Workforce/Education: Wallace State will add Facility Maintenance Technology and Advanced Baking & Pastry programs starting Fall 2026. Community Spotlight: United Way of Etowah County held a Day of Action with 400+ volunteers and nearly 1,660 hours of service.

Plant Closures & Jobs: Michelin says it will wind down “nearly all” BFGoodrich tire production in Tuscaloosa, gradually ramping down and ending by end of 2028, with about 1,200 employees affected as work shifts to Fort Wayne. Public Assistance Accountability: Alabama’s SNAP payment error rate rose to 9.52% in fiscal year 2025, up from 8.32% in 2024, raising the state’s potential cost share for improper payments. Education Law Fight: State Rep. Danny Garrett dismisses a planned CHOOSE Act lawsuit as “saber rattling,” arguing the law was crafted to be constitutional. Workforce & Training: Bishop State’s new All Hands on Deck Maritime Boot Camp in Mobile is paying its first cohort $100 a day while teaching welding, pipefitting, and other shipbuilding skills. Local Governance: Jefferson County leaders say they’re pressing the brakes on data center rules to handle development “in an orderly way,” while Cullman adopted a temporary data center moratorium and addressed nuisance properties. Health & Research: UAB won an $8 million grant to study long-term outcomes for children exposed to metformin during pregnancy. Business Growth: New York Butcher Shoppe plans eight new Alabama stores, including Huntsville, Madison, and Tuscaloosa.

Workforce & Education: Alabama was picked for a national Apprenticeship America cohort, bringing $200,000 in catalytic funding and support to expand registered youth apprenticeship pathways tied to employer needs. Local Economy & Jobs: BFGoodrich is shutting its long-running Tuscaloosa plant, ending operations by late 2028 and eliminating about 1,200 hourly jobs. Defense & Industry: Lockheed Martin won a seven-year, up to $35B contract to quadruple THAAD interceptor production, a major boost for U.S. missile defense capacity. State Education Outcomes: Alabama’s Class of 2025 hit record highs for graduation and college/career readiness, with more students meeting standards through career-technical education and college credit. Business & Community: Birmingham named George W. Barber Jr., Michael A. Mouron, and Larry D. Thornton Sr. to its Business Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Agriculture & Culture: Alabama hosted its annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch to spotlight local growers and the Sweet Grown Alabama program. Environment & Policy: Seventeen states, including Alabama, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law. Weather & Research: USA partnered with Climavision to bring radar data into instruction and research, strengthening severe-weather training in Alabama.

AI Safety & Kids: Alabama lawmakers are weighing AI regulation aimed at protecting children and teens, with state leaders pushing for faster action at the state level than Washington. Data Centers & Local Control: Cullman is considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers, joining other Alabama cities taking steps to slow or study the impact as communities ask for clearer benefits and safeguards. SNAP Soda Ban Fight: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration move that would let states restrict SNAP purchases of soda and candy, a ruling that could complicate Alabama’s similar plan. Storm Recovery: Alabama Power crews worked through the night after Tropical Storm Arthur, restoring power to about 86% of affected customers by Friday morning. Alabama Economy/Industry: Alabama-built vehicles scored strongly in the 2026 Cars.com American-Made Index, with multiple Honda and Hyundai models ranking high. Space Command Legal Battle: A Colorado business group says the relocation of U.S. Space Command to Alabama is within the president’s authority, backing the administration’s challenge. Banking: ServisFirst Bancshares set an earnings release and webcast for July 20. Sports (Local Interest): The 2026 NBA Draft is complete, with Alabama guard Labaron Philon selected by the 76ers at No. 22.

NBA Draft (Alabama ties): AJ Dybantsa went No. 1 to the Wizards, with Utah taking Darryn Peterson at No. 2, and Round 1 wrapped after seven trades; Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. landed with the 76ers at No. 22. Aviation/Firefighting: Neptune Aviation’s first A319 air tanker is arriving in Dothan for conversion work, aiming for up to 4,500 gallons of retardant and faster transit than current tankers. Alabama manufacturing/jobs: U.S. Steel approved about a $475M quench-and-tempering line at Fairfield Tubular Operations, targeting full production by Q2 2029. Gun policy: Trump said his administration is “working on” national right-to-carry legislation that could override parts of state gun laws. Plastics fight: Alabama is among 17 states suing to block California’s plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach. Local civic life: Clarke County runoff turnout was tiny, driving the cost per vote to about $36. Weather/cleanup: Storm cleanup in Clarke County kept crews busy after Tropical Storm Arthur brought heavy rain and downed lines.

NBA Draft (Alabama ties): The Sixers used the 22nd pick to select Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., adding a fast, high-scoring backcourt piece to Philly’s lineup. NBA Draft (Alabama/SEC buzz): The draft also featured Tennessee forward Nate Ament going 13th to the Bucks, a reminder of how SEC talent is driving this class. Local Government: Cullman City Council adopted a temporary moratorium on data centers, pausing new applications for development and operation inside city limits. Environment/Local Impact: A conservation group is pushing back on U.S. plans to open parcels in Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest for oil and gas leases. Alabama Economy: Alabama earned a 2026 Silver Shovel Award, citing growth tied to U.S. Space Command and Eli Lilly’s major North Alabama investment. Health & Community: Alabama A&M launched a free 10-week walking challenge to build healthier habits and campus connections. Business/Industry: INEOS Styrolution announced it will permanently close its polystyrene site in Illinois while continuing operations in Decatur, Alabama. Public Safety: Shelby County’s first Safe Haven Baby Box opened in Helena, offering an anonymous way to surrender newborns safely. Sports/Recruiting: Alabama landed another in-state lineman, Arab OL Stafford Willis, in the 2027 class.