AGP Executive Report

Alabama Business & Economy: Genesis is pausing production of its GV70 SUV at its Montgomery, Alabama plant and shifting that work back to Ulsan, South Korea, citing Hyundai’s tight U.S. capacity as sales climb. Local Government: Selma’s interim police chief Michael Perry was removed after reporting pointed to a dysfunctional culture and rundown conditions; John Brock is taking over day-to-day while a committee reviews applicants for a permanent chief. Public Safety & Health: North Alabama storms knocked out power for thousands, with Huntsville Utilities and Decatur Utilities reporting widespread outages and urging residents to avoid downed lines. Food Safety: Publix GreenWise frozen berries are under a Class I FDA recall over possible E. coli contamination, with Alabama included among distribution states. Consumer Fraud Watch: Ider is among Alabama cities tied for 69th for July BBB Scam Tracker reports, while Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile lead the state list. Education: Huntsville City Schools and Drake State launched a new accelerated studies program at Mae Jemison High, bringing college-level instruction to students on campus.

Data Centers Debate: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt says Alabama should avoid both “every corner” data-center growth and a blanket moratorium, arguing communities should weigh tax benefits against power demands and costs. Defense & Jobs: Moog expands in Huntsville with a new secure hypersonic “hardware-in-the-loop” lab, boosting local testing capacity for next-gen missile and interceptor systems. Military Safety: The U.S. Army resumes Apache training flights after a fatal Aug. 12 crash near Salado killed two pilots; the cause remains under investigation. Public Health: Alabama is seeing cyclospora cases “slowing down” after a nationwide outbreak, with about 117 confirmed cases statewide. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix frozen blueberry recall to its highest risk level after E. coli illnesses and hospitalizations; Alabama stores were among distribution points. Local Governance: A Somerville, Ala. Bitcoin mining project is moving forward despite residents’ outrage because the area lacks zoning authority, leaving officials with limited tools to stop it. Workplace Watch: Forbes named 10 Alabama employers among its 2026 best workplaces, including Auburn University, Regions, UAB, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Fraud Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker shows Alabama cities still see losses from online scams, with Birmingham and Huntsville among the highest-reporting areas.

Defense & Industry: Hanwha Defense USA won the U.S. Army’s first major contract for K9 Mobile Howitzer prototypes, with accelerated delivery of six systems and options for 12 more, plus a new Opelika, Alabama integration and test operation. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Publix frozen GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries to a Class I recall after an E. coli outbreak sickened 12 people across multiple states, including Alabama. Public Safety & Local Government: Tuscaloosa City Schools approved adding parking-lot security cameras at several high schools to cut down on blind spots and improve investigations. SNAP & Hunger: Alabama food bank leaders urged Congress to delay SNAP-related fees, warning that tighter rules and higher error-rate costs will hit families already facing food insecurity. Fraud Watch: A BBB Scam Tracker roundup shows Birmingham and other Alabama cities still seeing heavy scam losses, with online purchase schemes topping reports. Civil Rights Legacy: Dr. William G. Anderson, a Georgia civil rights leader and later a barrier-breaking surgeon, died at 98.

Defense & Tech in Alabama: Auburn opened a $30M Applied Research Institute lab in Huntsville to speed defense and space tech from concept to capability, while the U.S. Army awarded Hanwha Defense USA a $100.3M contract for prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers for testing. Cybersecurity & Utilities: U.S. Northern Command warned drone-swarm defenses still leave many U.S. bases and infrastructure exposed, and Alabama utilities say they’re prepared for cyberattacks as water systems face rising threats. Health Access: Capstone Health won an HRSA grant to establish a community health center in Fayette, expanding primary care and more beyond its existing Alabama sites. Local Schools Safety: Tuscaloosa City Schools approved adding security cameras to high school parking lots, and recognized Adopt-A-School partners for major involvement. Consumer & Fraud: Alabama will receive $45M from a multistate settlement with Cash App’s parent over alleged fraud and weak protections. Business Growth Gap: A Birmingham report finds Black-owned businesses are rising, but scaling and job creation aren’t keeping pace. Agriculture & Community: Alabama Pork Producers helped launch the Southeast Pork Alliance, and Atmore’s Bee More Festival Weekend is set for Aug. 28–29.

Defense & Industry: Hanwha Aerospace just landed a major U.S. Army deal—six prototypes of its K9 wheeled 155mm howitzer for the Mobile Tactical Cannon program, with options that could push the total value to about $262.9 million. Local Workforce & Tech: PROJECTXYZ in Huntsville pledged $250,000 to expand Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering opportunities, including internships and plans for a research institute plus a new residence hall for female students. Space Command Move: Team Redstone is accelerating the U.S. Space Command headquarters transition to Redstone Arsenal by leaning on partnerships across the Army, Guard, NASA Marshall, and other agencies. Insurance & Courts: The Alabama Supreme Court is requiring more sharing of claims-handling procedures in a State Farm dispute, while a separate case limits a Florida woman’s claim to proceeds from an Alabama asbestos settlement. Community & Safety: Flock Safety is tightening camera policies after privacy and misuse concerns. Education & Local Life: Bessemer’s $8M “Built” scholarship tied to a nearby QTS data center is drawing backlash over eligibility rules for students in neighboring school districts. Road Safety: AAA says speeding is widely accepted in Alabama, despite deadly consequences.

Alabama Families & Health: A UAB-led study says better indoor lighting could help prevent childhood nearsightedness, pointing to indigo light as a potential game-changer. Consumer Alerts: FDA recalled Cocoa Crunch cereal in 10 states after an undeclared soy allergen was found. Insurance Watch: State Farm is sending a record $5 billion dividend to qualifying auto customers; Alabama payouts vary by 2025 premiums. Local Business: The KFC in South Cullman permanently closed, ending a 58-year franchise run for the Kohl and Weir family. Community Safety Debate: Calhoun County’s Flock camera controversy is back in the spotlight after law enforcement highlighted a kidnapping rescue tied to the system. Sports & Culture: Saraland QB Jamison Roberts is drawing statewide buzz ahead of the new season, while Alabama Shakes’ reunion tour news keeps the music scene humming. Tech & Data: A new breach report highlights sensitive data exposure tied to a compromised cloud platform, underscoring ongoing cybersecurity risks.

PFAS Lawsuit: Australia’s government accuses 3M of hiding the health and environmental risks of PFAS in firefighting foam, alleging the company kept selling AFFF for decades after knowing it could persist and contaminate drinking water. Local Courts: A Morgan County judge delayed the murder trial of former Decatur officer Mac Marquette until Alabama’s Supreme Court rules on a pending petition. Education & Tech: ProjectXYZ is donating $250,000 to the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in Huntsville, helping fund a research institute and a new women’s dorm. Public Safety & Health: Tuscaloosa City Schools is set to vote on adding 16 security cameras across five district locations, with Alabama Power providing and maintaining the system. Community & Grants: Lauderdale County RC&D announced $175,000 in FY2026 grants supporting schools, fire departments, and local nonprofits. Business & Growth: Hyundai is swapping manufacturing leadership at its U.S. Metaplant, signaling a push from production stabilization into expansion. Sports & Culture: Alabama high school football season is set to kick off with AHSAA’s new public/private classification split. Scams Watch: Wetumpka tied for ninth in Alabama for July BBB scam reports, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses.

Power Reliability: Alabama Power says its generation team and maintenance planning keep the utility at 99.9% reliability for more than a decade. Housing Growth: Thompson Thrift plans a 300-unit Class A apartment community, Rivet, in Chelsea along U.S. 280, targeting late-2027 move-ins. Energy Tech: The Alabama Mobility and Power Center and PowerBox Technology are testing next-generation industrial energy management at the AMP Power Research Lab in Tuscaloosa. Data Centers & the Grid: Texas ordered audits of data centers seeking grid access, as regulators and lawmakers wrestle with who pays for rising power demand. Local Land Rights Fight: Calera resident Fenn Church says elected officials are starting to engage in his dispute with Alabama Power over eminent domain. Public Safety Cameras: State Auditor Andrew Sorrell calls for Flock license-plate cameras to be removed, not just paused. Business & Community: Gulf Shores is weighing closing a boat launch at Canal Park for safer access and redevelopment, while Cullman’s aging commission seeks volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors.

AI & Elections: Super PACs are pouring money into state races as AI regulation becomes the next big political fight, with Alabama among the biggest targets. Public Safety & Crime: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman joined a coalition backing tougher federal penalties for ATM thefts, aiming to close gaps for ATMs outside banks. Local Fraud Watch: Cullman ranked 8th among Alabama cities for BBB scam reports in July, with six reports and losses totaling $4,772.56. Business & Jobs: Airbus says it’s investing more than $82 million in Mobile projects, including a new distribution center, with 50 new jobs expected. Manufacturing Expansion: Callan JMB, Bia Power Systems and Alabama State University announced a $60 million transformer venture in Brewton. Tech in Alabama Politics: Sen. Tommy Tuberville says he uses an AI chatbot on long drives while campaigning. Health Care Update: A man in Alabama is four weeks into rehab at Brooks after a traumatic brain injury, with family reporting steady progress. Community & Banking: Chase Bank is holding a grand opening in Foley, its first location there. Sports: Seahawks’ Terrion Arnold signing remains pending as legal steps play out.

Military & Aviation: The U.S. Army temporarily halted Apache training flights after a fatal Fort Hood crash killed two pilots, with investigators still working to find the root cause. Local Business & Jobs: Callan JMB, Bia Power Systems and Alabama State University announced a $60 million electrical manufacturing venture in Brewton, targeting transformers and power equipment and projecting 150–250 direct jobs. Economic Development: The Mobile Chamber says Airbus plans to invest more than $82 million in Mobile projects, including a new central distribution center, with 50 new jobs expected. Community & Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Meridianville logged two scam reports in July and tied for 33rd among Alabama cities, as nationwide fraud losses keep climbing. Civic Process: Westover delayed a data center moratorium vote and scheduled a town hall Aug. 20 to let residents weigh in on a proposed six-month pause. Sports & Culture: Laurel Taylor, a Montgomery singer, advanced on “America’s Got Talent,” and Alabama’s preseason football chatter includes projections for Florida’s AP Top 25 debut.

Data centers and local control: Alabama Sen. Arthur Orr backed giving local governments more say on where data centers and mining facilities go, pointing to community fears around a planned crypto mining site near Somerville in Morgan County. State tax snapshot: Alabama collected $229.9 million in motor vehicle license taxes in 2024, about 1.4% of the state’s total $16.9 billion tax take. Public safety aviation update: The U.S. Army paused Apache AH-64 training flights after a deadly crash near Fort Hood, Texas, killing two soldiers, as officials investigate the cause. Health and economy: Tallahassee’s Chamber urged a more unified regional strategy as FSU Health (a merger of Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare) nears a final deal, with housing and recruitment on the agenda. Local community meeting: Brookwood announced a Sept. 1 meeting to address proposed industrial park projects tied to data center plans, with limited speaking spots for residents first. Alabama food spotlight: Southern Living named four Alabama favorites to its Southern Food Hall of Fame, including Wickles Pickles and Conecuh Sausage.

Alabama Food & Culture: Southern Living put four Alabama staples in its Southern Food Hall of Fame, including Wickles Pickles (Dadeville) and Conecuh Sausage (Evergreen), spotlighting the state’s tangy, smoky, and crispy favorites. Local Dining Buzz: A new milkshake roundup names Birmingham’s Crestwood Pharmacy and Soda Fountain as the top Alabama stop for a classic shake. Black Belt Tourism: ALBBAA designated the Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival as its first “Black Belt Signature Event,” backing the event with a $5,000 grant to boost conservation, education, and rural economic impact. Workforce & Training: The U.S. Army awarded a $10 billion, 26-year contract to overhaul pilot training at Fort Rucker, shifting initial rotary-wing instruction to a contractor-run model. Community Development: Brookwood is setting a Sept. 1 meeting to discuss proposed Industrial Parkway data center projects, with limited speaking spots reserved first for city residents. Public Safety & Justice: Alabama executed Jeremy Williams, 41, Aug. 13, following a capital murder case tied to the killing of 5-year-old Kamarie Holland.

Aviation Safety: The U.S. Army temporarily halted all Apache helicopter training missions after a deadly crash near Fort Hood, Texas, killing two pilots; investigators from Fort Rucker are now working to determine the root cause. Defense & Industry: The Army selected M1 Support Services for its Flight School Next program, a major shift in how new helicopter pilots are trained at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Local Economy & Jobs: West Alabama Ready Mix cut the ribbon on a new Jasper facility, expanding concrete operations in Walker County. Workforce Development: Alabama’s economy is growing, but leaders say the state still needs more skilled workers; one effort expands training through the Alabama Community College System’s workforce academy model. Education & Community: The Teamsters Scholarship Fund named Jasper student Jake Elliott as a 2026 recipient. Local Governance & Transparency: Somerville residents fighting a proposed Bitcoin mining center say ownership links back to Texas-based entities, raising questions about transparency and zoning. Public Safety & Justice: A former Hanceville officer and his wife struck plea deals in an Alabama corruption probe tied to the dissolution of the city’s police department. Sports Preview: Jalen Milroe and Drew Lock are set to rotate in the Seahawks’ preseason opener, with coach Mike Macdonald keeping quarterback plans flexible.

Fort Hood Tragedy: The U.S. Army identified two pilots killed in a helicopter crash near Salado, Texas—Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead—during a maintenance test flight; the Army Combat Readiness Center in Fort Rucker, Alabama, is leading the investigation. Alabama Defense Tech: Huntsville-area firms Davidson and Strangeworks plan a quantum-enabled optimization proof of concept aimed at improving defense mission planning, logistics, and resource decisions. Missile Defense Contract: The Missile Defense Agency awarded Lockheed Martin $211.4 million for new Configuration 3 THAAD launchers for the UAE, with Huntsville as contracting authority. Public Safety & Health: A cyclosporiasis outbreak has reached 13,895 lab-confirmed U.S. cases, with FDA investigators in Mexico tied to the lettuce supply chain; Alabama is among states reporting cases. Local Healthcare Funding: UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair secured a $750,000 grant via Alabama’s Rural Hospital Investment Program to buy equipment and reduce patient travel. Conservation Spotlight: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt was named Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Legislative Conservationist of the Year. World War II Memorial Vandalism: DC prosecutors announced an arrest in the vandalism of the World War II memorial, charging the suspect with felonies.

Capital Projects: Dallas County signed a $27 million contract to fully rebuild its tornado-damaged jail, ending years of negotiations and cutting down costly inmate transfers while construction could start as soon as September. Public Safety & Privacy: Alabama sheriffs weighed in on Flock Safety’s policy changes, including shorter data retention and tighter access rules, after concerns about surveillance and privacy. Defense & Space: Huntsville-based updates highlighted the Army’s push for affordability and modularity in new fires competitions, while Space Command leaders described “space fires” as both a defense and attack challenge. Missile Defense Funding: Gen. Mike Guetlein warned Golden Dome could halt in October if lawmakers don’t reconcile next-phase funding. Local Tech & Connectivity: Alabama’s community colleges are getting the first high-speed fiber links under a statewide initiative, with seven schools connected first and all 24 targeted by end of 2027. Community Spotlight: HudsonAlpha’s Wiregrass program is putting new ag tech into farmers’ fields, helping peanut growers test ways to cut costs and improve yields. Politics: The Alabama Democratic Party LGBTQ+ Caucus has a new chairman focused on boosting LGBTQ+ engagement ahead of the November election. Legal/Justice: Alabama is among states facing a rare three-execution day nationwide, with Jeremy Williams scheduled after executions in Tennessee and Oklahoma. Sports & Entertainment: WWE announced a new run of live events, including Huntsville on Nov. 19.

Death Penalty Watch: Three men are set for execution on the same day across Tennessee, Alabama and Oklahoma, highlighting a sharp rise in U.S. capital punishment. DOJ/SPLC Fallout: A former Southern Poverty Law Center official, Heidi Beirich, was charged in the Justice Department’s broader case tied to alleged fraud and secret payments involving informants. West Alabama Community: Tuscaloosa-area leaders at the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s “State of the Community” focused on mental health gaps and public safety, including fallout from a DCH Regional Medical Center shooting lawsuit. Local Business & Jobs: Brasfield & Gorrie broke ground on an $65M Birmingham headquarters expansion expected to add at least 80 jobs. Hoover Healthcare Growth: South Haven Surgical Plaza, an 80,000-square-foot outpatient medical campus, is set to break ground Friday in Hoover. Food Safety: A major jalapeño-linked salmonella recall expanded to more retailers, with hundreds sickened across multiple states. Workforce Training: Alabama’s Community College System approved up to $10M for industry certification and workforce programs for 2026-2027.