AGP Executive Report

UF Presidential Search: Stuart Bell, the University of Florida presidential finalist and former UA president, faced questions on DEI and his leadership vision in public forums, with supporters pointing to his record boosting national merit enrollment and critics pressing for “reforms” on campus. National Intelligence Politics: Sen. Mitch McConnell signaled he won’t back Trump’s acting DNI pick Bill Pulte for a permanent role, arguing the job requires specific national security experience. Social Security Outlook: A new analysis warns Social Security could cut benefits by about $500 per month on average if the retirement trust fund runs out in 2032. Alabama Infrastructure: Jasper says the Blackwell Dairy Road bridge repair is nearly done, with reopening expected in days after a compromised culvert threatened collapse. Higher Ed & College Sports: Congress is moving again on the Protect College Sports Act, aiming to reshape NIL and transfer rules—while critics argue it puts athletes in the middle of political fights. Local Economy: Riverchase Galleria in Hoover has been listed for sale after decades in operation, as foot traffic reportedly fell and the city hopes a new owner can revive the mall. Healthcare & Workforce: Bank of America plans to hire nearly 4,000 summer interns and campus recruits.

SCOTUS Map Update: Alabama candidates for U.S. House Districts 1 and 2 reacted after the Supreme Court ruled the state can use a 2023 congressional map, setting up new campaign dynamics for South Alabama races. Energy & Industry: PowerSouth Energy Cooperative is expanding its Lowman Energy Center in Leroy with a second advanced-class gas turbine from Mitsubishi Power, aiming to add capacity for Alabama’s growing demand. Broadband Growth: Kinetic says it has surpassed 2 million residential fiber premises passed across its 18-state footprint, highlighting continued fiber buildout momentum. Port Funding: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt secured nearly $7 million for Port of Chickasaw infrastructure upgrades to modernize aging docks and bulkhead work. Healthcare Access: Complete Women’s Care of Alabama launched a new Birmingham/Alabaster patient-focused website with scheduling, bill pay, and a patient portal. Local Government: Jackson County appointed a new administrator and discussed road and budget maintenance needs, including vehicle repair cost pressures. Business & Community: A new law office opened in Union Springs, targeting business law and support for local entrepreneurs.

UAB Sports Media Deal: Learfield and UAB Athletics extended their “JOX Radio” partnership with Cumulus Media for three more years, keeping WJOX-FM (94.5) as the Blazers’ flagship for football and WJQX-FM (100.5) for men’s basketball through 2028-29. Retail Expansion: Nordstrom Rack is set to open a 24,000-square-foot store at Huntsville’s University Plaza, adding to the shopping center’s momentum. Jobs & Labor: Huntsville’s unemployment held at 2.1% in April, helping keep North Alabama among the state’s strongest job markets as Alabama’s rate rose to 2.8% statewide. Forestry Risk: Auburn researchers warn brown spot needle blight is spreading across Alabama pine forests, with cases reported in 58 of 67 counties and a bigger threat to loblolly pine. Healthcare Workforce: Mobile City Council is weighing a $20 building-permit fee to fund the South Alabama Homebuilding Academy, aimed at boosting construction training and hiring. Big Business Signals: The Alabama Port Authority received an S&P upgrade to “A” with a positive outlook, citing stronger financial metrics and regional demand. Local Development: Irondale signed closing documents for a $105 million Costco project expected to open in 2028, with 200-300 jobs and millions in annual sales-tax impact.

Defense Manufacturing: L3Harris is investing $25 million to expand solid rocket motor production in Huntsville, adding 130,000 sq. ft. and hiring for engineering and skilled trades as it ramps capacity for defense demand. Missile Defense Buildout: Lockheed Martin opened a new 88,000-sq.-ft. Next Generation Interceptor facility in Courtland, adding automation and “digital twin” workflows to support layered missile defense. HVAC Distribution Deal: Watsco closed its acquisition of Jackson Supply Company, adding 25 locations and about 5,000 contractor customers across the Sunbelt, including Alabama. Economic Development Funding: Alabama’s new Development Fund is set to launch, aiming to speed up site readiness and help communities compete for jobs with a recurring $28.5 million annual pool. Workforce & Safety: A report highlights surging demand for data-center physical security roles as AI infrastructure expands amid growing local opposition. Consumer Protection: The Better Business Bureau warns Jefferson County renters about rental listing scams that use stolen photos and pressure victims to send deposits before viewing. Local Food Access: Tuscaloosa County Schools will offer free summer meals at 13 sites through June, with some weekend take-home options.

Defense & Manufacturing: Lockheed Martin cut the ribbon on an 88,000-square-foot Next Generation Interceptor facility in Courtland, aiming to ramp missile defense production and grow its Alabama workforce. Retail Development: Irondale finalized a $105 million Costco deal for a 152,000-square-foot store plus gas, with 200–300 expected jobs. Local Economic Revitalization: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed unveiled a plan to revitalize west Montgomery, with the Fairview Farmers Market transformation as a key 18-month project to boost fresh-food access and spur investment. Energy & Resilience: Alabama Power reported more than 113,000 outages after severe windy storms, with restoration crews deployed statewide. Elections & Governance: Alabama election experts warned the U.S. Supreme Court that an emergency switch to Alabama’s 2023 congressional map could force last-minute voter reassignment and raise risks of confusion and wrong ballots. Workforce & Inclusion: Jim Click Automotive was honored nationally for expanding disability employment opportunities through the AbilityOne program. Community & Food Access: Grace Klein Community expanded FeedBHM into Clay, Trussville and Pinson with a new outreach location.

Real Estate Expansion: Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty is extending its footprint into coastal Alabama, announcing new operations in Fairhope and Gulf Shores as it grows from Louisiana to Florida. Manufacturing Jobs: Pencco opened a new $20 million manufacturing facility in Gadsden, aiming to create 40 jobs and expand water, wastewater, odor and corrosion-control production for Southeast infrastructure work. Cybersecurity: A new phishing scheme using Kali365 targets Microsoft users, including Outlook and OneDrive, by helping attackers bypass multi-factor authentication—BBB of North Alabama urges people to treat unexpected document requests as a red flag. Corporate Growth: Uniti Group launched a second Kinetic Fiber securitization notes offering, with notes backed by fiber network assets across multiple states including Alabama. Business Services: ISG acquired R.E. Warner & Associates, a Birmingham-based engineering and consulting firm with 75 years of legacy, expanding ISG’s capacity in power and industrial work. Local Retail Development: Irondale finalized a deal for a Costco Wholesale store, a $100+ million project expected to bring 200+ jobs and draw shoppers from across central Alabama.

Retail Expansion: Irondale is moving ahead with a $100M development that will bring a Costco Wholesale store—expected to create 200+ jobs and become Alabama’s sixth Costco—though some residents question whether the area is a fit. Consumer & Jobs: Nordstrom Rack is set to open a 24,000-square-foot store at University Plaza in Huntsville, signaling continued retail growth in North Alabama. Defense & Manufacturing: Lockheed Martin won $879M in F-35 armament-related contracts as the U.S. ramps up readiness amid the Iran conflict, with work tied to Fort Worth. Health Tech Funding: Signos secured $20M to expand continuous glucose monitoring beyond diabetes into weight loss, leveraging Dexcom’s OTC sensor and coaching plus app insights. Local Public Safety: Foley plans a fourth fire station on East Fern Avenue, aiming to keep pace with growth and improve response times for residents and visitors. Housing & Cost Pressure: A study flags several Tennessee markets as especially overpriced, underscoring affordability stress that can ripple into regional migration and business planning. Small Business Growth: Gov. Kay Ivey is urging Alabama entrepreneurs to apply for the SBA’s Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition, with up to $1M in prizes.

Alabama Business & Economy: Gov. Kay Ivey is urging Alabama entrepreneurs to apply for the SBA’s nationwide “Freedom 250” Patriot Pitch Competition, with up to $1 million in prizes for small businesses. State & Local Growth: Foley Main Street earned 2026 Accredited Main Street America status, a national nod for downtown revitalization efforts. Housing & Cost Pressures: A new report flags “affordable” retirement cities getting too expensive, with Tampa and Phoenix among the examples. Public-Private Operations: Alabama State Parks is partnering with Guest Services Inc. under a 10-year concession to run lodging and hospitality at Lake Guntersville and Cheaha State Parks. Consumer Protection: The Better Business Bureau warns of a growing home listing scam that reposts real photos, lures buyers into fake bidding wars, and charges fees or deposits. Business Climate & Jobs: Hoover was ranked No. 6 best place to live nationally in U.S. News’ 2026-27 list, reflecting job-market strength and quality-of-life factors. Automotive Policy Risk: A proposed House bill targeting foreign-adversary ownership could put Mercedes-Benz at risk, raising concerns about impacts to U.S. sales and jobs tied to Alabama manufacturing.

Defense & Manufacturing: GDELS and KNDS are teaming up to build a new NATO wheeled 155mm howitzer by combining the PIRANHA 10x10 carrier with the AGM gun module, reflecting a push for more survivable, shoot-and-scoot artillery as NATO modernizes. Alabama Jobs & Industry: Korea-based DUCK IL USA plans about a $21 million expansion in Auburn, adding a clean-room PCB manufacturing process and creating 21 jobs. Healthcare & Real Estate: CMS ownership data shows Northport Holding Operations, LLC controls Northway Health and Rehabilitation in Birmingham, where the facility earned a CMS overall rating of 2 in early 2026. Public Safety & Local Growth: Foley is moving ahead with plans for Fire Station No. 4 on East Fern Avenue, with design targeted for 2026 and construction in 2027. Workplace Safety: OSHA says Chavez Roofing LLC had prior similar citations before a fatal fall at Mississippi University for Women, and the case remains open after a settlement. Utilities & Cost Pressure: Marbury Water System customers in parts of Autauga, Elmore and Chilton counties face emergency conservation as maintenance cuts supply, potentially starting in early October 2026. Business Climate & Infrastructure: A new report finds states are tightening data-center deals as lawmakers weigh power and water costs—Alabama is considering rules to ensure large centers cover added grid costs. Community & Quality of Life: Hoover ranked No. 6 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best Places to Live, boosting Alabama’s metro reputation for jobs and livability.

Public Safety & Courts: A Mobile County fleet supervisor, Daniel E. Holifield, pleaded not guilty to new federal charges tied to alleged theft from the sheriff’s office, with prosecutors citing more than $310,000 in federal fraud and additional state counts. Local Business & Community Health: A new North Birmingham health and wellness center opened to expand mental health and behavioral health access for underserved residents. AI & Operations: Tanner Health, serving west Georgia and east Alabama, launched a bilingual AI voice assistant to cut call center hold times and handle tasks like scheduling and prescription management. Infrastructure & Budgets: Central Alabama Water held a workshop on rate structure options as treated-water shortfalls and declining usage pressure revenue. Economic Development & Tech: Octave Intelligence, spun out of Hexagon, debuted on Nasdaq and outlined growth expectations for gov tech services. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Army and industry partners tested an armed logistics drone at Fort Rucker, turning a cargo UAV into a precision-strike platform. Environment & Permitting: Residents in Guntersville pushed back at an ADEM hearing over a proposed limestone quarry near Lake Guntersville, citing noise, traffic, and water impacts. Agriculture & Trade: USDA announced a Great American Cotton Plan aimed at boosting domestic cotton demand and protecting growers. Business Climate: Oxmoor Valley neighbors expanded a lawsuit over a Nebius AI data center, alleging land-flip transactions inflated the site’s cost on paper. State Policy & Family Support: Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation naming June 2026 “Strong Families Month.” Sports & Local Economy: Alabama’s presence in the NFL and college sports continues to draw attention, including a report that Nick Saban was invited to testify in a college sports Senate hearing.

America250 Packaging: Coca-Cola is rolling out limited-edition America250 mini cans and bottles with state-inspired designs, including an Alabama can highlighting the state’s football tradition, as part of its “Drink in America” campaign. Proxy Advisor Lawsuit: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey sued ISS, alleging the proxy firm misled investors by promoting an undisclosed ESG agenda while claiming objectivity—outside counsel includes former AGs William Barr and Jason Miyares. Labor & Immigration Enforcement: Two former Colt Grill employees pleaded guilty in a labor exploitation scheme tied to undocumented workers across Arizona and Alabama, with sentencing expected in June. Alabama Hiring Pulse: The Alabama Department of Workforce reported April job ads rose to 120,341, up 4.6% from March, led by registered nurses, customer service, retail sales, and management roles. Small Business Push: Gov. Kay Ivey urged Alabama entrepreneurs to apply for the SBA Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition, offering up to $1 million total in prizes. Healthcare Reimbursement: AngioDynamics said Medicare coverage guidance for its NanoKnife IRE system was finalized for prostate and liver indications, effective July 5, 2026. Energy & Defense Stocks: AeroVironment shares surged on new Huntsville factory expansion funding and an Air Force research contract tied to next-gen materials. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reported U.S. gas prices falling week over week, with California regular down 7 cents to $6.06.

Rural Health Funding: Alabama leaders gathered in Montgomery to map out how to deploy $203 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program, with plans spanning maternal and fetal care, EMS, treat-in-place models, and mental health. Water Crisis: Coosa Mountain residents say an Alabama Power contractor drained their aquifer, leaving them with unusable well water and pushing them into a long fight over repairs and remedies. Infrastructure & Growth: Tuscaloosa is starting Phase III of the MLK Jr. Boulevard/Jack Warner Parkway project, with major closures beginning June 8 as the city upgrades a key railroad bridge to improve access for development in West Tuscaloosa. Gov Tech Spinout: Hexagon spun off its Alabama-based government technology business into Octave Intelligence, which now trades on Nasdaq and targets public safety, transportation, and smart city needs. Forestry Research: Auburn researchers reported early findings on brown spot needle blight, warning stressed pine trees are more vulnerable and the disease could mean major losses for Alabama’s forestry economy. Workforce Demand: Alabama’s April job ads topped 120,000, led by registered nurses, customer service, retail sales, managers, and fast-food roles—signaling continued hiring pressure into summer. Legal & Politics: Redistricting battles are nearing a finish, with Republicans positioned to complete maps about 10 seats ahead of Democrats, while a federal judge’s misconduct case in the 11th Circuit adds fresh scrutiny to the courts.

FCC Deadlines for Broadcasters: The FCC keeps regulating through summer, with June 1 due dates for Annual EEO Public File Reports and a compliance deadline for foreign sponsorship identification rules, plus other June comment deadlines and election political windows. AI + Drones for Construction: A drone-as-a-service boom is tied to the AI datacenter buildout, with analysts projecting big long-term market growth as drones take on mapping, inspections and site security. Alabama Workforce Signal: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon highlighted Alabama’s role in closing the skills gap, pointing to demand in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, energy and tech. Agriculture Politics: State Sen. Jack Williams endorsed Corey Hill for Alabama Agriculture Commissioner ahead of the June 16 runoff. Trucking Stress: Freight weakness is pushing more trucking and logistics firms into bankruptcy filings. Alabama Voting Logistics: Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen outlined absentee ballot deadlines for the June 2026 primary runoff. Healthcare Tech: NewVue says it’s adding native AI-driven radiology reporting inside its Radiologist Cockpit as Microsoft sunsets PowerScribe 360. Energy Security Watch: A new analysis warns U.S. military contractors need years to replenish key weapons stockpiles used in the Iran war.

Renewables & Manufacturing: Hyundai Engineering broke ground on the 200-megawatt Hillsboro Solar Power Plant in Texas, its first overseas renewable project run end-to-end, with $310 million in financing and expected commercial operations in Dec. 2027. Health Tech Funding: Signos raised $20 million, partnering with Dexcom and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama to sell its over-the-counter glucose monitoring system for weight management via Dexcom’s Stelo site. Medical Cannabis Access: Alabama patients with cards are still waiting on dispensary openings, with one Birmingham-area location expected to open mid-summer. Consumer & Community Watch: Mobile families allege roof and window firms took thousands and left them with nothing; authorities are investigating. Maritime Jobs: The American Maritime Partnership launched a national campaign urging President Trump to end the Jones Act waiver, targeting states including Alabama. Defense Supply Chain: A new analysis says replenishing key Iran-war weapons stockpiles could take at least three years, raising concerns about future readiness. Retail Growth: Nordstrom Rack will open a 24,000-square-foot store in Huntsville’s University Plaza in spring 2027. Local Economy & Tourism: Decatur is ramping up for Rock the South with major site work at The Fields. Agriculture: Recent rains are hurting Alabama strawberries and other crops, with some growers reporting watery fruit and higher costs.

Economic Development: Gov. Kay Ivey announced a $266,660 grant to upgrade a key Athens intersection tied to a new Food City supermarket expected to create about 100 jobs and spur more development. Workforce & Local Economy: Alabama’s unemployment stays low in several counties, including Lawrence (2.2%), but local leaders warn the tight labor market is still making hiring harder and pushing workers to commute out of county. Education & Skills Pipeline: A rural district in Moulton reported major reading gains, with over 98% of third graders meeting or exceeding grade level on ACAP, plus summer reading camps and tutoring to support students. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. is investing in missile and counter-drone production with new funding for AeroVironment’s Freedom Eagle-1 in Huntsville, while separate reporting says contractors may need years to rebuild key Iran-war weapon stockpiles. Aviation Growth: Rocket City Aviation Services is expanding flight training at Pryor Field Regional Airport with Cirrus training aircraft. Food Security: The Food Bank of Central Alabama is preparing to open a much larger expanded facility in Bessemer to boost capacity for families facing food insecurity. Retail & Community: A 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee opened in Springfield, with community events and proceeds supporting a pediatric cancer charity.

Redistricting Ruling: A federal court blocked Alabama from using new congressional maps that would erase the state’s second majority-Black district, saying the plan was tainted by intentional race-based discrimination—setting up an appeal fight. Texas Politics: Ken Paxton won the GOP nomination for Texas’ open U.S. Senate seat, beating John Cornyn and moving toward a November matchup with Democrat James Talarico in a race polls show could be tighter than expected. Healthcare Costs: A new Pennsylvania report points to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms—like higher pharmacist reimbursement—as a potential path to help pharmacies struggling to stay open. Defense & Jobs: AeroVironment secured $20.2 million to expand Huntsville production of the Freedom Eagle-1 counter-drone missile. Local Business Watch: Red Lobster closed its Vestavia Hills location after 54 years, while gas prices in Alabama stayed volatile in the latest GasBuddy reports.