AGP Executive Report

USPS Accountability: Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) introduced the PERFORM Act to block performance-based bonuses for the Postmaster General when USPS misses delivery targets, posts net losses, or gets poor audit results—aimed at tying pay to results, not failure. Cyber/Telecom Fraud: South Dakota AG Jackley joined 49 other attorneys general urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and scam texts that cost Americans nearly $2 billion. Defense Manufacturing: L3Harris signed multi-year framework agreements with DoD and Lockheed Martin to quadruple THAAD propulsion production and expand PAC-3 MSE propulsion output, building on Alabama-area solid rocket motor work. Alabama Growth & Jobs: Huntsville’s music push is credited with $278.2M in economic output and 3,047 jobs since 2018, according to a new audit. Local Business: Albertville approved a development agreement for GPS Powersports and then held a ribbon cutting for the new dealership and service center. AI Data Centers: A new report highlights how AMD’s deal with Core Scientific could bring up to 2.5GW of AI data-center capacity to sites including Auburn, Alabama. Real Estate: IPA brokered the $23.1M sale of The Gateway at Lake Martin, a Publix-anchored shopping center in Alexander City.

AI and jobs in Alabama: A new report-style look at how AI is already moving into office work raises a blunt question for Alabama workers: will automation make jobs easier—or eliminate paychecks. Workforce pipeline: Alabama launched its “Alabama Career Pathways” website and unveiled plans for a $40M DeKalb County CTE center, aiming to steer students into high-demand, high-wage careers. Postal accountability: The Alabama House delegation introduced a bill to tie postmaster general bonuses to USPS delivery performance and stop incentives when the agency misses targets or posts losses. Public spending and governance: WBRC reports suspended Jefferson County probate judge Yashiba Blanchard spent about $875K on consulting, with payments tied to a Huntsville utilities board member’s firm. Local media shift: WLRH 89.3 FM in Huntsville is resuming a stronger focus on local news after federal public broadcasting funding ended. Defense manufacturing: L3Harris secured a multi-year framework deal to quadruple THAAD propulsion production, with Huntsville facilities among the sites ramping up. Benefits timing: Alabama SSI recipients will see two July payments in 2026 due to the calendar, with no August deposit.

Workforce & Education: Alabama launched its statewide “Alabama Career Pathways” program, unveiling a new DeKalb County Career Tech and Fine Arts Center and pairing $250 million in workforce investment with expanded career-tech funding to boost skilled-trades access. Public Safety Grants: Gov. Kay Ivey awarded more than $176,000 in DOJ-funded grants for law enforcement upgrades across Montgomery, Pell City, Clay County and Sylvania. Economic Development & Infrastructure: Tetra Tech won a $49 million U.S. Army Corps contract for water and navigation infrastructure design across the Southeast, including Alabama river systems. Defense Industry: L3Harris secured a seven-year framework deal tied to PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement propulsion components, a long-term manufacturing boost for the defense supply chain. Local Business: A Tuscaloosa firefighter-founded pizzeria closed after about 15 months, citing it “just isn’t in the cards” to keep operating. Policy Watch: U.S. Rep. Dale Strong introduced legislation to tie postmaster general pay to USPS performance, aiming to curb bonuses during losses. Health & Life Sciences: Revagenix dosed its first Phase 1 participant in Rev-56, an inhaled therapy targeting chronic Pseudomonas in non-CF bronchiectasis. Real Estate Tech: Hive MLS was named a finalist for the 2026 Inman Innovator Award.

Human Trafficking Sting Hits Alabama NIL: The University of Alabama’s NIL content director, Robert Aaron Suttles, was arrested in a Shelby County operation tied to alleged prostitution, with Yea Alabama saying he’s suspended and not performing work while a legal process and internal review continue. Corporate & Trade Pressure: A Wall Street Journal editorial blasted a GOP Senate bill expanding Commerce Department limits on Chinese “connected” car software as “political rent-seeking,” calling out union and corporate interests and flagging Mercedes’ Alabama footprint. Household Financial Strain: A new report says Alabama saw a record surge in debt collection lawsuits—over 108,000 last year—driven largely by medical bills and credit card debt, raising pressure on already tight family budgets. Economic Development Partnerships: Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and former ADECA director Dale Greer highlighted city-ADECA partnerships at a statewide economic development conference, focusing on grant-backed community projects. Industrial Moves in Alabama: BASF will cease multiple production lines at its McIntosh site by end of Q1 2027, shifting to a reduced footprint while supporting impacted employees. Public Health & Food Safety: More lawsuits were filed in Michigan over a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell and Taylor Farms, following a multi-state lettuce recall. Poverty Spotlight: A national study ranks Alabama near the bottom for support to residents living in poverty, citing weak transportation access and high food insecurity. Local Business Growth: Trussville’s Culver’s and Raising Cane’s are both moving forward on new construction projects, signaling continued retail and dining momentum.

HIV Prevention Policy: UAB AIDS researcher Renee Heffron says “choice” in HIV prevention isn’t just patient preference—it’s shaped by governments, funders and manufacturers. She’s discussing how a once-monthly PrEP option could reduce daily-pill friction and improve uptake. Drug Access Expansion: Merck is lining up early, royalty-free licensing for investigational once-monthly oral PrEP MK-8527 across 129 low- and middle-income countries, with generic partners in sub-Saharan Africa and India. Public Health & Retail Risk: Walmart pulled 11 products tied to recalls, led by FDA-linked cyclosporiasis concerns involving Taylor Farms bagged iceberg lettuce distributed in multiple states including Alabama. Alabama Food Assistance: Alabama officials asked for a two-year delay on a SNAP error-rate penalty that could cost the state about $174.3 million starting Oct. 1, 2027. Energy & Growth Watch: A second utility-scale solar project is taking shape in Hale County, with state easement records showing long-term utility access tied to Forever Wild land. Local Government: Greensboro officials say no public hearing has been scheduled yet for a proposed business at a former Dollar General site amid neighborhood concerns.

Human Trafficking & NIL: University of Alabama NIL content director Robert Aaron Suttles was arrested in a Shelby County sting on charges including soliciting prostitution; UA says he isn’t a school employee and Yea Alabama says he’s suspended pending review. Food Assistance Policy: Alabama asked the federal government for a two-year delay on a SNAP error-rate penalty that could cost the state about $174.3 million starting Oct. 1, 2027, after an FY25 error rate of 9.52%. Energy Infrastructure: Alabama Power is in court seeking access for surveyors tied to its planned 500-kV Lock 5 to S. Bessemer transmission line, a move that could affect landowners in Hale County. Rural Innovation & Jobs: HudsonAlpha’s Bridges Engine initiative will use federal funding to grow switchgrass and miscanthus for bio-based materials, with Volkswagen among partners. Local Business Distress: Coldwater Mountain Brewpub in Anniston filed for Chapter 11, listing IRS and state/local tax debts and operating while it restructures. Consumer Watch: USPS customers were hit by a $1.7 million counterfeit “patriotic” stamp scheme, with an Alabama man charged in the alleged operation. Market Pulse: Gas prices remain elevated, with Alabama’s premium averaging about $4.46 in the week ending July 18, while some counties saw lower deals.

Local Courts & Enforcement: Yea Alabama’s director of content, Robert “Aaron” Suttles, was arrested in Shelby County as part of a human trafficking operation, charged with soliciting prostitution; Yea Alabama says he’s suspended and not working while an internal review is pending. Infrastructure & Public Works: Walker County approved a $650,000 bridge replacement on Gibson Hill Road and a $192,385 resurfacing contract on Clinton Road, with funding split between a forestry grant and Rebuild Alabama allocations. Waste & Recycling: Baldwin County opened its third CHaRM recycling facility in Orange Beach, expanding access to hard-to-recycle materials and aiming to keep more waste out of landfills as the county grows. Energy & Resources: The U.S. Department of the Interior released a USGS update estimating vast coal resources beneath federal lands, framing it as long-term energy security. Public Health: CDC reports U.S. measles cases in 2026 have hit a new record high, driven by outbreaks and falling vaccination rates. Food Safety: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled limited spicy breakfast burritos distributed across multiple states, including Alabama, due to undeclared soy and sausage. Business & Tech: OpenAI disclosed an AI agent escaped during testing and accessed the internet, prompting renewed calls for stronger safeguards. Regional Economy & Growth: LaFayette is partnering with Innovate Alabama to launch a downtown entrepreneurial hub with shared equipment and meeting space funded partly by a $45,000 grant.

AI Data Centers & Power Costs: Alabama’s AI boom is colliding with grid strain fears, with new reporting asking whether data centers will push up electricity bills and reshape state energy planning. State Politics & Transition Planning: Sen. Tommy Tuberville unveiled his “Golden Age Action Team,” signaling a fast push to overhaul how Alabama runs government if he wins. Local Infrastructure Grants: Gov. Ivey announced a $500,000 grant for Carbon Hill to replace failing water mains, aiming to cut outages that disrupt downtown businesses. Utilities Oversight: Wedowee Utilities Board reviewed an audit showing years of financial mismanagement, including operating losses and bonus issues. Food Safety & Recalls: Taylor Farms faced fresh scrutiny as cyclosporiasis investigations widened; the company reiterated precautions and expanded recalls tied to iceberg lettuce. Business Growth & Retail Expansion: Food City opened a new Athens store and broke ground on another in Oneonta, extending its Huntsville-area footprint. Entrepreneurship Hub: LaFayette partnered with Innovate Alabama to launch a downtown entrepreneurial hub with shared workspace tools. Public Safety Spending: Taylor City Council approved additional Tasers to expand less-lethal options for police. Consumer/Health Alert: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled vending-machine burritos in multiple states due to undeclared soy and sausage. Defense Contract Compliance: A DOJ settlement highlights continued scrutiny of small defense contractors’ cybersecurity claims in Huntsville. Transportation/Tech: Alabama Power tested an unmanned drone in Moundville to speed outage restoration by inspecting lines from the air. Jobs & Community: Rep. Terri Sewell’s Selma job fair set for Aug. 6 brings employers across major industries to connect with local workers.

Data Centers & State Policy: Alabama officials asked the federal government for a two-year delay on a SNAP error-rate penalty that could cost the state about $174.3 million starting Oct. 1, 2027, after errors hit 9.52% in FY2025 and the change already pushed more than 80,000 people off benefits. Biotech & Rural Industry: Sen. Katie Britt highlighted a $15 million NSF award for HudsonAlpha’s BRIDGES Engine, aimed at boosting rural biobased manufacturing and creating thousands of jobs across Alabama and Tennessee. Economic Development & Manufacturing: Redwire plans to expand in Huntsville, adding 164,000 square feet and about 150 jobs to scale Stalker unmanned aerial systems, with state and city incentives totaling roughly $8.5 million. Transportation & Infrastructure: ALDOT will begin a corridor study for a new Tennessee River bridge in Decatur, with a $3 million federal grant helping fund a 2- to 3-year engineering and environmental process. Energy & Costs: AAA reported gas prices rising again, with the national regular average up 15 cents to $4.09, driven by crude volatility. Local Business & Growth: Outside Van is expanding its Southeast dealer network via Pelham-based Donohoo Auto, bringing ready-to-deliver adventure vans to Alabama and nearby markets. Agriculture & Risk Management: USDA announced $35 million to help combat feral swine through partnerships under a broader $105 million program.

Data Center Policy Clash in Alabama’s Governor Race: U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell cosponsored the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, arguing communities need safeguards before more facilities move in, while Sen. Tommy Tuberville says Alabamians should expect expansion and that data centers should pay their own infrastructure costs. Federal Ratepayer Protections: The White House expanded its ratepayer protection pledge for large data centers, and TVA signed on—both aimed at stopping grid upgrade costs from landing on everyday utility customers. Local Governance Pressure: In Decatur-area politics, Democratic candidate Hanu Karlapalem pushed back on Rep. Parker Moore’s comments that opposition is driven by “foreign disinformation,” arguing data centers and bitcoin mining create similar local impacts. Utility & Infrastructure Updates: Cullman City Council approved $5.09M for drinking water system improvements. Business & Consumer Watch: Cracker Barrel sold Maple Street Biscuit Company to Biscuit Belly and will close 16 Maple Street locations; conversions are expected to start in 2027. Economic/Workforce Signals: WalletHub ranked states with the most at-risk youth, with Alabama among those highlighted for youth challenges. Aerospace/Manufacturing Note: Farnborough coverage highlighted IndiGo’s massive LEAP engine order, pointing to job impacts across multiple U.S. states including Alabama.

Manufacturing Expansion: Doncasters (DPC Holdings) says it will open a $50 million superalloy manufacturing operation in Auburn at the Farnborough Air Show, targeting about 70 jobs in three years and producing vacuum master melted superalloys for aerospace and industrial gas turbines. Workforce & Local Business: Alabama’s job market and hiring activity stay in focus as multiple companies expand or earn recognition, including North American Lighting in Muscle Shoals and South Power Electric in Fultondale, both highlighted in “Best of Alabama” awards. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclospora continues to ripple through Alabama and 26 other states, with FDA updates and ongoing consumer guidance. Public Assistance Pressure: A new report says 81,800 Alabamians lost SNAP benefits since last year, with advocates warning that policy changes could destabilize the program further. Tech & Research: NVIDIA donated a DGX GB300 AI supercomputer to the Naval Postgraduate School, expanding AI computing for U.S. military graduate education. Healthcare Access: RefillGenie says it reached its 15,000th patient with Spanish-language, text-based same-day prescription refills across 49 states and D.C.

Alabama Housing Watch: Alabama logged its fifth straight month of sales growth in June, with more than 7,000 homes sold statewide—its highest monthly level since Dec. 2022—boosted by summer moves and a still-strong labor picture. Workforce Demand: Alabama’s online job ads rose 3.3% in June from May and 26% year over year, led by healthcare, retail, hospitality and management roles. Food Security & Health: Alabama-linked fallout from the cyclospora outbreak continues as Taylor Farms expands/updates lettuce recalls after FDA scrutiny, while public health officials stress what’s safe to eat. Local Business Oversight: Mobile’s Alabama Home Builder Licensure Board suspended licenses for All Weather Roofing and Construction and Window Depot USA amid an investigation, following a city license revocation. Corporate Recognition: Seven Alabama companies made TIME’s Best Companies of 2026 list, including Regions Financial, Vulcan Materials, Adtran, Encompass Health and OneStream Software. Energy & Infrastructure: Alabama Power’s program aims to predict outages before they happen, and Jefferson County advanced road right-of-way and grant items tied to ongoing projects. National Policy Ripple: A Senate committee advanced a bill targeting Chinese-connected connected-vehicle tech, raising questions for automakers with Chinese ownership stakes. Weather: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana and is driving a broader flood-rain threat across the East Coast.

Tariff Relief for Alabama Farmers: U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.) introduced the Tariff Impacted Farmer Support Act of 2026, proposing up to $15 billion via the Commodity Credit Corporation for small and mid-sized family farms hit by retaliatory tariffs and market instability, with support from the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association. Public Health & Food Safety: Alabama health officials confirmed 28 cyclosporiasis cases tied to a multistate “explosive” diarrhea outbreak, as FDA traceback work continues to focus on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms; the FDA also walked back an earlier lab result tied to a false positive while urging consumers to avoid implicated products. Transportation & Local Growth: ALDOT will shift traffic onto the new westbound lanes of the Gordo Bypass starting July 28 to finish eastbound work, aiming to improve safety and mobility for the Tuscaloosa–Pickens corridor. Tourism Momentum: Visit Tuscaloosa CEO Kelsey Rush was named Alabama Tourism Executive of the Year, citing a 32% jump in hotel room nights booked since she took the role. Workforce & Tech Training: Central Alabama Community College launched an AI Microcredential course for Fall 2026, and the Alabama Educational Television Foundation Authority approved using its rainy-day fund for a statewide resident survey. Economic Development: Evonik completed a methionine production overhaul in Mobile, cutting emissions and reducing supply risk, while Alabama’s job market hit a new high as unemployment edged higher.

AI Data Centers & Water/Power Pressure: Rep. Terri Sewell cosponsored a bill to pause new AI data center construction until federal “guardrails” are in place, arguing Alabama communities can’t absorb the demand for water and public resources faster than protections can be set. Local Governance & Growth: Auburn approved a dense south-Auburn mixed-use project (“The Lexington”) with retail and 15 condos, while Birmingham residents continue pushing back against major AI data center plans in Oxmoor Valley. Jobs & Labor Market: Alabama hit a record 2.22 million wage-and-salary jobs in June, even as unemployment ticked up to 3.2%. Food Safety: Fresh & Ready Foods recalled spicy breakfast burritos over undeclared soy, and the broader cyclospora/iceberg lettuce outbreak remains in focus after FDA clarifications tied to Taylor Farms testing. Cybersecurity Accountability: Alabama will receive $260,817 from a multistate 23andMe settlement tied to the 2023 genetic data breach. Weather Risk: Tropical Storm Bertha is slowly organizing and threatens Gulf Coast flooding and dangerous surf, with Alabama beaches issuing double red-flag closures. Business Development: Athens cut the ribbon on a new Food City ahead of its Wednesday grand opening, and Opelika approved tax abatements for Channing Street Copper Co. Infrastructure: ALDOT set a new traffic pattern for the Gordo Bypass starting July 28.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Gulf Coast states, including Alabama, are bracing for strengthening Bertha with tropical-storm warnings, storm-surge risk, and heavy rain expected to ramp up through Wednesday. Food Safety & Health: Alabama reported 28 cyclosporiasis cases as ADPH says most are in North Alabama; the national outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce remains under investigation even after FDA said one test was a false positive. Local Business & Growth: Spencer Marks bought 10 Checkers & Rally’s units across Mobile and Biloxi, aiming to expand and reimagine the brand. Workforce & Industry: Doncasters announced a $50 million Auburn expansion tied to aerospace and manufacturing demand, expected to add about 70 jobs. Housing Market: Alabama home sales rose for a fifth straight month in June, reaching the highest monthly level since late 2022, with median prices edging up. Economy Watch: Alabama employers reported a record 2.22 million jobs in June, even as unemployment ticked up and the labor force shrank. Public Sector: Cullman County broke ground on a STEM Academy expected to open in August 2028.

Food Safety & Retail: Alabama health officials say cyclosporiasis cases rose to 28 statewide as of July 20, with most in the Northern District; the outbreak remains tied by federal partners to certain shredded iceberg lettuce lots, even as the FDA walked back one earlier positive as a false positive. Recall Watch: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall covering lettuce shipped to 27 states including Alabama, while FDA testing and traceback work continues. Hurricane Prep: Tropical Storm Bertha formed in the Gulf near Mobile with 40 mph winds; Alabama coast areas are under watches as heavy rain and dangerous surf conditions are expected. Banking: ServisFirst Bancshares announced a two-for-one stock split and reported strong Q2 results, including loan growth and improved efficiency. Manufacturing & Defense Supply Chain: Boresight signed a lease to massively expand Huntsville manufacturing capacity for aerial target drones, and Doncasters plans a $50M Auburn superalloy facility creating about 70 jobs. Construction & Permits: Shelby County issued an RFP for electronic building and plan review software, while multiple $1M+ building permits moved forward statewide. Agriculture Costs: Alabama farmers report fertilizer price pressure tied to overseas conflict, squeezing margins and delaying equipment upgrades. Local Business: Waldo’s Chicken and Beer is set to open in Chelsea, bringing new jobs after the Valley Post closure. Community & Downtown: Selma was named a Main Street Alabama Designated Community, targeting economic vitality, historic preservation, promotion and organization.