AGP Executive Report

Auto & Manufacturing: Toyota is investing $280 million to upgrade its Huntsville, Alabama engine plant so it can build hybrid-focused four-cylinder and V6 engines, a bet on hybrids as automakers balance emissions rules and EV demand. Steel Supply Chain: Hyundai-Posco’s $5.8 billion electric-arc furnace steel mill in Louisiana is set to start commercial production in 2029, aiming to supply Hyundai and Kia plants including Alabama—pushing lower-carbon steel closer to U.S. auto production. Trade Policy: WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and U.S. lawmakers are hailing Trump’s signing of a two-year AGOA extension, extending duty-free trade preferences for eligible African countries through 2028. Alabama Environment: A Birmingham-based group is investigating a fish kill on the Mulberry Fork, with low oxygen and nutrient-driven algal blooms suspected as state agencies join the probe. Community & Workforce: Easterseals’ JET program commended students for paid job exploration placements with local businesses, supported by Alabama workforce funding partners. Local Events: Bama Bash BBQ is returning to Lake Guntersville’s Civitan Park on Sept. 12, with barbecue competitions, vendors, and family activities.

Trade Policy: WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and U.S. lawmakers welcomed President Trump’s signing of a two-year AGOA extension, restoring duty-free trade preferences for eligible African countries after the prior authorization lapsed. Energy & Agriculture: A new analysis says U.S. diesel and gas price spikes tied to the Iran war have pushed gasoline up sharply nationwide, with the biggest percentage jumps in states like Iowa and Oklahoma—an added squeeze for regional consumers and farmers. Alabama Consumer Fraud: The Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker shows Montgomery logged 15 scam reports in July 2026 (up from 13 in August), with online purchase scams driving the most reported losses. Local Business & Community: Kissel Entertainment will run a cashless midway at the Oct. 15-24 Cullman County Fair, using cards and mobile payments plus a reverse ATM that loads prepaid Mastercard funds. Research & Health: University of Alabama researchers report a preclinical lupus treatment approach combining an existing immunosuppressant with urolithin A, a gut-derived dietary compound, showing stronger results than either alone. Aviation & Economic Development: Martin Aviation and Scottsboro Airport-Word Field broke ground on a new maintenance hangar aimed at expanding aircraft services and supporting long-term growth in Jackson County.

Nonprofit Funding: Decatur City Council heard pitches from six nonprofits seeking at least $100,000 each, totaling about $3.2 million in requests, as the city weighs its fiscal 2026 budget for 21 groups. Trade & Industry: Japan and the U.S. say they’re making progress on a $550 billion investment pact, with AI and semiconductor projects expected to carry “very significant weight,” and new tranches tied to power and energy across Tennessee and Alabama. Steel & Auto Supply Chain: Hyundai Steel broke ground on a $5.8 billion electric-arc furnace mill in Louisiana, aiming to supply low-carbon automotive steel sheets to Hyundai and Kia plants, including Alabama. Energy Costs for Alabama Farmers: Record-high diesel prices are hitting North Alabama row-crop and cattle operations, forcing changes like fewer hay cuttings and raising costs across the food supply chain. Public Assistance Fraud Crackdown: Alabama lawmakers approved an $8.5 million contract to reduce SNAP/EBT fraud losses, including chipped cards after USDA reported stolen benefits. Food Safety: Walmart and Publix shoppers are being told to check freezers after expanded E. coli-linked frozen berry recalls tied to a Chilean supplier, with 17 illnesses reported. Elections & Voting Access: A federal judge blocked key Trump-era mail ballot restrictions for the 2026 midterms, citing risks of disenfranchisement amid a fast-moving legal fight.

Food Safety & Consumer Impact: An E. coli outbreak tied to frozen blueberries has grown to 17 confirmed cases, with six hospitalizations reported, and Alabama retailers were among the states receiving recalled products. The FDA also expanded a Walmart recall to Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 16 states, warning shoppers to check freezers even though no illnesses were linked to that specific item yet. Local Governance & Tech: Decatur approved new rules for future data center development, requiring a special exemption permit plus public project review and studies—aimed at managing smaller facilities and infrastructure impacts. Healthcare Costs: Alabama’s Department of Insurance approved proposed 2027 ACA individual-market premium rates, with average increases ranging from 11.4% to 33.8% depending on carrier. Energy & Household Budgets: Alabama Power urged customers to cut cooling costs after hotter-than-normal August drove up demand, offering seven practical steps to reduce energy use. Public Safety & Fraud: A BBB Scam Tracker update placed Lanett among Alabama cities tied for 69th for July scam reports, highlighting ongoing online fraud losses. Workforce & Education: Alabama Power created an endowed scholarship at Gadsden State’s Valley Street campus to support career technical and workforce development programs.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters’ West Publishing unit says an unauthorized party accessed files tied to its C-Track case management platform, and Alabama appellate courts are now investigating whether sensitive court-record data (including SSNs, driver’s license numbers, DOBs, medical and health insurance info) was exposed, though officials say there’s no sign Alabama systems were compromised. Corporate Expansion: Coca-Cola Bottling United is opening a new $300 million corporate campus in Birmingham, consolidating hundreds of employees and upgrading distribution and safety operations. Energy Costs: Alabama Power says customers may see higher bills during hot weather and urges thermostat and cooling-efficiency steps. Consumer/Health Alert: Walmart expanded a recall of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 16 states, including Alabama, over potential E. coli contamination. Local Tech & Policy: East Alabama lawmakers are weighing changes after residents raised concerns about Flock license-plate camera use and data handling. Business & Workforce: A partnership aims to build AI, data science and cybersecurity skills into K-12 career education. Sports Economy: Huntsville Havoc ownership shifts as Zawyer Sports & Entertainment takes a controlling interest.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters’ C-Track case management system was hit by an unauthorized access in March 2026, later detected June 30, affecting court systems in Alabama and 10 other U.S. states plus Ontario and the U.S. Virgin Islands; officials say there’s no confirmed misuse yet, but some records may include sensitive personal data. Data Centers & Local Economy: In Brookwood, residents pushed back at a town hall over proposed large data center projects, raising concerns about school proximity, Hurricane Creek impacts, power bills, and noise ahead of a council vote. Manufacturing Investment: GE Appliances is investing $1 billion at its Louisville, Kentucky campus to expand high-output dryer production, including shifting work from Mexico to Kentucky and supporting about 4,700 jobs. Workforce & Education: Central Alabama Community College reported major Prattville Campus growth—470% enrollment increase since opening in 2022—along with $20.2 million invested and $24.5 million more planned for 2026-27. Business Leadership: Fine Geddie & Associates added Taylor Williams as a partner, bringing long-time Alabama governmental affairs and economic development experience from PowerSouth. Community & Culture: Alabama A&M will host novelist Tayari Jones during Homecoming Week, with an Oct. 13 campus event featuring a conversation and book signing.

Cybersecurity & Courts: Thomson Reuters confirmed a cybersecurity incident tied to its C-Track case management system, saying an unauthorized party accessed backup files affecting court systems in Alabama and multiple states plus Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands; officials say some records may include personal data such as names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, and in some cases sensitive health or financial details. Energy & Infrastructure: Huntsville Utilities says growing natural gas demand is driving a proposed 137-mile pipeline from north of Florence to Hollywood, with route studies that could take up to three years and letters sent to nearly 1,000 property owners for surveys. Utility Regulation: The Alabama Public Service Commission voted to cut Spire’s allowed profit, a decision expected to lower customer rates in the next budget process after a contested case. Local Business & Growth: Titomic says it completed an institutional placement to fund an expanding Huntsville manufacturing footprint as fresh purchase orders arrive from major U.S. aerospace customers. Public Safety & Crime: Sen. Tommy Tuberville again pushed for a statewide crime crackdown, arguing Alabama needs more law enforcement, with a focus on Montgomery. Healthcare Funding: Russellville Hospital received $1.29 million through Alabama’s Rural Health Transformation Program, part of a broader push to expand rural access and workforce efforts. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Andalusia logged one scam report in July, and Alabama cities overall continue to report fraud losses.

Manufacturing & Jobs: GE Appliances and IUE-CWA announced a $1 billion expansion at Appliance Park in Louisville, adding high-output dryer production and upgrading washer lines, aiming to make the site the largest home-appliance manufacturing hub in the U.S. Logistics & Trade: Norfolk Southern finished Alabama infrastructure upgrades along its 3B Corridor, including siding, track, and crossing improvements meant to boost freight capacity and access to the Port of Mobile. Tax & Compliance: The Alabama Department of Revenue issued guidance for employers handling income tax withholding for nonresident remote and traveling workers, emphasizing withholding only for wages tied to services physically performed in Alabama and noting a 30-day safe harbor. Energy Regulation: The Alabama Public Service Commission rejected Spire Alabama’s request for a higher return on equity, approving a lower rate and a two-year rate stabilization framework. Public Safety & Enforcement: Gov. Kay Ivey backed a federal crackdown on fraud and illegal activity in commercial trucking, pointing to Alabama’s enforcement partnership work. Local Business Growth: New women-owned businesses opened in Moulton, including a childcare center and shed/storage retailer. Fraud-Fighting: HUD OIG joined DOJ’s National Fraud Detection Center to improve cross-agency detection of fraud in federal housing programs. Retail & Community: Autauga County is using a $335,000 CDBG to upgrade Old Kingston Park, improving access and recreation.

AI + Media Ethics: The Society of Professional Journalists is updating its century-old voluntary ethics code for the first time in 12 years, adding new guidance for how newsrooms should use AI. Defense + Manufacturing: The U.S. Army’s top acquisition official visited Hanwha Aerospace’s Changwon sites after the Army selected Hanwha Defense USA for K9-based artillery prototypes, underscoring continued defense spending and industrial capacity. Alabama Tax Policy: Alabama’s new rule starting Sept. 1 exempts separately identified credit-card processing fees from state and local sales/use tax, pushing businesses to adjust receipts and point-of-sale setups. Workforce: Alabama payroll employment hit record highs in June, even as unemployment rose in July—an uneven jobs picture for the state. Local Business + Compliance: Opelika revoked the business license of Top Shelf Alternatives after undercover buys were found to be marijuana, a reminder that “hemp” products can trigger serious enforcement. Cyber Education: Leidos increased its investment in the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering to $1.025 million, expanding support for the state’s residential cybersecurity pipeline. Housing + Taxes: Tuscaloosa filed suit to shut down “The Walk” student housing over more than $100,000 in unpaid business license taxes.

Energy & Regulation: A federal judge struck down New York’s $75 billion Climate Change Superfund Act, siding with Utah and other states that argued the law overreaches state authority and conflicts with federal air-pollution rules. Local Infrastructure & Public Safety: In Calera, repeated train blockages are snarling Highway 25 and delaying emergency response; city leaders are pushing a proposed $32 million bridge over the tracks, though DOT says it’s still in the developmental phase. Education & Workforce: Alabama Power Foundation named Albertville High School student Fabiana Sebastian as a $2,500 scholarship recipient in its inaugural Community Scholars Program. Banking & Local Business: Citizens Bank & Trust appointed Austin Ainsworth to its board, adding North Alabama land and business development experience. Real Estate: Jefferson County saw 155 home sales (Aug. 21–27), with a median price of $335,000. Food Safety: The CDC/FDA expanded a cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, now linked to 20 states and including 11,458 illnesses and two deaths. Data Security: Birmingham-based Aesto Health disclosed a breach after attackers accessed its AWS infrastructure, exposing data tied to 9.5 million people. Consumer Policy: Alabama’s SB 221 takes effect Sept. 1, exempting credit card transaction fees from sales tax when separately stated on receipts.

Meta Settlement: Alabama is set to receive more than $117 million from a nationwide Meta deal tied to claims Instagram and Facebook were designed to be addictive to children, with new limits including a two-hour daily cap, forced pauses, and overnight shutdowns. Legal & Competition: A federal judge let Smucker’s trademark lawsuit against Trader Joe’s Uncrustables claims proceed, keeping alive a fight over packaging and sandwich design; Smucker says Uncrustables generate nearly $1B annually. Energy & Environment: FERC authorized two pipeline proposals totaling 500+ miles across Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, and a coalition says the agency ignored the public interest—setting up a likely challenge. Business & Labor: Willis Towers Watson sued Lockton and 18 former WTW employees, alleging a coordinated team exit and rapid client shifting after resignations within 44 minutes. Education & Workforce: TVA is taking applications for up to $5,000 STEM classroom awards across its seven-state region. Local Economy: Gas prices stayed volatile in Alabama’s counties, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest E85 in Mobile at $2.87 and regular gas lows like $3.42 in Dallas.

Workforce & Economy: Alabama Sec. of Workforce Greg Reed says more Alabamians are working than ever, citing job growth and urging a closer look at younger workforce participation. Higher Education & Economic Impact: Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed Sept. 4 “College Colors Day,” pointing to Alabama’s universities’ $27B economic footprint. Local Business Support: Odenville’s chamber is partnering with Jax State’s Alabama SBDC to offer free, confidential one-on-one business advising at City Hall. Defense & Manufacturing: Tata Advanced Systems and the Javelin Joint Venture signed an MoU to explore co-production of Javelin anti-tank missiles in India, with sub-assembly work tied to Alabama and other U.S. sites. Energy & Data Centers: Alabama AG Steve Marshall says Alabama can stay “open for business” on data centers while regulators work to protect consumers from higher energy costs. Public Health: ADPH warned Dothan-area restaurants about an imposter claiming to be a health inspector without credentials. Business Climate & Privacy: A new push for enforceable location data protections highlights gaps states still need to close as geofence surveillance faces scrutiny. Consumer Watch: GasBuddy reports diesel at $4.99 in Dallas County for the week ending Aug. 22, with Alabama diesel averaging $5.28.

Higher Ed & Governance: The University of Alabama System executive committee kept faculty senates at UA, UAB and UAH in an advisory-only role under Alabama’s HB 580, while trustees also moved forward with post-tenure and five-year academic program reviews. Workforce & Rural Health: Infirmary Health received more than $5.3 million through Alabama’s Rural Health Transformation Program to expand women’s health services, referral coordination and rural physician training in southwest Alabama. Local Business Spotlight: Huntsville’s Bold Market highlighted Black-owned businesses at Orion Amphitheater, aiming to drive new customers and recurring sales. Community & Culture: Birmingham canceled the “Legends at Legion Field” HBCU Battle of the Bands days ahead of the event, citing low ticket sales and sponsorship shortfalls. Housing & Consumer Finance: A new explainer weighs the pros and cons of adjustable-rate mortgages, noting lower initial payments can rise after the introductory period. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reported Washington County’s lowest midgrade price at $4.29 for the week ending Aug. 22, alongside broader statewide price movement. Public Policy & Data Centers: County commissioners statewide pushed back on giving counties industry-specific power to regulate data centers, arguing for broader planning authority instead.

Auto & Manufacturing: Honda is weighing a new U.S. assembly plant to meet surging hybrid demand, with hybrids making up about a third of U.S. sales and the company targeting 15 new hybrid models by March 2030. Energy & Deals: Callan Power, tied to a Marion transformer plant, agreed to buy oil and gas leases in North Dakota and Montana and will rename as Reger Energy within six months of closing. Local Infrastructure: Alabama’s Rebuild Alabama road and bridge work moved forward, with Marshall County approving 2027 projects including repaving and a federal-grant match for the Swayback Bridge. Legal Access: A new report says Alabama has “legal deserts,” with nearly two-thirds of counties below one attorney per 1,000 people, leaving many residents underserved. Consumer & Retail Policy: Alabama’s new credit card fee rule takes effect Sept. 1, exempting separately stated card transaction fees from sales tax. Tourism & Quality of Life: Alabama State Parks opened a 4.4-mile extension of the Fort Morgan Trail at Gulf State Park, adding bridges and a new bathhouse area. Sports & Business Culture: Tuskegee University’s president defended renewed dress and conduct standards as job-readiness training, not style policing.

Infrastructure & Grants: Marshall County Commission OK’d its 2027 Rebuild Alabama slate, including repaving Brashiers Chapel Road ($959,294) and using $1.3 million in local match money for a $16 million federal BUILD grant to rebuild the Swayback Bridge on Hustleville Road. Legal Access: A legal nonprofit says nearly two-thirds of Alabama counties are “legal deserts” with fewer than one attorney per 1,000 people, driven by attorney concentration in a handful of counties. Public Safety Tech: Alabama activated a $1.2 million statewide notification system to speed disaster alerts to phones and local radio/TV, built on FEMA’s alert network. Health Care Funding: Hale County Hospital won $2.41 million under Alabama’s Rural Health Transformation Program to upgrade emergency and maternal care and expand diagnostics. Medical Cannabis Expansion: Callie’s Apothecary opened Alabama’s second medical cannabis dispensary in Talladega, aiming to reduce travel burdens for patients. Consumer & Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Smiths Station and other Alabama cities reporting scam activity, while Red Lobster plans additional Alabama closures.

AI & Consumer Protection: Alabama’s attorney general says the state will keep pushing for consumers as AI data centers expand, while Alabama also opened an investigation into OpenAI after a Hugging Face breach. Public Safety Tech: A debate is heating up over Flock automated license plate readers, with gun shops removing cameras over fears that location data could be used to flag firearm purchases. Disaster Readiness: Gov. Kay Ivey activated a $1.2 million statewide notification system to speed alerts for floods and other emergencies. Healthcare Jobs & Access: Huntsville Hospital Health System opened a 32,000-square-foot operations center in Arab, targeting up to 250 jobs, and Hale County Hospital received $2.41 million for rural health upgrades. Medical Cannabis: Alabama’s second dispensary opened in Talladega, aiming to improve patient access. Rural Health Funding: Ivey announced $144 million in Rural Health Transformation Program grants statewide. Local Business & Tax: Jasper approved changes to its lodging tax to support industrial and retail development. Housing & Permitting: Cities are turning to AI to speed up housing permitting by catching incomplete applications earlier. Business/Community: Fort Payne Main Street won statewide recognition for downtown improvements.