AGP Executive Report

Mobile River Bridge: State Sen. Chris Elliott is pushing a tax credit to reimburse Alabama residents and businesses for tolls tied to the planned Mobile River crossing, arguing the burden shouldn’t fall on locals alone. Energy & Agriculture: Alabama issued utility gross receipts tax exemptions (Act 2026-595) for natural gas or electricity used in commercial aquaculture aeration, commercial greenhouses, pivot irrigation, and poultry houses through Aug. 31, 2029. Healthcare Innovation: UAB dosed the first patient worldwide in a first-in-human gene therapy trial for BAG3 mutation-associated dilated cardiomyopathy, a rare inherited heart condition. Tourism: Ave Maria Grotto in North Alabama was named the 2026 Attraction of the Year by the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. Food Security: Food Bank of North Alabama received $350,000 from Publix Charities for a vehicle to collect donations and a bar-coding system to boost distribution efficiency. Legal/Consumer Data: A multistate settlement targets Labcorp after a 2019 data breach tied to its debt collector, with reforms to data security and new systems for sharing data with third-party collectors.

Economic Development: Mobile Chamber earned International Economic Development Council accreditation, the only Alabama group among 94 nationwide, a signal to investors that the city’s growth push is “ready to deliver.” Manufacturing & Jobs: PPG’s Ozark Materials will close its Greenville plant Nov. 30, cutting 52 jobs, as the Traffic Solutions operation is reorganized. Public Health Policy: Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act expands Oct. 1 to ban vaping in places where smoking is prohibited, with businesses urged to update policies. Consumer & Business Risk: An Alabama woman was arrested in a $40,000 email scam targeting a Grant Parish business, using AI-style impersonation and Bitcoin transfers. Tech & Privacy: U.S. lawmakers are pressing for federal guardrails on Flock automatic license plate readers after testimony highlighted misuse risks and transparency concerns, with Alabama Sen. Katie Britt joining the push. Sports Business & NIL: A new NIL market breakdown shows Ole Miss football dominates its estimated NIL value, with men’s basketball and baseball far behind. Local Economy & Growth: BJ’s Wholesale Club opens its second Alabama location Sept. 25 in Foley, expanding value-focused retail access.

Clean Indoor Air: Alabama’s Clean Indoor Air Act expands Oct. 1 to cover electronic nicotine delivery systems, tightening indoor rules for vaping in most public places. Workforce & Defense Tech: Huntsville schools and UAH are pushing cybersecurity and intelligence pipelines as CIA/NSA-linked hiring needs grow. Digital Access: AT&T and Selma University opened a Connected Learning Center at Stone-Robinson Library with free fiber, Wi-Fi, tutoring and digital literacy support plus $50,000 more for programming. Energy & Utilities: Sierra Club gave Alabama Power a 5/100 score for its clean-energy transition plan, criticizing continued coal reliance and limited public input. Economic Development & Business: U.S. Steel broke ground on a $475 million Fairfield expansion tied to 250 permanent jobs. Corporate Moves: WSB acquired Poly, Inc., expanding its municipal, environmental and federal design capabilities with offices in Alabama. Local Economy & Growth: Auburn hit No. 100 in U.S. News’ 2027 rankings, with strong business program results. Health Care Business: Protective Life named Casey Hardeman CFO and Dom Lebel Chief Risk & Actuarial Officer effective Oct. 1. Education Policy: A PARCA survey finds broad Alabama support for public schools and accountability for private schools receiving voucher funds.

Alabama Infrastructure: The Trump administration cleared a $2.52 billion, low-interest federal loan for Alabama’s Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, a $4.15 billion effort to widen I-10, replace aging roads and reroute hazardous materials away from the George Wallace Tunnel. Agriculture & Costs: Alabama farmers are bracing for harvest with diesel at record highs—extension officials cite a sharp jump in fuel prices and estimate roughly $10 million in added harvest costs for producers. State Economy: Alabama collected $1.4 billion in individual income taxes in Q1 2026, with total state and local tax revenue at $4.2 billion. Workforce & Business Climate: Alabama’s HBCUs are eligible for $174 million in additional federal funding, building on last year’s $438 million. Public Safety & Compliance: Beau’s Law takes effect Oct. 1, tightening rules on dog tethering and requiring approved trolleys. Health & Consumer Watch: Danone recalled So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster pints over possible hard foreign objects. Local Growth: Mobile is weighing expansion of downtown open-alcohol entertainment districts, including adding the Regions Arena.

Alabama Infrastructure & Ports: The Alabama Port Authority is pushing ahead with its $100 million Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, with rail work underway and an early-2027 opening targeted to connect central Alabama shippers to Mobile via CSX. Local Development: Northport approved a deal requiring at least $52 million in investment for two hotels and a 100,000+ sq. ft. indoor sports facility near River Run Park, with the city saying it’s land sales only—no tax incentives. Public Works & Recreation: Tuscaloosa held a ribbon cutting for major Riverview Public Boat Ramp renovations on the Black Warrior River, plus upgrades at other nearby ramps. Consumer & Business Regulation: Alabama-linked AG activity is part of a broader push against “predatory” subprime auto lending, with a $694 million multistate settlement tied to Credit Acceptance. Health & Community: Huntsville-area leaders set the lineup for Stars Dancing for HEALS, raising funds for school-based pediatric medical, dental and vision care. Business Notices: Alabama reminds companies that state/county business privilege license renewals are due by Nov. 2, 2026.

Manufacturing & Jobs: U.S. Steel broke ground on a $475 million quench-and-tempering facility in Fairfield, aiming to reverse Alabama’s manufacturing decline and create hundreds of jobs. Defense Industrial Base: Hanwha Aerospace is investing $2.2 billion to build a U.S. ammunition hub at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas, with about 400 jobs; the company also has an Opelika Alabama prototype effort. Pharma Supply Chain: Eli Lilly held a Houston groundbreaking for a $6.5 billion active pharmaceutical ingredients site producing its first synthetic oral GLP-1, part of a broader U.S. reshoring push. Consumer Finance: Alabama’s AGs joined a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over subprime auto lending, including cash/debt relief for thousands of consumers. Workplace & Courts: The EEOC sued Blue Bell Creameries over allegations it fired a Jewish employee after a beard religious accommodation request. Local Economy: Dothan’s downtown momentum continues under Main Street Alabama, with new openings and renovations. Education & Community: Springville Intermediate received a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama grant for health-focused upgrades, while Auburn reported record fall enrollment. Business Climate: Alabama’s Pro-Growth Policy Conference in Montgomery drew major sponsors and sessions on AI, rural healthcare, and education partnerships.

Alabama Politics: John Roberts picked up endorsements from retiring Sen. Tom Butler and former House Speaker Mac McCutcheon as he runs for Senate District 2, with both backing his community and economic-development focus. Workplace & Courts: The EEOC sued Blue Bell Creameries in federal court over a Sylacauga employee’s firing after he sought a religious accommodation tied to respirator rules. National Security & Supply Chain: Alabama AG Hanaway joined a 20-state coalition warning the National Security Council about Chinese-linked pharmaceutical supply-chain risks, including knock-off ingredients tied to fentanyl production. Higher Ed & Families: A New York Times report spotlights “surrogate mom” style concierge services for college parents, including in Alabama, where families pay for hands-on help with day-to-day student needs. Labor Market: Alabama’s weekly wages hit a new record high while unemployment and labor participation held steady in August, according to state workforce data. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Navy is expanding production of the LCU 1700 landing craft with a $280M push across multiple shipyards. Housing Watch: Zillow data showed Montgomery County home values up 2.5% in August 2026, while Lee County rose 3.5%.

Mobile Infrastructure: Alabama’s largest infrastructure project just cleared a major hurdle: South Alabama secured a $2.5 billion federal loan for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway work, aimed at cutting commute time, easing bottlenecks on I-10, boosting Port of Mobile freight access, and strengthening hurricane evacuation routes. Housing Watch: Zillow data shows steady gains in several Alabama counties, including Lowndes (+2.3% to $150,399), Dale (+2.3% to $164,274), Lawrence (+1.9% to $225,531), and Chambers (+2% to $144,063), reflecting a broader lift in home values. Workforce & Wages: Alabama weekly wages hit a new record high while labor force participation and unemployment held steady in August, with unemployment at 3.4% and employment slightly down from July. Local Business: Troy’s Shiloh’s Ark Cafe and Bakery opened Sept. 5, leaning into a “third place” concept with Wi-Fi, outlets, and seating for studying and community. Education & Skills: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and Kai XR Futures logged 400+ STEM hours for Perry County students, building early tech and career awareness. Public Health: Walmart recalled a Great Value frozen berry blend in 16 states due to possible E. coli contamination, with Michigan consumers reportedly not affected. Defense/Tech: The U.S. Army awarded Skyeton Inc. a $10.64 million contract for Raybird reconnaissance drone hardware and services, with work tied to Redstone Arsenal.

Mobile Infrastructure: South Alabama landed a $2.5 billion federal loan for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, a major I-10 upgrade meant to cut commute time, improve hurricane evacuation, and expand freight access to the Port of Mobile. Consumer & Public Health: Walmart recalled a Great Value frozen berry blend shipped to 16 states over possible E. coli contamination; the affected lot wasn’t distributed in Michigan. Workforce & Education: Perry County students logged 400+ hours of STEM work through a Kai XR Futures partnership backed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, aiming to build rural tech and career readiness early. Housing Watch: Zillow data showed Chambers County’s typical home value rose 2% to $144,063 in August 2026. Business & Policy: Congress advanced the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act of 2026, aiming to standardize rules for compensating and managing college athletes amid a patchwork of state laws. Tech & Safety: A report warns AI plus cheaper drones could raise public-safety risks, including unauthorized drone flights near major venues.

Mobile Infrastructure: Alabama’s Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project just cleared a major financing milestone with a $2.52 billion federal loan, the state’s largest infrastructure push, moving construction forward. Local Government & Housing: Cullman City Council adopted a $158.8 million FY2027 budget, including a $58.4 million general fund, with the plan taking effect Oct. 1. Real Estate Watch: Zillow data shows Limestone County’s typical home value slipped 0.2% to $319,476 in August 2026, while Macon County rose 3.6% to $134,014. Manufacturing Support: Alabama Training Network awarded $2.19 million to keep serving as the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership center. Policy & Business Climate: Alabama withdrew objections to federal marijuana rescheduling under state law, aligning with Trump’s move—an update with potential ripple effects for compliance and industry planning. Sports Betting & Markets: Prediction-market platforms kept rolling out new promo codes for college football, including Polymarket’s “OREGON” and Kalshi’s “SILIVE55,” as Week 3 drives trading activity.

Mobile Infrastructure: The U.S. DOT approved a $2.52 billion TIFIA loan for Alabama’s Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, the state’s biggest infrastructure effort, aimed at easing Mobile Bay congestion and improving freight flow. Local Budgets: Cullman City Council adopted a $158.8 million FY2027 budget, with a $58.4 million General Fund and continued infrastructure and service priorities. Economic Development: Alabama’s SEEDS program awarded DeKalb County grants to assess and improve industrial parks in Collinsville and Fyffe, supporting future job creation. Trade & Tariffs: A Wall Street Journal report says Sen. Katie Britt’s office privately sought tariff exemptions for four Alabama companies while publicly backing the tariffs. Ag Security: U.S. Rep. Dale Strong’s House-passed bill would require a nationwide agroterrorism preparedness exercise led by DHS. Marijuana Policy: Alabama public health officials withdrew objections to federal marijuana rescheduling, framing it as procedural. Housing Data: Zillow reported Tuscaloosa County’s typical home value rose 8.7% to $251,855 in August 2026, while Macon County rose 3.6% to $134,014. Health Tech Regulation: Connecticut moved to restrict insurers from using AI as the sole basis for claim payment cuts—an issue Alabama employers and insurers will be watching.

Mobile River Bridge Funding: The U.S. DOT secured a new $2.52 billion TIFIA loan to unlock the first phase of Alabama’s $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, with construction expected to start next month. Consumer & Health Policy: Abbott will pay more than $384 million over alleged baby formula safety failures, while a coalition of states and the federal government continue pushing tougher oversight. Pharma Supply Chain Security: Alabama AG Steve Marshall joined a 20-state warning to Rubio about Chinese “national security” risks in the pharmaceutical supply chain, targeting reliance on Chinese active ingredients. Fuel Costs Pressure: AAA reports Alabama regular gas near $4 and diesel above $6, renewing calls to pause part of the state fuel tax. Banking Spotlight: Home BancShares earned top rankings from Forbes and Bank Director, highlighting performance in mid-size banks. Local Business/Workforce: Alabama Training Network awarded $2.19 million to keep serving as the state’s manufacturing extension partnership center. Food & Safety Oversight: FDA inspection data shows which Alabama company types drew the most scrutiny in August. Education & Tech: Alabama A&M hosted an AI boot camp for educators and researchers, while a separate FDA reorganization consolidates respiratory virus functions at CDC.

Manufacturing & Workforce: The Alabama Training Network won a $2.19 million NIST award to keep serving as Alabama’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, with added focus on AI, robotics, automation and additive manufacturing. Civic & Community Development: Sand Mountain Cooperative Education Center received a $610,000 grant to expand its cooperative folk school model across Birmingham and rural Guntersville, aiming to build skills and local economic opportunity. AI Education: Alabama A&M University hosted its second Generative AI Boot Camp for educators and researchers, moving from generative AI toward “agentic” AI and responsible deployment. Housing Watch: Zillow data showed mixed county trends in August 2026, including Madison County up to $314,156 (+0.8%), Choctaw County down to $125,093 (-8.1%), and Cullman County up to $258,633 (+3.9%). Business Growth: H&MV Engineering opened a North American HQ in Dallas, targeting 1,000 U.S. jobs over five years tied to power infrastructure for AI and data centers. Consumer Finance: Alabama’s AGs joined a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over alleged predatory auto lending and dealer add-on practices.

Auto Finance Accountability: Alabama’s AG Jeff Jackson joined a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory auto lending, requiring stronger consumer disclosures and protections against dealer “packing” unwanted GAP/VSC products. Energy & Cost Pressure: Gas prices in North Alabama are climbing again, with diesel at record levels and regular averaging about $3.99 statewide, squeezing household budgets and local businesses. Medical Cannabis Access: Alabama’s medical cannabis program is finally expanding with a new Bama Bloom dispensary in Athens, as the state works through lingering licensing hurdles after years of litigation. Port & Supply Chain: The Alabama Port Authority says it has “serious concerns” about the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, warning it could reduce competition and raise shipping costs. Housing & Development: Demopolis is moving ahead with a townhouse plan to add at least 500 homes to address demand, while foreclosure filings remain above year-ago levels. Workforce & Policy: Gov. Ivey approved a Workforce Pell program at Lawson State for lineworker training, and Sen. Tommy Tuberville pushed a Ratepayer Protection Act aimed at keeping data-center power costs off families and small businesses. Education Outcomes: Decatur-area ACT results show mixed performance, with some schools below state proficiency rates even as statewide scores rebound.

Artemis III Rehearsal: NASA is gearing up for a 2027 Artemis III “dress rehearsal” that will test Orion plus commercial Moon landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, with three major rocket launches aimed at improving docking and crew safety. Port & Rail: The Alabama Port Authority has filed with the Surface Transportation Board to join the federal review of a proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, warning that reduced rail competition could raise costs and disrupt supply chains. Consumer Finance: Alabama’s neighbors are moving on predatory auto lending—Credit Acceptance is facing a $694 million multistate settlement that includes cash and debt relief, plus new protections around risky loan terms and dealer add-ons. Local Business Growth: RPI Rentals opened a new 32,500-square-foot Birmingham HQ in Irondale, expanding office, warehouse, and equipment capacity for Southeast construction customers. AI & State Scrutiny: GOP attorney general nominee Katherine Robertson says Alabama is pressing OpenAI for transparency after a state subpoena tied to an experimental model’s network access. Energy & Data Centers: Sen. Tommy Tuberville reiterated a plan to keep Alabama power rates frozen for four years if elected, arguing data centers can grow without driving up statewide electricity costs. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a jalapeño recall tied to salmonella to its most serious category, with products distributed in Alabama among 27 states. Community Tech: United Way of West Alabama launched a free mobile app to connect residents to programs, events, volunteer work, and resources across its nine-county area.

Russia Sanctions: U.S. Congress passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, sending it to President Trump; the package targets Russian officials, banks, energy and the “shadow fleet,” and gives Trump tariff authority up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas buyers. Alabama Public Media: Alabama Education Television Foundation Authority approved a $39,500 statewide survey on Alabama Public Television, despite concerns it could be politically biased and funded from rainy-day money. Housing & Cost Pressures: Huntsville jumped to No. 2 for renters in a RentCafe ranking, reflecting rapid growth and rising apartment supply; meanwhile, foreclosure filings rose in August nationwide, with Florida leading new starts. Food Security: Food Bank of North Alabama says Hunger Action Month is ramping up as diesel costs squeeze budgets and donations. Public Safety & Justice: Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences received a $262,770 ADECA grant for drug-case equipment, including a toxicology screening analyzer. Local Business: Leeds and Irondale small businesses were named finalists for the 2026 Alabama Small Business Awards. Energy Watch: GasBuddy reports diesel prices in parts of Alabama remain volatile, with some counties seeing the lowest weekly marks around early September. Retail & Development: Enclave acquired a Cullman industrial facility to expand its DST investment offering, while Gonzales, Louisiana advanced a tax-incentive district proposal to attract a BJ’s Wholesale Club.