AGP Executive Report

Gulf Coast Flood Watch: A “Gulf Blob” of tropical moisture is boosting rain chances and raising coastal flood risk into the weekend, with gusty winds and locally heavy downpours possible. Water & Data Center Concerns: Environmental advocates are watching a proposed Lawrenceburg, Tennessee data center, warning that water-quality impacts could flow downstream into North Alabama via the Tennessee River. Outdoor Health Prep: As Alabamians head outdoors, pest-control experts are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses by cutting grass, avoiding shaded/brushy areas, and eliminating standing water. Severe Weather Aftermath: Storms across Alabama have left thousands without power and caused downed trees and damage, with officials urging homeowners to act quickly and avoid scams. Alabama Science Spotlight: A University of Alabama doctoral candidate reported rare deep earthquakes in Antarctica, raising questions about whether the ice sheet’s weight is driving unusual seismic activity. Local Community Resilience: Anniston Army Depot celebrated a new $44 million combat vehicle welding facility, while Alabama families and communities continue recovery efforts after tornado damage.

Severe Weather & Power: Central Alabama cleanup continues after Monday storms brought widespread wind damage, with the NWS receiving more than 100 reports and Alabama Power outage maps showing hundreds without power at points. Storm Safety: Local coverage urged homeowners to act fast after damage—tarp roofs and prevent further water intrusion rather than waiting on an adjuster, and watch for scams. Transportation & Environment Planning: A $5 million federal earmark was secured for engineering and environmental studies tied to the Haleyville bypass/Interstate 22 connector, with studies expected to take about a year. Energy Infrastructure: PowerSouth Energy Cooperative is expanding its Lowman Energy Center in Leroy with a second advanced-class gas turbine from Mitsubishi Power, aiming for added capacity and emissions compliance. Gulf Coast Ecology: Reports warn a massive seaweed bloom could worsen along Gulf Coast beaches this summer. Local Growth: DeKalb County adopted a countywide economic strategy, Elevate DeKalb, to guide infrastructure, workforce, and industry planning.

Brown Spot Needle Blight: A fungal disease is spreading through Alabama pine forests, with cases reported in 58 of 67 counties and researchers warning it’s moving from longleaf to loblolly pines—Alabama’s key commercial crop. Hurricane Prep: Alabama EMA says tropical storms can still bring damaging rain, flooding, and even tornadoes inland, so North Alabama residents shouldn’t assume they’re safe. Gulf Seaweed: More seaweed is expected to worsen along Gulf Coast beaches this summer, with piles already flooding some shorelines. Water & Air Permits: ADEM held a public hearing on permits for a proposed limestone quarry in Guntersville, where residents raised concerns about dust, traffic, noise, and water impacts. Public Health: Alabama health officials are urging tick protection as Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) becomes a growing concern. Marine Research: A new study led by the University of South Alabama adds insight into greater amberjack numbers in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf. Storm Cleanup: North Alabama communities are still clearing storm-fallen trees after recent severe weather.

Gulf Coast Seaweed Watch: Large mats of sargassum are washing onto Alabama beaches like Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, and researchers warn conditions could worsen through summer—bad news for swimming, wildlife, and tourism as the seaweed rots on shore. Severe Storm Aftermath: Monday’s strong storms brought damaging winds, heavy rain, lightning, and widespread tree damage across central Alabama, with thousands without power (including major outages in Jefferson County) and reports of trees crashing into homes. Hurricane Season Prep: With the Atlantic season underway, FEMA highlights Gulf and Southeast states—including Alabama—among the highest expected annual loss areas, underscoring the stakes for wind, flooding, and surge readiness. Data Center Debate: A Democratic candidate for Alabama lieutenant governor is calling for a moratorium on new data center construction, citing concerns about environmental impacts and rising energy and water demands. Local Water/Coast Dispute: In Bayou La Batre, residents are fighting over seafood waste storage and odor, alleging violations of state environmental setback and storage rules.

Severe Weather & Power Outages: A fast-moving storm system with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain knocked out power for more than 100,000 Alabama customers Monday, with Alabama Power reporting over 113,000 outages statewide and thousands more in several metro and West Alabama counties. Storm Preparedness: Alabama Power rolled out SPEAR, a new tool that uses historical storm data to forecast where outages may hit hardest and help crews stage repairs sooner. Road Impacts: Trees fell across U.S. 72 near Cox Road in Limestone County, closing all lanes for crews to clear debris; U.S. 72 closures were also reported near Cox Road as conditions shifted. Local Governance & Development: Vestavia Hills is weighing a 10-year sales tax rebate to help redevelop the former Cahaba Heights Winn-Dixie site into a Walmart Neighborhood Market, including demolition and drainage upgrades. Data Centers Politics: State Rep. Phillip Ensler is calling for a moratorium on new data center construction in Alabama, citing concerns about environmental impacts and energy costs. Community & Environment: Fairhope’s “Hooked on Fairhope” children’s fishing tournament aims to build youth outdoor stewardship while supporting local education and mentoring groups. Weather Outlook: Forecasters say north Alabama dries out after Monday’s severe threat, with a warmer, mostly sunny stretch before spotty rain returns late in the weekend.

Severe Weather Watch: Monday, June 1, Alabama faces an “Impact Day” with storms that could bring damaging winds (gusts up to ~60 mph), heavy rain, and large hail up to quarter-size, with the main risk focused across parts of central and west Alabama; forecasters also note trees may fall because ground is saturated after recent dry-to-wet swings. Heat Safety: A Tuscaloosa-area tragedy highlights the danger of leaving kids in cars—authorities say a 1-year-old was found dead in a vehicle in Brookwood after being left strapped in a car seat during a day when temperatures hit about 90°F. Local Water & Weather: Huntsville-area homeowners are turning to ChatGPT to sell houses, but experts warn about privacy and legal risks from what people type into free AI tools. Environment Science: A new genetic study finds the “Southern Cavefish” is actually three species across karst regions stretching through Alabama and neighboring states. Community & Infrastructure: A Mobile County living shoreline project received financial support, aiming to protect coastal habitat while reducing erosion. Policy & Funding: Alabama homeowners are scrambling after the Trump EPA cancels grants tied to cutting utility bills, adding pressure to already-stressed household budgets.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service says Monday, June 1 could bring damaging winds and heavy rain across Alabama, with a marginal (Level 1/5) risk still in place; the main concern is wind that could topple trees after recent wetting, while hail threats have eased to large hail up to quarter-size. Storm Timing: Forecasts point to storms developing Monday afternoon into evening, with lightning and downpours already showing up in parts of the region. Living Shorelines: Mobile’s Peninsula of Mobile secured about $150,000 for a living shoreline “Pocket Beach Pilot Program” to reduce erosion, boost habitat, and strengthen coastal resilience. Transportation Impacts: ALDOT plans an overnight northbound I-65 closure near Lacon in Morgan County for bridge deck repairs, with detours via US-31 and other routes depending on vehicle type. Hot Car Reminder: Tuscaloosa-area officials report a 1-year-old died after being left in a vehicle in Brookwood on May 20, underscoring how fast temperatures can turn deadly. Maternal Health: Preeclampsia awareness highlights that postpartum preeclampsia can show up days or weeks after birth, with warning signs like severe headaches, swelling, chest pain, and vision changes.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service says scattered showers and thunderstorms could hit West Alabama through Monday, with a Marginal Risk for strong-to-severe storms. Monday’s main threats include damaging winds (gusts up to ~60 mph) and large hail (up to tennis-ball size), with the best chance for storms developing afternoon into evening. Home Energy Costs: Alabama and Georgia homeowners are scrambling after the Trump EPA canceled grants meant to cut utility bills, leaving families facing another summer of high power costs. State Parks Lodging Deal: Alabama State Parks signed a 10-year concession with Guest Services Inc. to run lodging and hospitality at Lake Guntersville and Cheaha state park lodges, including Bald Rock Lodge. Coal Ash Oversight: A report highlights how regulators are shifting toxic coal ash monitoring and permitting, with communities concerned about groundwater impacts. Local Development: Irondale completed due diligence for a planned Costco site, targeting an opening in 2028.

Drought Relief in Alabama: After weeks of dry conditions, steady rain is shrinking drought coverage statewide, with the U.S. Drought Monitor showing drought areas dropping from 95.23% to 81.01% and severe drought easing from 12.90% to 0%, though much of the state is still abnormally dry. Water Supply Stress in Central Alabama: A Marbury Water System tank maintenance plan is triggering emergency conservation for thousands in Pine Level and nearby areas, cutting supply by about half and potentially starting in early October 2026. Local Pollution Watch: In Guntersville, residents packed an ADEM hearing opposing a proposed limestone quarry that would crush and process rock and discharge waste into tributaries feeding Lake Guntersville. Invasive Species Alert: Alabama officials confirmed an Asian longhorned tick in DeKalb County, urging pet owners to use flea-and-tick prevention and to check animals after time outdoors. Storm Risk: Weekend weather remains unsettled, with scattered storms and localized flooding risks continuing across parts of the region.

Severe Weather & Flood Recovery: A stubborn stationary front is keeping a 40% chance of storms over metro Atlanta and North Georgia, with flash-flood risk lingering into the weekend as moisture stays unusually high. Alabama Drought Relief: Alabama’s latest drought update shows extreme drought (D3) dropped to 0%, with most of the state now in the lowest two drought categories after heavy rain. Invasive Species Watch: Alabama agriculture officials report an Asian longhorned tick found on a dog in DeKalb County, urging pet owners to use tick prevention and monitor for bites. Local Environmental Conflict: Guntersville residents packed an ADEM hearing to oppose a proposed limestone quarry that would crush rock and discharge waste into tributaries feeding Lake Guntersville, citing noise, traffic, and water impacts. Water Stress for Industry: A new look at the AI data center boom warns that water for cooling is becoming a siting constraint, especially in drought-prone areas. Public Health Preparedness: Alabama’s emergency guidance highlights hurricane season readiness, including planning and local evacuation routes.

Data Centers vs. Drought: A new mapping effort flags AI data center construction in drought-hit areas, raising alarms about water demand as more than 60% of the U.S. remains in drought. Local Permitting Fight: Marshall County residents packed a hearing urging ADEM to pause permits for a proposed limestone quarry near Guntersville, citing dust, blasting, truck traffic, and groundwater impacts. Water Safety in Focus: Central Alabama’s drought categories improved after heavy rain, but meteorologists warn flash flooding can’t fully “fix” dry conditions; meanwhile, a swim advisory was issued for Alabama’s Fowl River. Energy Resilience: Rep. Dale Strong secured $2.597M for backup generators at Huntsville Hospital’s Women and Children department to protect care during outages and extreme weather. Cold Case Funding: Huntsville renewed a contract for a dedicated cold-case investigator, including the 2015 Kandance Faulk murder—an indirect reminder that community safety depends on sustained public resources. Coastal Harvest Update: Alabama opened shrimping season in inside coastal waters starting June 1, with rules keeping permanently closed areas off-limits.

Water Crisis in Coosa Mountain: Shelby County residents say an Alabama Power contractor bored into the aquifer, leaving homes with unusable, sulfur- and iron-smelling water—despite new wells installed—sparking an ongoing fight over safe drinking water. Severe Weather & Flood Risk: Birmingham’s Jones Valley saw a 6-shot incident amid heavy downpours, while Jefferson County was under a flash flood warning and storms lingered across the metro and beyond. Wildfire Readiness: Tallassee Fire Department added a new wildland truck to better reach rural, wooded areas as dry conditions raise wildfire concerns. Forest Health Threat: Auburn researchers report early findings on brown spot needle blight, warning stressed pines are more vulnerable and the disease could mean major economic losses for Alabama’s timber industry. Drought Monitor Update: Recent rain has improved drought conditions across parts of the Southeast, including Alabama, though dry conditions can rebound. Hospital Power Resilience: Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children is getting $2.5M for a larger emergency generator to keep critical care running during outages and severe weather. Food Insecurity Pressure: North Alabama food banks report a surge in first-time visitors as prices rise and SNAP changes reduce benefits, with summer break making the need worse. PFAS Legal Push (Regional): Floyd County, Georgia moved toward legal action over PFAS contamination tied to landfills and public water and parks.

Flood Watch & Flash Flood Worries: Heavy rain across West Alabama is raising concerns about ponding water, flooded roadways, and fast-moving flash flooding, with Tuscaloosa County EMA urging drivers to avoid standing water and stay alert. Clean Water Act Lawsuit: The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper filed a federal lawsuit over alleged muddy stormwater pollution from a Columbus, Georgia construction site, saying basic pollution controls failed and sediment harmed downstream creeks and aquatic life. Wildfire Risk Outlook: A new federal outlook flags elevated wildfire danger this summer in areas facing drought and warmer-than-normal conditions, warning of another dangerous season. Coastal Restoration in Action: An Alliance business tour highlighted restoration successes across south Mobile County and Dauphin Island, including projects that rebuild beach and marsh habitat while helping protect homes and roads from flooding. Local Water Reuse Education: Hartselle Utilities toured the WaterWorks Environmental Learning Lab, repurposing a former drinking water plant into an environmental science campus after pollution concerns shut the original facility down.

Wildfire Watch: A new federal map flags above-normal wildfire risk this summer, driven by drought, below-average rain, and warmer temperatures—an early warning for multiple regions, including the West. Water Pollution Lawsuit: The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper filed a federal Clean Water Act lawsuit over muddy stormwater from a Columbus, Georgia construction site, alleging failed pollution controls that harmed creeks and aquatic life downstream. Flash Flood Concerns: Heavy rain across West Alabama is raising alarms for ponding and flash flooding, with officials urging drivers to avoid standing water and stay alert as storms continue. Wildlife Encounters: After days of heavy rain, a black bear was spotted near Highway 43 in south Alabama; experts say flooding and habitat shifts can push animals into neighborhoods, so residents should keep distance and secure trash and pet food. Wildfire Safety Tech: NASA and the Alabama Forestry Commission showcased low-cost thermal sensors for “fire dozers” to improve firefighter safety and help track heat impacts during wildfires. Road Work: ALDOT says a $4.7 million resurfacing project on SR-24 in western Franklin County will begin soon, with daily single-lane closures and work expected to finish by late summer.

Severe Weather & Flood Risk: Alabama’s rainy stretch stays active into the weekend, with scattered storms and locally heavy downpours that can trigger flash flooding, especially where ground is already saturated. Local Infrastructure: Tuscaloosa-area drivers should plan for possible lane closures June 4-5 as Alabama DOT inspects the Woolsey Finnell Bridge. Water & Health Watch: A new Great Lakes-focused look at PCB cleanup highlights how long communities can live with legacy pollution—and why fish advisories and older-building inspections still matter. Community Growth & Summer Access: Redstone Arsenal’s Goss Road pool opens for the season, adding swim lessons and family-friendly summer programming. Coastal Conservation Education: Baldwin County second graders received “Miss Sandra and the Turtle People” as part of the Share the Beach Turtle Preservation Program’s ongoing push to protect sea turtles and beach habitat. Development Pressure in Lowndes County: Opposition to a proposed $1.5 billion data center (Project Red Clay) keeps building, with residents gathering more than 1,000 petition signatures and raising concerns about water, farmland, and historic sites.

Severe Weather & Flood Risk: Alabama is under a flood watch as rounds of scattered storms roll through central and eastern parts of the state, with heavy downpours capable of quick, localized flooding. Clean Water Lawsuit: The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper filed a federal Clean Water Act lawsuit over muddy stormwater from a Columbus, Georgia-area construction site, alleging pollution controls weren’t properly followed. Energy Policy Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a bid that would let one city set energy policy nationwide—arguing it would raise costs and upend state energy authority. Local Environment Watch: Huntsville residents near Highway 255 are pushing for noise relief, including possible sound barriers. Ongoing Climate/Tech Policy: Alabama’s AG coalition is also weighing in against the KIDS Act, warning it could weaken state protections for kids online.