AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Public Safety: A tornado was caught on video forming near an Alabama interstate in Tuscaloosa County, with warnings issued as storms rolled through; officials also flagged ongoing rain and storm chances through Memorial Day weekend, with localized flooding and brief tornado risk. Hot Car Tragedy Prevention: Alabama health experts renewed warnings that children can overheat fast in parked vehicles, urging parents to cool cars before loading kids and use a “leave something back there” reminder. Coal Ash Court Fight: A federal appeals court revived Mobile Baykeeper’s lawsuit over Alabama Power’s coal ash pond at Plant Barry, allowing the case to move forward over claims the unlined waste threatens groundwater and the Mobile River. Energy/Climate Legal Battle: Alabama AG Steve Marshall co-led an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a Boulder County climate lawsuit that would let one locality target the energy industry. Local Life & Community: ALEA launched its “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign, while Huntsville Utilities emphasized that local drinking water meets safety standards even amid a broader legal dispute.

Religious Liberty Push: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed two bills aimed at stopping disruptions at houses of worship—strengthening trespassing enforcement and adding a mandatory 30-day minimum jail term for intentional “disturbing the peace” at churches, synagogues, and similar sites. Coosa County Emergency Readiness: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt secured $426,000 for Coosa County Emergency Management, targeting a generator and ambulance equipment to keep response going during severe weather. Weather Watch for Alabama: Memorial Day weekend is shaping up stormy, with heavy rain and frequent lightning possible—Friday is flagged as an “Impact Day.” Local Safety on the Roads: Crews responded to an 18-wheeler crash on Alabama Highway 68 in DeKalb County; no hazardous materials were involved. Environmental Angle: World Fish Migration Day is May 23, spotlighting how Alabama’s freshwater species depend on free-flowing rivers—habitat loss from dams has already driven major declines. Food Recall: Whole Foods Market Kitchen Minestrone Soup is recalled nationwide over an undeclared shrimp allergen.

Memorial Day Weather Watch: Humid air and a steady parade of showers and storms are sticking around across Alabama through the holiday weekend, with daily chances for downpours and lightning and totals that could reach 3–4 inches in many areas—so outdoor plans may need backup. Public Safety Funding: North Alabama is set to receive about $10.2 million for upgrades, including modernized multi-agency crime center communications and new patrol and rescue vehicles for local departments. Coastal Safety Law: Lulu’s Law is moving toward President Trump’s desk, aiming to trigger a wireless emergency alert to phones during shark attacks. Local Growth & Power: Jefferson County is drafting criteria for large data centers, focusing on environmental impact reviews before developers move in. Hot Car Reminder: Safe Kids Tuscaloosa is pushing “look before you lock” as heat-related child deaths remain a persistent risk.

Memorial Day weather in Alabama: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are rolling through the state, and the weekend pattern looks stormy—daily rain chances are high (80–95%), but meteorologists stress it won’t mean constant rain everywhere. School funding results: North Alabama superintendents say Alabama’s new RAISE Act school funding model is already helping—more classroom support for early grades, faster progress for English learners, and expanded enrichment for gifted students. Public safety on the water: State officials are urging boaters to slow down and wear life jackets after recent drownings in North Alabama. Wildlife watch: Kentucky biologists confirmed Alabama bass hybrids in Lake Linville, raising concerns about impacts on native bass populations. Local life-and-death reminders: A positive lightning strike rattled Shelby County overnight, and a Lauderdale County motorcyclist died after a crash. History under threat: The National Trust named 11 U.S. sites—including Alabama’s President’s House Site—among the most endangered historic places.

Jobs & Industry: Virginia Transformer is moving deeper into Alabama’s manufacturing push, announcing a new 600,000-square-foot power transformer plant at the Shoals Research Airpark in Colbert County—about 1,100 jobs, production starting in 2028. Local Governance: Phenix City approved a $25.3 million Daechang expansion deal with a 10-year tax abatement, plus citywide fixes tied to unsafe-structure demolitions and LED street lighting upgrades. Weather & Public Safety: West Alabama is heading into a hot, humid stretch with multiple rounds of showers and storms through early next week, with Memorial Day weekend disruptions possible but no widespread severe weather expected. Historic Preservation: The National Trust flagged 11 endangered sites nationwide for 2026, including Alabama’s Stonewall-era stories and the President’s House Site—tying preservation to the fight for equality. Community Spotlight: Alabama high schoolers were selected for the HOBY leadership seminar at Troy University, with service projects including local environmental stewardship.

Nursing crunch in Alabama: New estimates from the University of Alabama say the state could be short about 14,000 nurses by next year, with some hospital vacancy rates nearing 20%, driven by retirements, burnout, and an aging patient population. Health & safety in Florence: Florence police are searching for a certified nurse’s aide accused of abusing a dementia patient at a long-term care facility, alleging the aide pushed the resident and caused a fall; a warrant is out. Alabama politics heading to runoffs: Tuesday’s primary results leave multiple GOP races headed to June 16 runoffs, including the lieutenant governor contest between John Wahl and Wes Allen. Regional infrastructure watch: Opelika approved a property exchange and lease deal to move forward with a more efficient Fire Station No. 2 near Pepperell Parkway. Broader context: Across the U.S., emergency home-repair demand is spiking—Texas ranks among the most “emergency trade” reliant states, hinting at wider cost and availability pressure that can hit Alabama too.

Coal Ash Court Win: Alabama Power’s coal-ash fight just got a boost—an 11th Circuit ruling revived Mobile Baykeeper’s lawsuit over whether the company can leave 21.7 million tons of ash in place, saying the case shouldn’t have been tossed and that the group has standing. Flood Resilience Funding: Jasper is moving from planning to construction after winning nearly $900K to upgrade drainage and reduce repeat flooding. Transformer Boom in the Shoals: Virginia Transformer announced a 600,000-square-foot plant in Muscle Shoals, with 1,100 jobs, starting production in January 2028. Election Day in Alabama: Primaries are underway statewide, with polls open until 7 p.m. Public Health Watch: Kroger recalled certain cheese garlic croutons over possible salmonella risk tied to recalled dry milk powder. North Alabama Safety: A fentanyl bust netted more than a kilogram and led to a Huntsville arrest. Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue, with rain chances returning Wednesday.

Primaries Heat Up: Voters in Alabama and five other states head to the polls today, with Kentucky’s GOP primary drawing national fire as President Trump targets Rep. Thomas Massie in a high-spending showdown. Election Fallout in Alabama: Alabama’s redistricting fight is still reshaping what voters see at the ballot box, with special primaries tied to a new congressional map after the Supreme Court cleared the way. Public Safety Shock: In San Diego, police are investigating a deadly mosque shooting as a hate crime, killing three and leaving two teen suspects dead. Weather Watch: Tuesday looks hot and humid across the region, with showers and storms returning this afternoon and a low-end severe risk in parts of the area. Local Land Use: A town of Alabama planning board approved a deer meat processing business at a resident’s property after neighbors raised concerns about odor and disposal. STEM Spotlight: A new Challenger Learning Center in Northeast Alabama is opening with NASA-style mission simulations for students.

Coal Ash Court Win: The 11th Circuit revived Mobile Baykeeper’s lawsuit against Alabama Power over a massive, unlined coal ash pond on the Mobile River—sending the fight back toward a “day in court” for coastal residents. Local Justice: Madison County is investigating after a 39-year-old inmate died in her jail cell; the cause is pending an autopsy. Public Safety Shock: In Owens Cross Roads, the police chief was reportedly involved in an officer-involved shooting that left a suspect dead after a crash into a pond. Energy & Land Use: North Baldwin residents gathered in Rabun to question a proposed 260-megawatt solar farm tied to Meta’s data center plans. Weather & Community: Etowah County EMA earned a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador designation as Memorial Day approaches. Memorial Day Guide: Stark County-area events are set for May 25, with parades and ceremonies across multiple towns.

Politics & Voting Rights: With Alabama’s primary one day away, the Alabama GOP is hosting “Pray for Our State” in Hoover as voters head to the polls Tuesday, while protesters in Selma and Montgomery are still pushing back against last-minute redistricting they say dilutes Black voting power. Weather & Safety: Early summer heat is settling in across North Alabama, with mostly dry conditions Monday before afternoon showers and storms return midweek into Memorial Day weekend. Everyday Costs: AAA puts regular gas in Huntsville at about $4.08 a gallon, with Alabama averages slightly below the national average. Industry & Work Safety: The Shipbuilders Council of America named 2025 safety award winners, including Alabama shipyards, spotlighting a continued push for safer shipbuilding and repair. Community & Culture: Decatur’s Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic returns May 23-24 at Point Mallard Park.

Voting Rights Fight: Thousands flooded Selma and Montgomery Saturday to protest Alabama’s last-minute redistricting push, after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakened key parts of the Voting Rights Act—protesters say the new maps could dilute Black representation. Weather Watch: A hot, mostly dry start gives way by midweek to more frequent showers and storms, with heavy downpours and lightning possible through the holiday weekend. Energy & Cost Pressure: Alabama Power is urging customers to manage rising summer electricity use as heat and humidity build, warning that small thermostat and maintenance changes can cut bills. Local Community: Woody’s on Weiss held a grand opening and ribbon cutting at its new Little River Marina location in Cedar Bluff, spotlighting lakefront dining and tourism. Sports (Alabama): Alabama softball punched its NCAA-record 20th Super Regional ticket with a 9-0 win over USC Upstate, setting up a matchup with LSU in Tuscaloosa.

Voting Rights Fight: Thousands rallied in Selma and Montgomery Saturday to protest redistricting after the Supreme Court weakened key parts of the Voting Rights Act, with organizers pushing voter registration ahead of November. Local Weather Watch: Bird migration hit a big moment over Birmingham—about 188,500 birds detected in flight Saturday night, moving north at roughly 28 mph around 3,300 feet. Outdoor & Fisheries: Alabama is expanding access for the 2026 red snapper season—private anglers and state-licensed charters can fish seven days a week starting May 22, with federally permitted charters following a separate NOAA schedule. NCAA Sports: Alabama softball rolled through the Tuscaloosa Regional with shutout wins, including a 3-0 victory over Belmont and a 8-0 win over USC Upstate, setting up Sunday’s regional title game. Flood Prevention Funding: Sen. Katie Britt secured $893,000 for Jasper flood prevention infrastructure.

Voting Rights Mobilization: Thousands rallied in Montgomery’s civil-rights birthplace to defend Black political representation as the Supreme Court’s voting rights rollback fuels new fears of “red state” cheating and district dismantling. Election Confusion in Louisiana: Voters reported ballot problems in the May 16 election—races greyed out, guidance that Democrats weren’t on the ballot, and demands for affidavits without clear rules—leaving people frustrated and calling for answers. Alabama Sports: Alabama softball advanced with a 3-0 win over Belmont behind Jocelyn Briski’s one-hit shutout, setting up Sunday’s regional championship. Marine & Outdoor: Alabama opened a longer 2026 red snapper season with seven-days-a-week access for state-managed anglers, aiming to boost opportunities while staying within the quota. Public Safety: A fatal early-morning crash killed an Oakman woman on Alabama 69, and a separate car-train collision in southwest Birmingham left one person seriously injured.

Flood Prevention Funding: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt secured $893,000 for Jasper to build flood-prevention infrastructure, moving the city from planning to construction after years of drainage problems hitting homes and businesses. Voting Rights & Redistricting: A Supreme Court voting-rights ruling is fueling a new round of Southern map fights, with critics warning it could further lock minority voters out of representation. DEI in Legal Education: The American Bar Association voted to remove the DEI accreditation requirement for law schools, a major shift tied to broader federal and state pressure. Outdoor & Marine News: Alabama’s red snapper season opens May 22 for private anglers and state-licensed charter boats, running seven days a week. Community & Health: Huntsville-area families are rallying around mental health support for first responders, while Tuscaloosa’s Northridge Middle earned a National Gold Star School honor.

Coastal Health Alert: A new report warns a deadly Vibrio “flesh-eating” bacteria is creeping up the Atlantic, with researchers tracking seawater on Florida’s coast as people report injuries after exposure. Local Education Spotlight: Tuscaloosa’s Northridge Middle School earned a 2026 National Gold Star School honor, one of just two Alabama schools recognized. Mental Health + First Responders: A Huntsville mother is turning her son’s 2020 police-involved shooting into a mission to support first responders and reduce stigma around mental illness. Energy Oversight Fight: Huntsville Utilities is facing a lawsuit over claims it changed rules to control new-home energy inspections tied to TVA rebates. Water + Drought Policy: Senators Britt and Luján push a tax credit to spur water-reuse infrastructure for data centers and other water-heavy industries. Alabama Weather: Dry weekend ahead, then rain chances return next week. Wildlife Watch: Alabama confirmed an Asian longhorned tick on a dog in DeKalb County, adding to the state’s growing tick concerns.

Critical Infrastructure Alert: Divers found a grenade-type IED underwater at Mobile’s J.B. Converse Reservoir dam—home to drinking water for about 350,000 people—then safely detonated it after a multi-agency response that included the FBI Bomb Squad and state/local explosive teams. Hurricane Readiness: Gulf Shores is hosting a hands-on “Storm Ready” preparedness workshop Saturday (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) with guidance on storm supplies, generator basics, and reducing tree risks. Heat Ahead: A warmer-than-normal summer outlook is pushing more air-conditioning demand, while Alabama’s forecast points to near-90° temperatures and only scattered shower chances. Water Watch: Kellyton’s annual drinking water quality report says the system met EPA/ADEM standards with no maximum contaminant level violations. Marine Life: Alabama’s red snapper season for private anglers and state-licensed charter boats shifts to seven days a week starting May 22. Safety Scrutiny: Hospital security concerns are resurfacing after a nurse was killed during an attempted robbery at DCH, prompting a full protocol review.