AGP Executive Report

Coastal Funding Boost: Gov. Kay Ivey announced more than $52 million for 21 Gulf Coast GoMESA projects, including wetlands creation, boat ramp and pier work, and nature-area upgrades meant to improve water access and protect coastal resources. Road Safety & Flooding: The Poarch Creek Indians started the first phase of a $24M, four-part road improvement project in Escambia County, widening lanes, adding shoulders, and upgrading drainage to reduce flooding risk. Heat & Storm Watch: Alabama faces another round of dangerous weather, with heat advisories extended into the evening and forecasts calling for strong-to-severe storms with damaging winds and lightning. Pollinator Count: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is live, inviting Alabamians to spend 15 minutes counting insects on pollinator plants to help track ecosystem health. Community Cleanup: Volunteers are being sought for the Smith Lake cleanup on Sept. 18 to remove litter and debris from shoreline areas and tributaries. Local Land-Use Fight: In Somerville, residents are pushing back against a 50-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility moving forward on 15 acres, citing a lack of zoning that leaves officials with limited power to stop it.

Extreme Heat & Storms: Alabama is under heat advisories with “feels like” readings topping 110–113°F in places, plus a chance of strong to severe storms Thursday and Friday before a hotter, drier weekend. Public Safety on Roads: In Huntsville, residents and first responders say 12 pedestrians have been hit on University Drive this year, including three deadly crashes, with concerns about crossings away from marked areas. Campus Safety Moves: The University of Alabama rolled out a micromobility policy after more bike/scooter/car crashes, requiring registration and tighter rules for where and how devices operate. Local Infrastructure & Privacy Fight: An Alabama homeowner is contesting a proposed 230-kilovolt transmission line, arguing access across his driveway would violate privacy and invite 24/7 use by outside crews. Pollinators & Community Science: Alabama joins the Great Southeast Pollinator Census Aug. 21–22, inviting residents to spend 15 minutes counting bees and other pollinators to support habitat planning. Food Safety: Publix expanded a frozen blueberry recall in Alabama after the FDA upgraded it to its highest risk level for possible deadly E. coli contamination. School Security: Tuscaloosa City Schools approved added parking-lot cameras at multiple high schools to reduce blind spots and improve safety.

Heat & Storm Safety: West Alabama remains under a heat advisory through 9 p.m., with “feels like” readings pushing past 105–110°F and an isolated severe storm risk Wednesday–Thursday focused on damaging winds up to 60 mph. Pollinator Science: Alabama Extension is inviting residents to join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census Aug. 21–22, a 15-minute citizen-science count aimed at tracking pollinators and supporting more sustainable habitat. Water Utility Cybersecurity: North Alabama water and wastewater utilities say they’re monitoring and preparing for cyberattacks after recent disruptions elsewhere, including steps to block suspicious internet traffic. Conservation & Wildlife: Foley honored Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship for decades of statewide environmental work, while Alabama Wildlife Federation recognized forest conservationists David and Jan Farnsworth for longleaf restoration and habitat improvements. Community Grants: Two Walker County volunteer fire departments received $10,000 safety grants to buy equipment that protects responders. Agriculture & Extension: Huntsville-area Extension agent Marcus Garner earned a national Distinguished Service Award for work spanning home gardens, pesticide safety, and water conservation.

Severe Weather Watch: West Alabama saw a fast-moving storm Tuesday with a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Greene and Sumter counties, including a cell that towered above 40,000 feet and produced heavy lightning, with hail and damaging winds possible as storms pushed toward the Gulf. Heat & Relief Limits: Across the state, extreme heat warnings and advisories continued, with only modest overnight cooling expected and storm chances that may not bring much relief from the heat. Water Quality & Growth: At Smith Lake, the Vista Lago developer is revising its sewage discharge plan after community concerns about wastewater being released near the lake, where it could affect drinking-water supplies. Wildfire Risk: Alabama’s Forestry Commission reported an active wildfire picture that could make 2026 a record fire year depending on conditions in the fall peak season. Coastal Ecology: Alabama anglers are increasingly reporting common snook in coastal waters farther north than their historic range, with researchers documenting the shift. Flood Preparedness: Alabama authors released Flood Help 101 to help families plan for flooding, from risk basics to insurance and recovery steps.

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: Alabama’s heat advisory and dangerous “feels-like” conditions continue, with the NWS warning that the most persistent heat is in western and southern Central Alabama and isolated storms may pop up mainly south of I-20. Wildfire Watch: Alabama could see a record wildfire year in 2026, with the Alabama Forestry Commission tracking multiple active fires and noting the state has already burned more than 30,000 acres. Water Quality & Local Permitting: Vista Lago developers say they’ll revisit plans after community pushback over a proposed wastewater treatment facility near Smith Lake, where ADEM previously approved a discharge route via Ryan Creek. PFAS Accountability: A new report says Commonwealth accuses a chemical giant of hiding health impacts of PFAS. Health & Environment Research: UAB and Cincinnati Children’s researchers report indigo light could prevent myopia in a tree shrew model, pointing to indoor lighting as a modifiable factor. Campus Labor: United Campus Workers Southeast announced a new union chapter at the University of North Alabama, citing outsourcing, wage stagnation, and unclear budget decisions. Air Travel Growth: Huntsville International Airport set a new all-time passenger record in July, topping 180,000 travelers. Industrial Accident: Explosions at an Ohio recycling business left two workers unaccounted for, with hazardous chemicals and runoff concerns.

PFAS Accountability: A U.S. chemical maker is accused of hiding how toxic PFAS firefighting foam persists and migrates into drinking water, with a major federal case alleging years of continued sales despite known risks. Extreme Heat Safety: Central Alabama is under an Extreme Heat Warning with heat index values topping 113°F, and Montgomery and Elmore counties are opening cooling stations for short-term relief. Vibrio Risk on the Gulf Coast: Alabama health officials report 16 vibriosis cases and urge swimmers to avoid coastal water with open wounds, since the bacteria spike in warmer months. Schools Keeping Cool: Tuscaloosa City Schools HVAC crews are doing daily preventive checks to keep classrooms livable during dangerous heat. Local Giving for STEM: ProjectXYZ donated $250,000 to the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering for a research institute and a women’s dorm. Community Spotlight: The Arab Tribune’s longtime owner Ed Reed is remembered for decades of local leadership and jobs support.

Extreme Heat Watch/Warning: Alabama is under its first Extreme Heat Warning of 2026, with heat index values pushing toward 113°F and dangerous conditions lasting into Monday night; officials urge hydration, shade, and extra care for kids and pets. Severe Storm Risk: Alongside the heat, meteorologists are tracking a marginal severe thunderstorm risk for north and northeast Alabama, with storms that could bring strong wind gusts and locally heavy rain. Energy & Grid: The Alabama Mobility and Power Center and PowerBox Technology are testing a smart energy pilot at AMP’s Power Research Lab, aiming to better manage power where solar and batteries meet the grid. Critical Minerals: EXIM approved a $25M loan for a proposed graphite plant in Coosa County, targeting battery-grade graphite production starting in 2027. Data Centers & Power Demand: A broader national debate over data centers and grid strain continues, with Alabama-area local pushback tied to moratorium limits and enforcement questions. Local Development: Thompson Thrift announced a 300-unit luxury apartment project in Chelsea, adding more housing pressure and growth along the U.S. 280 corridor.

Extreme Heat Warning: Alabama is under First Alert Weather Days with an Extreme Heat Warning for central Alabama tonight through Monday, with heat indexes up to about 113°F and highs near 98–100°F in spots, plus lingering warm nights and limited rain chances. Data Center Pushback: Westover is holding a town hall Aug. 20 after postponing a data center moratorium vote, with residents pressing concerns about power and water impacts and the pace of approvals. Local Governance: A separate RV park proposal near Lake Guntersville is drawing resident opposition over habitat loss and emergency access worries on narrow roads. Pollution Spotlight: A new TV investigation by Michael Sheen highlights a long-running “forever chemical” PCB scandal tied to Anniston, Alabama, putting toxic contamination back in the spotlight. Community Safety & Health: Huntsville Cave Rescue is training new rescuers, underscoring how quickly caving can turn dangerous even underground. Public Health in Action: UAB Heart and Vascular staff helped keep people safe at Fultondale’s Founders Day Festival with water, blood pressure checks, and CPR. Education & Safety: Alabaster’s Creek View Elementary closed Monday after a classroom fire, with deep cleaning underway.

Extreme Heat Alert: Alabama is under First Alert Weather Days as dangerous heat continues through Monday, with many areas again near 95–100°F and heat index values around 105–110°F; officials urge limiting outdoor time, hydrating, and watching for heat illness. Data Center Moratorium Debate: Westover, Alabama delayed a vote on a proposed six-month data center moratorium and scheduled a town hall for Aug. 20 after residents asked for a direct chance to question city leaders and the developer. Coastal Cleanup Call: Organizers are recruiting volunteers for the 39th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19, aiming to keep Gulf and bay waters healthier. Water Quality & Recreation: A Coosa River swim guide flagged four sites with high E. coli levels, a reminder to check advisories before getting in the water. Wildlife & Habitat: Alabama Audubon and partners marked the Black Belt Birding Festival as a new “Black Belt Signature Event,” tying conservation tourism to local habitat protection.

Extreme Heat Safety: Central Alabama remains under First Alert Weather Days and heat advisories through Monday, with heat index values often topping 105–110°F and only low storm chances—officials urge hydration, shade breaks, and extra care for pets. Public Health at Events: At Fultondale’s Founders Day Festival, UAB Heart and Vascular staff handed out water, checked blood pressure, and taught CPR as organizers worked to keep people safe in dangerous temperatures. Coastal Conservation & Community: The Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival was named the first “Black Belt Signature Event,” with a $5,000 grant to support conservation and education efforts tied to birding tourism. Surveillance Backlash: Flock Safety cut its license plate reader retention from 30 days to seven after community pushback, while still letting agencies set their own rules. Water & Health Monitoring: A Coosa River swim guide flagged multiple sites with high E. coli levels, underscoring ongoing water-quality concerns for recreation. Missing Boater Search: Crews are searching for a missing man after a fishing boat was found adrift on Wheeler Lake.

Dangerous Heat: Alabama is under another stretch of extreme summer heat, with Heat Advisory warnings across central and north Alabama and heat index values pushing toward 105–110°F, plus only low rain chances and guidance to limit outdoor time, hydrate, and watch for heat illness. Public Health—Coastal Bacteria: Health reports highlight rising “flesh-eating” Vibrio vulnificus risk in warm brackish Gulf waters, with cases and deaths reported in the region and warnings tied to exposure through wounds and raw shellfish. Local Environment & Water Safety: Search efforts continue for a missing boater after a fishing boat was found adrift on Wheeler Lake in Lauderdale County, underscoring ongoing risks on Alabama waterways. Conservation & Community: The Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival was named the first official “Black Belt Signature Event,” with a grant supporting conservation, education, and rural tourism. Data & Privacy: Flock Safety cut automated license plate reader retention from 30 days to seven after community backlash, renewing debate over surveillance and public oversight. Workforce/Industry: DeKalb Works received an Innovate Alabama Network designation to expand talent attraction and workforce development in DeKalb County.

Coosa River Water Quality: Coosa Riverkeeper’s Week 13 Swim Guide found high E. coli at four recreation spots in northeast Alabama, including Little Canoe Creek, Big Wills Creek, Cheaha Creek, and the Highway 77 Boat Ramp—with some sites staying high for a second week. Public Health & Heat: Alabama health officials and the National Weather Service warned of dangerous heat across the state, with heat index values pushing toward 110° and heat advisories continuing through the weekend. Gulf Coast Bacteria Alert: Reports highlight a flesh-eating bacteria surge tied to warm coastal waters, with Alabama public health urging residents to take precautions. Local Transparency Fight: In Somerville, residents trying to stop a planned 50-megawatt Bitcoin mining center say they’ve traced ownership through a web of companies tied to a Texas man, raising concerns about transparency. Coastal Cleanup Call: Organizers are seeking volunteers for the 39th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup this September, keeping pressure on shoreline protection efforts.

Dangerous Heat: West Alabama is under a Heat Advisory through Aug. 15, with heat index values topping out around 110 and staying dangerously high into the weekend and early next week. Public Health: The Alabama Department of Public Health is urging residents and schools to recognize heat illness warning signs and take precautions. Coastal Cleanup: Volunteers are being recruited for the 39th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19, running 8 a.m. to noon across beaches, bays, parks, and storm drains. Reef Restoration: Alabama’s oyster-shell recycling program is continuing to return discarded Gulf Shores restaurant shells to coastal waters to rebuild oyster reefs. Wildlife Protection: An Iowa man faces 124 charges after allegedly capturing protected flattened musk turtles in Winston County, a species found only in Alabama. Data Center Accountability: PSC nominee Sheila McNeil is pushing a regional review plan for large data centers to assess electricity, water, and infrastructure impacts before approvals. Conservation Honors: Sen. Katie Britt and Commissioner Chris Blankenship received Alabama Wildlife Federation conservation awards.

Extreme Heat Safety: Alabama Department of Public Health is urging residents to recognize heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke as dangerous heat and high humidity persist, with heat index values pushing into the low 100s and beyond. School & Sports Precautions: Pike Road high school football practices are shifting to earlier hours, with misting fans, cold tubs, and emergency action plans in place as triple-digit temperatures hit the River Region. Public Health Warnings: UA physician Brett Bentley says students and rush participants should hydrate and use light clothing and fans, noting heat index risks can spike further at stadium events. Wildlife Protection: In Winston County, an Iowa man faces more than 100 charges tied to taking protected species, including flattened musk turtles, as advocates warn that pollution and poaching threaten Alabama’s rare river life. Gulf Coast Disease Watch: Health updates highlight continued concern over flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus infections across the region, with Alabama reporting cases and at least one death. Land & Power Dispute: John Rich is backing a Shelby County landowner challenging Alabama Power’s eminent domain easements, arguing the process is unfair to property owners. Community Cleanup: Volunteers are being invited for the Alabama Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19, aimed at reducing trash before it reaches waterways.

Extreme Heat Watch: Alabama health officials issued warnings as dangerous heat returns, with heat advisories in multiple counties and “First Alert Weather Days” as heat indexes push toward 110°F. Public Health—Vibrio vulnificus: Gulf Coast states report a spike in “flesh-eating” Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths; Alabama health updates urge people to avoid seawater with open wounds and seek care fast if symptoms appear. Food Safety—Salmonella: Whole Foods recalled prepared foods made with jalapeños tied to a salmonella outbreak, adding to a wider wave of jalapeño-related recalls. Local Land & Water Concerns—Data centers: Former Sen. Doug Jones spoke at a Lowndes County community meeting opposing a hyperscale data center, arguing for transparency and local guardrails; residents also continue pushing back on Alabama’s patchwork zoning rules. Energy & Environment—Feral hogs: A federal push to control feral pigs highlights ongoing damage to crops, water quality, wildlife habitat, and livestock. Biodiversity Discovery: Scientists reported a new eyeless, colorless cavefish species found beneath Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, underscoring how much remains hidden in Alabama’s underground ecosystems.

Public Health—Heat: Alabama is under heat advisories through Friday, with heat indexes pushing past 105° daily and weekend highs near/over 100°; officials urge hydration, frequent breaks, and watching for heat cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke. Public Health—Cyclospora: Cyclosporiasis cases in Alabama have topped 100 (106 confirmed), with 67 in North Alabama and most linked to a Mexican restaurant chain. Public Health—Gulf “flesh-eating” bacteria: Alabama health officials are warning swimmers about Vibrio risk along the Gulf Coast, stressing that bacteria can enter through open wounds and advising people to avoid coastal water with skin openings. Community & Environment—Coastal cleanup: Volunteers are being recruited for the 39th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19 in Baldwin, Mobile, and Escambia counties. Local Environment & Recreation: Oak Mountain State Park opened the Jack Hammer Trail, a new backcountry mountain bike path built by BUMP with support from Innovate Alabama and the Shelby County Commission. Housing & Health—Renters’ rights: Legal Services of Alabama highlights growing reports of landlords cutting power or failing to fix serious issues like mold and broken systems, and explains what tenants can do.