AGP Executive Report

Education & Health: A new study led by Cincinnati Children’s and UAB suggests a narrow band of indigo light could prevent myopia in a tree-shrew model, pointing to indoor lighting as a possible lever as kids spend more time indoors. Higher Ed Governance: Jacksonville State University’s board approved dissolving the faculty senate and moving toward new tenure and post-tenure review processes under Alabama’s HB580. School Policy & Rights: Civil rights advocates asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Texas law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public schools, a fight that could ripple to Alabama where similar laws are being debated. Community & Culture: Alabama’s Drive Electric Alabama will bring EV showcases to six stops statewide, including a new “Cars at the Cave” event at Rickwood Caverns State Park. Local Spotlight: Guntersville High School’s defensive coordinator and associate head coach Jerry Fulks resigned after a public intoxication arrest at a preseason jamboree. Black Belt Disparities: A University of Alabama report highlights gaps in health, family, and education outcomes for children in Alabama’s Black Belt, including higher infant mortality tied to limited obstetrical access.

School Safety & Tech: Tuscaloosa City Schools is set to vote Tuesday on adding 16 security cameras across Central, Northridge, Paul W. Bryant, the Career & Technology Academy, and the central office—aimed at better visibility in high school parking lots and faster incident response. Immigration & Community Impact: Alabama Department of Corrections has signed onto an ICE 287(g)-style jail enforcement arrangement to help identify and process people with criminal charges, drawing criticism from immigrant advocates who say it fuels fear instead of support. Local Arts & Community Life: Gadsden’s 38th Art in Gadsden juried exhibition drew a standing-room crowd, with 105 works and a Best of Show award going to Beth Appleton. Health & Education: Alabama education leaders are warning that rising costs—health insurance, aging tech, and textbooks—are climbing even as the state education department proposes no increase in funded personnel for a second year. Education Leadership: Dr. Lauren Burrow was named the 2026-28 Montgomery Professorship for Humane Education at Stephen F. Austin State University, supporting teacher training focused on empathy and humane learning.

Arts & Community: Gadsden’s 38th Art in Gadsden juried exhibition drew a standing-room crowd, with Beth Appleton taking Best of Show for “My Sister’s Earrings.” Back-to-School: “Community Corner” spotlights back-to-school support, from supplies to services that help kids start the year confident. Local Culture Calendar: Mobile’s Loyola Art Show returns Aug. 21–22, bringing 60+ juried artists and thousands of collectors to downtown. Health & Access: Alsana expands bulimia care with virtual and in-person options, aiming to improve access to evidence-based treatment. Education & Opportunity: Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences opens with 79 students, a tuition-free residential specialty school built to tackle the state’s healthcare workforce gaps. Civic Life: Alabama Democrats elect Sen. Bobby Singleton as party chairman, setting up a high-stakes run-up to November. Food & Fun: Coastal Alabama’s 4th Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge hits Orange Beach Aug. 22, with bacon-themed competition and a People’s Choice vote. Public Safety: Heat advisories and extreme heat warnings are back across the region, with guidance to limit outdoor activity and check on neighbors. Legal Access: A nonprofit reports nearly two-thirds of Alabama counties are “legal deserts,” leaving many residents without nearby attorneys.

Alabama Education Watch: Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey says three districts under state intervention—Bessemer City, Dallas County, and Sumter County—are showing improvement, with ACAP reading gains highlighted for Bessemer City and Sumter County’s new school opening. Local Schools & Community: Cullman City Schools released 2025–26 ACAP results showing strong statewide rankings in ELA, math, and science, underscoring the district’s push for student success. Outdoor Life & Learning: ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries is launching an on-demand “Discover Alabama’s Public Lands” hub with webinars and workshops to help people learn rules, safety, and access for fishing, hunting, and trapping. Civic Recognition: W.F. “Noopie” Cosby Jr. was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, joining a class honoring long-time service across the state. Leadership in Youth Programs: Shelby Composite Squadron’s cadet corps welcomed C/2d Lt. Kayah Wilson as commander, reflecting growing involvement in aerospace education and community volunteering. Health Access: A free prostate cancer screening is set for Aug. 22 at the Perry County Health Department in Marion, with no appointments needed.

Education Spotlight: Cullman City Schools is celebrating strong 2025–26 ACAP results, ranking top 10 statewide across English Language Arts, Math, and Science. Public Health: The Urology Health Foundation is offering free prostate cancer screenings Aug. 22 at the Perry County Health Department in Marion, no appointment needed. Outdoor & Conservation: Alabama conservation officials are launching an on-demand “Discover Alabama’s Public Lands” hub with fishing, firearms, and hunting workshops to help people find safe, legal access points. Faith & Community: Sister Helen Prejean, 87, continues her anti–death penalty work through writing and a graphic-novel adaptation of “Dead Man Walking,” aiming to reach younger readers. Civic Life: A federal judge again blocked a Trump executive order that would restrict mail voting, citing risks of confusion and harm to voters. Culture Watch: The week also included a look at how AI protests are landing people in jail, with an activist described as the “Rosa Parks of AI risk.”

Faith & Human Rights: A Shabbat Shof’tim sermon argues against the death penalty, framing it as a human rights issue and urging Jubilee reflection tied to St. Francis. Community Arts: Maryville College is kicking off 2026-27 rehearsals for community choral, band, and orchestral groups—music that extends beyond campus. Immigration & Military Families: ICE released an Army staff sergeant’s wife from custody after she was removed from a deportation flight, highlighting scrutiny of enforcement cases involving service members’ relatives. Education & Everyday Life: A move-in day guide spotlights the real-life shift for freshmen—cooking, cleaning, and independence—while schools and families plan for the transition. Alabama Outdoors & Learning: ADCNR’s Outdoor Alabama Academy expands with free on-demand learning and virtual workshops to help Alabamians prepare for fall fishing, hunting, and public lands access. Local Culture & Tourism: The Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival was named a first “Black Belt Signature Event,” with a grant supporting conservation, education, and rural economic impact. Public Policy & Faith in Public Space: Texas officials are debating Islamic foot-washing facilities at airports, with Alabama readers likely watching how religion, access, and public funding collide.

Arts & Community: Storyteller Dolores Hydock is set to lead a free weekend of tales at the Greensboro Opera House, with a workshop Saturday and a public performance Sunday. Black Belt Tourism & Conservation: ALBBAA named the Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival its first “Black Belt Signature Event,” highlighting conservation, education, and rural economic impact. Workforce & Education: Alabama’s workforce future hinges on expanding opportunity, with J.F. Ingram State Technical College rolling out an ISTC Workforce Academy at correctional facilities to build job-ready skills. Outdoor Lifestyle: ADCNR is expanding outdoor learning through its Outdoor Alabama Academy, including free “Discover Alabama’s Public Lands” virtual workshops starting Aug. 27. Faith & Media History: EWTN marks 45 years since its Assumption Day launch, recalling its early garage-studio roots and annual Eucharistic blessings. Public Safety & Justice: Anthony Darrell Hines’ execution in Tennessee closes a long death-row case, drawing renewed scrutiny from anti-death-penalty advocates. Local Business/Innovation: DeKalb Works earned an Innovate Alabama Network designation to drive talent attraction and workforce development in DeKalb County.

Local Justice: A former Hanceville police officer and his wife have struck plea deals in an Alabama corruption probe tied to the dissolution of the city’s police department. Workforce & Education: Alabama leaders say the state’s growth depends on expanding opportunity and building skilled-worker pipelines, including training models that reach incarcerated students. Economy & Community: Montgomery government relations firm Windom, Galliher & Associates adds veteran lobbyist Derek Trotter as a partner and promotes longtime staff to partner roles. Sports & Culture: JAG Jaguars high school football previews spotlight teams building “winning culture,” while Alcorn State hires former NBA guard Monta Ellis as men’s basketball GM. Arts & Learning: Lee University hosts a West African dance presentation and workshop featuring local artist C.J. Wade and a djembe performer. Health & Safety: The U.S. Army temporarily halts Apache helicopter training after a Texas crash killed two soldiers, with an Alabama-based safety team investigating. Faith & History: A slavery museum founded by Alabama’s Bryan Stevenson is touring Scotland, pushing for public recognition of the country’s role in the slave trade.

Alabama Education Watch: Alabama’s spring 2026 ACAP results show modest statewide gains, with ELA up to 57.1% and math to 34.3% (science at 47%), while performance still tracks closely with poverty levels. Workforce & Career Pathways: Baldwin Preparatory Academy is expanding career programs for 10th graders, adding health science, cosmetology, and a new drone technology track with dual-enrollment options. Local Culture & Community: Lee University will host a West African dance presentation and workshop Aug. 25, pairing movement, music, and a civil discourse Q&A. Coastal Spotlight: FOX Weather’s “Beach House to Gulf Shores” put Alabama’s sugar-white sand, trails, and beach culture on national TV. Civic Memory: DeKalb County marked the Voting Rights Act anniversary with a rally at Peace Corner, featuring voter info and community organizing. Health & Tech in Everyday Life: New research highlights how self-service health tools like kiosks and pharmacy automation can improve access and help map conditions like high blood pressure. Community Pride: Cullman is a Hallmark “Merriest Christmas Town” Top 25 finalist—voting runs through Sept. 4.

Faith & Community: Churches across the South tolled bells and held vigils as Tennessee executed Anthony Darrell Hines and Oklahoma executed Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez; Alabama is scheduled to execute Jeremy Williams, renewing debate over capital punishment and mercy. Alabama Education & Culture: Alabama Public Television programming director Mike McKenzie spoke at Trussville Daybreak Rotary, highlighting APT’s education mission and emergency-alert work. Local Arts & Youth: Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Montgomery Music Project is bringing affordable violin, viola, and cello instruction to children across the River Region, with a Yo-Yo Ma performance planned for its 50th season kickoff. HBCU & Opportunity: Alabama A&M named a USPTO innovation ecosystem partner, launching a Community Engagement Office for IP support; the university also celebrated Action Kids Tennis Camp and USDA 1890 National Scholar Keely N. Gooch. Sports & Faith: A new wave of college football players is speaking openly about Christian faith, while Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Terrion Arnold headlines keep the spotlight on local talent. Politics & Identity: Alabama Dem LGBTQ Caucus chair Richard White says he’ll expand LGBTQ+ engagement ahead of the November election.

Tickets & Tourism: SkyDog Shoals: The Shoals Experience released single-day tickets for its Aug. 28–30 debut weekend in Florence, pairing live music with film, conversations, exhibits, food, and regional makers. Local Development: Cullman City Council approved a $58M shopping center plan, The Shoppes at Heritage Park, targeting 15–20 new businesses with construction starting by June 1, 2027. Education Watch: AL.com analysis found Alabama virtual schools vary widely—some virtual programs posted low proficiency, while a few matched or beat their districts on key measures. Immigration & Courts: AG Alan Wilson backed a Supreme Court coalition arguing states can detain illegal aliens without bond hearings while removal is pending, defending “strong” enforcement. Arts & Community: Montgomery Center for the Arts and Franklin County for Palestine announced free August–September events, including a Palestinian art exhibition, a documentary screening, and a tatreez-and-tea workshop. STEM & Workforce: Alabama Community College System approved up to $10M for industry certification and workforce training, while DeKalb Works earned an Innovate Alabama Network designation to build talent initiatives. Culture Pop: FX teased American Horror Story Season 13 with returning fan-favorites and a new all-star cast. Health & Safety: Dangerous heat advisories are in effect for multiple Alabama counties, with outdoor activity cautions expected as temperatures climb.

Education & Youth Outdoors: Oak Mountain State Park is bringing students back from summer break for hands-on environmental education through the Field to Future program, pairing local learning with STEM career exposure. Local Business & Workforce Training: Cullman Area Technology Academy secured a new DEX Imaging contract as a company rep toured how students are preparing for careers in tech, healthcare, welding, and industrial maintenance. Community Events: Irondale’s K1 Speed is hosting “Influencer Night” with Alabama content creators for racing, photos, and prizes. Higher Ed Governance: Jacksonville State University trustees approved steps to implement Alabama’s new higher-education governance law affecting faculty senates, tenure reviews, and curriculum oversight. Public Health & Safety: Northeast Alabama’s Out of the Shadows Summit returns Sept. 1 in Oxford, focusing on stronger mental health outcomes through connection and collaboration. Immigration Enforcement & Rights: New reporting and court filings continue to fuel concerns about profiling in immigration sweeps, while ICE’s proposed electric shock gloves draw fresh backlash. Culture & Entertainment: Paramount is expanding the “Avatar: Aang” universe with additional books and novelizations, and John Green’s book tour stop in Salt Lake City includes Brandon Sanderson as a special guest.

Education & Faith in Schools: Alabama lawmakers approved a new rule requiring public schools to display a “Historical Truths” Ten Commandments poster alongside founding documents, with costs covered by private donations—critics warn it blurs church-state lines while supporters call it civic history. Higher Ed Governance: Jax State trustees dissolved the faculty senate under a new state law limiting faculty power, sparking debate over academic voice. Workforce & Community Learning: Frontgrade opened a Huntsville research and development center in Cummings Research Park, partnering with UAH on internships and cooperative education. Local Arts & Youth: Cullman High theatre instructor Wayne Cook was named 2026 Alabama Thespians Troupe Director of the Year. Public Health & Equity: UAB researchers report neighborhood conditions and social vulnerability can worsen ovarian cancer survival, with Black women facing higher mortality risk. Community Safety & Support: Montgomery Public Schools’ conflict-resolution and counseling program received continued state funding for a fourth year. Culture & Lifestyle: DriveTestIQ.com opened free access to 657 driver’s test practice questions across 35 states and jurisdictions.

Alabama Politics: Alabama voters in special congressional primaries returned to the polls Aug. 11 for Districts 1, 2, 6 and 7 after legal delays; winners advance straight to November with no runoff scheduled. Local Education & Literacy: Birmingham City Council approved $3.5 million to expand Small Magic’s early childhood word-count literacy program, growing from 90 kids in 2019 to about 1,500 today. Civil Rights & Voting: On the Voting Rights Act’s 61st anniversary, Alabama advocates warned that Supreme Court rulings have weakened protections for Black voters. Community Support: Tuscaloosa Municipal Court partnered with READY for Pack the Campuses, collecting hygiene, feminine products, laundry essentials and easy meals through Sept. 2. Environment & Activism: Brookwood data center plans are drawing concern over potential pollution impacts to Hurricane Creek, a protected tributary of the Black Warrior River. Health & Science: A new study links vitamin B12 deficiency to reduced muscle energy production and more DNA errors in mice, adding to concerns about frailty in older adults. Arts & Culture: Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle married Broadway veteran Jo Lynn Burks in a private ceremony.

Higher Ed & Civic Voice: Jax State’s Board of Trustees voted to dissolve the university’s faculty senate, citing Alabama’s HB 580, with faculty leaders and President Don Killingsworth pointing to a future plan for how faculty input will work. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños has expanded, triggering downstream recalls across multiple states, including Alabama, with kids under 5 and older adults flagged as higher risk. Community & Early Learning: Jasper City Schools opened a new Pre-K Center, adding four classrooms and doubling capacity, while also pushing curriculum improvements districtwide. Culture & Local Film Buzz: Irondale beekeepers at Foxhound Bee Company served as consultants and hive handlers for a neo-western crime thriller starring Matthew McConaughey, training the actors and supplying millions of bees. Food & Fundraising: Cullman’s North Alabama Agriplex announced its 10th annual Harvest to Home dinner and auctions for Aug. 27, a farm-to-table night supporting local agriculture education. Workforce & Care: Meta announced a $1 billion fund for communities hosting its data centers, including Montgomery, aimed at schools, first responders, and local infrastructure. Education & Health Leadership: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine named Brenessa Lindeman as Executive Dean, starting in October 2026.

Special Election Focus: Gov. Kay Ivey is urging voters in Alabama’s 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th congressional districts to turn out Tuesday for special primary elections, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and photo ID required. Education & Reading: Alabama schools are returning to phonics-based instruction under a new law that bans the “three-cueing” guessing approach, aiming to strengthen early literacy. Local Schools & Safety: Fort Payne City Schools reopened after a Monday lockdown tied to a reported safety threat that police now believe was a hoax. Community Leadership: Christi Turner was named principal of Buckatunna School, bringing decades of Mobile County experience to the role. Arts & Culture: Andrew J. Walker, formerly director of the Amon Carter Museum, is now chief curatorial and strategic executive at Fort Works Art in Fort Worth. Environment & Growth: Brookwood activists are preparing to challenge a recently approved data center permit, raising concerns about impacts to Hurricane Creek and nearby waterways. Community Events: Cullman’s North Alabama Agriplex is set to host its Harvest to Home fundraiser dinner and auctions Aug. 27.