AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide for not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2M annually for noncompliance—an issue that hits Alabama patients and employers who need clear costs before care. Rare Earth Supply for Defense: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare earth feedstock across Alabama and the region, aiming to reduce China-origin dependence ahead of a 2027 Pentagon deadline. Alabama Agriculture Under Threat: Sen. Katie Boyd Britt pushed USDA for a formal risk assessment of Yellow Catfish Virus, warning it could devastate Alabama’s catfish industry and urging exporters to prove products are virus-free. Port of Mobile Growth: Ray-Mont Logistics is building an export-focused transloading facility at the Port of Mobile, targeting plastics resin, forest products and more, with operations expected in Q4 2026. Construction & Labor Scrutiny: Italian prosecutors allege Montgomery-based Caddell Construction exploited foreign workers building a U.S. consulate in Milan, including claims of wage theft and excessive hours. Alabama Politics (Runoff): Alabama voters head to the polls Tuesday for U.S. Senate and other statewide runoff races after the May 19 primary. Local Wildlife Fight: An Alabama HOA in Madison voted to euthanize hundreds of geese, sparking protests and calls for humane alternatives.

Port of Mobile Growth: Ray-Mont Logistics is building a new export-focused transloading facility at the Port of Mobile, aiming to boost exports of plastic resin packaging, forest products and more, with operations expected in Q4 2026. Workforce & Supply Chains: Italian prosecutors say Montgomery-based Caddell Construction managers exploited foreign workers on a $350M U.S. consulate project in Milan, with claims of pay cuts and long workdays; the case is now under investigation. Infrastructure Updates: ALDOT is shifting traffic to one lane each direction for a bridge replacement over Cold Creek near Creola on US-43, using accelerated bridge construction, with the overall project targeted for late summer/early fall 2027. Energy & Materials: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare earth feedstock tied to a Pentagon deadline to reduce Chinese-origin magnet materials from defense supply chains. Public Health: FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce distributed to food service in 41 states, including Alabama, due to potential salmonella contamination. Water Quality Funding: Alabama is set to receive $9.5M through RESTORE Council decisions for the Coastal Alabama Water Quality Program, supporting stormwater and wastewater upgrades and septic-to-sewer conversions. Tech Services Expansion: Nicholas Sgalitzer Tech, based in Birmingham, is expanding software development and infrastructure support across the Southeast, including cloud modernization and cybersecurity readiness. Workforce Training Win: Calhoun County Career Academy graduate Cade Miller captured a national SkillsUSA CNC machining title and is set for an apprenticeship with General Dynamics via Gadsden State.

Skills & Manufacturing Talent: Calhoun County Career Academy student Cade Miller won first place in CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer at SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta, earning $5,000 and an apprenticeship path with General Dynamics via Gadsden State. Defense Supply Chain & Mining: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock tied to Pentagon deadlines, targeting magnet metals used in defense and high-tech. Food Safety: FDA classified a voluntary recall of Alfredo sauce as Class I after potential salmonella risk from a dry milk ingredient, with distribution reaching 41 states including Alabama. Cybersecurity & Alabama Tech: The FBI’s kinetic cyber range in Huntsville is training agents using a simulated town built to mirror real infrastructure attacks. Local Governance: An Edgewater HOA in Madison voted to euthanize hundreds of federally protected Canada geese, drawing resident pushback and permit questions. Energy & Industry Policy: Trump’s administration warned 500+ hospitals to post transparent pricing or face penalties up to $2M annually, signaling tighter enforcement ahead of midterms. Alabama Politics: Alabama’s primary runoffs are set for Tuesday, including statewide races and a U.S. Senate runoff between Jared Hudson and Barry Moore.

Cybersecurity & Training: The FBI is using a 22,000-square-foot replica “town” at its Huntsville campus—the Kinetic Cyber Range—to train agents on realistic cyberattacks, including scenarios tied to hospitals, utilities, and a data center with 200+ servers. Local Governance: In Madison, an Edgewater HOA voted to euthanize hundreds of federally protected Canada geese, with residents pushing for non-lethal alternatives. Energy & Industry Policy: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals to improve public price transparency, threatening penalties up to $2 million annually for noncompliance. Manufacturing & Defense Supply Chains: REalloys says it secured access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock tied to defense supply needs ahead of a 2027 deadline to reduce Chinese-origin magnet materials. Workforce & Innovation: University of Alabama students built a power-washing drone for a Tuscaloosa maintenance company to reduce risky high-altitude cleaning. Food Safety: The FDA recalled Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21+ states after reports the frozen snack may contain metal pieces. Consumer/Infrastructure: Alabama Power recommends setting thermostats to 78°F for summer cooling efficiency.

Healthcare Costs & Compliance: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually, pushing tougher enforcement of the 2019 price-transparency rules. Food Safety: The FDA recalled 160,000+ pounds of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21+ states, including Alabama, after reports the frozen snack may contain metal pieces. Defense Supply Chain & Materials: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock tied to a Pentagon deadline to reduce Chinese-origin magnet materials by 2027. Cybersecurity Training in Alabama: The FBI’s Huntsville “Kinetic Cyber Range” replica town—hospital, businesses, roads, and 200+ servers—has trained 1,400+ students since opening in 2025. Coastal Alabama Aquaculture: Dauphin Island Sea Lab harvested its first redfish from an offshore Gulf aquaculture platform, advancing a small-scale finfish project after permitting delays. Aerospace Deal in Mobile: Arcline agreed to acquire Continental Aerospace Technologies for about $535 million, expanding investment in Alabama’s aviation supply chain. Local Business & Growth: University of Alabama students built a drone-powered power-washing system for a Tuscaloosa maintenance firm to improve safety and efficiency on tall buildings.

Healthcare Costs & Compliance: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2M annually, pushing tighter enforcement of federal price-transparency rules. Rare Earth Supply for Defense: REalloys secured preferential access to rare-earth feedstock across the Appalachian Basin, aiming to reduce Chinese-origin magnet materials ahead of a 2027 defense deadline. Food Safety: FDA recalled Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21+ states, including Alabama, over possible metal contamination. Agriculture & Policy: Alabama’s GOP runoff for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries is set for June 16 between Corey Hill and Christina Woerner McInnis, with SNAP hot-rotisserie-chicken expansion a key issue. Local Business & Community: West Alabama Chamber hosted a “State of the State” forum in Tuscaloosa focused on education funding, infrastructure, workforce, redistricting, and mental health. Energy/Infrastructure Recreation: USACE will waive day-use fees at 2,800+ recreation areas nationwide on June 16 for its birthday. Manufacturing/Logistics: Kamtec Auto USA plans Auburn manufacturing operations with a $9.2M investment.

RESTORE Act Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council approved $87 million for Alabama from a $403M Gulf-wide restoration package tied to the Deepwater Horizon spill, aimed at coastal waterways, communities, and jobs. Construction & Labor: A major Montgomery-based Caddell Construction probe is underway after AP interviews say foreign workers on a $350M U.S. consulate in Milan were paid under $2 an hour, with allegations of wage deductions and long shifts; Italian prosecutors have arrested two managers. Public Safety Needs: Selma’s interim police chief told city leaders the department needs more vehicles and repairs, citing a “police graveyard” of cars out of service and major station issues. Energy & Prices: AAA reports pump prices falling for a third straight week, with the national average regular price around $4.12. Food Safety: The FDA recalled Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states, including Alabama, over possible metal contamination. Defense Contract: NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic awarded BL Harbert International a $156.1M contract for recruit barracks at Parris Island, scheduled through June 2030.

Coastal Funding: Gov. Kay Ivey announced $87 million in RESTORE Act funding for Alabama Gulf restoration projects tied to Deepwater Horizon impacts, aiming to protect waterways and support jobs, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Defense Supply Chain: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock, targeting magnet metals needed for defense supply chains ahead of a 2027 deadline to reduce Chinese-origin materials. Workforce & Compliance Risk: An Alabama-based contractor, Caddell Construction, is under Italian investigation after workers alleged labor exploitation tied to the U.S. consulate project in Milan. Energy & Costs: Gas prices fell for a third straight week, with the national average dropping to about $4.12 per gallon, offering some relief to drivers. Food Safety: FDA recalled about 160,000 pounds of frozen Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers in 21 states due to possible metal contamination. Housing & Consumer Signals: Vacation-home purchases are down sharply since 2021, reflecting tighter affordability and shifting discretionary spending. Education & Skills: Junior Achievement of Alabama opened the $18M JA McWane Economic Education Center in Birmingham to expand hands-on financial literacy and career training for students. Legal/Corrections: The U.S. Supreme Court denied Alabama’s bid to execute Jeffery Lee using nitrogen gas, keeping the method blocked while the state explores alternatives.

Rare Earth Supply Push: REalloys secured preferential access to Appalachian rare earth feedstock tied to Pentagon deadlines, aiming to boost domestic supply of magnet metals like neodymium and dysprosium. Agriculture & Land-Use: Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture runoff candidate Christina Woerner McInnis pledged a comprehensive review of data centers and solar farms’ impacts on farmland, water, and energy demand. Tax Policy: John Wahl urged immediate Alabama income-tax elimination, arguing it would help recruit industry and jobs. AG Enforcement: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall threatened legal action against six companies over advertising and distribution of abortion-inducing drugs. Fiber Expansion: GoNetspeed broke ground on a 100% fiber build in East Brunswick, part of a $13.6M regional investment. Small Business Pressure: NFIB reported small-business optimism fell while uncertainty rose amid fuel costs and labor shortages. Construction Labor Probe: A $350M U.S. consulate project in Milan is under investigation after migrant workers alleged exploitation by an Alabama-based contractor. Infrastructure Access: Rickwood Caverns State Park opened a new access road and replaced an aging playground.

Workforce Training: Drake State and Huntsville Utilities are rolling out an underground utilities class that puts students behind excavation equipment, teaching pipe-laying, jobsite safety, and confined-space/OSHA 10 skills for utility careers. Aviation Career Tech: Gulf Shores City Schools’ aviation program is set to get statewide visibility on Alabama Public Television, timed with the program’s first flight training milestone. Food & Agriculture Risk: Federal officials are urging vigilance after a New World screwworm detection in South Texas, even as Alabama producers say the immediate risk remains low. Health & Consumer Protection: Alabama AG Dan Rayfield announced a $4.87M multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced, delayed COVID-19 tests and improper administrative fees. Logistics & Trade: Mobile’s deepening and widening is drawing new business—Ray-Mont Logistics is building an export-focused transloading facility for resin packaging, forest products and more. Transportation Updates: ALDOT is resuming resurfacing on Tuscaloosa’s Skyland Boulevard, adding left-turn lanes at key intersections to improve safety and flow. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show diesel prices dipping in Monroe County, with the lowest station price at $4.85 for the week ending May 30. Manufacturing Education: Northwest Shoals Community College’s FAME team placed second nationally at the 2026 conference, building on a state championship. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Gulf State Park opened a new RV resort with 103 premium campsites, expanding the park’s capacity to meet demand.

Abortion Enforcement: Alabama AG Steve Marshall issued cease-and-desist letters to six companies accused of illegally advertising and selling chemical abortion-inducing drugs to Alabama consumers, warning of investigations and consumer-protection penalties. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide—including Alabama-area facilities in the AP list—to improve public price transparency or face steep penalties, putting more pressure on hospital billing practices. Data Centers in Birmingham: Birmingham City Council approved a data center zoning ordinance after a contentious hearing, with residents criticizing changes that removed special exception requirements for some hyperscale projects. Workforce & Industry Growth: Fine-art logistics firm Atelier 4 added industrial executive Stuart Sherrill to its board as it targets expansion in specialized transportation, storage, and installation services. Agriculture Education: North Alabama Agriplex hosted its 26th annual Touring Farms for Kids, bringing children ages 7–13 to local farms and producers to learn where food comes from. Local Politics & Jobs: North Alabama’s labor council says it will actively engage Huntsville municipal races, arguing local leadership will shape economic development, schools, infrastructure, and wages. Energy & Transportation: Gas prices updates showed a low premium price in Butler County at $4.59/gallon for the week ending May 30, reflecting ongoing regional volatility.

Alabama Entrepreneurship & Retail: Alabama A&M alum Dr. Ashley Hunt-Poole’s alcohol-free wine brand, HELLO MAMÁ, is expanding into Walmart and Sam’s Club across multiple states, growing from a pregnancy-era kitchen experiment into a nationally distributed, Black woman-owned beverage company. Aerospace & Defense Research: Alabama A&M researchers briefed U.S. Space Command as the command builds its permanent Redstone Arsenal presence, with Dr. Chance Glenn Sr. presenting lab work aimed at generating spacetime-distortion and gravitational-wave-like effects. Workforce & Conservation Education: AAMU and the U.S. Forest Service will host the 11th Annual Forestry Fair for more than 200 youth June 17, with hands-on forestry, wildfire prevention, and conservation career learning. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Leeds approved a one-year moratorium on new data center campuses and similar high-impact facilities while officials study impacts on utilities, infrastructure, and growth. Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide, including multiple in Tennessee, to provide clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually. State Legal Action: Alabama AG Steve Marshall issued cease-and-desist letters targeting companies accused of illegally advertising and selling mifepristone to Alabama consumers. Small Business Relief: SBA announced low-interest disaster loans for Mississippi small businesses and private nonprofits hit by drought, with Mobile County in Alabama included. Food & Travel Retail: everbowl opened its first airport location at Huntsville International Airport, bringing its superfood-based menu to travelers. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported several county-level “lowest price” updates across Alabama for the week ending May 30, reflecting continued volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions.

Industrial Investment: U.S. Steel says it will invest up to $2.5 billion to upgrade Mon Valley Works, aiming to preserve about 3,000 jobs and support thousands more through construction and supply-chain work. Energy Supply Chain: Virginia Transformer plans a 600,000-square-foot plant at the Shoals Research Airpark in Colbert County, targeting a critical grid bottleneck for power transformers. Auto Manufacturing: Kamtec Auto USA will open a manufacturing operation in Auburn with a $9.2 million investment and about 50 jobs, making hybrid-vehicle engine control and electric management components. Workforce Development: Meta launched America’s Workforce Academy, a $115 million program to train paid workers for AI infrastructure roles tied to data centers, grids, and power generation. Real Estate & Housing Markets: Huntsville’s Realtors association named Tiffany James as CEO, betting on continued growth in North Alabama’s defense, aerospace, tech, and housing demand. Local Infrastructure & Resilience: Sen. Katie Britt secured $2.063 million for Foley to bury vulnerable downtown utilities to improve storm recovery. Road Safety: Rep. Shomari Figures and others introduced “Our Roads, Our Safety Week” to push road-safety education nationwide. Manufacturing Training: Northwest Shoals Community College FAME students earned second place nationally after winning Alabama’s talent retention and work-based learning summit.

Shipbuilding Leadership: Austal USA confirms Gene Miller as president and expands its executive team, aiming to keep operational discipline and workforce focus at its Mobile operations. Engineering Education: UAH names Srinath Ekkad as next dean of the College of Engineering, bringing thermal-sciences leadership from NC State and a push for stronger industry ties. Paper & Manufacturing Jobs: Domtar appoints John Graves general manager for its Sanford, Florida mill, with deep experience from Domtar’s Coosa Pines operation in Alabama. Construction Workforce Pipeline: Caliber 1 Construction marks 10 years of its “Building My Blueprint” internship program, selecting West Georgia Technical College students for field superintendent roles. Energy & Utilities: Prichard’s court-appointed water expert reports a 12% drop in water loss last year, crediting earlier leak-fighting efforts while noting a long-term fix likely requires merging with MAWSS. Public Safety & Weather: A Flood Watch remains in effect for parts of Alabama, including Tuscaloosa County, as heavy downpours raise flash-flood risk. Fuel Prices Snapshot: GasBuddy reports show premium gas lows across Alabama counties in the week ending May 30, with volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions.

Workforce & Business Growth: Huntsville cybersecurity firm MAD Security made Inc.’s 2026 Best Workplaces list, a boost for recruiting in Alabama’s defense and government contractor talent market. Tourism & Trade: Travel South USA named Germany’s Global Communication Experts as its in-market rep for the new DACH (Germany/Austria/Switzerland) push, with Alabama among the participating states. Agriculture Education: Alabama Farm-City events highlighted “Grow Alabama,” tying classroom contests and tours to the state’s farm and forestry economy. Local Environment: Tuscaloosa hosted Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day with Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa support, giving residents a safe way to drop paint, batteries, pesticides and more. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported Alabama premium and diesel prices easing in the week ending May 30, with multiple counties seeing low points for drivers. Civic & Community: Port Alberni’s HGTV “Home Town Takeover” bid shows how national visibility can help small-town business districts—an angle Alabama communities can watch as they pursue growth.

Hazardous Waste & Recycling: Tuscaloosa held its annual Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day at the Public Safety Logistics Building, partnering with Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa to let residents safely drop off items like paint, batteries, pesticides, pool chemicals, and propane. Coastal Resilience & Grants: Gulf Shores applied for up to $6.98M in GOMESA funding to upgrade its beachfront district, including bike/ped paths, boardwalks, and safety-focused intersection work. Storm-Proofing Utilities: U.S. Sen. Katie Britt secured $2.063M for Foley to bury vulnerable downtown utility lines, aiming to speed recovery after tropical storms. Military Training Conversion: Birmingham Southern’s campus got a ribbon cutting as the Coast Guard begins transitioning the site into a military training facility, with lawmakers citing major local economic impact. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium gas in Morgan County at $4.39 and diesel lows across multiple counties (including $4.95 in Chilton), while statewide averages stayed near $4+ regular and about $5.11 diesel. Wildlife Conservation: In Baldwin County, developers and ADCNR relocated gopher tortoises after burrows were found during planning for a residential project. Public Safety/Health: A 124-bed Life Care Center of Morgan County is set to begin construction within 30 days after final site preparations. National Policy: The Senate blocked extending FISA Section 702, with Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville among Republicans joining Democrats. Local Tragedy: Auburn student Weston Higginbotham was found dead near Kyoto, with authorities still withholding cause of death.