AGP Executive Report

U.S. Supreme Court Death Penalty: The high court blocked Alabama’s last-minute nitrogen gas execution of Jeffery Lee, leaving the state unable to use nitrogen hypoxia even as it signals the fight over lethal methods isn’t over. Capital Punishment Legal Fallout: Alabama’s AG Steve Marshall vowed to keep pursuing the “lawful sentence,” while Lee’s team urged Gov. Kay Ivey to restore the jury’s life verdict. GOP Party Process: The Alabama Republican Party will allow credentialed press into a hearing contesting Gov. nominee Tommy Tuberville’s candidacy, after earlier plans for a closed proceeding. Local Public Safety: Selma’s interim police chief told the city council the department needs more vehicles and major station repairs as officers make arrests but equipment wear mounts. Labor/Construction Watch: A foreign-worker probe into Montgomery-based Caddell Construction alleges workers building a $350M U.S. consulate in Milan were paid under $2 an hour after deductions. Coastal Funding: Gov. Ivey announced $87M in RESTORE Act money for Gulf Coast restoration projects in Alabama. State Politics & Education: The State Board of Education reviewed proposed world language updates, including adding “critical languages” like Chinese, Korean, Russian and Japanese. Health Policy: Alabama’s first medical cannabis dispensary reported 102 patients and about $14,600 in pre-tax sales in its first week.

U.S. Supreme Court: Alabama’s last-ditch bid to carry out the nitrogen gas execution of death-row inmate Jeffery Lee was rejected, leaving in place lower-court rulings that the method is likely unconstitutional; Gov. Kay Ivey said she’s disappointed but will keep seeking justice. State Politics: A group of Alabama lawmakers is pushing back on lieutenant governor hopeful John Wahl’s tax-cut promises, saying the office can’t freeze or decrease taxes and warning voters not to be misled. Coastal Funding: Gov. Ivey announced $87 million in RESTORE Act money for Gulf Coast restoration projects tied to Deepwater Horizon impacts. Education Policy: The Alabama State Board of Education reviewed proposed updates to world languages course standards, including “critical languages” and a shift toward proficiency-based instruction. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge and appeals process continue to shape Alabama’s execution timeline, while separate legal fights and investigations keep attention on state and federal enforcement.

Alabama Senate Runoff: New polling from The Alabama Poll shows Jared Hudson leading Rep. Barry Moore in the June 16 GOP runoff (48.7% to 39.2%), with 12.1% undecided, as the race tightens and questions about Moore’s and Hudson’s backgrounds keep surfacing. Tax & State Politics: John Wahl is pushing to eliminate Alabama’s state income tax, arguing it would deliver “immediate tax relief” and help recruit jobs and industry. Death Penalty Court Fight: Alabama is moving to proceed with an execution of Jeffrey Lee despite federal rulings blocking nitrogen hypoxia, with the state pointing to other methods while appeals continue. GOP Party Challenge: The Alabama Republican Party is set to hold a closed-door hearing on Ken McFeeters’ challenge to Tommy Tuberville’s primary win, centered on residency eligibility. Reproductive Rights: Democrats marked the Griswold anniversary by urging protection for contraception access in Alabama amid broader federal and state pressure. Extremism Watch: The SPLC released its Year in Hate & Extremism report, warning hard-right groups expanded influence across major institutions in 2025. Higher Ed & Leadership: UF trustees unanimously selected Stuart Bell as president, with state approval still pending.

Death Penalty Fight: A federal judge permanently blocked Alabama from executing Jeffery Lee using nitrogen gas, ruling the protocol violates the Eighth Amendment and that a firing squad is a feasible alternative—setting up likely appeals and renewed uncertainty for Alabama’s execution plans. State Courts: An Eleventh Circuit panel also denied Alabama’s bid to pause the injunction, keeping the nitrogen fight front and center. U.S. Senate Runoff: Jared Hudson made a late campaign stop in Daleville ahead of the June 16 Alabama Senate runoff, arguing for affordability and a tougher national security posture. Healthcare & Insurance: In Montgomery, a judge said he’ll likely rule soon on whether he has jurisdiction in the Jackson Hospital vs. Blue Cross dispute that could determine whether the hospital can stay open. Higher Education: The University of Florida Board of Trustees unanimously approved Stuart Bell as president, with debate over his past DEI stance likely to spill into Alabama-adjacent higher-ed politics. Local Government: Haralson County commissioners handled taxes, purchases, and rezoning requests, including a denied Dollar General rezoning. Public Safety: Greenville police, with state and federal partners, raided businesses over illegal sales of age-restricted and prohibited products, including kratom and smokable hemp. Research & Jobs: Auburn researchers won a $1.9M federal grant to test a battery-free tire sensor aimed at preventing deadly truck blowouts. UA Leadership: The University of Alabama selected retired Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright as the inaugural dean of its new School of Leadership and Policy.

Auburn University Governance Overhaul: Auburn trustees voted to take full control of curriculum and academic credentials, dissolving the advisory-only Faculty Senate and replacing it with a President-run Academic Advisory Council, drawing faculty backlash over shared governance and what the changes will mean in practice. Execution Fight in Court: A federal judge permanently blocked Alabama from executing Jeffery Lee by nitrogen hypoxia, calling it unconstitutional cruel punishment, while the state’s legal team continues to press for alternatives. Abortion Pill Crackdown: AG Steve Marshall issued cease-and-desist letters to six companies accused of illegally advertising and selling chemical abortion-inducing drugs to Alabama consumers. Local Politics & Public Input: Birmingham approved a data center zoning ordinance after a contentious hearing, with residents warning about safeguards and special approvals. Elections Watch: An independent candidate, “Doc” Mancuso, qualified for Alabama House District 7’s general election after being removed from the GOP primary ballot. Statehouse Policy: Rep. Terri Sewell criticized a Republican reconciliation bill, arguing it won’t lower costs and boosts ICE funding tied to Trump’s deportation agenda.

Nitrogen Gas Execution Blocked: A federal judge permanently barred Alabama from using nitrogen gas to execute Jeffery Lee, calling the method “cruel and unusual punishment,” and Alabama is expected to appeal—likely heading toward the U.S. Supreme Court. Abortion Pill Crackdown: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued cease-and-desist letters to six companies over alleged illegal mail-order sales of mifepristone, warning they could face prosecution. U.S. Defense Budget Fight: Republican senators said the Pentagon’s proposed $350B add-on defense reconciliation bill “not an option,” casting doubt on another reconciliation push. Local Public Safety: Prattville police charged a delivery driver in the death of a 16-year-old girl after a pool incident, alleging alcohol was delivered to a minor. Housing/Planning: Huntsville set a June 25 public hearing on rezoning about 47 acres near Swancott Road and Rabbit Lane to allow broader residential development. U.S. Immigration Funding: The House advanced the Secure America Act to fund ICE and CBP through 2029, with Alabama-linked GOP messaging emphasizing border enforcement. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including 16 in Tennessee—to post clearer price information or face steep penalties.

U.S. Supreme Court & Voting Rights: The Court cleared Alabama’s 2023 congressional map for the 2026 election cycle, a 6-3 decision that keeps Black voters’ opportunity districts at one instead of two—sparking fresh debate over whether legal wins can still fail moral tests. Criminal Justice: A federal appeals court said Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution method needs more study under the cruel-and-unusual punishment standard, with a judge asked to consider whether a firing squad is feasible as Jeffery Lee’s execution date nears. State Higher Ed: Auburn trustees dissolved the faculty senate and tightened curriculum control under a new presidential advisory council, aligning with HB 580’s spirit even as the law exempts Auburn and UA. Elections & Campaigns: In the GOP AG runoff debate, Jay Mitchell and Katherine Robertson sparred over “dark money,” while separate coverage highlights Barry Moore’s nine-point lead over Jared Hudson in a new poll. Public Safety & Health: Public Citizen launched a tracker on state laws protecting officials from threats and doxxing; meanwhile, the Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals to post clearer price information or face steep penalties. Alabama Economy: Virginia Transformer is set to build a major Muscle Shoals plant, targeting a critical grid bottleneck and bringing 1,100 jobs.

Courts & Corrections: A federal appeals court said Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution method needs more review under the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment, sending the case back to a judge to consider whether a firing squad is feasible—just days before a scheduled June 11 execution of death row inmate Jeffery Lee. Statehouse & Public Safety: Alabama AG Steve Marshall urged Gov. Kay Ivey to reject clemency for Lee, calling the push to spare him the work of “far-left activists.” Immigration Enforcement: ICE reported a second detainee death in under two months at a Louisiana facility, where an inspection previously flagged unsanitary conditions, medical care problems, and excessive force. Local Government: Prichard Mayor Carletta Davis fired back at City Council criticism over alleged missing financial information, saying the records issue stems from the prior finance director and disputing the council’s push for an independent review. Federal/Defense: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin joined a ribbon-cutting in Birmingham for a new U.S. Coast Guard training center at Birmingham-Southern. Sports Betting Policy: Sen. Katie Britt advanced a bill to limit sports betting ads aimed at minors.

Alabama Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court’s latest redistricting move keeps Alabama’s GOP-favored congressional map in play, with Democrats and voting-rights advocates warning it could further shrink Black political power in Washington. State Elections: In Alabama House District 95, the June 16 GOP runoff between Rep. Frances Holk-Jones and challenger Joe Freeman is tightening as court records and campaign ads collide over Freeman’s personal history and integrity claims. Voting Rights Strategy: Sen. Merika Coleman is urging Democrats to build broader voting-rights coalitions after the Callais-era shift that gives states more freedom to redraw lines. Local Governance: Leeds City Council is set to consider a one-year moratorium on data-center development approvals, as residents push back on potential impacts. National Policy With Alabama Ripples: The Senate is still wrestling with FISA surveillance renewal, while the broader redistricting fight is expected to spread from Congress to statehouses and city councils. Public Safety/Community: A log-truck crash temporarily shut down part of Highway 14 in Lee County, snarling traffic while crews clear the scene.

Voting Rights & Redistricting: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama’s congressional map that eliminates a majority-Black district, signaling a broader shift in voting-rights enforcement and drawing sharp backlash from Democrats and civil-rights groups. Federal Surveillance: The Senate blocked renewing the FISA Section 702 surveillance program, with seven Republicans joining Democrats as the June 12 deadline nears—an Alabama connection includes Sen. Tommy Tuberville voting with the opposition. Higher Education Governance: Auburn’s Board of Trustees voted to replace the Faculty Senate with a Presidential Academic Advisory Council and new curriculum/course oversight steps, citing compliance with HB520. Public Safety on the Coast: ALEA and Gulf Shores/Orange Beach rescue teams expanded air patrols and training after state Sen. Chris Elliott secured added funding, aimed at faster response to drownings. Local Crime & Courts: Daleville man Eric Demetrius King received a 35-year federal sentence for leading a Wiregrass meth and cocaine conspiracy. Community & Civic Life: Tuscaloosa NAACP’s Juneteenth Living Legend Luncheon will honor Sarah “Sue” Thompson on June 19.

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The justices are poised to rule on major “culture wars” cases, including gun-law challenges and bans on transgender athletes—decisions that could further shift federal policy rightward. Alabama Courts & Voting Rights: A fresh wave of coverage follows the Supreme Court’s Alabama redistricting ruling, with critics warning it signals a broader retreat from voting-rights protections. College Sports Policy: Nick Saban is back in the national spotlight, urging Congress to “bring order” in college athletics as NIL and the transfer market fuel an arms race. Local Federal Presence: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin joined Alabama lawmakers for a ribbon cutting for the new U.S. Coast Guard Training Center at Birmingham-Southern. Community & Public Safety: A missing Auburn student in Japan, Weston Higginbotham, has been found dead near Kyoto, ending a dayslong search. State Regulatory Notes: Alabama’s Board of Medical Examiners issued a warning to physicians about prescribing or recommending non-FDA-approved peptides. Quick Hits: A Walker County probate notice was published for the Estate of Jeanette Waid.

Alabama Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama’s GOP-favored congressional map for the 2026 midterms after emergency action, a ruling that critics say further weakens protections for Black voting power and reshapes the redistricting fight going forward. U.S. Senate Race: President Trump renewed his endorsement of Rep. Barry Moore as the Alabama GOP runoff tightens against Jared Hudson, with polling showing a close race. Immigration Funding: Sen. Katie Britt blasted Democrats for “radical, dangerous demands” that delayed ICE and CBP funding, while Republicans moved a $70B immigration enforcement package toward the House. Health Regulation: The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners warned physicians about “increased interest in peptides,” reiterating restrictions on non-FDA-approved substances. Local Government & Health Costs: Medicaid spending data show Birmingham providers billed $3.03M for durable medical equipment in 2024, up 5.9% from 2023. Public Safety: A Hartselle-area crash killed 19-year-old Wenceslao Gonzalez Arroyo after a single-vehicle wreck early Saturday.

College Sports Policy: Nick Saban and other leaders are pushing Congress to rein in college athletics through the Protect College Sports Act, as lawmakers debate rules on transfers, eligibility, and recruiting—while the SEC and Big Ten resist. Alabama Higher Ed: UA named retired Maj. Gen. Parker H. Wright as the inaugural dean of its new School of Leadership and Policy, starting Aug. 1. Local Government & Ethics: A Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office employee tied to a campaign money funnel is facing scrutiny over alleged incomplete ethics disclosures tied to contracts. Elections Ahead: Alabama is headed for a June 16 runoff and an Aug. 11 special primary after the Supreme Court cleared the state to use its 2023 congressional map. Public Safety: The Coast Guard is launching a new training center at Birmingham-Southern College’s campus, continuing the site’s legacy. Health & Community: A Birmingham-area mental health story highlights how social connection can help reduce suicide risk. Sports (Alabama): Auburn’s baseball season is on the brink after a super regional opener loss to Ole Miss.

Redistricting Fallout: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall says a three-judge panel will “stand down” after SCOTUS cleared the state’s GOP-favored 2023 congressional map for the 2026 cycle, setting up elections to proceed on the new lines. Election Integrity: Sec. of State Wes Allen reports a Mexican noncitizen pleaded guilty in federal court to voting in Alabama elections in Marion County, after Allen referred 25 noncitizens for prosecution. Campaign & Residency Fight: Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s residency challenge keeps heating up as new reporting alleges his Florida ties and tax filings don’t match his Alabama residence claims. Voting Rights After SCOTUS: Civil rights advocates warn the Supreme Court’s approach to Black voting power is reshaping representation, pointing to Louisiana v. Callais as a key signal. Courts & Public Safety: A Fayette County man, Matthew Bruce Page, was sentenced to life in prison after a jury conviction tied to drug trafficking, weapons, and eluding law enforcement. Statewide Practicalities: ALEA kicked off its “101 Days of Summer Safety” with a reminder to “secure your load” as travel ramps up.

College Sports & NIL: Nick Saban’s Senate testimony and Donald Trump’s push for the bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act” keep the spotlight on NIL chaos and the fight over media-rights rules, with calls for either collective bargaining or antitrust relief to fix the system. Immigration Funding Fight: The U.S. Senate passed a $69.5B immigration enforcement package funding ICE and CBP after internal GOP disputes over a DOJ “anti-weaponization” fund and other security money. Alabama Redistricting Fallout: A Democracy Docket report says the Supreme Court’s latest shadow-docket move makes it harder for courts to block maps as intentionally discriminatory, adding fuel to Alabama’s ongoing voting-rights battles. Human Services Contracting: Alabama lawmakers approved a $12M quality-assurance contract for DHR’s SNAP/TANF eligibility systems, as critics questioned the cost and anti-EBT fraud spending. Child Safety in Schools: A former Faith Academy guidance counselor was convicted for failing to report suspected sexual misconduct under Alabama’s mandatory reporting law. Health Care Crisis: Jackson Hospital’s potential closure by July is being tied to a Blue Cross reimbursement dispute, while records suggest financial trouble predates the current fight. Gov. Ivey & Family Messaging: Alabama’s “Strong Families Month” proclamation joins other GOP-led states’ efforts to rebrand June away from Pride. Economy & Jobs: A new study says Alabama commercial construction generates over $20B in economic activity and supports more than 223,000 jobs.

Public Safety in Selma: Interim Police Chief Michael Perry told a City Hall meeting that Selma has “a problem” after a string of shootings, outlining plans like expanding security cameras, tougher penalties for gunfire, and rebuilding trust so residents will share information. College Sports Policy: A Senate hearing on the Protect College Sports Act drew major voices including Nick Saban, with lawmakers pushing for national rules as NIL and the transfer market strain budgets—while debate now shifts to who controls the money and how far Congress should go. Alabama Election Costs: Alabama’s special congressional primary on Aug. 11 is projected to cost about $4.45 million to reimburse counties for election expenses. Medical Cannabis Launch: Alabama’s program is open, but access is uneven—patients in the Wiregrass face long drives and must be certified by an in-state physician. Redistricting Fallout: Commentary and reactions continue after the Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a GOP-favored map, with critics warning it deepens voting-rights harms. State Politics & Runoffs: ALGOP chairman Scott Stadthagen says the party is ready to move forward with special elections using the “23 maps,” after months of legal uncertainty.