AGP Executive Report

MLB Draft (Alabama ties): The Cardinals took Oxford HS shortstop Rocco Maniscalco with the 50th pick, while the Reds grabbed Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron at No. 18—both moves spotlighting local talent heading into pro baseball. MLB Draft (more Alabama): Auburn’s Chris Rembert also went in the early rounds, selected right after Maniscalco, keeping the state’s pipeline front and center. NBA (Alabama connection): Former Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. debuted for the 76ers and immediately went viral—then teamed up with fellow Alabama rival Johni Broome, who had a big Summer League night too. Local arts & entertainment: Hulu’s “Looking for Alaska” is getting fresh attention as viewers revisit the Alabama-set adaptation of John Green’s novel. Community & culture: Birmingham’s Greater Birmingham Humane Society filed a lawsuit against the City over the proposed Nebius data center’s proximity to its animal care campus. Sports calendar: UAB announced its 2026 home opener—hosting ULM Sept. 12 at Protective Stadium. Music/TV: Taylor Hicks revisits “American Idol” fame, saying the reality TV spotlight was “a lot tougher than it seems.”

Alabama Music & Culture: Taylor Hicks brings the “Back to the Bama Bash” home to the Flora-Bama, marking 20 years since his “American Idol” win and debuting his latest single, “The Mirror.” Local Arts & Community: Willie Quill’s Quilt Studio & Pantry opens in Gee’s Bend as the newest visitor stop, with live quilting, storytelling, local food, and a chance to experience the living quilt tradition. Beauty & Business Spotlight: Lux Salon in Millbrook highlights a consultation-first approach for color, extensions, and styling. Sports Spotlight: Fairhope’s Hollon Brock shines at the Northwoods League All-Star Game at the Field of Dreams, bringing Alabama talent to a national stage. Alabama Events Call: The South Baldwin Chamber is seeking an artist for the 2027 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival t-shirt and poster—original work only, no AI. Weather Watch: Severe storms are possible this weekend across Alabama, with a higher risk for damaging winds and hail. Public Records/Local Impact: The Times-Standard-Herald racks up national awards for Freedom of Information reporting, including Marion’s water crisis coverage. Water Update: Marion’s 2026 consumer water report shows no health violations, but notes missed bacteria testing and manganese linked to discolored water. High School Football Buzz: Georgia’s preseason rankings spotlight Buford as the team to beat.

Alabama Sports & Recruiting: Four-star in-state QB Kingston Preyear committed to Alabama, with coaches comparing his pocket-passing style to Joe Burrow. Community Fitness: Northport’s free outdoor Community Fitness Court classes kick off July 11 at the Western Levee Trailhead. Local Food Buzz: An Alabama native food reviewer’s visit sparked a big business boom, showing how social media can make or break a local spot. Arts & Culture: Dreamcatcher Comics and Wet Planet TV are teaming up to create a bigger pop-culture destination in downtown Tallassee. Film & Festivals: “Would You Like to Try Again?”—a female-driven gamer short—heads to Dances with Films. Public Safety & Health: Rainsville Public Library now offers radon detectors for checkout. Civic/Legal: Alabama Supreme Court denied an appeal in the Guntersville Taco Bell double murder case. Environment: Gopher tortoises face a new “critically endangered” status as habitat protections get pulled back. Infrastructure: Coast Guard awarded a $230M contract for Base Charleston upgrades, including engineering space and housing.

UAB Softball: UAB fired coach Taylor Smartt after a third-party investigation found improper conduct and violations of UAB and NCAA rules, with interim head coach Anna Shelnutt stepping in. Alabama Sports & Football Buzz: EA Sports’ College Football 27 simulation has Alabama going 10-2, including a win over Georgia in a one-score thriller, plus a loss to Kentucky in the SEC opener. Country Music: Riley Green’s new viral “Think As You Drunk” video is getting major traction with fans, while Yelawolf talks bridging hip hop and rock and teases his next era. Food & Local Picks: Cheapism crowned Birmingham’s Niki’s West as Alabama’s best Southern comfort food spot. Live Music Calendar: The Lincoln in Cheyenne is rolling out “The Lincoln After Hours” country shows during Cheyenne Frontier Days, and Alabama’s Pine Hill Haints are set for a free Swan Room gig. Outdoor Fun: The Blue Marlin Grand Championship returns July 14–19 at The Wharf in Orange Beach with free public weigh-ins. Weather Watch: First Warning Impact Days are flagged for heavy storms and strong winds across Alabama this weekend.

College Football Buzz: ESPN’s first 2026 FPI has Ohio State No. 1 and projects a CFP run for Ryan Day’s eighth season, putting a huge target on the Buckeyes before training camp. HBCU Football: Florida A&M lands No. 10 in the inaugural Black College Football preseason poll after a coaching reset, with the Rattlers opening at home Aug. 29. Local Sports Spotlight: SWAC preseason honors go to Alabama State QB Andrew Body (Offensive POY) and Jackson State DB Kam Sallis (Defensive POY). Music & Culture: Bruce Hornsby talks new directions and his restless creative mindset as he gears up for what’s next. Food Safety: FDA recalls frozen GreenWise organic whole blueberries sold at Publix in eight states due to possible E. coli contamination. Live Events: Huntsville’s August concert lineup is out, with big-name country and rock stops at Sand Mountain Amphitheater and the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall. Weather Watch: Alabama braces for stronger storms Friday through Sunday, with heavy rain and gusty wind threats. Tech/Business: Data centers face backlash over water use as cooling needs collide with community concerns.

Cricket Celebration Bowl: ESPN will kick off Bowl Season again with the 2026 Cricket Celebration Bowl on ABC, Dec. 12 at noon from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, spotlighting HBCU champions from the MEAC and SWAC. Alabama Sports & Entertainment: Gulf Shores is bringing back “S’mores on the Shore” Aug. 6 with free beachside treats, live DJ music, and family activities, while Foley turns up the holiday spirit with “Christmas in July” July 16, complete with a tropical Santa photo op. Film & TV Buzz: Readers weigh in on their favorite 2026 films so far, and Netflix’s “Little House” remake is set to premiere with a fresh look at pioneer-era history. Music & Live Shows: Benson Boone announces the Australian leg of his Wanted Man Tour for November, adding major arena dates. Local Crime & Community Impact: A teen is accused in the Daphne stabbing death of his mother after a dispute tied to her Facebook posts, renewing attention on family conflict and social media fallout.

NCAA & College Sports: A federal appeals court blocked Florida’s “Stop WOKE Act,” ruling it violates First Amendment rights for professors and students. SWAC Spotlight: Alabama State QB Andrew Body was named SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Hornets to a 10-win season. College Football Buzz: Phil Steele released his full 2026 rankings (1–138), with Notre Dame at No. 1. Local Sports Talent: Sylacauga’s Corbyn Patterson committed to Alabama A&M track and field after standout relay and multi-sport seasons. Alabama Arts & Music: Jessie Wilson’s “Rebel & Reverie” EP is getting attention for its bold, Southern country-Americana blend. Community & Education: Stillman College and Faulkner University launched a nursing pathway partnership. Public Safety: Police are investigating a cheer coach sex abuse case after a Millbrook man was charged with first-degree sexual abuse. Shopping Deal: Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday returns July 17–19.

Local Sports Leadership: Huntsville City FC named Penn Garvich managing director of business operations, tapping his UAH and sponsorship background to grow revenue and deepen community ties. Concert Safety & Culture: A viral brawl erupted during country singer Gavin Adcock’s Orange Beach show, with footage showing a chaotic fight in the stands. Baseball Spotlight: MLB Draft and Futures Game weekend heads to Philadelphia, with Alabama’s Justin Lebron listed among top draft prospects. College Football Buzz: Sporting News released early 2026 bowl and College Football Playoff projections, including a full bracket and matchups. Alabama Arts & Live Music: Montgomery’s Capri Theatre marks 85 years, and the week’s live-music guide highlights venues and shows across the city. Community Events: The Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation Rodeo returns Aug. 6-8 in Robertsdale, supporting youth mental health in Baldwin County. Health Watch: CDC reports cyclosporiasis clusters, including additional cases identified in Alabama.

Alabama Basketball: 4-star guard Anderson Diaz is set to join Alabama a year early, reclassifying from 2027 to 2026 after committing in May, giving the Tide another backcourt piece. Montgomery Community & Youth: Riverfront Rendezvous in Montgomery brought kids aboard the Harriott II Riverboat, plus hands-on learning with local arts groups and public safety partners. College Hoops Spotlight: Illinois coach Brad Underwood is building a tough nonconference slate that includes Alabama, but with fewer true home-and-home matchups. Softball Honors: Wesley and Taylor earned all-state recognition, with Wesley taking second-team honors and Taylor an honorable mention. MLB Local Pride: Birmingham native Tyler Tolbert tied an MLB record with hits in 12 straight plate appearances for the Royals. AI in Education: Gulf Shores educator Jamie McClung and students Cody Caldwell and Jadelynn Petitjean will represent Alabama at MIT/UMass’ AI Youth Fest in Boston. Soccer Camps: Roll Tide Soccer Academy welcomed young athletes for a fun, skills-first camp. Music: Alabama Shakes announced its first album in 11 years, I Must Be Dreaming, arriving Aug. 28, with a new single set for July 10. Food Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise Organic Blueberries after multiple E. coli cases. Shopping Deal: Alabama’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs July 17–19 with expanded exemption limits. Local Roads: Opelika approved about $7.6M for road and infrastructure projects, including Bridgewater Boulevard and the Mill Village roundabout. Track & Field: Samuel Ogazi, an Alabama alum, will make his pro debut at the Ed Murphey Classic July 10–11 in Memphis. Community Event: Lower Alabama Chapter’s Beach Party is Aug. 22 at Heron Pointe at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

Alabama Music: Alabama Shakes announced I Must Be Dreaming, their first studio album since 2015, arriving Aug. 28 via Island Records, with a new single “I Feel Hope Coming” set for July 10 and tour stops starting July 7. Workforce & Business: Kevin Taylor was named the new executive director of Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT), continuing a career spent with the organization since the early 1990s. Local Sports Spotlight: A 9-year-old Alabama youth baseball standout, Jack Jay, earned a spot on Team Southeast for the USA Baseball Champions Cup in Cary, N.C. (Aug. 26–30). College Sports Policy: UA and Auburn joined forces to oppose the Protect College Sports Act, arguing it would increase legal uncertainty and federal oversight instead of stabilizing athletics. Back-to-School Savings: Alabama’s sales tax holiday returns July 17–19, with expanded spending limits on clothing, supplies, computers and books. Food Safety: Publix is recalling GreenWise frozen organic blueberries in multiple states, including Alabama, tied to E. coli illnesses. Roadside Travel: A travel roundup spotlights Louisiana’s Abita Mystery House as a must-see quirky stop for summer road trips.

College Sports Showdown: Alabama and Auburn teamed up to oppose the Protect College Sports Act, arguing it would worsen the “instability” it claims to fix and could trigger more litigation. Local Music & Festivals: The Alabama Strawberry Festival was named Alabama’s Best Music Festival by Alabama Magazine, while the Black Belt Birding Festival returns July 31–Aug. 2 with birding, music, and Civil Rights history. Back-to-School Savings: Alabama’s tax-free weekend runs July 17–19, with state sales tax waived on qualifying school supplies, clothing, computers, and certain books (local tax may still apply). Alabama Football Freshman Buzz: EJ Crowell is highlighted as a SEC freshman to watch after Alabama’s tough 2025 rushing numbers. Sports Off the Field: Former Alabama CB Terrion Arnold cleared waivers after the Lions’ release. Food Safety: Publix-linked frozen GreenWise organic blueberries are under investigation for an E. coli outbreak. Community Spotlight: A Tuscaloosa man with pancreatic cancer got his final wish—deep sea fishing off Orange Beach.

Alabama Gulf Coast Guide: Orange Beach’s weekly roundup is packed with beach-town fun, from Bingo Bonanza and live music to family-friendly surprises and nature escapes. Women’s Soccer: Tilly Wilkes, a former Burnley defender and U.S. college standout (South Alabama, LSU), has signed with the Cherries, bringing nearly 200 career appearances and promotion experience. Streaming Buzz: Netflix’s most-watched series by state in 2020 put Alabama on “GLOW,” with “The Umbrella Academy” topping the overall U.S. list. College Football Tech: EA Sports’ College Football 27 keeps rolling out, with new features highlighted and a wide release set for July 9. Local Sports Watch: Huntsville’s Canebrake Golf Club hosted a John Deere Classic watch party for Lee Hodges. Art Spotlight: In-Town Gallery’s Lori Ryan opens “Colour: My World,” leaning into emotion-driven abstraction and color as the main language. Movie News: Mobile filmmaker Curry Barker’s microbudget horror “Obsession” keeps climbing at the box office, topping $400M worldwide.

Independence Day on the air: WAFF 48 streamed a live America’s 250th Fourth of July special on its 48+ app, pairing North Alabama “We the People” stories with live fireworks coverage from Big Spring Park in Huntsville. Local sports spotlight: Canebrake Golf Club in Huntsville hosted a watch party for UAB and Alabama alum Lee Hodges during the John Deere Classic, while Chris Gotterup captured the title with a 9-under 62. Community arts & culture: Historic Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa is bringing back K-pop Summer Dance Classes in July, with weekly sessions for beginners and advanced dancers. Food tradition: Selma’s Lannie’s Bar-B-Que announced the passing of longtime matriarch Lula Hatcher, closing July 6-12 for family mourning and celebration. Weather watch: Alabama faces a hot, stormy week ahead, with First Warning Impact Day coverage for strong storms and heavy rain risk. Alabama in the spotlight: The state’s Great American State Fair pavilion is now on the National Mall through July 10, highlighting Alabama’s history, industries, civil rights, and musical heritage.

Independence Day in Alabama: Tuscaloosa and Northport packed the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater for “Celebration on the River,” pairing the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra with a standout fireworks finale for America’s 250th. Gulf Coast Sports Spotlight: Orange Beach’s Makos softball team was named the nation’s Best Small-Town Team by MaxPreps after a 6th straight Alabama state title. College Football Gaming Buzz: EA Sports’ College Football 27 ranks Bryant-Denny as the 4th toughest road stop and Jordan-Hare at No. 14, putting Alabama and Auburn on the “hardest places to play” list. Local Business & Community: A Montgomery marketing firm expanded services to include AI search optimization for small businesses. Dauphin Island Summer Plans: The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (July 16-19) shared its main-stage music lineup, with free spectator admission. World Cup Fun (Alabama connection): USA defender Chris Richards shared the story behind his “lucky” rubber chicken and pillowcase keepsakes ahead of the U.S.-Belgium match.

Toy Story 5 feel-good: An Opelika boy got his lost Woody back after the Lee County Sheriff’s Office turned the missing-toy moment into a “deputy adventure,” including car seat safety lessons, a metal detector run, and a sit-down with Sheriff Jay Jones. Independence Day heat hits Alabama plans: Record-breaking heat and humidity forced major July 4 events to cancel or scale back across the region, with Alabama under extended heat advisories and storm chances through the weekend. SEC football buzz: SEC media days are set for Tampa (July 20–23), with new coaches and the nine-conference-game format driving the headlines—plus Georgia predictions and Alabama QB chatter. Riley Green drops new music: Alabama country star Riley Green released “Go Again” with Hannah McFarland ahead of his Sept. 18 album. Local sports recruiting: Columbia WR Kyren Caldwell committed to Maryland, choosing the Terrapins over Alabama and Mississippi State. Community arts & family fun: Fort Payne’s Fan Appreciation Weekend drew sold-out crowds for country music celebrations tied to local causes.

America 250 Streaming Spotlight: Disney’s “Disney Celebrates America” rolls out a 24-hour live lineup starting July 3 and running through July 4 across Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, Nat Geo, FX and Freeform, with Nat Geo/ABC segments slated 1–3 p.m. ET. Mobile July 4 Live Music + Fireworks: Mobile’s free USS Alabama Fourth of July celebration (July 4, 5:30–9:30 p.m.) brings food trucks, vendors and family activities, capped by fireworks over Mobile Bay at 9 p.m. Heat & Safety First: Alabama’s Fourth of July plans come with a First Alert Weather Day—dangerous heat and humidity push heat indices near/over 100, with only isolated storm chances. Local Sports Honors: Blue Bell/TSWA Class 3A All-State Softball Team names top statewide standouts, including Coach of the Year Thomas De Los Santos and Player of the Year Madi Doty. Community Arts & Access: Pisgah Civitan Park celebrates a new ADA-accessible boardwalk with ribbon-cutting and live music, making the waterfall area easier to reach. Alabama Culture Through Sports: A feature looks at why college football feels uniquely American, tying the sport’s growth to U.S. history and change.