AGP Executive Report

SEC Saturday Spotlight: Week 3 is stacked for Alabama fans, led by Alabama vs. Florida State at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, a rematch of last year’s upset as the Tide look to stay unbeaten and the Seminoles face mounting pressure around Mike Norvell. Big Rivalry Energy: At 7:30 p.m. ET, LSU at Ole Miss brings Lane Kiffin back to Oxford in a top-10 showdown, with plenty of buzz beyond football. Local Sports & Community: Gadsden City vs. Hazel Green headlines Alabama high school football coverage, while an Alabama rescue group says seven puppies were shot and two died, asking for accountability. Arts & Stage: Theatrical Outfit launches its 50th anniversary season with August Wilson’s “Fences.” Music & Culture: A roundup also highlights fall entertainment picks, including Albertville Museum events and Orange Beach Freedom Fest opening Saturday.

College Football Spotlight: Alabama gets its Week 3 rematch with Florida State at Bryant-Denny on Sept. 19, with the Tide aiming to measure progress after last year’s 31-17 upset; coverage also highlights Alabama’s revamped defensive front and how the programs have changed since that opener. LSU-Ole Miss Build-Up: Lane Kiffin’s return game is the headline in Oxford, with LSU QB Sam Leavitt listed as questionable after shoulder soreness and Ole Miss/LSU both weighing in on whether he’ll play. Weekend TV Guide: Sports on TV/radio listings for Sept. 19-21 include major matchups like Florida State at Alabama (ABC) and other regional games across ESPN/SEC Network/FOX. Local High School Sports: Leeds dominates Anniston 61-28 in a region win, while Carbon Hill’s Jonah Woods, an eighth-grader, publishes “PVK: Puppies Versus Kittens” on Amazon. Live Music & Community: The Skeeters open for Jamey Johnson and Jackson Dean at Sand Mountain Amphitheater on Sept. 25, and Pinson’s Butterbean Days festival returns Oct. 2-3 with local vendors and entertainment.

Fashion Weekend Alabama: Huntsville’s runway spotlight is on Sept. 25-26, with a sneak peek at local designers and what’s coming next week. The Whole Backstage Theatre: North Alabama’s community stage is gearing up for Steel Magnolias on Sept. 25, plus a newly renovated Dot Moore Auditorium. Arts & Culture: The Albertville Museum is rolling out fall programming, including Marshall County Museums Day (Sept. 19) and a 100-year Aggie Band exhibit. Music & Film: Respected entertainment journalist Edward Morris, a long-time Billboard and CMT writer, died at 90. Outdoor Fun: Montgomery’s Zoobilation fundraiser is helping build a new reptile center at the zoo. Sports (Alabama): Week 3’s biggest buzz is LSU vs. Ole Miss, while Alabama fans also have Florida State on deck—plus NBC’s plan to stream a free college football game on YouTube this weekend. Local Community: Sand Mountain Cooperative Education Center got a $610,000 grant to expand its cooperative folk school across Birmingham and rural Guntersville.

College Football (Alabama): Alabama’s Week 3 rematch with Florida State is set for Sept. 19 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with the Tide listed as a heavy favorite (about -19.5) and aiming to avenge last year’s Tallahassee upset; updates include a “clicked” second-half vs. Kentucky and a fresh injury watch on OL Michael Carroll and RB AK Dear. College Football (Other Alabama-area): South Alabama hosts Ohio on Sept. 19 in Mobile, while UNA packs its new Bank Independent Stadium for a historic home opener against Alcorn State. Music & Culture: Riley Green drops “That’s Just Me” (19 tracks) as he keeps expanding beyond music into TV and business, and Alabama’s Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater is gearing up for major 2026/2027 bookings. Arts & Community: Birmingham’s Pinson Valley mariachi band is helping students connect to heritage, and Food and Folly returns to Fort Whiting to raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile. Local Business: Tidal Wave Auto Spa acquires and rebrands six locations across Georgia and Alabama, pushing its total to 332 sites. Health Policy: Alabama’s medical cannabis program reaches North Alabama with a new Athens dispensary after years of litigation delays. Sports Pipeline: Five-star forward Saniyah Murray commits to Mississippi State, keeping her talents in Mississippi.

College Sports Law: Trump says the Protect College Sports Act is headed toward “financial ruin” for schools unless Congress acts, as the Senate advances the bill that would cap revenue share and set rules for NIL, transfers, and eligibility. Big-Time TV Moment: Morgan Freeman is set as the guest picker for ESPN’s College GameDay for LSU-Ole Miss, adding major star power to Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford. Weekend Arts in Alabama: Huntsville’s Monte Sano Arts Festival returns with free admission and maker-food fun, while the Orion Amphitheater hosts the free 5th Annual CulturA Festival celebrating Hispanic heritage with performances and vendors. Music & Community Calendar: Mobile’s WynterFest 2026 brings live music, camping, and family activities to honor Winter Baynes, and Downtown Mobile Restaurant Week runs Sept. 17-24. Local Culture Spotlight: A new Buffett exhibit opens at Mobile’s maritime museum, tracing the singer’s Mobile roots. Public Safety/Local News: DeKalb County roads are blocked after sheet metal falls from a truck, with officials urging alternate routes. Business & Housing: FBI investigation targets the owner of Huntsville/Madison apartments tied to Lurin Real Estate Holdings.

College Sports & Betting: A New Jersey-origin Supreme Court fight (Murphy v. NCAA) helped unleash legal sports wagering nationwide, but it also reignited long-running integrity worries for college athletics. FAMU Football: The Orange Blossom Classic got delayed by Miami weather, then Florida A&M fell 31-13 to South Carolina State; QB Isaiah Knowles left injured, and the Rattlers struggled offensively. HBCU Guarantee Games: After FAMU’s 77-7 loss to Miami, the debate over whether bigger payouts are needed to make guarantee games fairer is back in the spotlight. Alabama Campus Life & Sports: UA trustees advanced plans for an $88M South Campus Student Recreation Center near Tutwiler Hall. Arts & Culture: Birmingham’s Studio 2500 artist Willie Williams is using public art to push justice and community. Music & Events: A Hispanic Heritage Month concert brings Caribbean sounds to Birmingham from Colombian pianist Ronald Rodríguez. Fashion: UA students weigh in on athleisure trends and how they style them their own way. Local Sports Notes: Maplesville High was fined and forced to forfeit wins for using an ineligible player.

Community Spotlight: Gospel Fest 2026 brought worship and gospel music to the Athens Farmers Market, turning the city’s public space into a faith-centered gathering. Arts & Culture: Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Center is kicking off its 30th anniversary season with a Broadway-heavy lineup and added pre-show experiences, while Virginia Samford Theatre opens its 100th season with the world premiere “Growing Up With Atticus.” Local Arts: Alabama Art Supply honored Birmingham artist Christi Phillips Bunn for her architectural renderings and commissioned work. Sports & Community: Alabama A&M hosts Bowie State under the lights in Huntsville, and AHSAA action kept rolling with Boaz flag football and multiple volleyball match photos. Civic Tech/Privacy: Huntsville denied a request for Flock ALPR audit logs, citing state investigative exemptions. Music Buzz: Ella Langley’s faith comments and Dolly Parton corn maze tributes keep country fans talking. College Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act cleared a Senate hurdle after a vote to end the filibuster.

Alabama Football: The Tide kick off a big Week 3 rematch at Bryant-Denny against Florida State after last year’s 31-17 upset, with Alabama coming off a 45-17 Kentucky win and aiming to “go 1-0” at home. SEC Drama: LSU’s Lane Kiffin returns to Ole Miss amid heightened security talk and a broader rivalry-fueled atmosphere, while the SEC’s legal fight over LSU’s roster escalates in federal court. Local Sports & Community: Guntersville honors AAMU alumnae Jeanette Scissum and Dr. Barbara Anthony with keys to the city, and Fort Payne pulls off a gritty volleyball comeback win over Plainview. Arts & Entertainment: Finster Fest returns Sept. 19-20 in Summerville celebrating Howard Finster with live music and art. Food & Fun: Chester’s opens its first Worcester-area location, and Opelika approves new hemp-store rules. Music Spotlight: Riley Green opens up about the “Worst Way” track that helped push him into new territory ahead of his Sept. 18 album. Business/Industry: U.S. Critical Minerals eyes restarting Alabama’s McAllister tantalum mine and mill as part of a critical-minerals push.

College Football Spotlight: Alabama and Florida State meet Saturday at Bryant-Denny in a revenge rematch after FSU’s 31-17 upset last year, with the Tide 2-0 and DeBoer framing it as “the next one” while FSU looks to change the narrative. SEC Rivalry Buzz: LSU’s Lane Kiffin returns to Ole Miss for the Magnolia Bowl, and both sides are leaning into the hostile-homecoming storyline. Protect College Sports Act: Mark Few and other big names urged Congress to pass the bill as college sports NIL and spending chaos stays in the spotlight. Alabama Arts & Events: Fall festival season is ramping up across the state, plus a Renaissance Faire heads to Arab and The Bird and the Book brings Tommy Stinson to Alabama. Music: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” hits a new Hot 100 milestone with 22 weeks at No. 1, tying Mariah Carey’s record. Local Community: Jasper Main Street’s revitalization earned major statewide honors, and Ryker’s Rainbow in Huntsville is set to deliver its 1,000th Blessing Box. Sports on the Ground: AHSAA reports record participation in 2025-26, and Alabama’s high school flag football Super 10 rankings highlight Central’s national streak ending. Public Safety/Local News: Montgomery police are investigating the death of an Alabama State University student.

College Sports Power Shift: Florida State fired athletic director Michael Alford, naming Bruce Warwick interim and kicking off a national search as the Seminoles prep for a big road test at No. 10 Alabama. College Sports Politics: The Protect College Sports Act is back in the Senate spotlight with fresh support and fresh opposition as college football returns. Alabama Football Buzz: Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard brought serious heat at Tanglewood, while on the field Alabama’s defense and a second-half surge kept the spotlight on the Tide. Local Sports Growth: Flag football is booming in Albertville, and the sport’s momentum is showing up fast at the high school level. Community Arts & Theater: Arab’s Mini Ren Renaissance Faire returns Sept. 19, and Lighthouse Theatre Company in Albertville opens its season with Trolls Jr. The Musical. Historic Alabama Hospitality: Selma’s St. James Hotel is set to reopen soon under a Marriott brand after a year-long shutdown. Supreme Court & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump’s mail-ballot restrictions for the midterms, keeping states’ usual processes in place.

Alabama Sports Spotlight: Alabama is set for a big homecoming Saturday as the Crimson Tide host Florida State at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with Kalen DeBoer pointing to last year’s 31-17 loss as fuel for a more intentional effort. FSU Leadership Shake-Up: Florida State fired athletic director Michael Alford and named Bruce Warwick interim AD, while President Richard McCullough said the move is aimed at building revenue and competitive advantages—adding fresh pressure around coach Mike Norvell. Shoals Arts & Culture: Tuscumbia is planning a 22-foot “Singing River” sculpture, “The Encourager,” rooted in Southern Eastern tribal musical traditions, with a $175,000 fundraising goal. Music & Community: Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” keeps setting records, now tied with Mariah Carey for the longest-running #1 in U.S. history. Local Entertainment/Events: Threaditate launched a photo-to-string-art kit shipping from Huntsville, and the 33rd annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride returns Sept. 19 with a Bridgeport kickoff and Waterloo festival. Public Safety: Tuscaloosa investigators are searching for answers after eight people were injured in a West Tuscaloosa shooting.

College Football Buzz: Texas’ historic 24-23 comeback over Ohio State vaults the Longhorns to No. 1 in the AP Top 25, while Oregon drops to No. 21 and Michigan returns at No. 19—chaos is officially the vibe. Alabama in the Mix: Alabama climbs into the Top 10 in both major polls after its SEC win over Kentucky, landing at No. 10 in the AP and No. 10 in the coaches poll. SEC Week 3 Spotlight: Ole Miss hosts ESPN’s College GameDay for the first time since 2021 ahead of LSU’s visit, with guest-picker buzz including Alabama’s own Ella Langley. Local Sports Roundup: Alabama A&M thumps Tennessee State 30-3 in the Legacy Series; North Alabama falls 30-25 at Southeastern Louisiana; Georgia Tech’s Jaylen Mbakwe is released after a scary collision. Community & Culture: Snead State marks Hispanic Heritage Month with free performances featuring Mas Que Mariachi and local music groups. Arts & Entertainment: Jean Smart turns 75, celebrated for her Emmy-winning run on Hacks. Wider Alabama Interest: An “AI Data Center Revolt” bus tour stops in Bessemer, pushing residents to demand a say before hyperscale projects move in.

College Football Buzz (AP Top 25): Texas stunned Ohio State with a massive 4th-quarter comeback to seize No. 1, while Oregon slid to No. 21 after losing to Oklahoma State; Alabama climbed to No. 10 after rebounding to beat Kentucky 45-17. Alabama Football Recap: The Crimson Tide’s second-half surge did the heavy lifting, and the win keeps nine SEC teams ranked in the latest poll. ACC Watch: Week 2 reshuffled the middle of the ACC power picture, with Georgia Tech falling to Tennessee and FSU getting a bye ahead of a big matchup vs. Alabama. Local Sports Spotlight: Jacksonville’s Panther Challenge ended with the Dolphins dropping a four-set match to High Point. Alabama Off-Field Story: Lee County sheriff-elect Cam Hunt is asking for an investigation into GPS “geo-fence” tracking claims tied to last year’s election. Arts & Culture: Orange Beach’s 8 Reale speakeasy earned national buzz, and Alabama’s Red Clay Strays are in the spotlight through a major Revivalists tour stop.

Alabama Football: No. 12 Alabama turned its SEC opener into a defensive showcase, dominating Kentucky 45-17 in Lexington, with the Tide outscoring the Wildcats 32-0 after halftime and leaning on a championship-level D as Keelon Russell settled in. College Football Rankings: Week 2 chaos reshuffled the College Football Playoff picture—Texas surged after a late comeback over Ohio State, while Oregon and Oklahoma fell out of the top mix. SEC Spotlight: Kentucky coach Will Stein pointed to offensive struggles after halftime in the loss, while Alabama’s offense still has questions as tougher tests loom. Sports TV/Radio: A full slate of Sept. 13-19 coverage includes major matchups and streaming options for fans tracking Alabama and beyond. Music & Culture: Country star Riley Green teased his next era ahead of his Sept. 18 album release, and the Gee’s Bend quilt tradition continues to draw attention with its enduring Alabama artistry. Film Pick: “Just Mercy” is getting renewed buzz as a must-watch courtroom drama built on Bryan Stevenson’s true story. Local Arts: Mobile opens a permanent Jimmy Buffett exhibit honoring his sailor roots.

College Sports Lawmaking: Sen. Ted Cruz used ESPN’s “College GameDay” to push the Protect College Sports Act, arguing the current system is “chaos” and Congress should set a national rulebook; the bill is expected to be voted on when the Senate returns Monday. Alabama Football Spotlight: SEC Nation and Paul Finebaum are in Lexington ahead of Alabama at Kentucky (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC), with Finebaum comparing Will Stein’s arrival to a “next Bear Bryant” moment. Game-Day Buzz: “College GameDay” panelists picked Texas to beat Ohio State, with Nick Saban backing the Buckeyes before choosing the Longhorns. Local Honors & Culture: Guntersville honored Alabama A&M alumnae Jeanette Scissum and Dr. Barbara Anthony with keys to the city and an annual “Jeanette Scissum Day.” Community Events: Mobile’s National Maritime Museum of the Gulf opens a permanent Jimmy Buffett exhibit, and North Alabama Airfest returns Sept. 12–13 at Pryor Field Regional Airport. Consumer Watch: Alabama Agriculture warned cattle buyers about fake social media sellers using AI-generated photos.

High School Football (Pensacola): Week 4 wrapped up in the Pensacola area with district play underway, including Pine Forest’s back-and-forth win over Williamson and Booker T. Washington and Northview moving to 4-0. College Football (Alabama on the road): Kentucky hosts No. 12 Alabama Saturday on ABC (3:30 p.m. ET), with the matchup framed as a rare chance for the Wildcats to break a long Tide streak. US Open (Alabama ties): Ben Shelton honored his late grandmother in an emotional run at the US Open, with the family story tracing back to Huntsville. Local Arts & Music (Jasper): Jasper High School’s Centerstage theater program earned a national “Heart of Rock and Roll” production grant, and the Metal Central Foothills Festival keeps rolling Saturday with John Waite, Everclear, and Collective Soul. Sports Business/Legal (Saraland QB case): Testimony continued in a civil trial tied to a 2022 quarterback transfer dispute, with a judge weighing claims involving online statements and a private investigator. Baseball (North Alabama): Rocket City Trash Pandas clinched their first postseason berth since 2022 and will host Game 1 of the division series Tuesday. Pop Culture: Shanna Moakler says she regrets appearing in Travis Barker’s documentary, and Mr. T explained why he changed his name for “respect.”