AGP Executive Report

HBCU Legacy Bowl: After a 5-year run in New Orleans, the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl is relocating to Atlanta, with the 2027 game set for Feb. 27 at Center Parc Stadium and airing on NFL Network—good news for fans planning a major Alabama-to-Georgia trip. Gulf Coast Safety: Orange Beach Surf Rescue is warning of dangerous surf conditions this weekend, with double red flags expected, plus a separate high surf alert urging beachgoers to stay safe. Weather & Flood Risk: Central Alabama faces a flash-flood risk as rounds of heavy rain and storms move in, with the worst downpours expected Sunday into Monday. Local Travel Costs: GasBuddy reports diesel hit a low of $4.99 in Escambia County for the week ending May 30, while Alabama’s diesel average was $5.11. Travel Tragedy (Alabama connection): Auburn student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was found dead near Kyoto, Japan, ending a dayslong search after he vanished during a family trip. Sports Travel Buzz: Troy swept UALR to reach the College World Series, joining West Virginia in Omaha as the field takes shape.

Tragic Travel Update: Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, who vanished during a family trip in Japan near Kyoto, has been found dead in mountainous terrain outside the city; his mother confirmed the news and said a volunteer search-and-rescue team recovered his body, with cause of death not yet released. Local Roads for Travelers: ALDOT is seeking public input on proposed I-459 improvements in Hoover, including replacing aging pavement and adding auxiliary lanes; construction could bring long-term lane closures starting after a late-2026 bid. Commuter Alert: Montgomery drivers will face intermittent daytime I-85 lane closures starting June 8 as crews reinforce shoulders. Coastal Outdoors: A rough-toothed dolphin stranded on a Gulf Shores beach was euthanized after experts determined it was in poor health. Youth Sports & Tourism: Orange Beach’s SCTP Shooting Team is competing for the 2026 Alabama championship at Red Eagle Skeet and Trap Club in Childersburg. Summer Weather Watch: Sunday brings heavy rain and storms across Alabama, with flooding risk from persistent downpours.

Road Trip Budget Tips: A new study ranks Texas as the best state for cheap eats on road trips (with many meals under $15), while Tennessee and New Mexico also stand out for lower-priced roadside favorites. Gas Watch (Shelby/Baldwin/Butler): GasBuddy reports the lowest Shelby County premium at $4.35 (week ending May 30), Baldwin County midgrade at $4.04, and Butler County diesel at $4.99—useful for travelers planning summer drives. Flag Day Event: The Greensboro Opera House hosts a free Patriotic Music Extravaganza on June 14 with a community choir and veteran recognition. Outdoor & Water Safety: Baldwin County swim advisories were issued for Fairhope Public Beach, Orange Street Pier, and Gulf State Park Pavilion. Road Closures: ALDOT will close US-280 this weekend for the Pump House Road bridge work. Family Travel Tech: A Madison-area family says Life360 crash detection helped them respond quickly after a Tennessee wreck. Caves Road Trip: A guide highlights 8 Alabama caves for a low-effort weekend adventure.

High School Sports & Travel Planning: AHSAA released winter sports alignments for the 2026-28 cycle, reshaping postseason matchups for Jackson County teams and separating public vs. private school formats—good news for families planning drives and weekend tournaments. Arts & Culture: Theatre Tuscaloosa unveiled its 2026-27 “Thrills and Chills” season, including “Clue” (Sept. 25-Oct. 4) and a new holiday musical play, “Home for the Holidays” (Dec. 11-20). Road Safety for Summer Trips: ALEA kicked off “101 Days of Summer Safety” with “National Secure Your Load Day,” warning that unsecured cargo can cause deadly roadway debris. Outdoor Alabama Getaways: A roundup highlights 6 Alabama swimming holes and waterfalls worth the drive this summer, from Little River Falls to Noccalula Falls and DeSoto Falls. Local Infrastructure: Gadsden received a $690,000 grant for engineering and design on a pedestrian bridge over the Coosa River to connect downtown and East Gadsden. Weather Watch: Saharan dust is expected to reach Alabama this weekend, bringing hazy skies and possible air-quality impacts. Transit & Tourism: Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line is exceeding expectations, with riders from Mobile and the Gulf Coast boosting New Orleans visitation. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports diesel and midgrade prices varying by county in the May 30 week, with some of the lowest diesel deals in Colbert and Pickens counties. Ongoing Community Concern: Search efforts continue for Auburn student Weston Higginbotham, missing in Japan near Kyoto, as family asks hikers to help beyond the marked zone.

NCAA Baseball (Alabama angle): Little Rock is headed to a Troy super regional after a breakthrough run, and the matchup includes former Georgia high school talent across the remaining field—another big weekend for Alabama-area fans chasing College World Series tickets. Gulf Coast Safety: A tropical wave is driving coastal hazards, with Mobile-area warnings about life-threatening rip currents and high surf through at least Saturday night, plus small-craft conditions for boaters. Alabama Weather: Expect a hot, humid weekend with scattered storms building Sunday into early next week—plan beach and outdoor time with caution. Missing Auburn Student (Japan): Search efforts continue in Kyoto for James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, after police say it’s highly probable he left intentionally following an argument with his mother over ChatGPT; heavy rains are complicating the hunt. Tick Bite Season (Mobile): Mobile County health officials urge residents to protect against ticks as warm weather ramps up, noting symptoms can appear days to weeks later. Tourism/Local Projects: Gadsden received state funding for a pedestrian bridge over the Coosa River, aiming to improve connectivity and boost downtown access. Food & Travel Stops: Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is expanding across the Gulf Coast, including Alabama, with more non-traditional locations tied to travel plazas and venues.

Japan Search: Auburn student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, remains missing near Kyoto after going off alone on May 29; family says a trip dispute led him to hike, and searches now involve police, volunteers, K-9s and helicopters as weather worsens. Medical Cannabis Access: Alabama’s medical cannabis program is officially open, but patients in the Wiregrass face long drives to the first licensed dispensary in Montgomery and must complete in-person certification steps. Gulf Coast Safety: Rip currents and rough surf are expected to keep beach swimming dangerous along the Alabama and western Florida Panhandle coast through the weekend. Tourism Economy: Colbert County tourism topped $122M in 2025, boosting jobs and lodging tax collections, according to the Alabama Tourism Department impact report. Sports & Travel Facilities: UAB broke ground on the Bartow Arena renovation, aiming to modernize the venue and expand seating and amenities for fans. Local Growth: Cook Out plans a new Fort Payne location, adding another fast-food option along I-59. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Winston County regular gas hit a low of $3.89 (week ending May 30), with other county lows also reported across Alabama.

World Cup Security: The White House FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force says U.S. law enforcement is “leaning in” for the record 48-team, 78-match tournament, with 400+ agencies coordinating security across stadiums, fan festivals, and hotels in 11 U.S. cities (plus Canada/Mexico). NCAA Baseball (Travel Weekend): Super regionals kick off Friday with Alabama-area interest high—Georgia vs. Mississippi State and Auburn vs. Ole Miss are among the matchups, with multiple SEC teams chasing College World Series berths. WCWS Update: Texas took Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series title series, beating Texas Tech 7-3, setting up another big day for fans traveling to Oklahoma City. Alabama Gas Watch: Hale County’s lowest regular gas hit $3.99 (week ending May 30), while diesel deals showed up in DeKalb ($4.99) and Crenshaw ($5.19). Missing Traveler (Alabama Family in Japan): Auburn student James “Weston” Higginbotham remains missing near Kyoto; parents say he may be emotionally distressed and police have narrowed his last known area around Yamashina Station as the search continues. Local Development: Foley received nearly $3.33 million in SEEDS funding to buy a 121-acre industrial site near major roadways, aiming to spur jobs and growth.

Missing Student Search (Japan): Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, vanished during a family trip in Kyoto on May 29; his parents say he’s an experienced hiker and was last seen on CCTV getting off a train at Yamashina Station, prompting an ongoing search with help from Japanese authorities, the FBI, U.S. embassy, Alabama officials, and volunteers. Local Tourism & Community (Selma): Selma was named a full Main Street Alabama designated community, with a downtown focus around Water Avenue and the Old Town Historic Districts, plus an Old Depot Museum exhibit Saturday showcasing children’s art from the All Across Alabama program. Road & Travel Safety (ALDOT): An ALDOT worker is expected to recover after a semitruck struck a tractor mower during routine maintenance on State Route 69 in Hale County near Greensboro. Huntsville Hospitality Growth: Spandrel Development Partners announced an AC Hotel Research Park in Huntsville (154 keys) targeting growing federal, defense, and aerospace travel demand, with construction starting now and opening expected in 2028. Weather Watch (Gulf Coast): A “Gulf Blob” pattern is boosting rain chances and raising coastal flood risk late week along the Gulf.

Missing Student Search (Japan): Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, is still missing after last being confirmed in the Kyoto area on May 29; family says police tracked him to Yamashina Station and searches are complicated by a typhoon, with parents asking the public not to post locations and to contact authorities. Outdoor & Fishing Plans (Alabama): Alabama’s Annual Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 13, letting people fish in public waters statewide without a license, with a learn-to-fish event at Foscue Creek Park in Demopolis. Gulf Coast Community Update (Orange Beach): Orange Beach Councilman Jerry Johnson resigned to care for his hospitalized grandson, sharing that the 14-year-old has been in the hospital for 63 days awaiting a heart transplant. Local Arts (North Alabama): “Paint North Alabama” brought plein air artists to Jackson County, culminating in a community paint competition in Scottsboro’s Square. Travel Culture Spotlight (Mobile): Alabama Public Radio’s “Quick-Fire Quips” features Sapphic Craftin’ in Mobile, a queer crafting social club celebrating its second anniversary this June. Sports Tourism (Huntsville): A guide highlights how Huntsville’s growing spectator sports scene is drawing fans and visitors.

New Retail in Huntsville: Nordstrom Rack is set to open a 24,000-square-foot store at University Plaza, adding another major brand for North Alabama shoppers. Gulf Travel Watch: A major seaweed bloom is expected to worsen along Gulf Coast beaches this summer, with more piles of sargassum-like growth already showing up. Road & Commute: Alabama Street in Monroe is closing June 3–5 for the Georgia Street Pump Station Project, with detours via Winnsboro Road and Parker Street. Local Business & Food Access: Busy Ant Supermarket opened June 1 in Georgiana after residents had to travel out of town when the previous Food Giant closed. Family Travel Safety: Authorities are searching for Auburn student James “Weston” Higginbotham, missing in Kyoto, Japan, after his phone lost connection May 29. Health & Trials: ObjectiveHealth opened a Birmingham Digestive Health Research site in Vestavia Hills to expand access to gastroenterology clinical trials. Hurricane Season Context: Louisiana state climatologist Jay Grymes says a below-average Atlantic season doesn’t guarantee a low threat for the Gulf. School Safety Training: Orange Beach hosted Alabama’s TAASRO Safe Schools Conference, bringing SROs and educators together for statewide safety training.

Gulf Coast Tourism Watch: A major sargassum seaweed bloom is already washing onto Alabama beaches like Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and researchers warn it could worsen through summer—bad news for swimmers, wildlife, and the tourism-and-fishing economy. State Parks & Lodging: Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge is getting a fresh push: a new concessionaire (Guest Services) is taking over operations while the state and the company fund upgrades aimed at attracting more guests and conventions. Pride in Birmingham: Central Alabama Pride is planning a full Pride Month calendar, including Pride Drag Brunch and the Pride Parade in the Lakeview District, culminating with PrideFest in Linn Park on June 13-14. Weather for Travelers: Expect scattered storms and heavy rain risk across parts of Alabama early this week, with a cold front bringing cooler, drier conditions later. Local Events: Bradley 315 Fest returns with three nights of music under the stars at Northfield Square, plus national and local acts.

Golf & Tourism: Golfweek’s Best 2026 list puts Wicker Point in Alabama in the top 100 modern courses (tied at No. 85), a nice boost for destination golf travelers. Local Travel & Recreation: Dora City Council approved upgrades for Horse Creek Golf Course and the city park, including new LED park lights and irrigation pump software—plus the purchase of two police cars funded from savings. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Alabama state parks are offering free day-use admission year-round for active-duty military and veterans through the Parks for Patriots program. Community Events: Birmingham’s Pride Month calendar keeps rolling with multiple all-ages and music-focused gatherings in June. Safety & Travel Planning: The Alabama State Troopers kicked off a statewide “101 Days of Summer” safety campaign, a reminder for road-trip drivers heading into peak travel season. Sports Tourism: Alabama baseball’s Brady Neal powered the Tide to a Tuscaloosa Regional win and a super regional berth—another reason fans may pack local hotels soon. Offbeat (Not Travel-Friendly): Authorities busted a large illegal cockfighting operation in Chickasaw County, seizing 164 roosters and making 59 arrests.

Coastal Growth & Real Estate: Crescent Sotheby’s International Realty is expanding into Fairhope and Gulf Shores, citing strong demand from new residents, investors, and second-home buyers. Beach-Season Weather Watch: Alabama is under an “Impact Day” severe-storm alert with damaging wind and hail possible Monday, plus dense fog hazards reported for central and south Alabama commutes. Summer Safety Push: ALEA kicked off its 101 Days of Summer Safety campaign, stepping up education and enforcement on roads and waterways through Labor Day. Gulf Coast Events: Orange Beach is rolling out a packed start-to-summer calendar with camps, movie nights, fishing fun, and coastal activities for families. Tourism-Adjacent Development: Irondale is moving ahead with plans for a new Costco store, expected to bring jobs and draw shoppers from across central Alabama. Alabama Sports Travel Magnet: Alabama baseball clinched its first Tuscaloosa Super Regional since 2006, putting Sewell-Thomas Stadium back in the postseason spotlight. Golf Destination Buzz: Golfweek’s Best 2026 modern-course list includes Alabama’s Wicker Point (tied for No. 85).

Retail & Jobs: Irondale is moving ahead with a $100M Costco development at Grants Mill Road and I-459, completing due diligence and targeting an opening around Spring 2028—expected to bring 200+ jobs and millions in new sales tax. Coastal Planning: Gulf Shores is considering changes to beach public parking, shifting toward more paid hourly turnover (via ParkMobile) to discourage overnight parking and support nearby businesses. Nature & Family Fun: Gulf State Park’s Shark Fest returns June 25–27 with shark dissections, touch tanks, and marine education at the Saltwater Pier. Environment & Resilience: Mobile’s Peninsula of Mobile secured about $150,000 for a living shoreline “Pocket Beach Pilot Program” to reduce erosion and protect Mobile Bay habitat. Road & Travel Disruption: ALDOT plans an overnight northbound I-65 closure near Lacon in Morgan County for bridge deck repairs, with detours via US-31 and other routes. Safety Reminder: Alabama parents are urged to avoid leaving kids in hot cars after a Tuscaloosa-area tragedy where a 1-year-old died in a vehicle. Sports Tourism: NCAA baseball elimination action hits Auburn’s Plainsman Park with UCF vs. Auburn (3 p.m. May 31, ESPN2). Weather Watch: Strong storm chances continue Monday with damaging winds, intense lightning, and heavy rain.

Summer Safety: Alabama’s summer driving season kicked off with four fatal crashes across Pickens, Colbert, Shelby and Elmore counties, prompting ALEA’s “101 Days of Summer” safety push. Coastal Marine Life: Gulf State Park’s Shark Fest returns June 25–27 in Gulf Shores with shark dissections, touch tanks, and marine education at the Saltwater Pier. Beach Ecology: Gulf State Park also shared what sargassum is and why it matters—floating seaweed that supports juvenile marine life and shoreline health. Family Fun on the Coast: Pensacola Beach’s Bands on the Beach series continues, and Orange Beach’s Wharf Amphitheater hosts Jelly Roll on June 2. Park Lodging Update: Alabama State Parks is partnering with Guest Services Inc. under a 10-year concession to run lodging and hospitality at Lake Guntersville and Cheaha State Parks. Mental Health Access: Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare is expanding under the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model to broaden treatment access in Jackson and Marshall counties. Local Travel/Attractions: Fort Morgan highlights include Navy Cove Oyster Farm tours and the historic Fort Morgan landmark. Weather Watch: An “Impact Day” is flagged for Monday with strong storms possible, including damaging winds, lightning and heavy rain.

Public Safety: Alabama’s ALEA is extending its Memorial Day push into the “101 Days of Summer” campaign, urging drivers and boaters to buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drive or boat under the influence after Memorial Day weekend fatalities. Local Growth: Foley is moving ahead with plans for a fourth fire station, aiming to improve coverage on the north side as new homes and businesses expand. Historic Preservation: The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Montgomery’s Ben Moore Hotel among 11 endangered sites tied to equality themes for America’s 250th anniversary. Community & Culture: Orange Beach’s softball program is celebrating a rare run—six straight state championships—while local sports honors also highlighted Lee’s student-athletes at the Gulf South Conference awards. Travel Planning: Summer trip ideas and budget-friendly family vacation picks are circulating as gas and overall costs stay top-of-mind for travelers. Outdoor & Waterways: A 652-mile kayak journey on the Tennessee River is spotlighting regional conservation and recreation connections.