AGP Executive Report

Local Community & Healing: Meridian is gearing up for Reconciliation Week, July 7-12, marking the 23rd anniversary of the 2003 Lockheed Martin workplace shooting and expanding the program with events aimed at unity, including a Lemonade Day at The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience. Public Safety & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Mississippi man’s capital murder conviction in Pitchford v. Cain, a decision that underscores the court’s push for racially diverse juries in death-penalty cases. Disaster Relief: The SBA is reminding Mississippians affected by Winter Storm Fern of deadlines for low-interest disaster loans, including June 10 for physical damage applications. Business & Jobs: A South Carolina defense tech firm, Integer Technologies, plans to expand operations on LSU’s campus, creating 23 jobs tied to a Navy research contract. Culture & Media: HGTV’s Ben and Erin Napier are continuing to rally public support after a 2025 fire damaged Laurel’s Heirloom Hotel, with the “Home Town: Inn This Together” finale spotlighting the aftermath. Sports: A Seahawks outside linebacker extension story notes the player flew to sign in Seattle after traveling from Mississippi.

Education & Achievement: Dyersburg High School senior Bailey Nolen was named a National Merit Scholar, one of 2,500 winners funded by U.S. colleges, earning $500 to $2,000 a year for up to four years. Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): CMS data for Q1 2026 show Cleveland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Lee County) at a 1-star overall rating; MS Care Center of Greenville (Washington County) at 5 stars with no fines; Senatobia Healthcare & Rehab (Tate County) at 2 stars with a fine and penalty; River Chase Village (Jackson County) at 3 stars with no fines; and Ocean Springs Health & Rehabilitation Center (Jackson County) at 1 star with multiple fines and penalties. Broadband & Telecom: Windstream asked the FCC to shift Mississippi Rural Digital Opportunity Fund obligations to Uplink Internet, a Magnolia State telecom. Arts & Development: Brandon broke ground on a $50 million luxury apartment complex, and Madison’s “The Gallery” entertainment district cleared permits and is targeting construction this summer. Public Safety & Community: MDOT launched a Star-Spangled Digital Message Sign contest for America 250, with safety-focused messages to run July 1–5.

Local Health Fight: Black midwives are suing Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi over rules that require collaborative practice agreements, arguing the limits block culturally congruent care and worsen maternal mortality gaps. Mississippi Culture & History: A hand-stitched Civil War flag replica tied to Reads Landing’s Union support is set to return to the spotlight at the Wabasha County Historical Society, part of the 250th anniversary season. Community & Arts: The Mississippi Power Foundation is partnering with The MAX in Meridian to boost America250 programming, with discounted tickets and school field trips. Public Safety: Atmos Energy is urging Gulf Coast customers to prepare for hurricane season and to avoid using gas equipment after flooding or damage without a professional inspection. Sports & Local Pride: Two North Mississippi pitmasters—Mark Lambert and Malcom Reed—are headed to the Barbecue Hall of Fame’s 2026 class. Economy & Work: A new federal waiver lets fertilizer haulers in 34 states drive longer, reflecting ongoing pressure on agricultural supply chains. Everyday Costs: WalletHub ranks Mississippi among the highest states for health-care spending as a share of income, underscoring affordability pressure.

Mississippi Courts & Voting Rights: Mississippi redistricting is getting harder to follow after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, and local fights—especially in majority-Black towns like Greenville—are expected to be where the real battles play out. Public Safety: Strong storms hit central Mississippi, knocking out power for thousands in the Jackson metro, including about 6,900 Entergy customers in Madison County and nearly 1,600 in parts of Jackson. Education & Community: Mississippi College is changing its name to Mississippi Christian University as it marks its 200th anniversary, with new signage rolling out over time. Business & Supply Chain: Mississippi liquor retailers filed a federal class action against Ruan Transport, alleging ABC warehouse failures in Gluckstadt caused major shipment delays and billing errors. Workforce & Tech: The Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network held Anthropic Day at Gulf Coast Community College to train public employees and educators on AI tools and responsible use. National Policy: A draft defense bill would bar U.S. troops and Pentagon employees from betting on prediction markets using nonpublic information. Sports: The Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the Patriots for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, reshaping two contenders’ offenses.

Rural Health Funding: Mississippi lawmakers are pushing back on Gov. Tate Reeves’ handling of more than $1 billion in federal rural health money, saying the administration hasn’t been transparent about where the funds will go after a veto blocked competitive bidding. Tax Deadline Relief: Mississippi’s 2025 tax filing and payment deadline has been extended to June 8, 2026 for all 82 counties, tied to Winter Storm Fern relief. Local Culture & Language: A new look at Mississippi place names traces many to Indigenous roots, with Choctaw translations and spellings highlighted. Coast Tourism: Coastal Mississippi is leaning on indoor attractions and events as summer tourism kicks off, with America 250 planning also ramping up. Business & Community: Pascagoula is taking applications for its Mayor’s Youth Council for the 2026-27 term, and the city says it offers students hands-on service and leadership experience. Sports Note: Tri-City ValleyCats start a six-game home stand June 2 in New York, after a road trip that included Mississippi.

Mississippi Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on election rules in a Mississippi case over late-arriving mail ballots, with another major case tied to limits on coordinated political spending involving JD Vance. Gulf Coast Preparedness: Biloxi meteorologist Eric Jeansonne lays out 2026 hurricane expectations as the season kicks off June 1, stressing that long-range forecasts can’t pinpoint landfall but preparation can’t wait. Shrimp Season Tradition: Biloxi’s 97th annual Blessing of the Fleet marks the start of shrimp season with prayers for safety and a successful harvest. Infrastructure Across the Region: Brent Spence companion bridge work moves forward as bridge materials arrive by barge on the Ohio River, with river-bed construction expected to begin soon. Local Business & Culture: Mississippi Power Foundation partners with The Max to boost America250 programming statewide, including student field trips. Community Spotlight: A ribbon cutting celebrates Magnolia Roots & Co. opening in Meridian, with plans to expand. Sports Recruiting: Oak Grove’s three-star OT DJ Dotson commits to Georgia, becoming the No. 26 player in Mississippi for the 2027 cycle. Aviation Tragedy: A private plane crash east of Columbus kills businessman Emmett Barry Sanford; investigators are expected to determine the cause.

Mississippi Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to weigh election rules in a Mississippi case over counting late-arriving mail ballots (postmarked by Election Day) and another case tied to limits on coordinated political spending, with rulings expected by late June. Mississippi Economy & Jobs: Lockers Manufacturing is expanding in Batesville with a $9.7 million investment and 25 new jobs, while Entergy Mississippi is awarding $82,500 in grants to nine communities through its Excellerator program. Batesville Growth: Azuria Water Solutions broke ground on an $80 million, 72,000-square-foot Fusible PVC Pipe plant in Batesville, creating 50 jobs. Local Culture & Community: Magnolia Roots & Co. opened in Meridian with a ribbon cutting, and the Mississippi Power Foundation is partnering with The Max to bring America250 programming and student field trips across the state. Sports & Education: Evan Lenow was named Mississippi Humanities Council’s 2026 MC Teacher of the Year. Lottery: Mississippi Lottery results for May 30, 2026 include Match 5 (01-04-06-21-28) and Cash 3 drawings.

Sail 250 New Orleans: More than 3,000 service members and maritime partners poured into New Orleans this week to kick off the five-day Sail 250 celebration tied to America’s 250th birthday, with ship tours, outreach, and cultural events along the Mississippi River waterfront. Mississippi State softball: Coach Samantha Ricketts says the Bulldogs’ first-ever Women’s College World Series run will pay off as the program rebuilds after losing six seniors, including a pair of tough losses to Texas Tech and Texas. Delta leadership: Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann attended Delta Council Day in Stoneville, honoring student leaders and hearing from U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson on the Delta’s role in agriculture. Economic development: Vicksburg’s Mississippi River Inland Port Complex was selected for Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s “Site Ready” program, earning a Silver-level certification to speed investor timelines. Workforce & safety: OSHA detailed prior citations and penalties tied to a fatal fall at Mississippi University for Women, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of roofing safety practices. Outdoor rules: Mississippi will tighten non-resident spring turkey limits—two birds now, then one before April 1 starting in 2027. Sports + culture: A Mississippi-themed Bay St. Louis travel piece highlights the coast town’s artsy, quirky draw, while local readers also got a roundup of weekend events.

Jackson State Leadership: Jackson State’s new president, Denise Jones Gregory, is set to receive a year of outside leadership training as she takes over an institution facing housing shortages and alumni strain after rapid turnover. Child Safety in Schools: Hernando High School’s substitute teacher Preston Lewis, 69, was arrested on child pornography charges, with officials saying he worked through a third-party staffing company and that investigators are still reviewing digital material. Faith on the Coast Highway 98: The South Mississippi Cross of Christ Foundation has erected a 120-foot steel cross with a crown of thorns in Greene County after two years of planning and fundraising. Community Calendar: Two Mississippi museums in Jackson will host a free Juneteenth Jubilee on June 19 with food trucks, kids’ activities, and performances including JT the Poet. Public Safety Reminder: The Tunica Humane Society is warning about the dangers of leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles as summer temperatures climb. Sports Policy Watch: A federal push is advancing a “Lane Kiffin Rule” concept aimed at stabilizing college sports by limiting transfers and coach movement. Hurricane Prep: WLOX’s “Hurricane Season 2026, Prepare Mississippi” special lays out what to know before storms, including forecasting and insurance tips.

Mississippi Politics: With Tate Reeves term-limited, Mississippi’s 2027 governor’s race is already heating up. Republicans Andy Gipson and Philip Gunn have announced bids, while Secretary of State Michael Watson is the only declared lieutenant governor candidate so far. AI & Water: A new “Breaking Points” look says AI data centers are increasingly constrained by water, not just electricity—developers are asking for massive cooling water supplies, raising questions for drought-hit regions like parts of the South, including Mississippi. Local Government: Jackson dissolved its Parks and Recreation Department to balance the budget without cutting employees or canceling programming; parks maintenance moved to Public Works and recreation administration to Human and Cultural Services. Business & Growth: Coahoma County High School earned a Governor’s Award for its healthcare partnership with Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, giving students hands-on rotations. Courts & Liability: A Mississippi River bunkering dispute over an oil spill is headed through federal court, with both sides arguing the other was responsible. Community Aid: The Salvation Army Meridian Corps reopened the Eloise Hart Temple Client Choice Marketplace, expanding dignified food and essentials shopping for families.

Local Business & Jobs: Avflight has moved into a new fixed-base operator terminal at Mississippi’s Hattiesburg/Laurel Regional Airport, replacing an older 1970s facility. Community & Culture: The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is working to preserve the Choctaw language, with daily classes in the tribe’s school system as only a small share of members speak it. Public Health & Research: Ochsner Health wrapped up its 23rd Annual Research Week in New Orleans, touting hundreds of active clinical trials and thousands of participants. Gulf Coast Entrepreneurship: Graduates of the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network’s Coastal Business Growth Accelerator finished an eight-week program aimed at helping Gulf Coast entrepreneurs build sustainable companies. Environment & Water: A judge ruled Ascension Parish must release documents tied to the RiverPlex Mega Park during the appeal process, after environmental groups sued over withheld records. Food & Local Pride: Cleveland’s Leña Pizza + Bagels was named No. 9 in the U.S. by 50 Top Pizza, highlighting a Mississippi Delta-style menu.

Mississippi Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court revived a Black Mississippi death row inmate’s Batson claim, ruling he’s entitled to habeas corpus relief after Mississippi courts improperly rejected his challenge to racially discriminatory jury strikes. Mississippi Politics: Mississippi voters still lack a ballot initiative option five years after lawmakers promised to restore it, leaving direct democracy stalled. Public Safety & Business: Margaritaville Resort Biloxi is set to deploy ALICE Gunshot Detection Solutions’ Assisted Response™ active shooter detection platform, the first commercial rollout in the U.S. Local Economy & Industry: Golden Triangle Development LINK says the region must plan for what comes next after the CINCO megasite, aiming to keep industrial momentum in Lowndes County. Coast Watch: Early shrimp season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is off to a promising start, though fishermen are watching fuel costs closely. Wildlife & Agriculture: MDWFP urges Mississippians to secure trash and pet food as black bears move through the state, while MDAC reminds eligible seniors they can apply for $40 farmers market nutrition benefit cards. Education: A Golden Triangle Law Academy camp will give students hands-on exposure to courtrooms and the justice system June 22-25 in Oktibbeha County.

Medical Transport Expansion: UMMC AirCare in Jackson says it’s adding a fixed-wing Pilatus PC-12 to its fleet and hiring 10 more medical staff to expand in-state and regional patient transport. Community Mental Health: In Brookhaven, a Children’s Mental Health Conference drew 70 professionals and advocates the day after a tornado, focusing on trauma-responsive care for kids whose symptoms can lag weeks behind disasters. Sports Betting & State Power: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch and other attorneys general are pushing back on federal “KIDS” online safety and, separately, urging the CFTC to recognize state authority over sports-related prediction markets. College Sports Overhaul: Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell unveiled a bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act” aimed at NIL chaos, limiting transfers and coach movement, and creating a “Lane Kiffin Rule.” Mississippi Military Tech: A Pentagon plan would build a drone testing ground in Mississippi at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, expanding capabilities for autonomous warfare. Local Life & Loss: A 63-year-old Madison woman died after snorkeling near Key West; foul play wasn’t suspected. Sail 250: New Orleans welcomed Navy and other military ships as Sail 250 kicks off along the Mississippi River. Mississippi Business/Jobs: AMP launched a campaign against a Jones Act waiver, targeting maritime states including Mississippi. Sports Notes: UL’s baseball team headed to Starkville for an NCAA regional, while Ole Miss coach Pete Golding shrugged off outside criticism. Lottery Win: A Mississippi Match 5 ticket bought in Pontotoc won $750,000 on Memorial Day night.

Education & Community: Farragut High School honored its Class of 2026 at Senior Awards, with top Anchor Awards going to Camille Faugot, Brody Gruver, Noah Haag, Jake Harris, Ella Schlomer, Morgan Switzer and Reid Vining, plus major military and ROTC scholarships. Public Safety: Two Navy aviators ejected safely from a T-45C Goshawk before it crashed on private farmland in Mississippi near Shuqualak; the cause remains under investigation. Local Culture: Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Mississippi Antique Showcase—filmed in the Delta—continues its statewide run, bringing regional history and heirlooms to appraisal experts. Business & Jobs: Rosedale Distilling Company is opening in the Delta after a $17 million investment to redevelop historic buildings and create 57 jobs, with a grand opening planned for June. Health & Care: Ochsner Health and myLaurel say their home-based acute and transitional care partnership cut readmissions by 60% over two years and saved 10,500+ hospital bed days. Sports Policy (National, with Mississippi impact): Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are set to introduce a bipartisan college sports bill aimed at stabilizing NIL rules, limiting transfers, and creating a “Lane Kiffin Rule.” Weather & Agriculture: Meteorologist Eric Snodgrass says a shift in rainfall patterns could bring some relief to drought-struck areas, including parts of the Mississippi Valley. Transportation: A semi hauling about 11,000 pounds of Kit Kat bars overturned in Brandon, closing a highway on-ramp; no injuries were reported.

xAI Pollution Fight: A Southaven, Mississippi gas power plant tied to Musk’s xAI is under fresh scrutiny after reports of rapid turbine growth and a NAACP lawsuit over health impacts on nearby Black neighborhoods. Local Courts & Justice: In Jackson’s bribery case, defendants have until May 29 to say whether they’ll plead guilty before a July 13 trial. Consumer Watch: Mississippi Lottery results rolled in May 26, including Match 5 numbers 09-20-26-32-35 and Cash 3 midday 2-0-2 (FB 2). Public Safety Tech: Lowndes County’s chancery clerk is offering a free fraud detection service that alerts residents when documents are filed in their name. Kids Online: Mississippi AG Nick Brown joined a coalition urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. Business/Jobs: Mississippi’s Bill Cork pushed back on Pope Leo’s AI warnings, defending AI’s economic role.

Supreme Court Energy Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to toss a lawsuit that would let one Colorado locality pin “global climate change” liability on major oil and gas firms—arguing it would effectively hand a single city control of national energy policy. Mississippi Flood Fears: In Jackson, residents are pushing back on a Pearl River widening-and-dam proposal, warning it could repeat the “One Lake” development scheme and leave taxpayers and ecosystems on the hook. Kids Online Safety Pushback: Mississippi is among states backing stronger child-protection rules while opposing a federal KIDS Act that would preempt state efforts and shield platforms. Mississippi Lottery Win: A Pontotoc ticket hit all five numbers for a $750,000 Mississippi Match 5 jackpot. Local Jobs & Education: Mississippi State earned an innovation award, and MUW was recognized for community service—both spotlighting momentum beyond the classroom.