AGP Executive Report

Construction & Housing Growth in New Orleans: Lauren Gibbs took over Gibbs Construction in 2019, and the Elmwood firm is now pushing toward about $100M in revenue, with major work including the $100M Clearview City Center redevelopment and the $64M Rivana Apartments. Mississippi Jobs: The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is hosting a multi-agency job fair Saturday in Hattiesburg, with openings across the Highway Patrol, Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Narcotics. Roads & Infrastructure: MDOT shared progress on South Mississippi projects, including I-10 widening in Harrison and Hancock counties and major work on State Route 57 in Jackson County. Public Health: A nationwide cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce has spread to 41 states, with Mississippi among those reporting first cases this week. Community & Culture: Jackson’s 83rd National Folk Festival lineup added eight more artists, with the free event set for Nov. 13-15. Local Spotlight: Planters Bank launched the Planters Impact Fund to expand small business lending, affordable housing support, and scholarships across Mississippi and nearby states. Safety & Justice: An independent autopsy into Nolan Wells’ death found the cause and manner “undetermined,” pending further inquiry.

Local Business & Jobs: SIP Manufacturing says it will invest $100 million in Southaven and create 187 jobs, using a pre-existing facility to produce and ship beverage packaging. Community & Housing: After a receiver was appointed for Blossom Apartments in Jackson, a construction fence has gone up at the long-abandoned complex, where tenants were ordered to relocate and water service was shut off for nonpayment. Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall tied to a cyclospora outbreak remains in effect, even after the FDA said an initial test result was a false positive; the recall list includes Mississippi. Public Health & Justice: An independent autopsy into Nolan Wells’ death found no definitive cause or manner yet, leaving key questions unanswered as toxicology results are pending. Arts & Culture: The Mississippi Arts Commission awarded FY27 Individual Artist Mini-Grants to Picayune author Amanda Delaune and local artist Kayla Hickman. Sports: Ole Miss defensive coach Pete Golding says he has “no ill will” toward Lane Kiffin as SEC Media Days continues. Weather: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana and is threatening Gulf Coast areas, including coastal Mississippi, with heavy rain and flooding risk. Banking & Development: Planters Bank launched the Planters Impact Fund, a mission-aligned nonprofit affiliate aimed at expanding access to capital and support services across Mississippi and nearby states.

Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in southeastern Louisiana with up to 3 feet of storm surge and 60 mph winds, while a coastal flood warning remains in effect for Mississippi and Louisiana and isolated flash flooding is possible. Food Safety: Ole Miss researchers warn that cheaper knockoff GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may carry health risks, as demand grows amid insurance limits. Public Health/Recall: A cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall tied to Taylor Farms continues to ripple across 27 states, including Mississippi, with FDA guidance shifting after a “false positive” test result. Mississippi Workforce: Mississippi Delta Community College is expanding in Greenville with new career-technical programs in industrial electricity, cybersecurity, and HVAC, plus a ribbon-cutting/open house July 28. Local Leadership: Mississippi State Personnel Director Kelly Hardwick was elected president of the National Association of State Personnel Executives. Business/Legal: Mississippi Attorney General Ford announced a $29.6 million settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price inflation and reduced competition. Education: WalletHub’s 2026 school rankings highlight Mississippi’s low dropout rate, while overall state school system scores vary widely.

Food Safety Update: FDA says a “false positive” cyclospora test doesn’t change the basis for Taylor Farms’ voluntary iceberg lettuce recall, which still covers certain Marketside products sold at Walmart (with specific “Best If Used By” dates through Aug. 3) and lettuce distributed to foodservice in 27 states, including Mississippi—experts stress most lettuce in stores isn’t part of the recall, and whole heads like romaine and green/red leaf are generally considered safe. Mississippi Agriculture & Jobs: Mississippi State named entomologist Jay McCurdy as head of its Agricultural Science and Plant Protection department, and MSU Extension is also offering a limited-seat, free hydroponic farming workshop in Crystal Springs. State Government: Mississippi State Personnel Director Kelly Hardwick was elected president of the National Association of State Personnel Executives. Economy & Consumer Pressure: An AP analysis finds student loan default rates are highest in states that are overwhelmingly Republican-leaning, with Mississippi topping the list at 28.3%. Local Community: A Smith County 4-year-old’s “meet 1,000 police officers” quest is getting help from deputies and Laurel police officers as he racks up visits far beyond Mississippi. Public Health Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha is moving across the Gulf with heavy rain and flooding risk, plus extreme heat concerns across the region.

Student Loans: Defaults hit record levels nationwide, with about 9.5 million borrowers (1 in 5 federal borrowers) more than nine months behind after pandemic-era protections ended. Food Safety: Mississippi is among 27 states affected by Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall tied to the cyclospora outbreak—after FDA said a test result was a “false positive,” officials are still urging people to follow recall guidance and watch for symptoms. Health Costs: Mississippi’s ACA exchange enrollment fell sharply (26.4% from Feb. 2025 to Feb. 2026), leaving the working poor with fewer options as coverage gets more expensive. Local Weather & Work Safety: Heat advisories in the Jackson metro are prompting MDOT and contractors to use PPE, hydration, and early starts to reduce heat illness risk. Gulf Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha formed in the Gulf and could bring heavy rain and flooding risk to parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Community & Justice: A $100,000 reward was announced in the death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells, with Tyler Perry and Rev. Al Sharpton urging new leads.

Student Debt Crisis: A new Associated Press analysis says about 9.5 million Americans—roughly 1 in 5 federal student loan borrowers—are now in default after COVID-era protections ended, with serious consequences like garnished wages or Social Security payments looming. Mississippi Health Costs: Mississippi’s ACA exchange enrollment fell 26.4% from Feb. 2025 to Feb. 2026, leaving the working poor with fewer options—especially since the state hasn’t expanded Medicaid. Food Safety Watch: The FDA says a cyclospora-positive lettuce test tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, but the company’s broad recall remains in place as investigators continue tracing the outbreak. Gulf Storm Prep: Tropical Depression Two is approaching the northern Gulf; Chevron is shutting in Gulf production ahead of Tropical Storm Bertha, while Louisiana officials urge residents to review insurance and storm readiness. Local Economy & Jobs: Gulfport’s Gulf South Roofing is expanding career pathways through construction management internships with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Mississippi Events: The South Mississippi Toy Fest returns to Hattiesburg Sept. 26 with 90+ vendor tables and proceeds benefiting The ARC of the Pine Belt.

Food Safety & Health: The FDA says a Cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, but the broader investigation into a lettuce-linked outbreak remains active; Taylor Farms and Walmart have pulled implicated iceberg lettuce products sold in Mississippi and 27 states. Local Human Impact: A Mississippi Delta family says a pregnant woman’s roadside death after complications may have been worsened by the closure of the nearby Belzoni hospital—Humphreys County now has no hospital or emergency services. Tropical Weather: Tropical Depression Two is crawling across the Gulf, prompting tropical storm watches for the Florida Panhandle and raising flood and surge concerns along the Gulf Coast. Mississippi Economy & Tourism: New Albany’s Landry Kent was crowned 2026 Mississippi Miss Hospitality, with a yearlong role promoting tourism and economic development. Business & Growth: A new sales-tax tracking site highlights how Meta’s Hyperion construction is driving major revenue gains across Northeast Louisiana, including Richland Parish. Sports & Community: Mississippi’s casinos reported $194.6 million in June revenue.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a Cyclospora outbreak, now covering 27 states including Mississippi; the company says it’s removing affected product and stopping shipments from the implicated central Mexico lot, with no deaths reported. Public Health & Politics: Democrats and candidates are trading blame over the outbreak, even as federal officials trace the source to Mexico and retailers like Walmart and Taco Bell pull or remove affected items. Local Industry & Permitting: Mississippi regulators approved environmental permits for a Lafayette County asphalt plant, clearing a major hurdle despite months of resident pushback over pollution, traffic, and neighborhood impacts. Community & Services: Goodwill of South Mississippi announced the Aug. 20 grand opening of its new Hardy Court store in Gulfport, with expanded shopping and a community meeting room for career support. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression Two formed in the Gulf and a tropical storm watch was issued for Florida’s panhandle, raising concerns for heavy rain and coastal flooding. Justice & Courts: A Mississippi man pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $17K in SNAP benefits, tied to an EBT processing employee accused of accessing benefits without authorization. Culture & Faith: Angola Prison’s “Music From the Big House” continues to spotlight incarcerated musicians, while a Biloxi diocese event announced the consecration of a “virgin living in the world” at the Cathedral of the Nativity on July 25.

Food Safety Alert: Taylor Farms expanded a voluntary recall of shredded iceberg lettuce tied to a Cyclospora outbreak, now covering 27 states including Mississippi; federal officials say thousands have been sickened nationwide, and consumers are urged to throw the product away and not eat it. Gulf Climate Watch: New reporting highlights how the Gulf of Mexico is warming faster than the world’s oceans, fueling stronger storms and worsening impacts from fisheries to sea-level rise. Local Environment: Scientists mapped one of the Gulf’s largest “dead zones” in decades, warning that low-oxygen water threatens marine life and Gulf Coast livelihoods. Cost of Living: An agricultural economist breaks down why shoppers are paying more—lettuce up about 32% and tomatoes up about 20% year over year—blaming weather, labor and supply-chain pressures that may not ease soon. Mississippi Community: WLBT’s Our Mississippi Magazine announced its 2026 class of “Most Influential African Americans,” honoring Bill Bynum with a lifetime achievement award. Ag Education: Southeast Mississippi Livestock hosted a first-ever Ag Career Day in the Pine Belt to introduce kids and teens to livestock, veterinary science, and agriculture careers. Workforce & Industry: Bollinger Shipyards opened a new Workforce Training Center in Gulfport to grow skilled trades pipelines for shipbuilding. Mississippi Education/Global: Mississippi State signed an MOU with Universidad ORT Uruguay to expand research and study-abroad exchanges.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms has issued a 27-state recall of bagged shredded iceberg lettuce after a cyclospora outbreak tied to the product, urging shoppers to discard affected items and noting that washing won’t fix the risk. Retail Response: Walmart pulled certain bagged iceberg salads from select locations as a precaution, following similar action by Taco Bell. Local Governance & Public Safety: Red Bay installed its first automatic license plate reader, and residents are pushing back over concerns about surveillance and government overreach. Community & Culture: Pass Christian Library hosted a honeybee workshop with the Magnolia Honeybee Education Exchange, focusing on pollinators and hands-on learning for families. Workforce & Industry: Bollinger Shipyards opened a workforce training center in Gulfport with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to expand skilled maritime trades. Education & Research: Mississippi State signed a partnership with Universidad ORT Uruguay to grow study abroad, teaching, and research exchanges. Business & Politics: A Montgomery lobbying firm, Fine Geddie & Associates, hired Preston Cauthen, a former Alabama Power constituent relations manager. Obituary/Local Note: Juanita Adams Spight Hanna was remembered in a detailed obituary.

Data Centers & Local Control: Jackson, Miss., approved an 183-day moratorium on new data center proposals after residents raised concerns about noise, water use, air quality, and neighborhood impacts; records also show officials have discussed a Lake Hico site as a potential hub. Jobs & Industry: Siemens Energy broke ground on a $300 million Pearl factory to make high-voltage switchgear, aiming to add up to 300 jobs and expand workforce training. Manufacturing Investment: Aluminum Dynamics plans a $200 million recycled aluminum slab center in Lowndes County, targeting 100 jobs and operations in 2027. Public Health: A cyclospora-linked lettuce outbreak has Louisiana cases rising fast; local grocers are adjusting sourcing and handling. Community & Culture: Meridian’s Jimmie Rodgers Museum is getting a new downtown home, with a Street Dance fundraiser set for July 24. Education & Access: SEMRHI is urging parents to sign up for its school-based health program across several Pine Belt districts. Lottery: Mississippi Lottery results for July 17 include Match 5: 03-06-12-18-27 and Cash 3 midday 8-5-7 (FB 8), evening 0-3-1 (FB 2).

Local Arts & Inclusion: SoL Theatre Company kicked off a two-weekend run of “The Prom” at Thunder River Theatre Company in Carbondale, a story built around joy, acceptance, and a Mississippi-inspired prom controversy. Engineering Honors: The American Society of Civil Engineers named Mississippi Section leaders Jennifer Sloan Ziegler, Erin Steever, and Berrin Tansel to its 2026 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award. Animal Health Access: The Humane Society of South Mississippi opened an after-hours veterinary urgent care clinic on the Gulf Coast, offering lower-cost care for non-life-threatening emergencies. Culture & Community: Meridian artist Brejenn Allen was named a Mississippi State Fellow by South Arts, part of the Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts. Education & Global Links: Mississippi State signed a new MOU with Universidad ORT Uruguay to expand research and study-abroad exchanges. Business & Energy: Google and Cypress Creek broke ground on the Steel River Energy Center in Mississippi County, targeting 2.5 GW of solar and 2.9 GWh of battery storage by 2029. Public Safety & Health Policy: Congress is moving toward a federal ban on retail nitrous oxide sales as deaths linked to the gas rise, with Mississippi researchers previously documenting a sharp spike in fatalities. State Watch: The Mississippi Lottery returned just under $126.6 million to the state treasury for FY 2026, up about 12% from the prior year. Environment & Litigation: A nonprofit sued the federal government over delayed “critical habitat” protections for the Pearl River map turtle, warning habitat loss from dams and diversions could worsen the species’ decline.

Youth Court Overhaul: Mississippi lawmakers sent a sweeping youth court reform bill to Gov. Tate Reeves after a late-night special session vote, aiming to reshape detention, diversion, and youth correctional spending. Generic Drug Settlement: AG Lynn Fitch announced Mississippi will receive $236,595.47 from a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Healthcare Access: Delta Health Center opened a new Rosedale clinic to bring care closer to residents after a local clinic shut down, reducing long drives for medical help. Workforce Training: Hol-Mac in Bay Springs is partnering with high schools and CTE programs to build a welding pipeline, letting students train on the job before graduation. Sports Tourism: Hattiesburg landed the Mississippi Soccer Association State Cup for 2027, with the event expected to draw 100+ teams to Tatum Park. Agriculture Costs: East Mississippi residents and farmers are watching shipping uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz, worried it could push up diesel and fertilizer prices. Lottery Results: Mississippi Lottery Match 5 and Cash 3 drawings were reported for July 16, 2026.

Mississippi Data Centers & Local Control: Clinton residents are pushing for steep limits on a proposed QTS hyperscale data center, with about 100 people asking the city planning commission to tighten a draft ordinance. Rural Health Access: Delta Health Center opened a Rosedale clinic after Bolivar County Medical Center’s limited care shut down, aiming to cut long drives for patients. Disaster Help for Businesses: The SBA opened a Business Recovery Center in Lincoln County to help storm-affected businesses and residents apply for disaster loans. Housing Stress: A national foreclosure report says Mississippi saw a 45% year-over-year jump in foreclosure activity in the first half of 2026. Drugs & Consumer Relief: Mississippi is set to receive nearly $237,000 from a multistate Glenmark generic drug price-fixing settlement, with eligible buyers urged to check the claims process. Workforce & Industry: Bollinger Shipyards opened a Gulfport workforce training center with hands-on programs for marine electrical, electronics, and sheet metal work. Education & Community: Missouri Western awarded degrees to 364 graduates, including Poplarville’s Sydney Catherine Makayla Lewis. Local Economy: LV Petroleum reported new restaurant openings in Jackson, including four Sbarro locations, as it nears its travel center milestone.

Youth Court Overhaul: Mississippi lawmakers advanced sweeping youth court reforms in a late-night special session vote, aiming to fix expired youth-record disclosure statutes, install full-time judges, and create new juvenile correctional facilities. Higher Education Funding: Lawmakers discussed major changes to Mississippi’s higher education system, including tying university funding to graduation rates and workforce outcomes as enrollment shifts and skilled-worker demand grows. Housing & Homeownership: A new national report says Florida’s down-payment crunch is getting worse for first-time buyers, especially in major metros—an affordability warning that resonates regionally. Drug Pricing Settlement: Mississippi is set to receive about $236,000 from a multistate $29.6 million Glenmark generic drug price-fixing settlement, with consumers potentially eligible for compensation. Workforce & Industry: Bollinger Shipyards opened a Gulfport training center with bootcamp-style classes for marine electrical, electronics, and sheet metal mechanics. Local Business Support: The SBA opened a Business Recovery Center in Brookhaven, offering disaster loan help for businesses and nonprofits hit by May storms. Community Spotlight: The 76th Choctaw Indian Fair kicked off in Meridian, celebrating heritage with stickball, performances, and social dances.

Youth Court Overhaul: Gov. Tate Reeves called an abrupt special session to reform Mississippi’s youth court system, aiming for full-time judges and a more uniform statewide approach after youth-record disclosure statutes expired June 30 and lawsuits piled up. Data Centers in Jackson: A temporary moratorium on data centers has ignited a fight between developers and activists, with opponents pushing for a full ban while backers argue the city risks falling behind on jobs and investment. Glenmark Drug Price Settlement: AG Lynn Fitch says Mississippi will receive $236,595.47 from a $29.6 million multistate Glenmark settlement over alleged generic drug price manipulation; eligible buyers from May 2009–Dec. 2019 can register for compensation. MDOT Leadership: MDOT named Jada Kirk as Deputy Executive Director for Administration, replacing retiring Lisa Hancock, as the agency moves forward on financial operations. Mississippi Lottery: The Mississippi Lottery transferred $126.6 million to the state for FY 2026, with June proceeds boosted by big multi-state jackpot runs. Local Transit Dispute: JTRAN bus service remains disrupted as a strike continues in Jackson, with the city bringing in replacement drivers amid ongoing contract talks.