AGP Executive Report

Cost of Living Squeeze: Rising grocery and fuel prices are hitting Mississippi families hard, with one local grocery basket running nearly $70 and AAA putting Mississippi gas averages around $3.65—making even short trips feel expensive. Beef Import Fallout: Ocean Springs restaurants and Pine Belt cattlemen are watching a new federal beef import plan closely, warning it could add uncertainty for domestic producers already squeezed by fertilizer and tariff pressures. Local Health Breakthrough: A Mississippi man with burns covering about 96% of his body survived after innovative treatments, including an FDA-permitted steroid approach and lab-grown skin cells. Public Safety & Jobs: Mississippi County officials are working to land a yarn production facility and possible textile mill, aiming to bring thousands of jobs and revive a cotton-and-textiles legacy. Weather Watch: Clouds and showers cooled Mississippi heat briefly, with more scattered storms possible midweek before a weekend rebound. Sports & College Football: Ole Miss-linked reports say the FBI searched for “bugs” at the Manning Center during the Lane Kiffin transition, while LSU’s Dae’Quan Wright could return to college after a court order. Community Calendar: Events run Aug. 26 through Sept. 1, including a Muscadine Field Day and multiple library and city meetings.

Mississippi Film Industry: Jackson filmmaker Curtis Nichouls has died. Friends say he was found at his home Saturday morning. Nichouls spent years promoting Mississippi as a movie destination, including helping bring Bruce Willis’ “A Day to Die” to Jackson in 2021, and he had plans to turn a former Metrocenter building into a film studio and training hub. Local Sports: Mississippi State baseball will play fall exhibition games in Biloxi—Auburn on Oct. 9 and Southern Miss on Oct. 10 at Kessler Federal Park. Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue statewide with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible Monday and Wednesday, with highs around the mid-90s to near 102. Business & Jobs: A new report says U.S. entrepreneurship stayed strong in July, with Mississippi seeing a 60% jump in new business formations. Public Safety & Community: Mississippi’s “Snake Shed” study is using cameras to document gray ratsnakes’ behavior in central Mississippi.

Mississippi Police Accountability: A Mississippi police chief in Senatobia is accused of repeatedly using racist slurs in private texts, renewing scrutiny after years of complaints about policing and a fatal June shooting of a 1-year-old. Severe Weather Watch: Monday brings a First Warning Alert Day for parts of Louisiana and southern Mississippi, with damaging winds (40–60 mph) and possible hail and flooding. Humane Society Over Capacity: The Humane Society of South Mississippi says it’s caring for 500+ animals and is over capacity, asking for volunteers and donations like blankets, towels, and treats. Gas Prices Snapshot: Fuel reports show Mississippi regular averaging about $3.58 a gallon for the week ending Aug. 15, with some counties listing lower single-station deals. Coast Tech for Storms: Gulfport-based OSHEN says its robots survived inside a Category 5 hurricane’s eyewall last season and helped feed data into National Hurricane Center forecasts. Sports—Local Angle: Greenville’s Lauryn Taylor scored for East Carolina in a 2-2 draw, while Florida soccer stunned No. 3 Florida State 3-1 under new coach Nick Zimmerman.

Police accountability in Mississippi: Senatobia’s police chief, Harold Vanderford, is accused of using racist slurs in private texts, after the June shooting death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley became a flashpoint for residents who say policing is discriminatory. Public safety & weather: Marshall County cleanup continues after powerful storms toppled trees and damaged homes, including a tree crashing into a house with people inside. Health watch: COVID-19 is rising again across the U.S., with Mississippi flagged in wastewater monitoring as activity increases. State services: Mississippi Valley State University reopened its Free Store for students needing basic supplies, with the program run through student work-study. Heat advisory: Magnolia-area forecasts warn of dangerous late-summer heat near 100 degrees and high heat indexes through Tuesday. Local sports: Mississippi State held its second preseason scrimmage, with coach Jeff Lebby saying the focus is staying healthy ahead of the Sept. 5 opener. Nolan Wells update: New reporting raises questions about Horn Island drowning records as Wells’ family and friends pursue legal action.

Mississippi Public Safety and courts: A Jackson community press conference tackled recent hangings and violence, calling for accountability and action as officials promised more details. Local safety: A motorcycle crash in Jackson sent one person to the hospital after the bike was hit by two vehicles at an intersection. Religion and backlash: Newly appointed Benoit Municipal Judge Assma Ali pushed back on online claims that she would impose Sharia law, saying municipal judges enforce the U.S. Constitution. Education: The state Department of Education released 2025-26 academic assessment results, with science showing the biggest gains while English held steady and math dipped slightly. Sports recruiting: Northwest Rankin dual-sport star De’Shawn Dillon committed to Georgia Tech for both football and basketball. College hoops: Former UNLV forward Kimani Hamilton is reportedly transferring back to Mississippi State for 2026-27. Weather: Heat advisories and dangerous heat are expected through the weekend across South Mississippi, with storms possible next. Gas prices: GasBuddy reported Mississippi regular prices averaging about $3.58 per gallon in the week ending Aug. 15.

Economic Development: Solero Technologies is expanding in Water Valley with a $14 million investment and 86 new jobs, adding 14 manufacturing lines and facility upgrades, with help from the Mississippi Development Authority. Public Safety & Justice: A third suspect has pleaded guilty in the 2024 Pineview Apartments shooting death of 15-year-old Janya Lumzy in Hattiesburg, with Nicholas Odutola sentenced to 20 years. Cybersecurity: Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann announced a Mississippi cybersecurity select committee aimed at stopping more than $100 million in alleged annual theft from residents and institutions, including hospitals and schools. Courts & Accountability: Mississippi Supreme Court upheld Carly Gregg’s life sentences in her mother’s slaying case. Community & Culture: USM freshmen painted the Eagle Walk on campus ahead of the Golden Eagles’ home opener, a tradition dating to 1997. Local Spotlight: Neighbors near xAI’s Southaven operations say they were caught off guard by a new TVA power connection approval and land acquisition tied to future growth.

Severe Weather & Road Impacts: Downed power lines and a fallen tree forced road closures in Hinds and Copiah counties, with crews working to clear MS-18 and I-55 North. Public Safety: The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said it’s looking into allegations involving a Jackson Police Department dispatcher and a detective placed on unpaid leave. Politics & Voting Rights: Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann removed Sen. Derrick Simmons from the redistricting committee after a letter urging changes to comply with voting rights standards. Community & Seniors: A Greenwood “Let’s Talk” resource panel helped senior citizens access Medicare info and food pantry applications, including guidance on new voter documentation rules. Civil Rights & Education: The Fannie Lou Hamer Digital Driving Tour launched across Delta sites tied to her voting-rights activism. Sports & Local Pride: Southern Miss renamed M.M. Roberts Stadium to Renasant Stadium, ending the namesake’s segregationist legacy. Arts & Local Economy: Meridian’s Hotel E.F. Young Jr. sign was restored and unveiled as part of downtown’s Historic Black Business District revival. Health & Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Midwest Poultry Services egg recall to its highest-risk level; Mississippi was among the states that received the eggs.

Mississippi Weather: Dangerous late-summer heat is sticking around across the Magnolia State, with an Extreme Heat Warning for Columbia County Friday (heat index up to 114) and highs near 100 through the weekend, plus isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Mississippi Public Safety: Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating multiple fatal crashes in the Brookhaven area, including reports of five deaths across three separate crashes and other deadly incidents on Highways 61 and 27. Mississippi Courts & Justice: A Mississippi man pleaded guilty to evading $2 million in federal income taxes while spending more than $1 million gambling, in a “check churning” scheme from 2016-2020. Mississippi Gaming: Mississippi casinos pulled in $208.7 million in July, down about 1% from last year. Local Education/Tech: Seven Northeast Mississippi schools and career-technical programs are set to receive TVA robotics grants tied to a $700,000 investment. National Impact on Mississippi: A federal ruling out of Idaho could reshape how abortion bans are applied nationwide, including arguments tied to mental health.

Faith & Heritage: A Eucharist boat procession along Bayou Teche marked the Assumption and National Acadian Day, retracing routes tied to Acadian Catholic roots. Coast Restoration: The Biloxi Lighthouse is getting major upper-deck and lantern-room restoration after Katrina damage, using marine-grade materials meant to last longer. Local Public Safety: A Jackson police dispatcher faces charges after investigators say she used law enforcement systems to help associates and may have diverted officers during shootings. Community & Jobs: Goodwill of South Mississippi opened an expanded Hardy Court store in Gulfport, adding more space and a career-training area for people with disabilities and others re-entering the workforce. Health Watch: COVID-19 risk is “moderate” in Mississippi, with local guidance emphasizing vaccination and basic prevention. Weather: Heat and storm chances continue, with a Code Orange air quality alert for parts of the region including DeSoto County. Sports: Mississippi State and Ole Miss football storylines continue to dominate preseason coverage, including roster updates and preseason honors.

Cost of Living: A new SmartAsset analysis says Mississippi is the most affordable state for a family of four, but a single adult still needs about $86,070 a year to “live comfortably.” Insurance Relief: State Farm is rolling out part of its record $5 billion auto dividend, with Mississippi payouts estimated at roughly 4% to 10% of eligible 2025 premiums. Heat & Weather: Dangerous heat remains the top story in Magnolia, with an Extreme Heat Warning in Columbia County and heat-index values near 113 degrees, plus a chance of afternoon storms. Public Safety: The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued a Silver Alert for a missing 46-year-old Jackson man, Tyrone Montez Lloyd, last seen Aug. 6. Local Economy/Industry: Albireo Energy completed its acquisition of Powers’ regional building controls divisions in Oklahoma and Mississippi/Louisiana, aiming to expand services across the South. Politics & Justice: The Congressional Black Caucus is pushing for federal involvement in the Nolan Wells case, citing ongoing disputes over whether his phone was properly examined.

Mississippi Education Gains: Mississippi is celebrating its biggest-ever reading and math improvement since 2013, with the state now ranking No. 1 in 4th grade Reading and Math gains—local educators say it’s the result of coordinated work among schools, families, and support staff. Amazon Tax Fight: Madison County denied Amazon’s appeal to lower the assessed value of Canton data centers, preserving an estimated $5.8 million in tax revenue for the county budget. Heat and Safety: A heat advisory is in effect as temperatures push into the upper 90s and low 100s, with heat index values near 110 and storm chances returning—drivers are also being warned about tire wear and hot-car risks. Wildfire Watch: With drought and high temperatures, Mississippi counties are issuing burn bans and officials are urging residents to stay wildfire-aware. Public Health: CDC data shows kindergarten vaccine coverage slipping again, with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) at 92.4% and exemptions rising to a new national high of 4.2%. Local Crime Update: A man wanted since May was arrested and returned to Monroe County to face charges tied to a May shooting. Sports Spotlight: Mississippi State soccer continues its early-season learning curve as the Bulldogs host Arkansas State, while Ryan Coleman-Williams earned preseason Biletnikoff Watch List recognition.

SpaceXAI Air-Act Fight in Southaven: A federal preliminary injunction hearing is set for Aug. 24 in Northern Mississippi over alleged Clean Air Act violations tied to SpaceXAI’s Southaven power plant. Nolan Wells Case: Jackson County DA Angel Myers McIlrath says she won’t publicly share details despite “pressure,” promising a “thorough” grand jury presentation as Wells’ family marks his 19th birthday with prayer and renewed calls for a federal probe. COVID Update: CDC modeling estimates COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in all 50 states, while emergency visits remain very low—direction up, serious burden not necessarily rising. Education & Testing Debate: An op-ed argues state test scores can mislead without context, pointing to growth screeners that show steadier progress than test swings. Heat & Safety: Another statewide forecast warns of hot, dry conditions with heat indices near 110 and storm chances limited. Housing Affordability: A new analysis finds home prices outpacing incomes in every state, widening the affordability gap nationwide. Public Health & Community: Lifeline Blood Services announces a football-themed blood drive in Jackson Aug. 20.

Heat Safety: Lauderdale County Sheriff Ward Calhoun is warning parents after a new hot-car test showed temperatures can climb from 96 degrees outside to about 117 degrees in 15 minutes and 126 degrees in 30 minutes, urging families to never leave children or pets in vehicles—even with windows cracked. Cooling Your Home: HVAC experts say Meridian homeowners should schedule twice-a-year maintenance, clear AC drains, keep outdoor units free of grass clippings, and use blinds or curtains to block sun to reduce strain on systems. Public Health: The CDC reports COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in Mississippi statewide, based on rising emergency department trends. Overdose Prevention: Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch delivered 44 emergency overdose boxes with naloxone to Mississippi State fraternities and sororities as part of the One Pill Can Kill campaign. Local Government & Safety: Hinds County began distributing autism awareness stickers to help law enforcement better support people with autism during traffic stops. Sports: Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones earned AP preseason All-American second-team honors. Community & Events: USACE says Grenada Lake’s annual dove hunt runs Sept. 12, with registration Aug. 18-22 at the visitor center.

Mississippi Politics & Public Safety: Mississippi’s health and education issues stayed in the spotlight, including a push for clearer guidance as officials continue looking into the Kohen Wiley investigation, plus updates on school safety planning for the new year. Weather: A heat advisory is in effect for parts of north Mississippi and eastern Arkansas, with isolated strong storms possible Wednesday night and rain chances gradually increasing later in the week. Housing & Economy: A new national report says cash home sales are slipping overall, even as a few cities show surprising bumps—another sign of a housing market still squeezed by high rates. Sports (SEC/College Football): The preseason AP Top 25 keeps fueling debate, with Mississippi’s Trinidad Chambliss highlighted among the SEC’s top quarterbacks and the SEC’s transfer-heavy rebuild framed as the league’s path back to the playoff. Community (Flowood): Flowood’s Mayor’s Cup golf tournament is set to benefit Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, with registration and donation deadlines rolling through September.

College Football Buzz: Ohio State and Oregon opened the AP preseason Top 25 at No. 1 and No. 2, with Ole Miss at No. 9 and Mississippi State listed among the teams starting just outside the top tier. Mississippi Weather: The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Mississippi’s fall could run hotter than normal, with the Gulf Coast warmer and drier and cooling not really sticking until October. Construction & Heat Safety: Mississippi crews are working through triple-digit heat, with MDOT urging extra breaks, hydration, and protective gear. Flood Control in Canton: Madison County cleared a key federal step for the Bear Creek Watershed Project, moving into the design phase after an NRCS environmental review. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the lowest midgrade and premium prices in parts of Mississippi for the week ending Aug. 8, including $3.78 midgrade in Wayne County and $4.28 premium in Clay County. Public Health Recalls: The FDA announced a Walmart-linked listeria risk recall for Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kits, and upgraded a large egg recall to its highest-risk class. Hurricane Camille Remembered: Gulf Coast communities marked 57 years since Camille’s landfall with ceremonies honoring victims. Local Government: A Jackson councilman is pushing to finalize plans for a downtown library branch before federal grant funds must be repaid.

FDA Egg Recall: The FDA has upgraded a salmonella egg recall to Class I after linking the eggs to 98 illnesses in 17 states, with Louisiana shoppers among those affected; the eggs were sold through Kroger and Brookshire’s and may have been produced June 6–July 3 with sell-by dates through Aug. 17. Mississippi River Low Water: In Greenville, the Mississippi River’s low levels are exposing fossils, pottery, bottles and other artifacts along the banks, drawing collectors and history hunters. Jackson County Heritage: The Granly Danish Historic Foundation in Jackson County marked 90 years of its meeting house, dedicated in 1936, with descendants gathering to preserve Danish traditions. Extreme Heat Watch: Alabama issued its first Extreme Heat Warning of 2026, with the risk stretching into parts of Mississippi and Louisiana, plus possible strong storms Monday evening. Public Safety Tech: Sabine County authorities credited flock and license plate reader cameras for helping rescue a missing child and arrest a suspect, with the case unfolding near the Mississippi state line. Sports & Campus: Mississippi State football’s Jeff Lebby updated the QB battle after scrimmage, while a separate SEC cost-of-attendance ranking put Ole Miss and Mississippi State among the lower-priced options in the conference.