AGP Executive Report

Courts & Voting Rights: A federal judge rejected a bid to undo Washington’s legislative map changes, but opponents are now watching whether the U.S. Supreme Court will step in after its Callais ruling reshaped how race can be used in districting. Mississippi Politics: Here at home, Lt. Gov. Hosemann’s redistricting committee is under fire for including Democrats, and Mississippi lawmakers are preparing for new congressional, state legislative, and Supreme Court lines ahead of 2027. Crime & Safety: A former Mississippi middle school teacher was sentenced to five years in prison for using AI to create pornographic videos of students. Everyday Costs: Diesel prices are easing in parts of the region, but Mississippi gas is still near $4 as Memorial Day travel ramps up. Local Spotlight: Smithsonian innovation programming is coming to Jackson-area museums, and Poplarville’s Hornet Baseball is chasing the school’s first state title.

Jackson Water Fight: A federal judge is weighing a Mississippi lawsuit tied to Jackson water funds and a racial discrimination claim, with the NAACP-backed case over how COVID relief money was distributed also clearing an early hurdle. Local Funding: Gov. Tate Reeves announced $23.0 million in Community Development Block Grant Public Facilities money for projects statewide, including water and sewer upgrades. Courts & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court sent back two Voting Rights Act cases after weakening Section 2, a move that could reshape who can sue to protect Black voting power. Business & Growth: Casey’s is rapidly expanding along the Gulf Coast after buying Fike’s Wholesale, while Uniti Wholesale says it signed new metro dark fiber deals in Jackson. Health & Safety: Mississippi officials warned against swimming at Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, and Biloxi beaches after higher bacteria readings. Crime: A Memphis fugitive was sentenced to 87 months after a traffic stop turned up seven firearms.

Voting Rights Act fight: U.S. Supreme Court action weakening the Voting Rights Act is already reshaping redistricting plans across the South, and Rep. Bennie Thompson says it “takes away voices” in the polls—while Mississippi Republicans and Gov. Tate Reeves look ahead to 2027 map changes. Civil rights response: Alabama activists are mobilizing again in Selma and Montgomery, arguing the country is being pushed back toward a 1950s reality for Black voters. Mississippi politics: A separate Mississippi legal front is also moving—Jackson bribery case defendants, including the DA, are set for trial in two months. Sports: Virginia won the NCAA men’s tennis title, beating Texas 4-3. Local note: State lawmakers briefed on Gulf Coast priorities, including Gulf Coast Restoration Fund wins and a Strengthen Mississippi Homes Act roof-grant program.

Supreme Court & Abortion Access: The U.S. Supreme Court put a pause on a 5th Circuit ruling that had blocked mail and telemedicine access to the abortion pill mifepristone, signaling the nation’s top court is still reining in a more right-leaning appeals court. Voting Rights Fight: Across the South, the fallout from the Voting Rights Act rollback is driving fresh redistricting battles and rallies, with Democrats pushing for higher Black voter turnout in November. Mississippi Politics: State lawmakers held a post-session briefing on Gulf Coast priorities, including Gulf Coast Restoration Fund money, a vetoed revolving loan program, and new home-repair grants. Local Health & Community: Gentiva Hospice opened a larger Meridian office to serve more patients and families. Sports: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy, shot in Laurel, returned to Columbia and is walking and doing physical therapy as he recovers. Food & Culture: Elvis Presley’s love of Krystal sliders gets another spotlight, while area events keep rolling—from Scholastic All-Stars honors to a new farmers market in Brandon.

Education Watch: A new 2026 Education Scorecard says the U.S. has been in a “learning recession” since 2013, with math and reading sliding over the decade and COVID making it worse—though some recovery shows up after the worst of the pandemic. Mississippi Lottery: May 16 results are out for Match 5 (08-16-18-26-31) and Cash 3 (Midday 6-4-0, FB 4; Evening 9-8-9, FB 8), plus Cash 4 and Cash Pop. Voting Rights Push: Thousands rallied in Alabama for “All Roads Lead To The South” after a Supreme Court decision gutted parts of the Voting Rights Act, with organizers warning new map-drawing could further weaken Black voting power. Mizzou Update: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy is back in Columbia after being hospitalized for a shooting in Laurel, Mississippi; he’s walking and doing physical therapy and hopes to leave the hospital soon. Local Growth: North Madison County opened a new softball field during its community festival, and Brandon launched a Genuine MS Farmers Market to spotlight local food and farmers.

Veterans & Service Stories: Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham highlighted Captain Ebony May’s Air Force journey in the VLB “Voices of Veterans” oral history series. Mizzou Update: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy, shot last weekend, is walking and in physical therapy and “hoping” to leave the hospital Monday, while police say Rashodrick Harris was arrested in connection with the shooting. Mississippi Politics: The Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling is still driving a redistricting fight nationwide, with Democrats and civil-rights leaders warning Black representation could be erased—while Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has canceled a special session tied to judicial map changes. Local Health Spending: Southaven reported $1.8M in Medicaid spending for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in 2024. Community & Culture: Meridian Community College held four commencements for the Class of 2026, and Gulfport welcomed a new restaurant from popular food influencer Matthew Bounds. Weather: Warm, stormy conditions are expected Saturday into Monday.

Jackson Bribery Trial: A federal judge denied defense bids to toss the Jackson public corruption case, keeping it on track for a July 13 start—rejecting arguments that the FBI “set up” Hinds DA Jody Owens and refusing to split the trial from other defendants. Local Courts: In related filings, former Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba’s team argued at least one alleged act wasn’t an “official act,” including a call to speed up a convention-center RFQ. State Politics: Louisiana voters head to a revamped primary Saturday, with Sen. Bill Cassidy facing a Trump-backed challenge and multiple ballot items beyond the Senate race. Mississippi Watch: Mississippi’s ARPA water-funds fight continues, with plaintiffs disputing whether Jackson received what was promised. National Guard: Gov. Tate Reeves says Mississippi troops are deploying to Washington for America250 security. Health & Safety: A new arrest was made in the shooting of Mizzou star Ahmad Hardy, with extradition steps underway.

Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling has further weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act, and civil rights groups are heading to Alabama this weekend for the “All Roads Lead to the South” march in Montgomery to protest the blow to Black political power. Mississippi Courts & Child Welfare: Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch filed motions asking a federal judge to end court oversight of the state’s child welfare system tied to the 2004 Olivia Y. case. Gulf Coast Health Alert: Several Mississippi beaches—including Biloxi, Gulfport, Pass Christian, and Bay St. Louis—were reported closed due to high fecal bacteria levels. Local Business: Bop’s Frozen Custard is planning an early 2027 return to Hardy Street in Hattiesburg after years away. Big Federal Contract: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $5.5 million restoration contract for Lower Pool 10 habitat work near Guttenberg, Iowa.

Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act setback is sparking a fresh push to protect Black representation, with civil rights groups planning a rally and march in Alabama this weekend. Mississippi Redistricting: In Mississippi, voting-rights advocates say they’ll keep fighting even after the governor canceled a special session—organizers are planning a May 20 day of action and possible lawsuits over “discriminatory maps.” Election Integrity Hearing (Texas): Texas lawmakers held testimony on election integrity and noncitizen voting, focusing on voter-roll maintenance and citizenship proof. Local Watch: Jackson-area drivers get a boost as MDOT secured funding for widening I-55 and Highway 25. South Mississippi: Termite swarms disrupted a softball championship game, and residents reported heavy activity. Courts & Health: The Supreme Court preserved access to mifepristone while a lawsuit continues. Crime: A Shelby County man was sentenced to 30 years for child pornography possession.

Redistricting Clash: Gov. Tate Reeves says Mississippi won’t redraw congressional districts right away after the Supreme Court’s Callais ruling, but he still expects a map overhaul before the 2027 elections—setting up a fresh party fight over what happens to the state’s Second District and Black representation. Jackson Water Court Fight: A federal judge is weighing whether Mississippi’s new Metro Jackson Water Authority law interferes with federal oversight of Jackson’s water system, with filings showing deep disagreement among city, state, DOJ, and resident groups. Public Safety Memorial: The 16th annual Fallen Officers Candlelight Vigil in Jackson honored three Mississippi officers added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, including Deputy Joshua Aaron Brashears. Health Outreach: The National Blood Clot Alliance launches a Mississippi bus tour starting May 16 to spread prevention and warning-sign education statewide. Energy Deal: Meta signed power purchase agreements with Desri totaling 850MW across Oklahoma, Texas, and Mississippi.

Lead-Lawsuit Watch: The full 5th Circuit heard arguments in a Jackson, Mississippi lead-in-water case, with plaintiffs arguing city officials knew the risk and misled residents—while the city pushed back on the claims and timing. Redistricting Turmoil: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves canceled a special session on Supreme Court district maps after court rulings shifted the legal ground, while he signaled congressional map work could still come soon. Voting Rights Push: Thousands are expected to march for voting rights in Montgomery this weekend after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama’s 2023 congressional map. Local Growth: Greenville’s Mid-Delta Airport is seeing passenger growth and is set to benefit from major airport improvement funding. Public Health Alerts: Mississippi health officials urged basic hantavirus precautions despite no confirmed state cases, as warnings spark mixed reactions. Weather & Recovery: Termite swarms hit parts of South Mississippi, and tornado cleanup continues across the state.

Judicial Redistricting: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves says he’s canceling next week’s special legislative session meant to redraw state Supreme Court districts, after a federal appeals court vacated the order tied to Voting Rights Act concerns—while he still expects congressional lines to be redrawn sometime between now and the 2027 elections. Jackson Water Authority: The Jackson City Council pulled a vote on Mayor John Horhn’s nominees to the Metro Jackson Water Authority Board, citing a federal judge’s temporary block that puts the new authority “on ice.” Politics & Power: Reeves’ latest public push supports congressional redistricting, a move that could threaten Rep. Bennie Thompson’s seat. Health & Business: A new PSA campaign, “Are You IgAN Aware?,” marks the IgA Nephropathy Foundation’s 22nd anniversary, and Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi selected OneShield to modernize its core insurance system. Sports & Community: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy was discharged after a shooting and is returning to recover.

Mississippi Sports & Safety: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy is being discharged from a Mississippi hospital and heading back to Columbia to start rehab after being shot at a concert in Laurel; police say he was an innocent bystander and no charges had been filed as of Tuesday. Local Life: Jackson-area “Santa Claus” Alex “Buddy” Cooper is recovering after his bus and an 18-wheeler collided on Highway 49 near Eagle Post Road; no students were on board. State Politics & Courts: A 5th Circuit ruling vacated an order that would have forced Mississippi to redraw Supreme Court district lines, putting a planned special session in doubt. Education & Community: Alabama A&M honored its oldest spring graduate, April Laster, who returned to finish a promise after nearly 20 years. Health & Policy: Mississippi’s Mental Health Awareness Month push includes a new Mississippi Network of Care for Behavioral Health website. Business & Industry: Electric co-ops across Mississippi met to plan for aging infrastructure and expand rural high-speed internet.

Courts & Voting Rights: The 5th Circuit unanimously vacated a race-based Mississippi Supreme Court district redraw order, clearing the way for maps to be redrawn without race as the driving factor after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Callais ruling. Local Governance: A federal judge is set to hear arguments May 14 on a lawsuit claiming Mississippi withheld ARPA water funds from Jackson during the 2022 water crisis, with state officials pushing dismissal. Public Health & Environment: A new report ties Mississippi’s paraquat manufacturing and rising PFAS pollution to broader health harms, including links to Parkinson’s. Sports: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss is taking a reset after spring practice, while LSU’s Lane Kiffin keeps fueling controversy over recruiting and diversity comments. Crime: Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy remains stable after being shot at a Mississippi concert; police say suspects were detained for questioning. Business & Growth: Pensacola plans to more than double nearby hotel rooms as developers line up for lodging expansion.

Child Marriage Ban Push: Oklahoma’s House voted 51-36 to send a bill ending marriage under 18 (with no exceptions) to Gov. Kevin Stitt after a Senate win—one of the tightest margins yet in the fight over minors and marriage. Jackson Water Fight: In Jackson’s ongoing court battle over the Metro Jackson Water Authority Act, federal officials say the law won’t block the judge’s oversight of the city’s water and sewer systems. Voting Rights Map Update: A federal appeals court vacated an order forcing Mississippi to redraw Supreme Court districts, leaving a May 20 special session in limbo. Storm Recovery: Two brothers in Bogue Chitto described how a tornado destroyed their home in minutes—and what families should do to recover financially. Mississippi Sports & Culture: A racial slur incident is under investigation at Northeast Lauderdale High School, while Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy remains in stable condition after being shot at a Mississippi concert. Local Growth: Hattiesburg and Forrest County wrapped up the Classic Drive Improvements project, aiming to create “shovel-ready” space for future high-tech jobs. Environment Watch: A new report links Mississippi-made paraquat and rising PFAS contamination to serious public health risks.

Public Health & Environment: A new report ties Mississippi’s paraquat production to a wider PFAS-and-data-center pollution boom, warning that “forever chemicals” and toxic air are reshaping health risks nationwide. Local Economy & Education: Meridian Community College is rolling out a new automotive technology program with AccelerateMS support, aiming to add hands-on training seats for regional employers. Politics & Voting: Mississippi lawmakers are bracing for another redistricting scramble after a Voting Rights Act setback, with a special session set for May 20. Safety & Preparedness: The Mississippi Insurance Department urges homeowners to get ahead of wildfire risk now—review coverage and clear defensible space around properties. Community & Culture: Cheona Trails Disc Golf Course in Wiggins just earned Mississippi’s No. 1 spot on UDisc, even as it’s still growing. Sports: Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy remains in stable condition after being shot at a concert in Mississippi.