AGP Executive Report

Local Public Safety: A Jackson Silver Alert case ended with the death of 74-year-old Mitchell Ray Cooley, found behind a gas station; investigators say the cause was weather-related heat exposure, with no sign of foul play. Local Crime: Hinds County officials say a suspect tied to the June 13 Rebel Woods Drive shooting, 18-year-old Mielun Butler, died after being found unresponsive in his cell; the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is looking into the death. Education & Workforce: Alcorn State and Mississippi Christian University signed a 4+1 accelerated Master of Accountancy partnership, letting eligible students earn a BBA and MAcc in five years. Business & Jobs: NPL Construction plans to locate fabrication and manufacturing operations in Greenwood, investing over $1.9 million and creating more than 40 jobs, supported by the state’s MFLEX program. Disaster Relief: SBA disaster loans are available for Louisiana businesses and residents affected by Tropical Storm Arthur, with Hancock and Pearl River counties in Mississippi eligible for certain loan types. Community Finance: Southern Bancorp announced plans to change its name to Uplift Bank, pending regulatory approval.

Local Politics: Community members marked Medgar Evers’s 101st birthday at his Jackson home, highlighting his role in voter registration drives and economic boycotts, with the Medgar and Myrlie Evers National Monument open Tuesday–Saturday. Public Safety & Courts: A new Mississippi law raises the standard for juveniles in gun crimes by sending cases involving guns to circuit court and tightening penalties for stolen firearms, including long prison terms for trafficking and transfers to minors. Health: Mississippi’s first human West Nile virus case was confirmed, while a separate report tells of a Gulf fishing trip turning deadly for a couple after a flesh-eating bacteria infection. Business & Community: Southern Bancorp plans to rebrand as Uplift Bank, expanding its mission across Mississippi and other states. Local Events: 7 Days for the Troops kicked off in Tupelo, raising money for disabled veterans with a mall “honor tower” fundraiser now adjusted due to health issues. Infrastructure: Longleaf Trace board members removed water fountains after repeated sanitation problems, sparking pushback from users in extreme heat.

Disaster Aid: President Trump approved Mississippi’s major disaster declaration for May 6–7 storms, unlocking FEMA Individual Assistance for Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln and Wilkinson, plus Public Assistance for debris and infrastructure in Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence and Lincoln. Public Safety: Jackson Mayor addressed a spike in violent crime after a shooting killed three, rolling out a four-point plan with local and state law enforcement partners. Local Courts: Hinds County Judge Winston Kidd appointed Brad McCullouch as temporary Hinds County DA after Jody Owens’ resignation tied to a federal bribery case. Banking Rebrand: Southern Bancorp announced it will change its name to Uplift Bank, pending regulators, after acquiring Legacy Bank. Workforce & Education: Mississippi is expanding access to Workforce Pell Grant funding for short, employer-driven training programs, with implementation starting July 1. Business Growth: Keytronic plans to expand in Corinth, investing $8.89 million and creating 376 jobs, while Gould Industries is investing about $14 million in Pike County and adding 65 jobs. Transportation: United Airlines begins daily flights from Natchez to Houston after a decades-long gap, following airport terminal upgrades. Heat Risk: An 83-year-old woman died after falling in extreme heat, underscoring dangers during the ongoing heat wave.

Local Law & Public Safety: New Mississippi gun rules take effect July 1, including trying some teens as adults for certain gun crimes and tougher penalties for stolen firearms and shooting into groups. Criminal Justice: An independent autopsy in the Kohen Wiley police shooting case says the 1-year-old died from a shotgun wound to the torso and calls the manner of death homicide, challenging officers’ account and renewing calls for transparency. Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s vote-by-mail approach that lets ballots counted if postmarked by Election Day and received within five business days. Local Government: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport’s governance fight continues in federal court over a 2016 takeover law, with testimony focused on local control. Community & Culture: Students from across the country are digging at UMMC Asylum Hill to search for remains tied to the site’s 19th- and early 20th-century patients. Business & Growth: Xeltis says it has reached 50% enrollment in its U.S. pivotal trial for a hemodialysis vascular access device. Weather & Health: Extreme heat warnings are in place in parts of the country, with Mississippi also facing ongoing summer heat risks.

Voting Rights in Mississippi: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within five business days, a 5-4 decision that blocks a push to impose a nationwide Election Day receipt deadline. Public Safety & Justice: In Senatobia, an independent autopsy found 1-year-old Kohen Wiley died from a shotgun wound and ruled the death a homicide, as family advocates renew calls for video release tied to the police shooting. State Government Watch: Mississippi State Auditor Shad White says agents arrested Christy Hodge, a former Jones County deputy chancery clerk, alleging she altered records to hide about $13,357 in public funds taken for personal use. Mississippi Business: Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi announced a $53 million Lee County expansion, aiming to add 28 jobs over the next five years. Local Community: Mississippi Delta Community College named Joseph Jackson director of marketing and digital strategy, expanding enrollment-focused communications.

Supreme Court & Mississippi Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s five-day mail ballot receipt rule in a major election administration fight, while also weighing broader questions tied to Trump’s agenda—leaving the state’s election rules in place as the political battle shifts to Congress. Public Safety in Jackson: Jackson is bracing for the Fourth of July amid a spike in deadly violence, with residents urging more visible police patrols and officials launching a Quick Response Team for weekends. Severe Storm Relief: President Trump approved an $11 million federal disaster declaration for Mississippi after May storms, including tornado damage that hit multiple counties. New Mississippi Gun Law: A new law taking effect July 1 will send certain minors accused of firearm crimes to adult court and increases penalties for stolen-gun trafficking. Workforce & Education: Georgia Pacific expanded its endowed scholarship support for Jones College students in technical fields, backing hands-on training that feeds Mississippi’s workforce needs. Local Crime Case: A former Olive Branch elementary teacher was sentenced to nine years for possessing child exploitation materials.

Supreme Court & Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Trump’s bid to narrow birthright citizenship, keeping the 14th Amendment’s promise for children born in the U.S., a ruling with direct ripple effects for Mississippi families and immigrant communities. Elections: In a major election case, the court upheld Mississippi’s ability to count certain absentee ballots received after Election Day as long as they’re postmarked by then and arrive within the state’s five-business-day deadline. Local Courts/Politics: Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens resigned after pleading guilty in a federal bribery conspiracy case tied to a Jackson convention center hotel scheme. Public Safety/Crime: Jackson police say two men face capital murder charges in a targeted triple homicide that killed two women and a 2-year-old. Mississippi Law Changes: New Mississippi laws take effect July 1, including changes tied to youth gun cases, online safety for kids, and election security requirements. State Government Accountability: Mississippi State Auditor agents arrested former Prentiss City Clerk Dana Jones, accused of embezzling about $469,000. Business/Consumer: Egg producers Cal-Maine and others reached a federal/state settlement after a price-fixing probe, and the DOJ says the deal includes millions for food banks and payments to states.

Supreme Court & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Trump’s push against mail voting, ruling 5-4 that Mississippi (and other states) can count absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive up to five business days later, rejecting an RNC challenge and keeping grace-period rules in place ahead of the 2026 midterms. State Politics: Mississippi leaders are already weighing what to do next, with Gov. Tate Reeves signaling interest in tightening deadlines even as voting-rights groups say the ruling protects voters from postal delays. Health Policy: Mississippi’s biggest insurer reversed course on covering PrEP meds after complaints and public pressure, following remarks from the state insurance commissioner that sparked an “alternate lifestyles” fight. New Laws July 1: A roundup of Mississippi measures taking effect next month spans pay raises for school staff, expanded education topics, tougher penalties for some crimes, and new rules tied to immigration and health care. Business/Justice: Cal-Maine Foods reached a resolution with the DOJ and 17 state attorneys general over claims tied to egg-industry pricing practices. Local Legal Fallout: Jody Owens pleaded guilty to a federal bribery conspiracy charge and faces likely steps that could cost him his ability to practice law. Weather/Community: Extreme heat continues to be a concern across the region as people plan for Fourth of July safety.

Supreme Court & Voting Rights: In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s law letting mail ballots be counted if they’re postmarked by Election Day and received within five business days, dealing a major blow to Trump and GOP efforts to tighten deadlines and sparing states from scrambling rules ahead of the midterms. Local Impact (Mississippi): Disability Rights Mississippi praised the decision as protecting voters with disabilities from losing their right to vote due to postal delays. Politics & Pushback: Trump called it a “tremendous loss” and renewed pressure for the SAVE America Act, while Mississippi groups and Gov. Tate Reeves said the ruling doesn’t mean the state should keep the grace period. French Quarter Construction Fallout: In New Orleans, French Quarter business owners sued the Sewerage & Water Board over the long Decatur Street project, alleging blocked access, lost revenue, and property damage. Business/Tech: LM Funding America plans to repurpose power from its Mississippi and Oklahoma Bitcoin sites for AI and high-performance computing. Starkville Energy Watch: A proposed 30MW crypto mining facility in Starkville is under review, with officials saying it could stabilize utility demand. Community: Mississippi farmers markets in Jackson and Brandon are hosting America 250 Independence Day celebrations. Public Safety: Mississippi firefighter suicides are drawing renewed attention to first responders’ mental health.

Immigration Policy: A new Mississippi law taking effect Wednesday would let the state Department of Public Safety compile a list of immigrants living in Mississippi without legal status, including names, addresses, country of origin, adult/child status, and any criminal history or deportation case details—information that could be shared with state and local authorities, raising alarms among advocates. Public Safety: Jackson police are searching for a suspect after a triple homicide on Queen Alexandria Lane left two women and a toddler dead, with no arrests reported. Coast & Environment: Chevron and Gulf partners are sinking unused industrial equipment off the Mississippi Gulf Coast to create an artificial reef aimed at boosting fish habitat and recreational fishing. Courts & Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue major rulings soon, including cases testing President Trump’s power over federal officials and election rules. Weather: The region is bracing for a dangerous heat wave with highs near 90 degrees for multiple days. Local Spotlight: Mississippi 4-H Ambassadors met state leaders at the Capitol during 4-H Legislative Day.

Mississippi Politics: At the Neshoba County Fair, Gov. Tate Reeves and other lawmakers leaned into talk of redistricting and possible special session timing, with many expecting maps to be redrawn after the November election. Public Safety & Community: The Mississippi Department of the American Legion named Battalion Chief Bobby Joe Wilson of Wanilla as Firefighter of the Year. Courts & Legal Life: A Mississippi legal column says chancery dockets are crowded, pushing more cases toward settlement talks as trial dates stretch. Economy: Mississippi hit a record job growth milestone in May, with 1.19 million non-farm jobs cited by state leaders. Weather: A dangerous heat wave is forecast to push heat indexes up to around 115 across parts of the country, including the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. National Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue major rulings on Trump’s presidential powers and election rules, including a Mississippi mail-ballot timing issue.

Immigration & Public Safety: A new Mississippi law will let the state compile a list of immigrants it says are illegally living in Mississippi, including names, addresses, and details on deportation proceedings—advocates warn it could become a tool to target people ahead of broader federal deportation efforts. Coastal Recovery: The Mississippi Development Authority is running Gulf Coast Restoration Fund workshops to help local governments and nonprofits apply for grant money tied to the BP Deepwater Horizon settlement. Storm Repair Relief: Mississippi’s marine agency is waiving certain permit fees for rebuilding and repairing storm-damaged structures, with limits on what work still needs authorization. Local Business & Culture: Rosedale’s new distillery officially opened with a ribbon-cutting, marking the first legal distillery in the Mississippi Delta. Community & Justice: In Senatobia, residents held a town hall and march demanding accountability after the police shooting death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley. Media & Sports: SuperTalk Mississippi News won multiple honors at the Mississippi Press Association awards, including a community service award.

Downtown Safety & Revitalization: Shreveport is paying a Texas-Mississippi-Alabama consulting firm $130,000 for a three-year downtown “strategic retail plan,” but leaders say it won’t work unless the city tackles the perception that downtown is unsafe—citing panhandling, vacant buildings, poor lighting, and staffing gaps. Small-Business Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought losses, including Mississippi counties such as Clarke, Greene, Kemper, Lauderdale, Noxubee, and Wayne—aimed at eligible small businesses and nonprofits. Policing & Accountability: More than 100 people packed a Senatobia town hall demanding justice in the killing of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, with families sharing similar experiences and calling for accountability. Mississippi River Culture: A column marks National Mississippi River Day, highlighting how the river shapes communities and Indigenous traditions. Workforce & Schools: Amy Klobuchar outlined a workforce development push and K-12 achievement plan, including more apprenticeships and “Future of Work” training. Mississippi Media: Peter Imes was elected president of the Mississippi Press Association board for 2026-27.

Mississippi Lottery: The Mississippi Lottery released June 26, 2026 results: Mississippi Match 5 numbers 16-21-24-31-33; Cash 3 midday 6-3-0 (FB 6) and evening 3-0-0 (FB 8). Jackson-area safety: Mississippi Highway Patrol says crash totals are rising in the I-20 construction zone, with nearly 300 crashes investigated since early 2025 and fines doubling in work zones. Local culture & events: Mississippi Comic Con returns to the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson June 26-28 with 40+ celebrity guests. Family fun: Storybook Cottage opens in Hattiesburg as an immersive fairy-tale Airbnb for families. Community leadership: Rep. Jill Ford’s 7th annual Girls’ Day drew 100+ girls to the Mississippi State Capitol to see what female leadership looks like up close. Sports recruiting: Four-star Jackson Academy safety Marcus Jones committed to Tennessee for the 2027 class.

Mississippi Flood Recovery: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants left hundreds of homes damaged across South Mississippi, with MEMA reporting 486 homes affected (116 destroyed, 134 with major damage) plus damage to roads, bridges, businesses, farms, and shelters still open in Hancock, Harrison, and Stone counties. Heat Safety: A dangerous heat dome is pushing “feels-like” temperatures past 110°F statewide, with heat index values topping 105°F this weekend and possibly near 112°F next week—MSDH is urging extra care for kids, seniors, and anyone working outdoors. Jackson Crime Update: Jackson police say two more suspects were arrested in a burglary at the city impound lot, where suspects allegedly used a golf cart, ATV, and motorbike to leave the scene. Local Governance & Courts: The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers airport takeover trial continued with testimony about past proposals to shift airport management to the state. State Policy: New Mississippi laws take effect July 1, including changes tied to education staffing and early reading, criminal justice updates, and voting registration verification under the SHIELD Act.

Voting Rights & Elections: A Jackson rally is planned for June 2026 at the Mississippi State Capitol, pushing voter protection and registration after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakened the Voting Rights Act. State Politics: Mississippi lawmakers are laying out 2027 goals, with redistricting leading the list and debate continuing over education reform and shrinking state government. Local Government/Trials: The Jackson airport takeover case continues, with testimony from a former state official’s liaison role and questions about state memos tied to the proposed regional board. Cost of Living: AAA reports gas prices are down across Mississippi, with Jackson-area regular averaging about $3.56 a gallon. Flood & Farming Impacts: South Mississippi watermelon growers are taking major losses after heavy rain and flooding left fields too wet to harvest. Community & Housing: Biloxi opened Petit Bois Townhomes, adding new housing options near the coast and Keesler Air Force Base. Sports & Community: A bus driver in Petal is opening a new mini golf venue, Petal Putt Putt, built with community help.