AGP Executive Report

Mississippi Politics & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map that removes a district where Black voters could elect their preferred candidate, adding to fears that recent Voting Rights Act rulings will weaken Black representation across the South. Voting Rights Debate: A separate wave of commentary argues the Court is continuing to chip away at Black voting protections, with Democrats weighing whether to push for expanded representation as Republicans redraw districts. Local Governance & Justice: Rankin County’s “Goon Squad” police brutality settlement is back in the spotlight after a supervisor’s remarks about attorneys and the case sparked defamation lawsuits. State House: Mississippi Rep. Price Wallace, a poultry farmer and agriculture advocate, died at 64. Community & Safety: Mississippi State Department of Health is urging summer safety—heat, mosquitoes, sun protection, and water rules—while STR8UP Mentoring Foundation’s Community Love Fest 2026 kicks off a violence-prevention “safe start to summer” series. Education & Sports: Mississippi Christian University named Griffin Fleming director of fan engagement; Philadelphia High School hired former Mississippi State standout Dicenzo Miller as head baseball coach and football offensive coordinator. Business & Economy: The St. Louis Fed reports regional growth but warns supply chain disruptions, higher fuel costs, and Iran-war uncertainty could cloud outlook.

Mississippi Politics: State Rep. Price Wallace, 64, died this week; House Speaker Jason White praised his nine years in the Legislature and his work restoring ballot initiative rights, alongside his agriculture roots as a poultry farmer. Courts & Health Policy: A Mississippi federal judge tossed an AbbVie-led challenge to a Mississippi Medicaid “discount drug” law, while a separate Paraquat case in southern Illinois is forcing Smith and DiCello plaintiffs to explain settlement opt-outs. Local History & Culture: Millsaps College professor Caroline Bayne will lead “History Is Lunch” July 8 at the Two Mississippi Museums on Medgar Evers’ 1963 Jackson TV speech and the era’s media segregation. Public Health & Research: Ole Miss researchers released a new index to spot HIV prevention gaps across Southern counties, highlighting where testing and PrEP availability lag behind need. Community & Events: Corinth Theatre-Arts in Corinth is fighting to stay in its long-standing city-owned building, and Kimmswick’s Strawberry Festival draws thousands this weekend. Statewide Economy & Workforce: Accelerate MS won a $100,000 ARC POWER grant to train coal-impacted workers for advanced manufacturing careers. Health & Safety: A new Mississippi-focused Alzheimer’s update highlights early detection and a landmark state law as treatment options expand.

Social Security Crunch: A new report warns Social Security could trigger an automatic 24% benefit cut in 2032, with average monthly cuts over $500 in 29 states; Mississippi retirees would still face about a $459 average cut. Pentagon Hiring: The Pentagon hired a convicted Jan. 6 Capitol attacker for a sensitive counterterrorism role, raising questions about the appointment. Local Spotlight: HGTV’s Ben and Erin Napier are rallying public support after a fire destroyed Laurel’s Heirloom Hotel, now the subject of a new “Home Town: Inn This Together” finale. Mississippi Food Help: Extra Table Feeds is launching its Good on the Go Tour awards to recognize Mississippi efforts fighting hunger; nominations are open until June 15. Disaster Loans: The SBA reminded Mississippians of June 10 deadlines for Winter Storm Fern physical-damage disaster loans. Riverfront Work: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comments on proposed work at Lock and Dam 5, with construction eyed for late 2027 or 2028. Health Fraud Case: A Mississippi woman was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for a nearly $1 million wire fraud scheme against a Hancock County doctor.

Jackson Water Fight: A federal judge partially blocks Mississippi’s Metro Jackson Water Authority takeover, limiting it from executing operational mandates, finalizing leases, or exercising managerial control while the case plays out—Mayor John Horhn calls it a “victory.” State Tech Push: Mississippi launches a statewide AI framework, bringing together the AI Workforce Readiness Council, Accelerate MS, and the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network to build student AI skills and speed ethical adoption. Education & Choice: A new public school comparison tool highlights that Mississippi public schools have lost nearly 70,000 students since 2013 as families shift to alternatives. Public Safety & Courts: Mississippi lawmakers propose harsher penalties for educators convicted of sex crimes against children, including a statewide database concept and chemical castration accountability. Gulf Coast & Community: Elijah’s Closet, a foster-care support nonprofit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, warns it may close by December without donations. Local Crime: Chickasaw County authorities arrest 59 in a cockfighting ring bust, seizing roosters, cash, firearms, and alleged narcotics.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Recovery: Mississippi has opened applications for Gulf Coast Restoration Fund grants tied to the BP Deepwater Horizon settlement, with $30 million available each year for the six southernmost counties; the deadline runs through July 31 and eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, schools, ports/airports, and private businesses. Local Community & Health Access: Jackson’s Delta Harvest Neighborhood Market is set to launch June 4 at Jackson Medical Mall, aiming to connect Mississippi farmers with city families and accept EBT to widen access. Education & Faith: Mississippi College officially changed its name to Mississippi Christian University, saying accreditation and programs stay the same while the new name better reflects its Christian mission. Public Safety Innovation: Gluckstadt police say demand for autism and deaf passenger stickers has surged since the program launched in April, helping officers identify needs faster during traffic stops. Courts & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court issued another rebuke of lower-court overreach, and separate coverage highlights how recent Supreme Court voting-rights rulings have erased a key Mississippi voting rights victory. Business/Industry: Logistic Services Inc. announced it’s acquiring Five Rivers Distribution’s assets, expanding inland waterways logistics across Arkansas and Mississippi.

Rural Health Funding: Mississippi is set to start taking applications for its first round of rural health grants in mid-June, with $1B+ in federal money over five years aimed at capital upgrades, telehealth expansion, and health tech improvements. Public Safety: A deadly shooting spree in Muscatine, Iowa left six people dead, with police saying it appears tied to a domestic dispute; the suspect died by suicide during an encounter. Sports Business: The Philadelphia Eagles traded star WR A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, reshaping the offense for both contenders. Education & Community: Mississippi College officially changed its name to Mississippi Christian University, while the Mississippi Council on Economic Education expands free financial literacy and investing programs statewide for TANF-eligible families. Workforce & Health Care: Agape Care Group was named a Top Workplace for Nursing by Nurse.com. Local Development: Gluckstadt’s former Levi’s plant remains vacant with no deal yet, as the state and a Milwaukee-based buyer look at options for new tenants. Youth Programs: The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta launched their first donation drive to cover essentials not covered by grants.

College Football: Mike Leach is headed to the College Football Hall of Fame ballot for the first time after the National Football Foundation adjusted the coaching eligibility winning-percentage cutoff to .595—just enough for Leach’s .596 mark across Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State. Corporate Accountability: Seagate reached a proposed $175 million settlement over claims it concealed sales of more than 7.4 million hard drives to China’s Huawei, tied to U.S. export-control violations; the company denies wrongdoing. Aviation Safety: The U.S. Air Force lifted a fleetwide operational pause and began returning the T-38 Talon to flying status after a May crash near Columbus AFB, Mississippi, while inspections continue. Elections & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to weigh major election cases, including a Mississippi dispute over whether mail ballots can be counted if they’re postmarked by Election Day but arrive days later. Local Public Safety: Mississippi State Department of Health shared summer safety guidance in a new Health Talk MS episode, covering heat risks, water safety, ticks/mosquitoes, and other seasonal hazards. Community: Pascagoula is accepting applications for its Mayor’s Youth Council for the 2026-27 term, with students meeting monthly and completing service projects.

Civil War Roots: A new look at the lead-up to the Civil War traces how early U.S. political and economic splits, plus compromises like the Three-Fifths, set the stage for war. Local Aviation Tragedy: Lowndes County officials identified a pilot killed in a private plane crash near the Alabama-Mississippi line; the FAA, NTSB, and Homeland Security are investigating. Mississippi Gulf Coast Traditions & Health: Biloxi marked the 97th annual Blessing of the Fleet to kick off shrimp season with prayers for safety and a good catch, and the Mississippi Health Disparities Conference is set for June 17-18 in Biloxi with free public registration. Supreme Court & Voting: The court’s election rulings could reshape 2026 midterms, including a Mississippi case over counting late-arriving mail ballots and another fight over limits on coordinated political spending. Business & Community: Meridian’s Magnolia Roots & Co. held a ribbon cutting for a new home-and-lifestyle shop, with plans to expand. Public Safety: Glendale police responded to an armed robbery at a strip mall near Cherry Creek Mall, triggering a lockdown of nearby businesses and apartments.

Migration Watch: New Census data show Americans are “voting with their feet,” leaving high-tax blue states for lower-cost, Republican-led southern states—an affordability story that could keep reshaping politics heading into the 2026 midterms. Voting Rights & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to take up major election fights, including a Mississippi case over counting late-arriving mail ballots and another aimed at tightening limits on coordinated political spending. Local Business: Meridian celebrated the grand opening of Magnolia Roots & Co., a new retail shop expanding into the North Hills area. Weather: “Impact Day” is set for Monday with stronger storms possible, including damaging winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. Sports: Mississippi State baseball advanced in the Starkville Regional, winning 10-5 over Cincinnati and moving to 2-0 for the weekend. Arts & Culture: New Orleans is lining up major 2026 concerts, with big names booked for the back half of the year.

Education & Politics: Bill Maher used “Real Time” to argue Mississippi is outperforming California on education, pointing to stronger fourth-grade math and reading results for Black students. Scholarships & Tourism: Mississippi Miss Hospitality says its 2026 competition will award more than $105,000 in scholarships and prizes, with the top cash award named for longtime tourism advocate Bonnie Warren. Delta Leadership: Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann attended Delta Council Day in Stoneville, honoring Delta students and hearing from U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson on agriculture’s role. Aviation Funding: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith reports FAA grants totaling just over $20 million for improvements at 24 Mississippi airfields. Economic Development: Vicksburg’s Mississippi River Inland Port Complex was selected for CPKC’s “Room to Grow” Site Ready program, earning Silver-level certification. Community Grants: Entergy Mississippi will distribute $82,500 across nine communities through its Excellerator program. Local Governance: Starkville aldermen pressed school officials for details on the tax impact of a planned $101 million high school bond after officials couldn’t provide a millage estimate. Outdoor Rules: Mississippi will cut non-resident spring turkey limits to two birds (and one before April 1 starting in 2027).

Voting Rights & Elections: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let states review and purge voter rolls for noncitizens close to elections, a move critics say could disenfranchise eligible voters. Local Higher Ed: Jackson State’s new president, Denise Jones Gregory, will get a year of outside leadership training after a fast turnover of prior leaders, as the university tackles housing shortages and strained alumni ties. State Politics: Louisiana lawmakers approved a congressional map that removes a majority-Black district, setting up likely court fights. Housing & Fair Lending: A federal lawsuit challenges a CFPB rule change that plaintiffs say weakens lending protections and could open the door to discrimination. Mississippi Public Safety: Stone County and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality will host a free hazardous waste drop-off Saturday. Energy/Tech: A Jackson-area developer says plans for a 350-megawatt natural gas plant tied to a Ridgeland AI site can move forward after the Mississippi Public Service Commission declined to issue a declaratory opinion. Homelessness: A new HUD report says homelessness is rising sharply in Mississippi, with big increases in unsheltered veterans and chronic homelessness. Jackson State Sports: Mississippi State softball is leaning into a broccoli good-luck trend at the Women’s College World Series.

Jackson Corruption Case: Three key figures in the Jackson bribery scandal face a federal deadline to plead guilty or go to trial, with rulings this week keeping charges alive against Hinds County D.A. Jody Owens, former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and ex-council member Aaron Banks. Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court sent a Native American voting rights decision back to lower court after weakening the Voting Rights Act’s enforcement rules, a move that could ripple into Mississippi’s own redistricting fight. Local Education & Workforce: Mississippi State University named three educators from Philadelphia, Louisville, and Union as recipients of Mississippi Professional Educators scholarships. Community Development: Stone County’s facade grant program delivered building upgrades for Quality Laundromat in Wiggins, with more funding still available. Housing & Finance: Foreclosure inventory rose to a six-year high, signaling more mortgages moving into later delinquency stages.

Mississippi Gun Law: Mississippi lawmakers advanced a new measure targeting stolen firearms and youth gun violence, with penalties and fines increasing and certain youth cases automatically moving to circuit court starting July 1. Public Safety Watch: South Mississippi law enforcement is stepping up patrols after social media posts warned of a possible “teen takeover” at Turtle Creek Mall, though officials say no confirmed threats have been reported. Healthcare Dollars: New data shows Pearl Medicaid providers billed $281,792 for dental services in 2024, up sharply from 2023, highlighting where local public health spending is going. Internet Safety Fight: Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken states’ ability to protect children online while limiting Big Tech accountability. Local Jobs & Growth: The Governor’s Job Fair Network brought employers and job seekers together in Greenwood, with professional clothing donations helping candidates make a strong first impression. Delta Infrastructure: The Delta Regional Authority is investing $15 million in Mississippi Delta projects, including road, water, and flood-control improvements. Business Spotlight: Gulf Coast small business owners graduated from an eight-week FastTrac program focused on planning, marketing, and pricing.

U.S. Supreme Court: The Court revived a Mississippi death-row inmate’s Batson challenge, ruling the state courts improperly rejected his claim that prosecutors used race to strike jurors. Mississippi Politics & Courts: The decision is a major win for Terry Pitchford, tied to a 2004 murder conviction in a case where only one Black juror sat on the panel. Ole Miss Academics: The University of Mississippi named students to its Fall 2025 Honor Roll, including Lauren-Paige Johnston to the Dean’s list and multiple students to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll. College Sports (MS): Mississippi State softball is leaning into a “Broccoli Guy” good-luck tradition at the Women’s College World Series, while the Bulldogs are set to open against Texas Tech. Local Economy: Hattiesburg and Starkville are projecting big spending from NCAA baseball regionals, with tens of millions in total impact expected. Business: Cornerstone Building Brands is rebranding its Fortify Building Solutions stores to Mueller, with conversions planned across Mississippi through 2026. Everyday Life: Social Security and SSI June 2026 payment dates are confirmed, with SSI due June 1.

Voting Rights in Jackson: Thousands rallied in Jackson for a “Day of Action for Voting Rights,” marching from the Old Capitol to the Jackson Convention Center and holding a strategy session at Mt. Helm amid fallout from the Louisiana v. Callais ruling that weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act. Flood Watch: Gov. Tate Reeves says Mississippi is monitoring rivers and creeks in Forrest, Hancock, Lamar, Pearl River and more, with the Leaf River near McLain and Chickasawhay River at Leakesville expected to crest later this week. College Sports Overhaul: U.S. senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell unveiled a bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act” aimed at NIL chaos, transfer limits, and coach-movement rules, including a “Lane Kiffin Rule.” Iran Tensions: The U.S. carried out defensive strikes after downing Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, as President Trump again said Iran is “negotiating on fumes.” Local Community & Health: In Brookhaven, a children’s mental health conference drew major turnout even after a tornado, highlighting the long tail of trauma for kids. Sports (Mississippi in the Spotlight): Mississippi State is set for the Women’s College World Series, with the Bulldogs among the field after a big run. Business/Jobs: AMP launched a campaign urging Trump to end a Jones Act waiver, arguing it hurts maritime jobs in states including Mississippi.

Mississippi Flood Tragedy: A 36-year-old mother, Rachel Floyd of Oak Grove, died after flash flooding swept her SUV in Petal near Hattiesburg, with officials reporting at least one other death on the Gulf Coast during Memorial Day storms. Public Safety & Crime: A Mississippi man, Darrian Cortez Johnson, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life without parole for the 2024 capital murder of Terrell police officer Jacob Candanoza. College Sports Overhaul: Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell unveiled a bipartisan plan to stabilize college sports—regulating player payments, limiting transfers, and creating a “Lane Kiffin Rule” for coach movement. Online Child Safety Fight: Mississippi AG Kwame Raoul joined a coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state authority and leave big tech with too little accountability. Local Economy & Jobs: Rosedale Distilling Company is opening in the Delta after a $17 million investment to redevelop historic buildings and create 57 jobs. Energy & Growth: Mississippi’s hiring demand remains elevated since 2020, with a new national map ranking the state among the biggest job-opening gainers.