AGP Executive Report

Horn Island Death Investigation: Nolan Xavier Wells’ family and civil rights leaders are demanding a thorough, transparent probe after the 18-year-old was found dead following a July 4 boat trip off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, questioning conflicting accounts and calling for more records and clarity. Fundraising Boost: Media mogul Byron Allen donated $100,000 to the Wells family’s GoFundMe, adding to growing national attention as the family seeks answers. Local Community & Health: The third annual Marion County Education & Health Fair in Columbia handed out free school supplies and uniforms and offered screenings and services for families. Mississippi Sports: The Cubs selected Ole Miss right-hander Cade Townsend in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft, betting on his development path. Food & Culture: Greenville’s Doe’s Eat Place earned national recognition, while Jackson and Brandon farmers markets celebrated Mississippi blueberries with special events and local treats. Weather: Storm chances continue through Monday in the Magnolia area, with a minor geomagnetic storm possible Sunday.

Nolan Wells Investigation: The family of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, found dead after a July 4 Horn Island trip, is demanding a “thorough” and transparent probe as questions swirl over timelines, missing Snapchat activity, and why his phone wasn’t found with his body; his mother says she and others have received death threats amid online speculation. Mississippi Business & Jobs: Jabil plans a $119 million Marshall County expansion, investing in a 1.5 million-square-foot facility tied to data center infrastructure and aiming to create about 2,200 jobs, with state and local support. Local Governance: Mississippi’s Supreme Court mail-in ballot rule is in the spotlight after the court upheld counting ballots postmarked by election day. Public Safety Tech Debate: A national report highlights controversy over gunshot-detection audio sensors, including concerns in Jackson about devices placed on private property without consent. Defense Industry: HII christened the future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131) at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, adding another Flight III destroyer to the Navy’s air-and-missile defense fleet.

Horn Island Death Investigation: Nolan Wells’ parents, with Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton, went public again demanding a “full, transparent, and urgent” probe after his body was found following a July 4 boat trip—raising questions about deleted Snapchat activity, conflicting witness accounts, and why his phone wasn’t with him. Threats and Backlash: A Jackson County judge said her family received Instagram death threats tied to the case, underscoring the pressure and misinformation swirling around the investigation. Mississippi Tax-Free Weekend: The state’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday runs through Sunday night, cutting costs on eligible clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100 per item. Public Safety & Community Help: United Way of Southeast Mississippi hosts a free Marion County Education & Health Fair Saturday with supplies, uniforms, screenings, and refreshments. Animal Rescue Update: Miracle, the Rankin County dog found with an embedded chain, has been adopted after months of recovery and rehab.

Horn Island Death Investigation: Nolan Wells’ family and civil rights leaders Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton are demanding a “thorough” and more transparent probe after the 18-year-old’s body was found following a July 4 boat trip; they cite conflicting timelines, missing phone details, and social media confusion, while the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says no foul play is suspected so far. Legal Fallout in Jackson: The Mississippi Bar asked the state Supreme Court to suspend former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba from practicing law, with a similar request for former Hinds County DA Jody Owens, after guilty pleas in a federal bribery scheme tied to a downtown hotel project. Hinds County Jail Oversight: An officer at the Hinds County Detention Center was placed on administrative leave after a detainee death, as investigators review policies and a criminal probe continues. State Leadership: Gov. Tate Reeves appointed Brad McCullouch as Hinds County DA for the Seventh Circuit and set a special election for Nov. 3. Public Safety Funding: FEMA announced millions in federal training funds for community emergency managers and first responders, aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness.

Nolan Wells Investigation: The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, found dead after a July 4 trip to Horn Island, is pushing for an independent autopsy in Washington, D.C., as questions and AI-made misinformation swirl online; attorney Ben Crump says the goal is objective answers beyond the state’s findings. Public Safety Response: Mississippi officials sent Highway Patrol troopers to Goodman after a viral video raised concerns about police presence, with patrols reported 24/7. Disaster Relief: Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available for five Mississippi counties—Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln and Wilkinson—after severe storms and flooding in May. Local Economy/Infrastructure: D’Iberville says the long-delayed Popp’s Ferry Road expansion is in its final stretch, potentially clearing the way for a BJ’s Wholesale Club. Education/Civics: Mississippi students competed for the National Civics Bee crown, with a state winner set to represent Mississippi in Washington, D.C.

Back-to-School Tax Holiday: Mississippi’s three-day sales tax holiday kicks off Friday, giving families a chance to save on school essentials like shoes, backpacks, uniforms and lunch boxes. Local Business: Cowboy Maloney’s in Jackson has been sold to Minnesota-based O’Shaughnessy Holding Company, which says it plans to expand the store and its internet presence. Public Safety: The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for original Horn Island photos and videos from July 4, as investigators push back against misinformation in the Nolan Wells case. Consumer Protection: Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to tighten rules that limit scammers’ access to real phone numbers, after Americans lost nearly $2 billion to robocalls and texts. State Economy/Policy: NFIB is urging Congress to repeal the federal Beneficial Ownership Information mandate, calling it invasive and warning it could hit nearly 300,000 Mississippi small businesses. Professional Licensing: The Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Surveyors elected Michael Blake Collins as board president.

Jackson Bribery Fallout: Former Jackson mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba—endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders—pleaded guilty to federal bribery and conspiracy charges tied to favors for real estate developers, days after Hinds County DA Jody Owens entered a similar plea, renewing scrutiny on Mississippi’s political corruption cases. Consumer Protection: Mississippi Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block, Inc. over deceptive Cash App practices, alleging the company misled users about fraud protections and made recovery harder for victims. Horn Island Case: A judge says missing teen Nolan Wells chose to stay on Horn Island after a boat began taking on water, with investigators still working to determine what happened; his family has hired Ben Crump for an independent investigation. Public Safety Tech: Mississippi joins a broader push by attorneys general urging the FCC to tighten rules against illegal robocalls by limiting scammers’ access to real phone numbers. Coast Community: Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers marked 40 years helping solve felonies across South Mississippi, partnering with law enforcement and media to get tips from the public. Local Life: Ocean Springs announced winners of downtown facade grants, and Biloxi released six rehabilitated sea turtles into the Mississippi Sound.

Horn Island Death Investigation: The body found off Horn Island has been identified as 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, but investigators still haven’t released a cause of death. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter says there’s “no information” pointing to a crime so far, while the Wells family has hired civil-rights attorney Ben Crump and is pursuing an independent autopsy. Social Media Speculation: Questions have surged online after friends reportedly deactivated or locked down accounts, and authorities are urging anyone with original photos or videos—especially of any alleged altercations—to come forward. Consumer Protection/Robocalls: Mississippi Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined a bipartisan push urging the FCC to tighten rules against illegal robocalls, saying scammers are increasingly buying real phone numbers to evade safeguards. Local Business: Ridgeland approved the first Dave & Buster’s in Mississippi, with construction expected to start this year and completion targeted for 2027. Public Safety/Shopping: Mississippi’s tax-free weekend runs July 10–12, with sales tax exempt on many back-to-school items under $100.

Horn Island Tragedy: Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, was found dead after going missing during a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island; his family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump and is pressing for answers as authorities have not released a cause of death. Jackson Corruption Fallout: Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba pleaded guilty in the federal bribery case tied to a downtown convention center hotel, as local leaders say they’re trying to rebuild public trust after the scandal. Local Governance: Jackson City Council is weighing a temporary pause on data center construction amid concerns about health and environmental impacts, while critics argue the projects bring pollution and higher electricity costs. Economy & Jobs: Jabil announced a $119 million Marshall County investment expected to create about 2,200 jobs, targeting data center infrastructure manufacturing. Public Safety & Health: A major heatwave across the U.S. and Europe has killed hundreds, with record temperatures and overwhelmed health systems reported. Sports & Community: Alcorn State men’s basketball coach Jake Morton and Mississippi volleyball coaches spoke at the Mississippi Association of Coaches Clinic. Back-to-School Savings: Mississippi’s sales tax holiday runs July 10-12, exempting qualifying items under $100 per purchase item. Business Legacy: George E. Johnson Sr., founder of Johnson Products and Afro Sheen/Ultra Sheen, died at 99.

Horn Island Death Investigation: The body of missing 18-year-old Nolan Wells of Ocean Springs was found on Mississippi’s Horn Island, and his family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, calling for a thorough, transparent probe; investigators say the cause and manner of death are still undetermined and an autopsy is underway. Jackson Corruption Case: Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and former city council president Aaron Banks pleaded guilty to conspiracy in a federal bribery scheme tied to a downtown hotel project, with pleas coming just before their trial. Local Government/Infrastructure: Clinton’s city leaders renewed a state-and-federal lobbying contract aimed at securing funding for a major sewage pipeline, with officials saying tens of millions have been pulled together so construction can move forward. Jobs & Economic Development: Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced Jabil will invest $119 million in Marshall County and create 2,200 new manufacturing jobs. Education & Law Pipeline: Mississippi Christian University and Millsaps College launched a 3+3 accelerated law pathway, letting eligible students earn a bachelor’s and JD in six years. Public Health/Animals: Pearl River County SPCA faces overcrowding and euthanized a dog named Cisco amid a broader statewide shelter crisis. Business & Culture: Mississippi Hospital Association elected John Anderson as 2026-27 board chairman, and Mississippi-born Black haircare pioneer George E. Johnson Sr. died at 99.

Local Politics: Jackson leaders are weighing a temporary moratorium on new data center projects after two meetings, with officials saying more planning is needed on engineering, environmental impacts, and how the growth could affect other city priorities. Courts & Accountability: Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba pleaded guilty in a federal bribery case tied to a downtown hotel proposal, with sentencing set for Oct. 15; the Mississippi Bar is also asking the state Supreme Court to suspend former Hinds DA Jody Owens’ law license after his guilty plea. Public Safety: A body was found on Horn Island in the search for 18-year-old Nolan Wells, with DNA testing pending to confirm identity. Mississippi Business & Infrastructure: Boland Marine won a nearly $31 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contract for repairs to the dredge Wheeler, aimed at keeping the Mississippi River open for commerce. Community & Culture: Meridian’s America 250 events drew thousands, and Farmers Market Week spotlighted Mississippi growers. Health & Weather: A record-breaking heat wave over the holiday weekend killed dozens nationwide, including reports of heat-related death in Mississippi. Legacy: George E. Johnson Sr., a Mississippi-born pioneer behind Johnson Products and Black hair care brands, died at 99.

Jackson Politics/Corruption: Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy tied to a bribery scandal over a proposed downtown convention center, following a guilty plea from ex-Hinds County DA Jody E. Owens II; Lumumba faces up to five years and a $250,000 fine, with co-defendant Aaron Banks still set for trial. Local Government/Planning: Jackson City Council is pausing data center construction while it drafts new regulations, after a public hearing saw the meeting chamber’s occupancy cut sharply—limiting residents’ ability to speak. Public Safety/Tragedy: Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, was found dead on Horn Island after vanishing during a Fourth of July trip; authorities say the body matches his description while DNA confirmation is pending. Elections/State Policy: Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson discussed a U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding Mississippi’s law allowing absentee ballots to be counted up to five days after Election Day, with lawmakers considering whether to repeal the window. Health/Workforce: The Mississippi Board of Nursing launched ONWard to strengthen the nursing pipeline with outreach from middle school through college and support for working nurses. Economy/Business: Mississippi Power is sending about 150 crews to New Jersey to help restore power after a deadly heat wave and storms. Education: Ole Miss held May 2026 commencement with more than 3,800 graduates, including local students from the Chattanooga area.

Severe Weather & Heat: A flood watch is in effect for parts of the Pittsburgh area as heavy rain raises flash-flood risk, while a dangerous heat wave continues to bake much of the U.S., with Mississippi reporting additional suspected heat-related deaths. Mississippi Lottery: Mississippi Lottery results posted for July 5, 2026 include Match 5 numbers 06-13-22-26-27 and Cash 3 drawings (midday 0-5-5, FB 6; evening 5-1-7, FB 1). Local Public Safety: Jackson County authorities are searching Horn Island for 18-year-old Ocean Springs man Nolan Xavier Wells, last seen July 4 around 3 p.m.; officials say the search includes multiple agencies and a command post at Lake Mars Boat Launch. Mississippi Business & Culture: Jamba Jollof opened a downtown, brick-and-mortar location in Hattiesburg, expanding West African dining locally. Mississippi Sports: A top Mississippi high school prospect, Derrick Hooker Jr., has transferred to University Lab in Louisiana for the upcoming season. Pipeline Fight: The FERC final environmental review is out for Mississippi-to-Georgia natural gas projects, drawing criticism from the Sierra Club over jobs and potential impacts on landowners.

Search & Safety: Jackson County authorities are still looking for 18-year-old Nolan Wells, last seen Saturday around 3 p.m. on Horn Island near Ocean Springs; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department says the teen may not have made it back to the mainland, and the search includes the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the United Cajun Navy. Violence Update: In Centreville, two people were killed and seven others injured in a mass shooting early Saturday near Orchard Café on Highway 24; investigators say the case is active and ongoing, with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation assisting. Weather & Health: A record heat wave and severe storms have kept millions under heat alerts across the U.S., with officials linking at least 25 deaths to extreme temperatures and noting heat-related illnesses at major July 4 events. Mississippi Civic Legacy: Civil rights veteran the Rev. Ed King, a founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, died in Jackson at 89. Local Culture: Gulfport filmmaker Anthony Williams released a preview of “The First Shot,” a documentary challenging the long-held Revolutionary War “first shot” uncertainty.

Public Safety: Two men were killed and nine others injured in a shooting at the Orchard Cafe parking lot in Wilkinson County, with investigators saying the incident began as an argument across the street and escalated into gunfire. Local Government: Gov. Tate Reeves announced more than 100 state government appointments, including seats on the State Board of Health, State Board of Pharmacy, Southern Rail Commission, and Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality. Weather & Health: Record-setting heat is suspected in at least 25 deaths across multiple states, and Mississippi-area forecasts warn of hot, humid conditions with scattered strong storms. Disaster Recovery: MEMA reported damage from Tropical Storm Arthur remnants, with assessments showing hundreds of homes affected and multiple roads, bridges, and public facilities damaged, while Red Cross shelters remain open in Hancock and Harrison counties. Mississippi Business/Community: Candidates for an Industrial Development Board are making their case, as local leaders weigh new economic moves. Lottery: Mississippi Lottery results for July 4 included Match 5 numbers 03-24-27-32-33 and Cash 3 midday 9-0-0 (evening 3-3-9).

SEC Football: Tampa will host the 2026 SEC media days (July 20–23), with all head coaches and three players expected to speak; the league’s nine conference games, NIL, and the transfer portal are front-and-center, alongside coaching shakeups including first-year LSU coach Lane Kiffin and new hires across Kentucky, Ole Miss, Auburn, Arkansas, and Florida. Public Safety & Weather: A dangerous U.S. heat wave forced cancellations and postponements tied to America’s 250th, including major parade plans in Philadelphia and Washington. Mississippi Disaster Response: MEMA says Tropical Storm Arthur recovery is ongoing in South Mississippi, with damage reported to hundreds of homes and roads, and multiple Red Cross shelters still open. Health: Mississippi health officials are warning about flesh-eating bacteria risks during July Fourth weekend, as Vibrio vulnificus can be deadly for people with open wounds. Workforce & Education: Mississippi’s Workforce Pell Grant Program starts July 1, expanding Pell support for short, high-demand training programs. Local Justice: A judge ordered the Hinds County sheriff to release inmate death records as lawmakers push for accountability.