AGP Executive Report

Mississippi Business Legacy: George E. Johnson Sr., a Mississippi-born pioneer who built Johnson Products Co. into a trailblazing Black-owned hair care powerhouse (brands like Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen), died at 99 in Chicago. His company became the first Black-owned business listed on the American Stock Exchange in 1971. Local Governance & Tech Growth: Jackson leaders are weighing a temporary moratorium on new data center projects after two meetings, saying more planning is needed on engineering and environmental impacts before expansions move forward. Maritime & Infrastructure: Boland Marine & Industrial won a nearly $31 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contract for maintenance and repairs to the dredge Wheeler, aimed at keeping the Mississippi River channel open for commerce. Food & Agriculture: Farmers Market Week is spotlighting Mississippi-grown produce, with local growers in Meridian and shoppers pointing to freshness, quality, and support for family farms. Public Health: Mississippi health officials are warning about rising risks from flesh-eating bacteria in coastal waters, as climate-driven spread and federal program cuts raise concerns.

Tech & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court let Texas enforce its app age-verification law for minors, a win for the state while First Amendment fights continue. Mississippi Elections: Mississippi’s Secretary of State weighed in after the Supreme Court upheld counting absentee ballots up to five days post–Election Day. Manufacturing & Jobs: Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi is expanding in Lee County with a $53 million investment and 28 new jobs. Agriculture: USDA/Pro Farmer data shows corn ratings steady nationally while the Pro Farmer Crop Condition Index for corn slipped slightly; Delta farmers are also shifting away from rice and cotton toward corn and soybeans. Retail & Families: Mississippi’s sales tax holiday runs July 10–12 for clothing, shoes, and school supplies under $100 per item. Food Supply Chain: Cal-Maine Foods set its July 22 earnings release for Q4 and fiscal 2026. Local Economy: Jackson paused data center construction until new city regulations are in place. Energy & Infrastructure: Mississippi Farmers Market Week is underway statewide July 5–11.

Pipeline Watch: FERC issued its final environmental statement for Mississippi Crossing Project and South System Expansion 4, a natural gas buildout spanning ~500 miles across 43 counties; critics say most gas heads to Georgia data centers and point to limited local jobs plus land and public-health risks. Public Health & Agriculture: Health officials warn that disease threats are rising as federal prevention programs get cut, including flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus risks after coastal detections and USDA staffing strain tied to livestock disease response. Local Planning: D’Iberville’s planning commission set July 28 public hearings and a July 14 workshop on variances and conditional uses tied to new retail, a convenience store with gas, and tire sales/service. Workforce & Finance: Mortgage rates fell to the lowest since May amid easing Iran tensions, while Mississippi’s workforce Pell Grant applications are being accepted. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show spotty low prices across Mississippi counties for regular, midgrade, diesel, and E85 in the week ending June 27. Community & Events: Gulfport’s iMPAC at MS Gulf Coast will host an Ozzy Osbourne tribute July 11, and a Gulfport filmmaker previewed “The First Shot” documentary ahead of July 4.

Energy Costs at the Pump: GasBuddy reports show Perry County’s lowest E85 at $3.97/gal (week ending June 27) and Lamar County’s lowest regular at $3.10/gal, with Mississippi averages easing to $3.47 for regular and $3.26 for E85. Heat and Power Strain: A record-breaking U.S. heat wave tied to at least 25 deaths and widespread storm outages left more than 1.3 million customers without power, including heat-related impacts reported in Mississippi. Housing Finance: Freddie Mac says mortgage rates fell to the lowest level since May as Iran tensions eased, though rates remain above pre-conflict levels. Local Culture on the Gulf Coast: Gulfport filmmaker Anthony Williams previewed “The First Shot,” a documentary challenging the “shot heard ’round the world” origin story. Workforce & Education: Mississippi’s workforce push includes a ramping Pell Grant application effort, while the state also highlights long-running institutions and business endurance heading into America’s 250th.

Workforce & Education: Mississippi’s University of Mississippi released spring honors, while George West students earned top academic recognition—one on Ole Miss’s Chancellor’s Honor Roll and another on Iowa State’s President’s List—highlighting continued STEM and criminal justice momentum. Industry & Development: Candidates for an Industrial Development Board made their case, signaling fresh attention on local investment priorities. Energy & Transportation: GasBuddy’s week ending June 27 showed lower regular prices in several Mississippi counties, including Coahoma ($3.47) and Madison ($3.27), alongside diesel and midgrade spot lows—useful for drivers and fleet planning. Public Access to Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hosting a free open house at Lock and Dam 2 in Hastings on July 18, giving residents a rare look at how the Mississippi River navigation system keeps traffic moving. Health & Safety: Mississippi health officials previously urged precautions as flesh-eating bacteria risks rise during summer water use, with Vibrio vulnificus flagged as a serious threat.

Workforce Training: Mississippi’s Workforce Pell Grant Program starts July 1, letting Pell-eligible students use federal aid for approved short-term training programs as brief as eight weeks for high-demand, high-wage careers. Public Health: Medicaid spending in Pascagoula for medical and surgical supplies jumped 62.5% in 2024, underscoring how local funding choices shape care access. Energy & Transportation: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest prices in Mississippi for the week ending June 27, including regular gas at $3.05 in Leake County and diesel at $3.75 in Jackson County; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also plans a free public open house at Lock and Dam 2 in Hastings on July 18. Industry & Business: SBA disaster EIDL loans are available to eligible Mississippi counties tied to drought losses, while new retail and construction activity continues to expand options in Laurel and Jones County. Climate & Risk: Record heat and worsening extreme weather are disrupting major July 4 plans nationwide, with Mississippi health officials also urging precautions as disease threats tied to warmer conditions grow.

U.S. Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court backed Mississippi’s mail-vote approach, affirming states can set generous deadlines for counting ballots as long as postmarks meet rules. Mississippi Industry & Culture: Mississippi’s America 250 time capsule heads to Philadelphia with a governor’s letter and brass coins highlighting music, aeronautics, fishing and literary history. Local Agriculture: Mississippi Farmers Market Week runs July 5-11, spotlighting the state’s Certified Farmers Market program and direct-to-consumer benefits for growers and shoppers. Holiday Safety & Retail: Mississippi fire officials and retailers are reminding residents that fireworks laws vary by city and that unsold consumer fireworks are usually stored for next season. Energy & Travel: GasBuddy reports show Mississippi prices easing in late June, with Pearl River County regular at $3.09 and the statewide average at $3.47. Community Events: Olive Branch kicked off a free Freedom Fest with Christian music and a city fireworks show.

Workforce & Training: Mississippi is pushing career-ready pipelines through the EquipMS Grant Program, funding upgrades at 25 high schools to align advanced manufacturing and construction training with local employer needs. Economic Development: NPL Construction will locate fabrication and manufacturing operations in Greenwood, investing $1.9M+ and creating 40+ jobs, backed by the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive. Manufacturing Expansion: Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi plans a $53M expansion in Guntown, adding 28 jobs in Lee County with MFLEX support. Banking & Community Finance: Southern Bancorp says it plans to change its name to Uplift Bank, pending regulatory approval. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is advancing Arkabutla Dam safety work, with a recommended long-term plan identified and a draft environmental assessment open for public comment through July 25. Agriculture & Trade: China resumed U.S. soybean purchases under a trade deal, but farmers face a “daunting” path back to prior volumes. Disaster Relief: SBA low-interest disaster loans are available for Louisiana and select Mississippi counties affected by Tropical Storm Arthur. Local Business Watch: Yurezz Home Center paused retail operations, leaving customers across multiple states, including Mississippi, seeking answers on contracts and warranties. Holiday Safety & Costs: Mississippi’s Fourth of July fireworks sales are expected to hit an all-time high, while heat and fuel prices remain top-of-mind for drivers.

Banking & Community Finance: Southern Bancorp is changing its name to Uplift Bank, aiming to better reflect its mission serving under-resourced communities across Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas and Oklahoma. Manufacturing & Workforce: Keytronic is expanding in Corinth, and EMCC is moving ahead with a $2.5M Scooba campus housing expansion adding 24 beds for students. Agriculture & Local Markets: Mississippi will participate in Mississippi Farmers Market Week July 5–11, highlighting more than 70 markets statewide and 40 certified through the state’s program. Energy & Power Reliability: A report on Texas grid connections says gas power is leapfrogging wind again, underscoring ongoing reliability debates as data centers strain supply chains. Transportation & Construction: I-20 Mississippi River bridge work is causing traffic backups, with lane closures and an upcoming width restriction affecting oversized loads. Public Safety & Weather: Extreme heat advisories continue into the Fourth of July weekend, with guidance to stay hydrated and plan for dangerous conditions. Health & Environment: Minnesota is adding 46 more polluted waters to its impaired list while also removing nearly 50 impairments, signaling both cleanup progress and ongoing water-quality challenges.

Auto Manufacturing Watch: Honda and Nissan are reportedly weeks from announcing a cooperation deal covering shared electronic control units, standardized in-car operating systems, and joint North American development—potentially putting common tech into vehicles no earlier than 2029. Higher Ed & Housing: East Mississippi Community College is breaking ground on a nearly $2.5M Scooba campus housing expansion adding 24 beds, with completion expected by year-end. Workforce Funding: Mississippi is rolling out expanded access to Workforce Pell Grant funds starting July 1, aiming to help residents enter short, employer-driven training programs. Manufacturing Jobs: Keytronic plans an $8.89M expansion in Corinth creating 376 jobs, adding assembly and production lines. More Industry Investment: Gould Industries will invest about $14M in Pike County to modernize an existing site and create 65 jobs. Forestry Infrastructure: MDA approved $5M for three forestry facility grant projects, including road access, rail corridor acquisition, and utility upgrades. Tech & Economic Development: AWS is repurposing the former Delphi plant in Clinton for a $1B data center investment expected to support at least 100 skilled roles. Transportation Safety: MDOT is urging holiday travel safety and pausing most non-emergency lane closures July 3–5.

Mississippi Agriculture: Double-digit rain in southern Mississippi has devastated watermelons and blueberries, with some watermelon growers reporting 60% to 90% losses as fruit splits and spoils after harvest. Federal Policy & Food Supply: U.S. and state attorneys general reached a proposed settlement in an egg price-fixing case that includes Cal-Maine Foods of Mississippi, with more than $3.3 million and millions of donated eggs tied to the resolution. Transportation Funding: Two South Mississippi airports—Gulfport-Biloxi International and the Dean Griffin Memorial Airport in Wiggins—won FAA Airport Improvement Program grants for runway, pavement, and safety upgrades. Energy Infrastructure Debate: Proposed nearly 500-mile gas pipelines crossing Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi drew fresh concerns over land impacts and whether the projects mainly serve out-of-state needs. Lower Mississippi River Work: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced temporary closures at Lock and Dam 9 and a West Newton Chute boat landing closure for sand-moving work affecting Mississippi River navigation operations. Workforce & Industry: Moran Towing completed its acquisition and integration of New Orleans-based Bisso Towboat, adding 11 tractor tugs and dozens of employees to its Lower Mississippi River presence. Community & Health: A Monticello couple behind Heart Strong Monticello helped fund a public-access AED at Ellison Park, aiming to boost sudden cardiac arrest awareness and lifesaving skills.

Mississippi Manufacturing: Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi (APMM) is investing $53 million to expand operations in Lee County, adding 28 jobs over five years as it boosts capacity for Toyota Corolla parts production in Guntown. Defense & Shipbuilding: HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding has begun fabrication for the future USS John F. Lehman (DDG 137), using a distributed shipbuilding model that spreads work across partner yards in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida. Mississippi Energy/Tech: Anduril says a rocket motor test at its Mississippi facility ended with an explosion; no injuries were reported, but the damaged test setup could delay prototype work for weeks. Agriculture & Prices: Cal-Maine Foods, headquartered in Mississippi, reached a $1.5 million DOJ settlement over egg price manipulation claims and will donate 30 million eggs to food banks across 17 states. Heat & Power Costs: Mississippi Power is urging customers to cut summer bills by checking A/C efficiency, sealing leaks, and using tools like online home energy checkups. Food Supply Chain Policy: U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) helped introduce the American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act to make USDA resilient food programs permanent and expand regional food hubs for producers. Transportation Safety: Pass Christian is upgrading all public railroad crossings with new gates, warning lights and signal equipment under a $4 million safety initiative.

Port of Gulfport Expansion: The Port of Gulfport cleared a key hurdle in its $548M ship channel deepening and widening plan, moving toward larger vessels and more cargo capacity on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Workforce & Training: Georgia Pacific boosted its Jones College scholarship endowment by $1,500 for 2026-27, backing Mississippi technical programs in welding, electrical tech and engineering tech. Education Leadership: South Piedmont Community College named Amy Ball Braswell as its new vice president of strategic enrollment management, overseeing admissions, advising, financial aid and enrollment strategy. Public Health Risk: Mississippi health officials are warning about rising threats from flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus, as climate-driven pathogen spread and federal health program cuts raise concern. Mississippi Law Changes: New Mississippi laws take effect July 1, including a shift toward adult court for certain youth firearm cases and tougher penalties tied to stolen guns. Local Tech & Power Debate: xAI’s Memphis data center push is tied to a “Starlink dividend” offer, as residents weigh benefits against grid and neighborhood impacts. Food Industry: DOJ and states allege major egg producers conspired to inflate prices, with settlements including cash and egg donations. Trade Policy: Bipartisan lawmakers urged action to restore a competitive specialty-crop trade balance with Mexico under USMCA.

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The Court blocked Trump’s birthright citizenship limits, a ruling with direct ripple effects for Mississippi families and immigrant communities. Civil Rights Lens: Analysts say the term’s broader theme was constitutional rights wins, including rulings affecting transgender athletes and firearms access for marijuana users. Mississippi Public Safety: MSDH urged July 4 caution on fireworks, impaired driving, water hazards and extreme heat as celebrations ramp up for America’s 250th. Food Industry: DOJ and state AGs reached proposed settlements with major egg producers after a price-fixing probe, requiring millions of eggs for food banks and payments to states. Local Infrastructure & River Work: The Army Corps announced Mississippi River lock-and-dam open houses and a temporary closure of a Minnesota boat landing tied to navigation-channel maintenance. Tech + Energy Debate: SpaceX is offering Memphis-area Starlink half-price service as xAI expands local AI computing—while residents and advocates continue to question energy use and emissions. Workforce & Trade Training: Metallica’s Scholars Initiative expands with new U.S. school funding for professional and technical education. Construction/Design: A Mississippi Riverfront park project earned a landscape design merit award, highlighting river access and restoration.

Clean Air Act Fight in Mississippi: The U.S. Justice Department asked a federal court to dismiss an NAACP Clean Air Act lawsuit targeting Elon Musk’s xAI over alleged un-permitted methane gas turbines powering its data center near Memphis, arguing the case threatens national security and that the executive branch can end citizen suits. Energy & Tech Buildout: The dispute ties to a major AI infrastructure push in the region, with the complaint alleging heavy pollution impacts on nearby communities. Mississippi Higher Ed: Mississippi State named chemical engineering professor Julie Jessop director of the Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, effective July 1, as she leads research and industry partnerships. Local Industry/Power Demand: Starkville is reviewing a proposed 30MW cryptocurrency mining facility near an electrical substation, with officials saying the load could be steady for the city utility and ratepayers. Food Industry: Cal-Maine Foods reached an agreement to resolve DOJ and 17 states’ attorney general claims tied to alleged manipulation of an egg industry price index, with no fines and added compliance steps. Courts & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state rules allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted after it arrives, rejecting a Trump-led challenge.

Energy & Transportation: AAA says gas prices are falling nationwide as U.S.-Iran tensions ease, with the national average dropping below $4 to about $3.86—welcome relief for the July Fourth travel rush, though prices still run higher than last year. Agriculture: USDA’s weekly Crop Progress report shows corn ratings slipping slightly while winter wheat harvest is 48% complete; the Pro Farmer Crop Condition Index rose modestly despite a small dip in overall corn quality. Mississippi Business & Industry: LM Funding plans to repurpose power at its Columbus, Miss. crypto site for AI and high-performance computing, adding GPU hardware and marketing capacity to AI colocation customers. Tech & Local Power Demand: A proposed 30MW cryptomine in Starkville would sit by an Industrial Park substation, with officials saying the steady load could help ratepayers if noise rules are followed. Workforce & Training: Itawamba Community College will host a Food Management Certification class in Belden July 13–Aug. 6, focusing on food handling, kitchen safety, and interview skills. Legal/Local Impacts: French Quarter businesses in New Orleans sued the Sewerage & Water Board over alleged Decatur Street construction disruptions, seeking injunctions and damages. Environment: NOAA expects a Gulf “dead zone” larger than average this summer, with the Mississippi River/Gulf of America Hypoxia Task Force aiming to shrink it by 2035. Historic Preservation: Nine Mississippi sites were added to the National Register of Historic Places this year, including the Terry Rosenwald School in Hinds County.