AGP Executive Report

Food Manufacturing Expansion: SANY Nutrition Group LLC says its first Jonesboro-made snack product is headed to Walmart shelves this week, after starting production at the former Butterball turkey plant last month; the Austria-based maker has already surpassed 75 employees and plans to add shifts in November, with headcount targeting about 150 by early 2027. Energy & Workforce: AccelerateMS is pushing an earlier start to workforce development, arguing talent is both the constraint and the opportunity for Mississippi’s economic growth. Public Health & Education: A free online “What’s in YOUR Tap Water?” program lets Mississippi middle schoolers test their own water and feed results into a regional heat map. Election Ops: Mississippi voters have until Monday to register for the Nov. 3 general election; absentee voting is limited to qualifying groups. Transportation Infrastructure: MDOT updated construction timelines across the state, including Delta-area bridge and road work. Aerospace/Defense Tech: The U.S. Navy ordered 10 autonomous Marauder ships from Saronic after at-sea testing, with deliveries starting as early as late fiscal 2027. Local Business/Industry: Cal-Maine Foods reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 results, highlighting a mix shift toward prepared foods and specialty shell eggs.

Data Centers & Local Power: Mississippi Senate challenger Scott Colom called for a temporary ban on new data centers in the state, arguing the boom is already showing up in power bills and daily life, and pushing for tougher rules, transparency, and “pay their own way” terms before more projects move forward. Cybersecurity for Defense Supply Chains: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Mississippi State teamed up for “Securing the Coast,” a cybersecurity event aimed at helping small businesses win and protect defense contracts, with training focused on basics like phishing resistance and stronger passwords plus required policies for controlled unclassified information. Fuel Cost Pressure: Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson urged Gov. Tate Reeves to declare an economic emergency to cut gasoline and diesel costs, including a temporary suspension of the state fuel tax and expanded use of off-road diesel for farmers and loggers. Mississippi Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest prices in Mississippi counties, including regular at $3.74 in Tishomingo and diesel at $5.69 in Mississippi County and Itawamba County. Space & Jobs: MSU alum Christine Powell was promoted to director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center, overseeing rocket propulsion testing and the center’s test facilities. Local Business & Consumer Notes: Amazon Flex operations reportedly halted at a Batesville delivery hub, leaving local officials seeking answers; and the BBB warned homeowners about contractor scams, urging checks on licensing, insurance, and written agreements.

Steel & Jobs: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tied Trump’s steel tariffs to Essar Group’s Mesabi Metallics plan for a $15B integrated steel mill in eastern Iowa, with officials saying it could support 1,700+ jobs and use Mississippi River access for iron-ore logistics. Workforce Training: Alabama opened a Perry County re-entry center expanding welding and heavy machinery training for people on parole/probation, aiming to cut recidivism by matching skills to local labor shortages. Healthcare Costs: Attorney General Alan Wilson urged consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. Consumer & Food Safety: Mezzetta recalled specific 32-oz peperoncini lots after a viral TikTok raised concerns about pest contamination; no illnesses reported. Mississippi Policy Watch: Mississippi lawmakers renewed debate over kratom after two Ole Miss student deaths, with Rep. Lee Yancey pushing tighter rules. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the week’s lowest regular gas in Washington County at $3.79/gal and diesel lows around $5.99/gal in Leake and Marshall counties. AI & Risk: Anthropic warned advanced AI could pose “catastrophic or existential risks,” while coverage also flagged new safety concerns around major AI systems.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending Sept. 19 shows Mississippi prices still swinging, with Rankin County regular hitting $3.59 (lowest in the county), Rankin premium at $4.25 (lowest), and Marshall County diesel bottoming out at $5.99. Natural Gas Infrastructure: Kinder Morgan says the Southeast Connector natural gas pipeline would cross western DeKalb County, affecting about 50 landowners, with service targeted for 2029. Regulation & Public Health: Mississippi lawmakers are revisiting kratom rules after two University of Mississippi student deaths; Rep. Lee Yancey renewed calls for a statewide ban as toxicology results remain pending. Food Safety: Mezzetta recalled specific 32-ounce jars of Golden Greek Peperoncini after a TikTok claim of a dead rodent; the company says it has no reported illnesses tied to the product. Industry & Power: Entergy Mississippi says new data-center revenues helped prevent a July rate increase, with more customer savings projected over the next two decades. Steel & Jobs: The White House announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel mill in Iowa, framed as a major U.S. supply-chain boost tied to iron ore from Minnesota.

MSU Research Leadership: Mississippi State researcher Kristine Evans was named interim director of the Geosystems Research Institute, with John Cartwright stepping in as interim associate director—both roles tied to geospatial work supporting agriculture, water, conservation and wetlands. Food Safety Recall: Mezzetta recalled a single lot of Golden Greek Peperoncini after a viral TikTok claim of a dead mouse in a jar; the company says it found no illnesses tied to the incident. Energy & Industry Watch: Gas prices remain a mixed bag across the region, with Mississippi’s statewide regular average around $3.91 (week ending Sept. 19) while national averages stay higher than a year ago. Power, Data Centers & Construction: A Florida startup pitched Ascension and Iberville parishes on a $40B-scale plan that could add gas plants, small nuclear reactors, batteries and solar to serve data centers and industry. Workforce/Health Benefits: CMS and SBA rebranded ICHRAs as CHOICE Arrangements, highlighting new tax-credit momentum for small employers—Mississippi is among states that have enacted similar credits. Public Health & Regulation: The Ole Miss kratom probe continues to drive calls for clearer product identification and testing after two student deaths.

Maritime & Manufacturing: SubSea Craft plans a $6.1M Port Bienville project in Hancock County to build advanced composite components for autonomous surface vessels, with operations starting Q2 2027 and 56 jobs, backed by Mississippi Development Authority support. Furniture Expansion: A&W Custom Furniture is investing $2.2M to expand in Okolona, adding a fourth production line and 20 jobs, also supported through MFLEX. Workforce & Education: Western Nevada College President J. Kyle Dalpe accepted a national Rural Community College Alliance community engagement award, highlighting rural training and career-ready programs. Workforce Funding: Mississippi is set to receive $54.6M in rural health transformation funds, aimed at improving rural care delivery. Energy Watch (Fuel Prices): GasBuddy reports show Mississippi regular gas averaging about $3.91 statewide for the week ending Sept. 19, with local lows like $3.58 in DeSoto County and $3.59 in Alcorn County. Public Health & Kratom: Ole Miss student deaths have renewed scrutiny of kratom; the American Kratom Association is urging clearer product identification and independent testing tied to investigations.

Kratom crackdown in Mississippi: Oxford officials and state agencies are urging caution after two University of Mississippi students died in separate incidents where packaged kratom was found; police arrested two smoke shop employees on felony drug charges and toxicology reports are pending, while the mayor warned the substance can be “rolling the dice on death.” Mid-South drought hits harvest: Farmers across Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi say worsening dry conditions are cutting yields just as harvest ramps up, with growers reporting output down sharply from last year. Mississippi River Basin carbon finding: A Yale-led study says spreading crushed limestone on Mississippi River Basin farmland can act as a carbon sink, potentially removing 300–400 million metric tons of CO2 since 1900. Local energy prices: GasBuddy reports Tippah County’s lowest premium gas at $4.64 for the week ending Sept. 19, with Mississippi averages edging up. Community spotlight: WellsFest in Jackson returns Saturday, raising funds for Shower Power, a nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness.

Kratom Crackdown After Ole Miss Deaths: Oxford’s mayor warned kratom is “rolling the dice on death” after two University of Mississippi students died in separate incidents where packaged kratom was found; toxicology is being fast-tracked and officials say there’s no confirmed link yet. Arrests Near Campus: Police arrested two smoke shop employees in Oxford and seized more than 500 units of kratom plus THC cartridges and gummies after a raid at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store, about a mile from Ole Miss. Energy & Transportation Watch: GasBuddy reported Mississippi fuel price snapshots for the week ending Sept. 19, including regular as low as $3.59 in Yazoo County and $3.77 in Tate County, plus diesel lows like $5.52 in Hancock County. Workforce & Education: Mississippi community colleges are set to receive workforce funds, adding to ongoing training push. Local Industry Pulse: Oxford’s late-night food scene is drawing students with late hours, while the U.S. Army Corps offered the public a look inside Lock and Dam 10, highlighting river cargo tied to crops and fertilizer.

Kratom Safety Push: Health officials and lawmakers are urging caution after two University of Mississippi student deaths, with kratom found at both scenes and renewed focus on regulation and product risks. Local Business & Banking: Merchants & Marine Bancorp says its bank subsidiary will rebrand as TownBridge Bank on Sept. 28, keeping community brands under one charter identity. Workforce & Growth: Mississippi Development Authority highlights faster site-selection timelines and the factors investors want—workforce, infrastructure, and smoother paths from concept to construction. Public Land Access: A guide spotlights Mississippi’s public hunting options, including state wildlife management areas and federal refuges, with low barriers to entry. Coast & Space Leadership: Biloxi native Christine Powell named new director of Stennis Space Center, continuing Mississippi’s long-running role in U.S. space missions. Rural Health Funding: Sanders announces $54.6 million in rural health transformation funds, adding to broader state and federal efforts to expand care access. Transportation Politics: Lowndes County officials react to State Sen. Chuck Younger’s bid for transportation commissioner, triggering a new run for his seat. Industry Watch: A report notes Ford recall remedies can take months, underscoring consumer frustration and the need for clearer repair timelines.

Kratom Safety Push: Oxford police say packaged kratom was found in both separate deaths of Ole Miss students, renewing calls for tighter controls and clearer standards as officials await toxicology results. Energy & Jobs: Mississippi’s Energy Expo & Job Fair returns Oct. 1 at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson, with Entergy and other employers targeting skilled workers for the state’s energy buildout. Manufacturing Expansion: A&W Custom Furniture is investing $2.2 million in Chickasaw County to buy its leased facilities, add a fourth production line, and create 20 jobs. Rural Health Funding: Mississippi Today reports the first round of $104M+ rural health transformation grants is concentrated among a handful of hospital systems, funding hundreds of projects from cybersecurity upgrades to telehealth and backup generators. Banking Branding: Merchants & Marine Bancorp will rename its bank subsidiary to TownBridge Bank effective Sept. 28, keeping local brand identities while unifying the charter. Infrastructure/Travel: Jackson County is moving ahead with a new Welcome Center on I-10, adding modern facilities plus 62 truck parking spaces.

Energy & Grid: The U.S. Department of Energy announced $1.9 billion for 31 grid upgrade projects in 26 states under its SPARK initiative, aiming to speed power connections for data centers and other large loads. Public Safety & Agriculture: Dry conditions are driving new burn bans in Mississippi’s Lowndes and Noxubee counties, with restrictions on open-flame outdoor burning through late October. Health & Consumer Watch: Mississippi authorities are urging residents to avoid kratom after it was found at the scenes of two University of Mississippi student deaths; toxicology results are still pending. Infrastructure & Flood Control: Work is advancing on the Comite River Diversion Channel in Louisiana, with thousands of cubic yards of concrete placed and a control structure taking shape to help move flood flows toward the Mississippi River. Local Economy & Fuel Costs: Gas prices in Mississippi remain volatile, with multiple counties reporting lowest midgrade and diesel prices for the week ending Sept. 19, reflecting shifting regional supply and crude oil pressures. Workforce & Education: Mississippi is using an $8.5 million grant to strengthen workforce training through community colleges.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $54.6 million in Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program grants, expanding nutrition, prevention, and rural workforce efforts through HEART and RISE AR initiatives. Public Safety & Health: Mississippi’s drug task force urged residents to avoid kratom after packaged products were found during investigations into the deaths of two Ole Miss students; officials say they have not confirmed kratom caused either death. Energy & Transportation: GasBuddy reported the lowest midgrade prices in several Mississippi counties (including $3.95 in Hinds County) and tracked diesel lows such as $5.69 in Washington County, reflecting continued volatility tied to supply and refinery conditions. Wildfire Watch: Multiple Delta-area wildfires burned more than 500 acres combined as burn bans remain in effect and officials warn dry conditions could spark more blazes. Advanced Manufacturing & Jobs: SubSea Craft will begin production of autonomous boats at Port Bienville in Hancock County by Q2 2027, investing $6M+ and targeting 56 jobs by 2028. Tourism Economy: Mississippi set a record in 2025 with 45.5 million visitors and $18.9B in total economic impact, supporting 137,728 jobs.

Data Centers & Local Economy: A Canton, Miss. data-center buildout tied to Amazon Web Services is already boosting local engineering work and could expand workforce training for students. Public Health & Regulation: Federal regulators are weighing changes to radiation rules tied to the “as low as reasonably achievable” standard, raising concerns for worker safety as nuclear power interest returns. Disaster Recovery: Stillwater County, Miss. is set to receive $2.9 million in federal funds to repair flood-damaged wastewater infrastructure supporting business growth. Kratom Crackdown in Mississippi: Authorities investigating two University of Mississippi student deaths found packaged kratom at both scenes, while Alabama continues enforcing a Schedule I ban and urging the public to avoid unregulated products. Energy & Industry Innovation: Solidec won a $250,000 climate prize for plans to make low-carbon chemicals on site, aiming to cut reliance on centralized, fossil-heavy chemical logistics. Wildfire Response: Mississippi National Guard crews helped fight Arkansas’s Bunker Fire, including aerial water drops, as the blaze reached 90% containment. Workforce & Education: Mississippi is using an $8.5 million grant to strengthen community-college workforce training. Local Governance: The Convention Center Authority added three new board members and reappointed two others.

Mississippi Politics: A crowded GOP field is lining up for Mississippi’s 2027 governor race as term-limited Gov. Tate Reeves steps aside, with Attorney General Lynn Fitch and Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson among the announced Republicans and Democrat Brandon Presley viewed as the likely challenger. Public Safety & Health: University of Mississippi students’ deaths are under investigation after packaged kratom was found at both scenes; officials say there’s no confirmed link yet, while state and national health warnings keep spotlighting kratom’s risks and the broader issue of unregulated substances. Energy & Environment: Sierra Club’s “Dirty Truth” report gives Mississippi Power a 44/100, criticizing plans to add new gas while adding no renewables, as the group argues for cleaner power to cut pollution and costs. Infrastructure & Construction: Biloxi crews are nearing completion on a $27 million Popp’s Ferry Road extension, aimed at improving connectivity and hurricane evacuation routes. Transportation Projects: MDOT begins “The Big Fix” on I-20 in Jackson with overnight lane closures for bridge work tied to a major freight corridor upgrade. Port & Logistics: Port Pascagoula names Charles D. Tillotson as director, bringing more than 30 years of port operations and logistics experience. Workforce & Education: Mississippi State’s cybersecurity bachelor’s program earns ABET accreditation, reinforcing the state’s push to grow tech talent. Wildfire Mutual Aid: Mississippi State Forester Russell Bozeman’s compact is sending wildfire crews from multiple states to help Arkansas as dry conditions drive more blazes.

Public Safety: Ole Miss confirmed two student deaths under separate investigations in Oxford; packaged kratom was found at both scenes, and authorities say there’s no confirmed link yet—still, police are urging people to avoid kratom and any unprescribed substances while autopsies are scheduled. Energy & Logistics: Diesel hit record highs in Mississippi, with AAA reporting the state at about $6.06 and drivers facing steep fill-up costs, adding pressure to trucking and supply chains. Rural Health: Gov. Tate Reeves announced the first round of Mississippi’s rural health funding—over $104 million—aimed at tech upgrades and telehealth, with spending deadlines raising scrutiny. Industry & Investment: PowerCompute says it will swap in new Bitmain S19 XP miners, boosting expected Mississippi-linked hashrate by redeploying older units and adding more in October. Workforce: The Mississippi Business Alliance’s Columbus stop found workforce availability is the top growth limiter for many employers, as leaders push for better alignment between training and hiring needs.

University of Mississippi Safety: Oxford police and narcotics investigators are probing the deaths of two Ole Miss students after packaged kratom was found in both separate investigations; officials say they have no confirmed link yet and are urging people not to speculate, while the university says it’s aware of unverified social media claims and is coordinating with local and state law enforcement. Workforce & Tech: The National Cyber Summit in Huntsville highlighted how AI is reshaping hiring in cybersecurity, pushing employers to look harder at problem-solving and learning ability, not just specific tools. Public Health & Consumer Relief: Multiple state attorneys general are urging consumers to file claims tied to a generic drug price-collusion settlement, with eligibility tied to purchases between May 2009 and Dec. 2019. Facilities & Education: Mississippi Delta Community College named Antawine Shelwood executive director of facilities management, overseeing construction, maintenance, energy and compliance. Aquaculture & Research: FAO renewed Mississippi State University as a Reference Centre on antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture biosecurity through 2031. Waste & Local Services: Jackson is preparing to reopen its rubbish landfill and consider new per-ton disposal fees based on weight. Regional Emergency Response: Arkansas is deploying wildfire task force teams from five states, including Mississippi, under a mutual-aid compact as drought fuels large blazes.