AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: The FDA recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Mississippi, after salmonella was found; no illnesses reported yet, but shoppers are told to check UPC 194346207961 and lot LB028ACP04 (exp. Jan. 28, 2027) and throw it out or return it. Agriculture Research: Mississippi State University held a 2026 Watermelon Field Day showing how heavy summer rains cut yields in parts of the state, with growers comparing results across varieties. Energy & Space: Blue Origin is partnering with NASA to test New Glenn rockets at Stennis Space Center, with testing set to begin this fall and added skill-building for Stennis staff. Defense Readiness: Camp Shelby’s $32 million MATES expansion will let mechanics service larger military equipment indoors, aiming to speed repairs and boost readiness. Public Safety & Justice: Copiah County Drug Court participant Michael Whittington was charged after a search found indoor and outdoor marijuana grows; he received a 10-year sentence. Economic Development: D’Iberville approved an agreement to bring BJ’s Wholesale to a prime I-10 site, with construction eyed for late 2026 or early 2027. Policy & Politics: AG Lynn Fitch formally entered the 2027 Mississippi governor race, touting her public safety and economic development record.

Workforce & Training: MGCCC Perkinston is hosting a community job fair Aug. 14-15 for former Hood Industries employees, flood victims, and others seeking work. Defense & Manufacturing: Integer Technologies and USM won a $9.8M Navy contract modification to advance intelligent autonomous seabed warfare tools. Shipbuilding Automation: HD Hyundai is piloting “intelligent welding” at Huntington Ingalls’ Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, aiming to boost productivity and quality with welding robots and real-time data. Agriculture & Food Safety: MSU Extension held a 2026 Watermelon Field Day showcasing 30 melon varieties, while FDA recall alerts hit Walmart shoppers in 19 states for bettergoods pistachio nut butter tied to salmonella. Energy & Environment: NOAA reports a Gulf “dead zone” from low oxygen near the northern Gulf Coast, driven by nutrient runoff from the Mississippi/Atchafalaya rivers. Public Health Policy: Acting Alaska AG Cori Mills joined a coalition announcing a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing.

Antitrust & Pharma: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a 43-state coalition announcing a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and competition limits, with trial expected in 2027 and injunctive reforms tied to compliance. Energy & Environment: A proposed 100-megawatt hydro project at a Mississippi River lock and dam is drawing scrutiny from the Sierra Club over potential impacts to access and wildlife. Pipeline Permitting Fight: The Southern Environmental Law Center sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over permits it says let oil and gas pipelines bypass key environmental safeguards, including a Mississippi-to-Georgia project through the Black Belt. Shipbuilding Tech in Mississippi: HD Hyundai and Huntington Ingalls are rolling out an “intelligent welding” pilot at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula to boost productivity and safety using real-time robot calibration. Workforce & Training: Meridian Community College and Compass Datacenters launched Mississippi’s first MEI data-center pathway, covering tuition for the first cohort. Agriculture: Mississippi cotton growers promoted U.S. cotton via a “Plant Not Plastic” campaign, while MSU researchers highlighted tailwater recirculation as a way to cut water use in rice production. Public Utilities: Mississippi commissioners debated water affordability, with a proposal shifting from federal assistance toward local help. Retail Development: D’Iberville cleared a tri-party agreement paving the way for a BJ’s Wholesale Club.

AI & Data Centers: SpaceX says its AI compute leases are driving a big jump in revenue, with new deals leasing capacity to Anthropic, Google and Reflection AI tied to its Colossus data centers in the Mid-South. Economic Development: Golden Triangle Development Link announced DRC Industries will invest $4 million in Lowndes County to establish operations and create 50 jobs, using Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive support. Food Manufacturing & Safety: Walmart’s Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter (6.7 oz, lot LB028ACP04, exp. Jan. 28, 2027) is recalled in 19 states, including Mississippi, after Salmonella was found in routine testing; no illnesses reported. Health Policy: A KFF analysis finds millions lost Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage after enhanced subsidies expired, with steep enrollment drops including Mississippi and Louisiana. Fraud Enforcement: DOJ’s Fraud Division announced major fraud enforcement actions across the Southeast through federal-state partnerships, including Mississippi. Agriculture: MSU Extension and partners set a free Muscadine Field Day Aug. 27 in Carriere, covering pests, cultivar selection, and disease management.

Catfish Relief for Mississippi Producers: USDA expanded ELAP support, offering $600/acre for eligible farm-raised catfish producers hit by bird depredation, aiming to ease inventory losses and keep supply moving. Food Safety Watch: Walmart shoppers in 19 states are urged to check Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter after Salmonella was found in a specific lot; Mississippi is among the affected states. Local Infrastructure & Traffic: Mississippi State opened a new roundabout at Stone Boulevard and Bost Drive to improve left-turn flow and make pedestrian crossings safer. Hattiesburg Budget Priorities: The city outlined FY 2027 Transportation and Engineering requests, including traffic signal upgrades, staffing adjustments, and continued water/sewer and pedestrian projects. Data Center Pressure in the Region: Alabama Rivers Alliance pushed for statewide rules as residents question data center water use and wildlife impacts, with some communities considering pauses. Workforce Transition After Mill Closure: Stone County groups are lining up job and support resources for Hood Industries workers after the Wiggins plywood mill closure. Business & Energy: Westlake reported stronger Q2 results, while Alabama Power posted higher comprehensive income, adding to the debate over power rates.

Pipeline Watch: Regulators approved a $5.2B natural gas pipeline expansion crossing Mississippi and Alabama to feed growing Georgia demand, with Kinder Morgan saying most capacity is presold. Data Center Pressure: SpaceXAI says it will remove 69 temporary gas turbines at its Southaven, Miss., data center by a fixed timeline after state talks, as lawmakers question Clean Air Act compliance. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in 19 states, including Mississippi, are urged to check pantries after a Bettergoods pistachio nut butter recall over possible Salmonella contamination. Public Health & Fraud: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch backed the “STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act,” aimed at letting states pursue beneficiary and recipient fraud. Agriculture Support: USDA updates include ELAP payments for Mississippi catfish producers hit by bird depredation, alongside Section 32 purchases of farm-raised fish. Workforce & Industry: Mississippi State’s Athlete Engineering Institute welcomed disc golf champion Scott Stokely to study throwing biomechanics, highlighting applied research tied to performance and injury prevention. Local Economy: Meridian retailers report improving conditions after earlier statewide liquor supply disruptions. Business Moves: Holland & Knight hired Boundary Stone Partners’ federal energy funding team, signaling continued competition for energy-policy and financing work.

Energy & Environment: Southern environmental groups sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over “fast-track” Nationwide Permit 12 pipeline approvals, arguing the process sidesteps required reviews under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act—an effort that could affect gas lines stretching from Mississippi through Alabama and Georgia and onward. Mississippi Industry & Jobs: Hood Industries is preparing to permanently close its Wiggins plywood mill at month’s end, and local partners are lining up job fairs and support for about 250 displaced workers. Data Centers & Community Impact: In Mississippi, SpaceXAI says it will remove temporary gas turbines at its Southaven site by July 2027—pushing past the Dec. 31, 2026 deadline regulators set—while lawmakers press for more documents and site access. Workforce Development: Mississippi’s DSC Center ran a free youth career awareness bootcamp in Jackson, aiming to connect teens to high-demand careers amid low labor participation. Education & AI: Alcorn State history professor Jason Gibson went viral after using a hidden prompt to flag alleged AI cheating on a midterm. Food Safety: A federal egg recall linked to drug-resistant Salmonella has sickened 98 people across 17 states, with cartons still in homes during the recall window.

Workforce Pipeline: Dependable Source Corp’s DSC Works Youth Career Awareness Bootcamp in Jackson trained 13 students (ages 15–18) for high-demand careers through hands-on exposure and industry connections, aiming to tackle Mississippi’s low labor force participation. Higher Ed Leadership: Florida Atlantic hired former Mississippi State deputy athletic director Josh McCowan as vice president of athletics and athletic director, citing his fundraising and revenue growth record at MSU. Data Center Power & Air Concerns: SpaceXAI agreed to remove 69 unpermitted mobile gas turbines at its Southaven, Mississippi site by July 2027—pushing past the earlier Dec. 31, 2026 deadline—while lawmakers demand records and site tours amid pollution complaints. Water Infrastructure & Flood Risk: Rep. Mike Ezell held a Bonnet Carré Spillway roundtable with Army Corps officials and discussed leak concerns and flood insurance map updates for the Gulf Coast. Community Safety: National athletic trainers groups urged football coaches to reduce heatstroke risk for linemen by limiting early-season exertion drills and avoiding punishment-style sprints.

Data Center Power & Air Quality: SpaceXAI has agreed with Mississippi regulators to start removing 69 temporary gas turbines at its Southaven, MS power site, with the last units scheduled to come down by July 2027—after months of NAACP and environmental legal pressure over permits and pollution concerns. Local Industry Expansion: Parish Tractor is acquiring Crain Tractor in Columbia, MS, expanding the company to nine locations across Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana to better serve agriculture and construction equipment needs. Manufacturing Investment: Germany-based Griesson–de Beukelaer plans a $70.37M Madison County, MS production push, including a new 130,000–150,000 sq. ft. facility and upgrades to a Gluckstadt site, supported through Mississippi’s MFLEX program. Workforce & Training: Meridian Community College is launching Mississippi’s first data center workforce training pathway, aiming to feed the region’s growing AI and power demand. Public Health & Environment: A Louisiana investigation finds toxic air monitoring gaps—monitors often sit far from major industrial polluters and may miss dangerous chemicals—raising concerns about how residents are informed. Community & Tourism: Columbus-Lowndes CVB revamped its African American Cultural Trail with new marketing materials and expanded stops, including 24 historic sites now highlighted for visitors. Safety on the Ground: A three-legged Southaven dog was rescued after being trapped for days in a 20-foot sinkhole, underscoring risks from road-edge collapses near homes and businesses.

Aerospace Leadership: Meridian’s 186th Air Refueling Wing held a formal change-of-command as Col. Cynthia Smith handed leadership to Col. Robby Brady, with Mississippi Air National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Tommy Tillman highlighting readiness and a possible future KC-46 transition. AI & Power Infrastructure: SpaceXAI agreed with Mississippi DEQ on a timeline to remove temporary gas turbines at its Southaven power site, starting as early as August and extending until July 2027 as a permanent 1.2 GW plant comes online. Local Water Upgrades: Mound Bayou secured a $5 million state loan with principal forgiveness to replace aging water lines and add a new well, aiming to cut leaks and improve capacity for future growth. Manufacturing & Jobs: Germany-based Griesson–de Beukelaer plans a $70.37 million Madison County production expansion, backed by Mississippi’s MFLEX incentives, targeting 30 new jobs. Agriculture Equipment Deal: Parish Tractor acquired Crain Tractor in Columbia, MS, expanding its southeast footprint to nine locations and boosting sales, parts, service, and rental coverage for ag and construction customers. Public Safety/Environment: A federal roundtable in Biloxi focused on protecting the Mississippi Sound amid concerns over Bonnet Carré Spillway impacts and permitting reform. Business Finance Watch: LendingTree reports U.S. business bankruptcy filings rose 11.4% year over year, pointing to pressure from higher borrowing costs and softer demand. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened nearly 100 people across multiple states, with Mississippi among those retailers affected. Community & Workforce Training: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College was invited back for the Metallica Scholars Initiative, supported by a $15,000 grant to strengthen precision manufacturing and machining training.

Mississippi Sound Protection: A Biloxi roundtable led by Rep. Mike Ezell brought federal and state officials together to discuss how Bonnet Carré Spillway openings could affect the Mississippi Sound, with fishermen and businesses pressing for permitting reform and better coordination. Data Center Workforce & Training: Meridian Community College launched Mississippi’s first data center workforce pathway (MEI tech training) to feed talent needs for the Compass data center planned for the city. Local Business Growth: Quakes Ice Creamery landed a major distribution deal with US Foods, shifting delivery work to the distributor and aiming to expand sales to restaurants, schools, and other commercial buyers. SpaceXAI Payments & Legal Pressure: A Memphis-area contractor says SpaceXAI owes more than $136M and has filed liens tied to Colossus II and Colossus construction, with more expected in Mississippi. Environmental Justice & Air Permits: An agreed order shows SpaceXAI’s Southaven power plant schedule is behind, and the NAACP center says the plan effectively adds turbines while communities worry about pollution. Public Works Update: Jackson County’s I-10 Welcome Center is closing for demolition, with a new Gulf Coast-themed facility targeted for completion by summer 2028. Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across multiple states, including Mississippi, after a Texas-based egg recall.

Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat, letting the Southwest Power Pool dispatch generation and use backup resources across 17 states including Louisiana. Workforce & Training: Mississippi students can tap expanded federal Workforce Pell for short-term job training, but only a limited set of programs are expected to qualify by 2027. Data Center Jobs: Compass Datacenters and Meridian Community College launched Mississippi’s first MEI data center pathway, offering tuition-funded training for a first cohort of 12 with local hiring partners lined up. Energy & Environment: SpaceXAI says it will start removing 69 temporary gas turbines at its Southaven site as early as August, with all removed by July 2027, replacing them with a permanent 1.2 GW power plant under a Clean Air Act permit. Legal/Enforcement: DOJ expanded fraud-fighting partnerships with Mississippi and other Southeast states to improve data sharing and coordinated prosecutions for Medicaid, SNAP and other programs. Local Infrastructure: Natchez Trace Parkway road work will reopen a 15-mile section Aug. 3 while a 24-mile detour begins, with work continuing into late 2026.

AI & Power Infrastructure: SpaceXAI says it will start removing temporary turbines at its Southaven facility in August, aiming to have all 69 removed by July 2027 and replace them with a permanent 1.2-gigawatt plant, with added noise and pollution controls. Food & Agriculture: Restaurants are still dealing with a lettuce-driven double hit—higher prices plus a Cyclospora outbreak—after Taco Bell removed shredded iceberg lettuce tied to the illnesses. Public Health & Consumer Supply Chains: The U.S. freight and supply-chain dataset update shows shifting port congestion and diesel pricing pressures, a reminder that logistics costs can move fast. Workforce & Small Business: Mississippi small businesses are being pushed to find new health coverage options as ACA subsidies end, with the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership promoting a chamber-backed plan. Energy & Environment: A Mississippi-based CBD sleep study at Ole Miss is set to begin this fall, testing CBD doses against placebo for insomnia. Community & Industry: Researchers at Alcorn State say they caught 32 of 35 students using AI on a final exam—another sign schools are tightening academic tech rules.

Data Centers & Power: Legacy Investing agreed to buy the former Minnesota Star Tribune printing site in Minneapolis’ North Loop for a data center plan, highlighting how power-hungry projects keep reshaping downtown real estate and tax burdens. Weather Tech: The University of Oklahoma showcased specialized drones that can collect higher-altitude, real-time atmospheric data to improve earlier severe-weather warnings, with field tests including Mississippi storm conditions. Mississippi Food & Health: A lettuce-linked cyclospora outbreak has hit restaurant sales—Taco Bell reported U.S. same-store sales down 2% in July-September as it pulled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms and the supplier recalled product. Maritime & Legal: Nolan Wells’ family attorney Ben Crump says audio engineers are reviewing the Sea Tow distress call from the day Wells disappeared, as prosecutors and outside experts examine phones and the recording. Coastal Water Quality: The Mississippi Sound Coalition warned Congress that repeated Bonnet Carré Spillway openings could turn the Sound “dead” within a generation without action to curb pollution and protect fisheries. Banking Expansion: Gulf Coast Bank & Trust reported stronger first-half earnings and opened new offices in Alabama and Mississippi, with more growth planned across the Gulf South. Manufacturing Jobs: ArcelorMittal Calvert joined the Gulf of America Alliance’s Gulf Star Program, funding a native plant school network tied to coastal restoration.

AI Oversight in Mississippi: A House Democrat is pressing Elon Musk to provide emissions data and allow a site visit tied to xAI’s Colossus gas-turbine data centers in Tennessee and Mississippi, escalating scrutiny over permitting and pollution impacts. Food & Agriculture: A cyclospora-linked lettuce crisis is hitting restaurant traffic, with Taco Bell reporting visits down after removing shredded iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms, while USDA is also putting $35M toward feral swine control to protect farms and landscapes. Mississippi Farming Watch: Mississippi corn is maturing weeks early, with growers reporting minimal pest and disease issues but noting heat stress and kernel abortion tied to wet, cloudy conditions. School Attendance Enforcement: Mississippi’s new absenteeism law takes effect, with leaders pointing to last year’s high rates of students missing significant time. Consumer Tax Shift: A new report finds states are raising sales taxes more often while cutting income taxes more frequently, shifting burdens toward regressive taxes. Public Safety & Fraud: AG Lynn Fitch is urging stronger federal “know your customer” rules to curb robocalls and scam texts. Local Community Work: Volunteers from Massachusetts are helping Mississippi Coast communities with construction and wildlife rehabilitation projects.

Aviation Fuel Transition: FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau said the “aggressive” push to move from leaded aviation fuel may slip past the 2030 goal, stressing safety and updates to the unleaded transition plan after public input. Energy & Grid Reliability: With extreme heat straining power systems, the U.S. Department of Energy authorized backup power activation across 17 states, including Mississippi, to help prevent blackouts. AI Data Centers Under Fire: U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone demanded emissions, permitting, and site-visit access from Elon Musk/xAI over alleged pollution impacts from Colossus data centers in Tennessee and Mississippi. Mississippi Education & Integrity: An Alcorn State instructor went viral after catching students using AI on a midterm, while Mississippi’s Department of Education rolled out new math and adolescent literacy initiatives for 2026-27. Local Business & Jobs: Citizens Holding Company reported second-quarter results, and Mississippi’s economy watch also included major corporate earnings from homebuilders and Churchill Downs. Community & Workforce: Mississippi State welcomed new Bulldogs with MVNU2MSU move-in events, and NASA converted propulsion test expert Ray Williams to civil servant status at Stennis. Food & Farming: Mississippi agriculture news included wild hog control applications opening statewide and USDA projections pointing to lower long-grain rice stocks.