AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Politics: Reuters reports Justice Amy Coney Barrett is drawing fresh scrutiny after rulings that backed states’ ability to count late-arriving mail ballots, while also siding against parts of President Trump’s agenda—fueling new debate over her “crossing” of ideological lines. Mississippi Higher Ed & Workforce: Alcorn State and Mississippi Christian University signed a 4+1 accelerated Master of Accountancy pathway, letting qualified Alcorn students earn a BBA and MAcc in five years—aimed at CPA licensure readiness. Banking & Community Finance: Southern Bancorp announced plans to rebrand as Uplift Bank, pending regulatory approval, after acquiring Legacy Bank & Trust—continuing its CDFI mission to expand access to financial tools in underserved communities. Disaster Lending: SBA disaster loans are available for Louisiana businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by Tropical Storm Arthur, with Mississippi’s Hancock and Pearl River counties eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Weather & Costs: A heat wave is expected to persist through the Independence Day weekend across the Mississippi Valley, while separate reporting highlights rising summer cooling costs and HVAC strain for commercial operators. Local Business/Industry: International Paper said it will permanently close its Elk Grove, California packaging converting plant as part of network streamlining, while it continues major Mississippi investment in Rankin County.

Community Banking: Southern Bancorp is rebranding as Uplift Bank after acquiring Legacy Bank, aiming to better reflect its mission to expand access to capital across Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas and Oklahoma. Workforce & Education: Hinds Community College hired Lauren Morrow as its women’s basketball coach, adding 15 signees as she builds the program. Small Business Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Louisiana businesses and residents hit by Tropical Storm Arthur, with Mississippi’s Hancock and Pearl River counties eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Local Economy & Retail: Mazzio’s locations in Mississippi and Louisiana are expected to close permanently, leaving employees and customers concerned about what comes next. Manufacturing Growth: MC Machinery Systems and Cimarron Industrial Sales expanded fabrication support across Texas and the region, including Mississippi. Agriculture: Mississippi is participating in Mississippi Farmers Market Week July 5-11, highlighting more than 70 markets statewide. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Entergy contractors’ tree-debris cleanup dispute in Clinton, with residents saying debris has lingered for months. Higher Ed Programs: Rust College announced a new four-year Bachelor of Arts in Religion.

Auto Industry: Honda and Nissan are reportedly weeks away from a cooperation deal covering shared electronic control units, in-car operating systems, and joint North American development—potentially bringing first jointly built components to vehicles around 2029. Housing & Rates: Mortgage rates fell to the lowest level since May, with the 30-year fixed average at 6.43%, offering some relief to buyers even as rates remain above pre-Iran-war levels. Banking: Southern Bancorp plans to rebrand as Uplift Bank after acquiring Legacy Bank & Trust, pending regulatory approval, with a phased rollout across locations. Workforce & Training: Mississippi is expanding access to Workforce Pell Grant funding for short, employer-driven training programs as the state’s workforce board policy takes effect. Economic Development: Keytronic is expanding in Corinth, adding 376 jobs, while AWS is repurposing the former Delphi site in Clinton for a $1 billion data center investment. Public Safety & Justice: Hinds County appointed a temporary DA after Jody Owens’ resignation tied to federal bribery charges. Statewide Impact: Mississippi forestry projects won $5 million in grant approvals to support roads, rail access, utilities, and site readiness. Local Business: Gould Industries announced a $14 million investment in Pike County creating 65 jobs. Fraud & Accountability: Former Prentiss and Jones County clerks were arrested on embezzlement-related charges.

NFIP Flood Insurance Transparency: Rep. Cleo Fields (with Reps. Troy Carter, Mike Ezell and Rob Bresnahan) introduced the NFIP Premium Transparency Act, pushing FEMA to clearly explain what drives National Flood Insurance Program premiums for the 400,000+ Louisiana policyholders and what families can do to lower costs. Student Aid Pressure in Mississippi: Mississippi faces a $7.3 million financial aid shortfall that could reduce spring 2027 awards for up to 27,000 students, tied to 2025 changes expanding eligibility and raising the income threshold for a state grant. Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: Iowa and federal partners reached a settlement over alleged egg price collusion that includes Cal-Maine Foods of Mississippi, with more than 50 million donated eggs and $3.3 million in total relief proposed. Airport Takeover Trial: In the federal challenge to Mississippi’s 2016 Jackson airport takeover law, jurors heard early testimony on why the state sought control of the airport board and how it would shift local appointments. Health & Business Growth: Xeltis hit 50% enrollment in its U.S. pivotal trial for a hemodialysis vascular access implant, while Moran Towing completed its acquisition and integration of Bisso Towboat, adding 11 tractor tugs and 78 employees to its Lower Mississippi River operations. Public Safety & Community: Picayune installed a Safe Haven Baby Box at the fire station, pending final alarm activation, and Hattiesburg/Petal set details for America’s 250th Star-Spangled Celebration amid local logistics changes.

Mississippi Election Law: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive up to five business days later, a win for state election flexibility that could affect how campaigns plan for turnout and mail processing. Mississippi Business & Jobs: Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi (APMM) is investing $53 million in Lee County to expand production capacity and add 28 positions over the next five years, reinforcing the state’s automotive supply-chain pull. Defense Manufacturing in Mississippi: HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding began fabrication of the future USS John F. Lehman (DDG 137), with distributed work across partner yards including Mississippi, as the Navy ramps up Flight III destroyer construction. Local Economy & Community: Mississippi State University’s Riley Center received a new endowment from Marty and Linda Davidson to support the downtown Meridian arts and education hub that draws tens of thousands of visitors annually. Workforce Development: Mississippi Delta Community College honored IT leader Torrey D. Moore on retirement after 31 years in the Army Reserve, highlighting ongoing talent pipelines for regional institutions. Regional Tech Access: Starlink is offering half-priced internet for parts of the Memphis area and nearby Mississippi communities, with the pitch aimed at lowering monthly bills for households.

Mississippi Policy & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s five-day mail-ballot receipt deadline and allowed states to count late-arriving ballots under certain rules, dealing a mixed blow to President Trump’s election agenda while also expanding presidential power over federal agencies. Federal Relief for Storm Damage: Trump approved $11 million in disaster aid for Mississippi after May storms, following requests and pressure from the state’s congressional delegation. Port & Infrastructure: The Port of Gulfport cleared a key hurdle in its $548M ship channel expansion, a potential boost for regional trade and logistics. Workforce Development: Georgia Pacific expanded its endowed scholarship investment at Jones College, adding $1,500 for 2026-27 to support technical programs tied to Mississippi’s skilled trades pipeline. Economic Development Credentials: The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians became the first Mississippi entity to earn Accredited Economic Development Organization status, signaling a continued push for local growth and career opportunities. Local Business & Community: Mississippi’s Choctaw economic development win and Bay Springs’ “Salute to Freedom” banners highlight how civic initiatives and workforce efforts are shaping community momentum.

Workforce & Education: Gov. Tate Reeves says Mississippi will soon let Pell Grant recipients use federal aid for short-term workforce training at participating colleges, with programs as brief as eight weeks and tied to in-demand jobs and recognized credentials. Supreme Court & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s law allowing absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within five business days, a key win for state election rules. Supreme Court & Citizenship: The court blocked Trump’s effort to narrow birthright citizenship, a ruling with direct implications for immigrant families in Mississippi. Local Governance & Public Money: Mississippi State Auditor Shad White announced the arrest of Dana Jones, former Prentiss city clerk, accused of embezzling about $469,000 through unauthorized pay and overtime and improper use of city funds. Business & Tech: SpaceX/xAI is offering Memphis-area residents half-price Starlink service, tied to its expanding AI data-center footprint, including growth into nearby Southaven, Mississippi. Crime: Jackson police say two men have been charged with capital murder in the deaths of a toddler, his mother, and his aunt.

Supreme Court & Mississippi Elections: In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within five business days—dealing a setback to Trump and national Republicans trying to tighten ballot receipt deadlines. Healthcare & Insurance: After a formal complaint and public pressure, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi reversed course on covering two PrEP medications (Descovy and Apretude), following remarks by the state insurance commissioner that critics tied to “alternate lifestyles.” New Mississippi Laws (July 1): A new batch of state laws kicks in, including pay raises for teachers and special education staff, expanded education requirements (including AI), tougher penalties for child neglect, and changes affecting juvenile prosecution, healthcare rules, retirement system provisions, and election-related policies. Rural Hospitals Watch: A Mississippi fact-check finds the claim that “more than half” of rural hospitals are at risk is mostly supported, but hinges on how “at risk” is defined. Business/Industry Legal Pressure: The DOJ moved to dismiss an NAACP Clean Air Act lawsuit targeting xAI’s data center power setup near Memphis, arguing the case could threaten national security and executive branch authority. Lottery: Mississippi Lottery Match 5 (01-08-13-18-29) and Cash 3 results (Midday 6-6-6, FB 1; Evening 8-5-2, FB 3) were reported for June 29.

SCOTUS Mail-Ballot Ruling for Mississippi: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within five business days, a 5-4 decision that blocks a Republican challenge and preserves state “grace period” rules heading into the 2026 midterms. Hinds County Corruption Case: Hinds County DA Jody Owens pleaded guilty and resigned in the run-up to a bribery trial, a major development in the local political fallout. AI/HPC Meets Mississippi Power Assets: LM Funding America plans to repurpose power at its Columbus, Miss. site (11MW) to support AI and high-performance computing, building on its existing Bitcoin mining infrastructure. Starkville Crypto Proposal: A proposed up-to-30MW cryptocurrency mining facility in Starkville is under review, with city leaders saying the steady power demand could benefit ratepayers. Workforce Training: Itawamba Community College will host a Food Management Certification class in Belden (July 13–Aug. 6), targeting entry into food service and hospitality careers. Tourism Spillover: Louisiana launched a statewide “Staycation” campaign running June 22–Labor Day, explicitly marketing nearby Mississippi drive markets like Biloxi, Gulfport and Natchez. Local Business Disruption: French Quarter businesses sued New Orleans’ Sewerage & Water Board over the Decatur Street project, alleging lost revenue and property damage from prolonged construction. Gulf Environment Watch: NOAA expects a larger-than-average Gulf “dead zone” this summer, with the Mississippi River/Gulf of America Hypoxia Task Force continuing efforts to shrink it.

Immigration & Public Safety: A new Mississippi law taking effect Wednesday lets the state Department of Public Safety compile a list of immigrants living in the state illegally, including names, addresses, countries of origin, adult/child status, and criminal history, with information potentially shared with state and local authorities—an approach immigrant advocates fear could be used to target people amid broader deportation plans. Energy & Jobs: Entergy says data-center customer agreements are driving about $5 billion in savings for customers across Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi over 20 years, alongside major new investment and job/tax-revenue claims. Coastal Economy: Chevron and Gulf partners are sinking unused industrial equipment off the Mississippi Gulf Coast to create an artificial reef aimed at boosting fish populations and recreational fishing. Retirement Watch: New data suggests Mississippi retirees face a projected $160,000 savings shortfall, with many likely to outlive retirement funds. Workforce Pipeline: A national look at apprenticeship expansion highlights a funding gap and outdated rules that could slow progress toward a “million apprentices” goal. Local Business Milestone: Gainey’s marks 45 years in Gulf Coast precast manufacturing, expanding capabilities and licensing to serve wastewater treatment needs in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Mississippi Jobs: Gov. Tate Reeves says the state hit a record in May, adding more than 1.19 million non-farm jobs and ranking near the top nationally for job-opening growth since 2020. Gulf Coast Recovery: The Mississippi Development Authority is running Gulf Coast Restoration Fund workshops to help local governments and nonprofits navigate the grant portal and new application requirements. Storm Repair Relief: Mississippi’s Marine Resources agency is waiving certain permit fees for rebuilding and repairing storm-damaged structures, with conditions tied to staying within the original footprint. Legal System Pressure: A Mississippi attorney warns crowded chancery dockets can push parties toward settlement by extending delays and raising costs, even when trials remain a client right. Workforce & Courts: A Mississippi-related Supreme Court update highlights pending rulings that include a case tied to Mississippi’s mail-in ballot rules. Local Politics at Neshoba: Candidates and officials are already using the Neshoba County Fair to tee up 2027 races, with redistricting timing still unclear. Community & Culture: Kosciusko’s America 250 celebration put veterans front and center, with a keynote from Speaker Jason White and a fireworks finale.

Gulf Coast Recovery Funding: Mississippi Development Authority is hosting Gulf Coast Restoration Fund workshops to help local governments and nonprofits navigate the grant application portal and updates, with in-person sessions starting July 6 across Hancock and other coastal locations. Coastal Permitting Relief: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources will waive permit fees for rebuilding and repairing previously authorized storm-damaged structures until June 19, 2027, as long as work stays within the original footprint and specs. New Delta Business: Rosedale Distillery officially opens in the Mississippi Delta with a weekend ceremony and ribbon cutting, positioning the new legal distillery as a boost for local commerce. Community & Culture: Mississippi Comic Con returns to Jackson at the Mississippi Trade Mart, drawing thousands of fans for cosplay, gaming, vendors, and celebrity guests including Tom Kenny and Kel Mitchell. Immigration Enforcement Law: A new Mississippi law will let the Department of Public Safety compile a list of immigrants living in the state illegally, a move that has immigrant advocates alarmed over potential targeting. Local Public Safety/Justice: Senatobia residents hold a town hall and march for 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, calling for answers after a police-involved shooting. Education/Workforce: DK Metcalf and the Seven Pillars Foundation launch the Met the Moment Scholarship, awarding $5,000 to Oxford and Lafayette High School seniors each year. Business Recognition: SuperTalk Mississippi News earns multiple honors at the Mississippi Press Association awards, including a Community Service Award. Storm Aftermath: Mississippi continues tracking Tropical Storm Arthur damage, with MEMA reporting hundreds of homes affected.

SBA Disaster Relief: The U.S. Small Business Administration opened low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses and private nonprofits hit by a December 2025 drought, including several Mississippi counties (Clarke, Greene, Kemper, Lauderdale, Noxubee, Wayne). Downtown Safety & Growth: Shreveport is paying $130,000 for a three-year consulting plan to revitalize downtown, but local business leaders say the real hurdle is the perception of unsafe conditions—panhandling, vacant buildings, poor lighting, and staffing shortages. Mississippi Community & Justice: In Senatobia, more than 100 people packed a town hall seeking accountability after the killing of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, with families sharing similar experiences and calling for action. Local Business Calendar: Kosciusko’s “Celebrate America 250” kicks off today with a Kid & Pet Parade, historical demonstrations, food trucks, and fireworks, capped by Mississippi Songwriter of the Year finals. Workforce & Education: A national workforce-development push is highlighted by Amy Klobuchar’s plan to expand apprenticeships and skills training while boosting K-12 achievement. Housing & Public Safety: A new Mississippi law allows juveniles charged with violent firearm crimes to be prosecuted in adult circuit court, and local housing updates include board appointments and assisted-living proposals.

Mississippi Lottery: The Mississippi Lottery reported Mississippi Match 5 and Cash 3 results for June 26, 2026, including Match 5 winning numbers 16-21-24-31-33 and Cash 3 midday 6-3-0 (FB 6) plus evening 3-0-0 (FB 8). Local Events & Tourism: Mississippi Comic Con returns to the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson June 26-28 with an expanded celebrity lineup and cosplay crowds. Gulf Coast Sports Economy: Pascagoula hosts the Diamond Youth Baseball State Championship starting June 26, drawing 35 teams and expected to bring more than 10,000 attendees and over $500,000 in economic impact. Community Investment: Meridian’s “4th on the Floor” event at The MAX on July 3 highlights local business participation tied to America’s 250th. Small-Town Growth: Marion received nearly $50,000 from T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant for its first public playground, part of a broader push to attract investment. Workforce & Industry Context: A national workforce merger story notes Iowa’s Eastern Iowa Workforce Area launching July 1, combining two regions to keep services running and support employer talent pipelines.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is nearing the end of a term that has already backed Trump on immigration and guns, while leaving several high-stakes issues unresolved—birthright citizenship, transgender sports bans, and limits on mail-in voting—setting up major national policy fights. Storm Recovery: Mississippi Emergency Management Agency updates put Tropical Storm Arthur damage at 486 homes (116 destroyed, 134 major), plus impacts to 7 businesses, 3 farms, 70 roads, and 2 bridges across 10 counties, with Red Cross shelters still open in Perkinston, Saucier, and Wiggins. Local Governance & Business Climate: In Monticello, residents are pressing city leaders to slow a data center push, arguing the process lacks trust and transparency and calling for a temporary moratorium. Aviation Oversight: The Jackson airport takeover trial continues with testimony from former Gov. Phil Bryant’s chief of staff, who described options for state management aimed at boosting business and economic development. Workforce & Growth: iQor says it will create more than 1,300 jobs across North Carolina and Mississippi, adding to the week’s hiring momentum.

Immigration & Labor: Five Black farmworkers in Mississippi are suing their employer, alleging they were paid less than white South African workers hired through Trump’s H-2A visa program, with claims that the farm falsely said it couldn’t find enough local labor. Housing & Local Economy: Biloxi cut the ribbon on Petit Bois Townhomes, adding new townhome options aimed at supporting continued residential growth near Keesler Air Force Base and the beach. Energy & Cost of Living: AAA reports Mississippi gas prices average about $3.53 a gallon statewide, down nearly 46 cents from a month ago, easing pressure for drivers. Public Safety & Courts: A trucking company tied to a Mississippi I-20 pileup can’t dodge a $2.8 million default judgment, after the Fifth Circuit rejected a bid for a do-over. Infrastructure & Risk: Lake Powell is at its lowest summer level ever, raising the risk of “minimum power pool” next spring and potential electricity disruptions if levels fall further. Food Supply & Agriculture Policy: U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith backed legislation to make USDA food-supply resiliency programs permanent, aiming to expand markets for small and mid-sized producers—an approach Mississippi says it’s already using via RFSI grants.