AGP Executive Report

Mississippi Kratom Crackdown: After two Ole Miss student deaths, the American Kratom Association urged AG Lynn Fitch to shift from a blanket kratom ban to targeted limits on dangerous synthetic opioid-like kratom compounds, pointing to Lafayette County investigators’ call for action on specific federally scheduled chemicals. MSU Research Spotlight: Mississippi State physicist Ben Crider won a $1.35M Moore Foundation investigator award to build a compact neutron detector for studying neutron-rich atomic nuclei. AI Job Exposure Map: A new SmartAsset analysis finds Mississippi has the lowest share of workers in highly AI-exposed occupations (1.9%), while Washington leads by share (5.7%). Alzheimer’s Math Modeling: MSU mathematician Shantia Yarahmadian is using simulations to study how metals like copper and zinc may influence amyloid-beta aggregation, aiming to test potential therapeutic approaches. Military Autonomy Push: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a new four-star Autonomous Warfare Command and other initiatives to scale drones and AI, alongside a 20% reduction in top general/admiral billets. Benefits Admin Update: MSU open enrollment for 2027 benefits begins Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 31 via Employee Navigator.

Mississippi Data Centers Debate: Jackson held a City Hall meeting after a moratorium, with residents pressing for real benefits and an IT veteran explaining how data centers fit into everyday life. Energy Grid Upgrade: The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Entergy $13.7M to deploy advanced transmission tech across 1,000+ miles in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, aiming to cut congestion and boost reliability. State Economic Development: Gov. Tate Reeves appointed Paul Jerrod “PJ” Waldrop as the new Mississippi Development Authority executive director, continuing a push for major investment and jobs. Public Health & Safety: Mississippi is set to receive $770K+ from an Abbott infant formula settlement tied to contamination claims, while measles cases nationwide top 3,600 with reporting disputes affecting death counts. Health Policy Watch: The DEA’s marijuana rescheduling hearing hit a procedural pause as a judge issued a stay, adding uncertainty for medical operators. Military Tech Shift: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined major changes including an autonomous warfare command and a plan to cut 20% of top brass. Local Life: Mississippi oyster season opens Thursday, and Gov. Reeves’ MDA leadership change lands amid ongoing state tech and infrastructure conversations.

Mississippi Engineering Leadership: Gov. Tate Reeves appointed four new members to the Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Surveyors, including Grenada civil engineer Colby “Colby” Willis White, highlighting continued focus on state infrastructure expertise. STEM in the Magnolia State: Mississippi State’s Bulldog Innovation Labs is set to open in December in Starkville, bringing robotics, engineering, and wet/dry research space to support startups and replace the Idea Shop. Water Science for Kids: A free online program, “What’s in YOUR Tap Water?”, lets Mississippi middle schoolers test their own water with mailed kits and contribute to an anonymized regional quality map. Education & Workforce: EquipMS funding is boosting industrial maintenance training at Winston-Louisville Career and Technology Center, aiming to match employer needs for multi-craft skills. Tech & Public Safety: Mississippi’s voter rules for in-person absentee voting are changing—ballots will go straight into optical scanners on site, with results released only on election day. AI & Learning Integrity: A national spotlight on AI use in schools grows after reports of AI-written work by college leadership, fueling student calls for transparency.

Rural Health & Grants: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced $54.6 million in Rural Health Transformation Program awards, including $27.4 million for HEART projects and $27.2 million for RISE AR, aiming to strengthen Arkansas rural care over five years. Mississippi Education Funding Debate: A new national look at K-12 spending argues the U.S. spends enough overall, but gaps between rich and poor districts—especially in states like Mississippi—are the real problem. Ole Miss Student Death Investigation: Court documents describe two separate overdose deaths at the University of Mississippi, with investigators finding “Smax” pseudo-DHM tablets and nitrous oxide use; the American Kratom Association is pushing outlets to correct how the products are described. Farm Carbon Research: Researchers report that agricultural liming can shift from releasing carbon to acting as a long-term carbon sink across the Mississippi watershed. Space & STEM Leadership: MSU alum Christine Powell was promoted to director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center, underscoring Mississippi’s role in rocket propulsion testing. Health Alert: Mississippi ranked last for childhood flu vaccination rates in the 2024-2025 season, with experts urging families to get shots before flu season ramps up. Data Centers & Local Impact: Senate candidate Scott Colom called for a temporary ban on new Mississippi data centers unless deals are transparent and the facilities “pay their own way.” Community Tech Research: MSU’s Kinesiology department is recruiting adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities for a cardiovascular and fitness study.

Mortgage & Housing Risk: A new ICE report says mortgage servicers are seeing a 17-month low in prepayments, but rising delinquencies are pushing them to rebuild loss-mitigation capacity and use a wider set of options. AI Safety & Policy: Anthropic warns in IPO materials that advanced AI could pose “catastrophic or existential risks,” while Meta’s Muse and OpenAI model concerns keep regulators and investors on edge. Mississippi Health & Consumer Protection: Mississippi AG Alan Wilson urges people to claim compensation tied to generic drug price-inflation settlements, and state doctors and lawmakers renew kratom scrutiny after Ole Miss deaths linked to a suspected synthetic form. Water & Chemicals: A new analysis flags atrazine at harmful levels across about 860,000 miles of U.S. rivers and streams, reigniting debate over the herbicide’s endocrine effects. Energy & Data Centers: Entergy Mississippi says new data-center revenues are helping hold down customer rate increases, with more savings projected. Local Tech Leadership: Atwell names Rajeev Gollarahalli CTO, and Laserfiche appoints Garrett Boss CIO to lead enterprise IT and security. STEM in Mississippi: Mississippi State aerospace instructor Calvin Walker dies, and Ole Miss hosts Dolly Day events blending creativity, literacy, and community service.

Kratom crackdown in Mississippi: After two Ole Miss deaths, doctors and lawmakers say the risks of kratom are already clear while toxicology reports are still pending, renewing calls for tighter regulation and warning that “found at the scene” isn’t the same as a confirmed cause of death. Deer feeding rule update: Mississippi wildlife officials changed supplemental feeding rules for deer season, allowing hunters to broadcast feed on the ground (with limits) to help slow chronic wasting disease spread. MSU aerospace loss: Mississippi State’s aerospace engineering instructor Calvin Walker died, prompting counseling resources for students and staff. Steel investment with Mississippi ties: Mesabi Metallics is set to build a $15B steel plant in Iowa using iron ore pellets from its Minnesota operations, with major job projections and a Mississippi River connection. Data centers and power bills: Entergy Mississippi says new data center revenues helped keep customer rates from rising this summer, with more potential savings ahead. Space education race: Indiana is pushing to host the new U.S. Space Academy, with Mississippi among other possible states. Clinical trials push in optometry: UMMC optometrists urged more participation in clinical trials to speed better treatments for patients. Forestry leadership: Mississippi State Forester Russell Bozeman was elected president of the National Association of State Foresters for 2027. Rural policy spotlight: A Brookings-AEI rural prosperity commission visited Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, focusing on locally led renewal and tribal sovereignty.

MSU Leadership: Mississippi State named conservation scientist Kristine Evans interim director of its Geosystems Research Institute, with John Cartwright as interim associate director—an earth-and-geospatial research boost for agriculture, water, conservation, and wetlands. AI in Courts: A Southern District of Mississippi judge’s temporary restraining order was replaced after generative-AI drafting errors (wrong parties and language) prompted the 5th Circuit to consider whether the case should move to a different judge. Public Health & Chemicals: A new review finds atrazine contaminates nearly a quarter of continental US rivers at levels that can harm wildlife and may threaten human health. Mississippi Politics & Voting Rights: A Supreme Court ruling makes it harder to challenge majority-minority voting districts without proving racist intent, raising concerns about Black representation in the South. Local Tech & Infrastructure: A FEMA fire-grants package topped $72M across Region 4, including nearly $900k for Lawrenceburg Fire Department—supporting equipment and safety upgrades. Mississippi Education: Ohio’s sex-ed report card gave Mississippi company a failing grade alongside other states, highlighting ongoing policy fights over what students learn.

Mississippi River science: Researchers drilled 400 feet beneath Meeman-Shelby Forest to study the Memphis aquifer, adding to the push for better water data in the region. Rural health tech: Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Program is funding telehealth expansion (TrustCare) and data-system upgrades (Canopy Children’s Solutions) to speed up support for rural students and families. Climate-smart farming: A Yale-led study says agricultural liming in the Mississippi River Basin can store more carbon than it emits, challenging older assumptions about the practice. Coastal and storm resilience: A U.S. Geological Survey assessment highlights that marsh and shoreline projects have still built and restored land since 1984, even as big diversion plans face uncertainty. Workforce + AI: Unions are pushing for earlier, clearer involvement as companies adopt AI and robotics—an issue that’s showing up in defense shipbuilding and beyond. Mississippi industry moves: A&W Custom Furniture plans a $2.2M Okolona expansion, and SubSea Craft will set up autonomous-vessel component production at Port Bienville. Public health + Medicaid: New federal rules could cut Medicaid payments to providers nationwide, raising access concerns for patients. Community spotlight: The Mississippi Book Festival returned to Jackson, drawing major authors and thousands of readers.

AI & Work: A new report highlights how unions are pushing for transparency as AI and robotics move into workplaces, arguing workers need a say before tech is deployed. Public Health & Safety: Mississippi officials are urging caution around kratom after two University of Mississippi student deaths, with packaged products found at the scenes and toxicology pending. Rural Healthcare Tech: Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Program is rolling out grants for telehealth expansion and data system upgrades to speed support for rural students and families. Climate & Agriculture: A Yale-led study says agricultural liming in the Mississippi River Basin can act as a carbon sink, potentially removing hundreds of millions of tons of CO2 since 1900. Coastal Science: Researchers are collecting Mississippi River data tied to saltwater intrusion, using field sampling to track how conditions shift in the delta. Cancer Care: Ochsner is spotlighting multidisciplinary prostate cancer clinics and newer options like active surveillance to tailor treatment. STEM in the Classroom: Local college rankings and campus updates underscore ongoing investment in teaching, engineering, and nursing programs.

Rural Health Tech in Mississippi: Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Program has started awarding grants, including $1.2M for TrustCare to expand telehealth (with a focus on schools) and $320,250 for Canopy Children’s Solutions to modernize data systems so teams can respond faster to student and family needs. Carbon-Smart Farming: A Yale-led study says applying crushed limestone across the Mississippi River Basin can increase how much carbon dioxide soils store, linking a long-used farm practice to climate benefits. AI for Schools and Businesses: Yellow Rabbit held an AI Summit on the Gulf Coast to help schools and local leaders talk through practical uses and real concerns, pushing for informed, accountable adoption. Space Leadership in Mississippi: Biloxi native Christine Powell was named director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center, continuing Mississippi’s long-running role in U.S. space work. Public Health Warning on Kratom: After two University of Mississippi student deaths, health officials renewed cautions about kratom and the risk of contaminated or dangerous products. Community Science & Coastal Work: A women’s fishing tournament in Ocean Springs highlighted coastal jobs and resources, with panelists from Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, marine agencies, and USM.

AI & Public Sector: Oregon issued an executive order setting safeguards for state procurement of “frontier” AI models, requiring independent third-party safety review—an approach other states may follow. Health & Safety: Mississippi officials and national experts are warning about kratom after two Ole Miss students’ deaths; police found packaged kratom at both scenes, and health agencies are urging caution with unregulated substances. Drugs & Forensics: A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been detected in 18 states, including Mississippi, after forensic labs linked it to dozens of deaths in East Tennessee. Space & Coastal Tech: Stennis Space Center named Biloxi native Christine Powell as director, underscoring Mississippi’s role in U.S. space operations. Water & Earth Science: Researchers at the University of Memphis drilled about 400 feet beneath Meeman-Shelby Forest to study faults and how they may steer the Memphis aquifer. Local Tech Governance: Pearl River County is moving ahead with Flock license-plate readers along I-59 while residents raise privacy and data-retention concerns. Education & Workforce: Mississippi State staff members graduated from a national College Business Management Institute, strengthening higher-ed business leadership. Policy & Supply Chains: AG Lynn Fitch joined a multi-state push to protect the U.S. drug supply chain from low-quality Chinese ingredients.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Space: Biloxi native Christine Powell was named the new director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center, a homegrown leadership move for the state’s space engine. AI & local business: Yellow Rabbit held the first AI Summit on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, pushing schools and companies to talk openly about AI—and ask hard questions. Pharma supply-chain security: AG Lynn Fitch joined a 20-state push urging the U.S. to block low-quality or unsafe Chinese ingredients from entering the GLP-1 supply chain. Water & geology research: University of Memphis researchers drilled about 400 feet under Meeman-Shelby Forest to study faults that may steer groundwater toward the Memphis aquifer. Mid-South AI infrastructure: SpaceXAI detailed its Memphis/Southaven AI hub, including massive compute plans and a $360M clean water recycling plant aimed at protecting the Memphis Aquifer. Public safety tech: Pearl River County moved ahead with Flock license-plate readers despite privacy concerns. Health funding: Mississippi’s rural health transformation grants continue to roll out, with technology and workforce upgrades among funded priorities. Kratom scrutiny: Police investigations into two Ole Miss student deaths again spotlight kratom risks and calls for tighter oversight.

School Funding Debate: Wisconsin Superintendent Jill Underly urged lawmakers to boost public school funding, drawing praise from Democrats and pushback from critics who want more focus on outcomes. Public Health & Drugs: Mississippi authorities and the public are urged to avoid kratom after two University of Mississippi student deaths, with toxicology still pending. AI + Waste Tech: Kanopy Technology is consolidating recycling tools—pairing resident info, AI contamination monitoring, and recycling data—aiming to streamline how communities manage services. Alzheimer’s Research: Mississippi State math professor Shantia Yarahmadian is using mathematical modeling to study how metals may affect amyloid-beta aggregation and test therapy ideas. Grid for Data Centers: The U.S. DOE announced $1.9B for 31 transmission upgrades to speed power connections for data centers. Local Science Outreach: USM’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory hosts a family open house with marine science activities and tours. Mississippi Education/Community: Ole Miss celebrated August 2026 graduates, while Mississippi Christian University added nursing faculty with real-world clinical experience.

Marine Science Outreach: USM invites families to the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory open house in Ocean Springs, with live animal exhibits, hands-on activities, oyster shucking, and boat rides through Davis Bayou. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $54.6M in second-round Rural Health Transformation Program grants for Arkansas, targeting prevention and rural workforce growth. Kratom Scrutiny in Mississippi: Mississippi authorities urged people to avoid kratom after packaged products were found in separate investigations tied to two Ole Miss student deaths, with toxicology reports being expedited and no confirmed link established. Autonomous Maritime Manufacturing: SubSea Craft plans to begin production of autonomous boats at Port Bienville in Hancock County, investing $6M+ and creating 56 jobs by 2028. Coastal Conservation Grazing: MSU and partners are using goats for conservation grazing in Jackson County to reduce invasive shrubs and woody growth and support savannah restoration. Public Health & Access: FEMA awarded $72M+ to fire departments and first responders across the Southeast, including Mississippi. Education & Policy Leadership: Teach Plus named 25 teacher leaders (including from Mineral Springs) to its 2026-27 Policy Fellowship focused on reducing chronic absenteeism. STEM Recognition: MSU geoscientist Athena Owen Nagel received a national Mid-Career Excellence Award from the Association for Women Geoscientists.

Kratom Warning After Ole Miss Deaths: Mississippi authorities say packages of kratom were found at the separate death scenes of two University of Mississippi students, but they have not confirmed the drug contributed to either death; toxicology results are still pending, and a state drug task force is urging people to avoid kratom and any non-prescribed substances. Data Centers in Mississippi: A new report highlights how Amazon Web Services’ massive Canton build is reshaping local jobs and training, while also raising utility and environmental concerns as more data centers spread into rural areas. Living Shoreline for Biloxi: A living shoreline project is underway along Biloxi’s coast from Hiller Park to Keesler Air Force Base, using natural features to reduce erosion and create wildlife habitat. Canton Tech Hearing: Monticello residents will weigh a proposed Monticello Tech data center campus at an Oct. 6 planning commission hearing. AI Voice Cloning Scam Alert: InvestigateTV+ spotlights fraudsters using AI voice cloning/deepfakes and offers basic steps families can take to protect themselves. Education & Civics: Mississippi’s new civics requirement aims to teach civil discourse in public schools, but a survey suggests many students self-censor in class.

Kratom Warning After Ole Miss Deaths: Oxford police and campus leaders urged students to avoid kratom after two University of Mississippi students were found dead in separate cases, with packaged kratom reported at both scenes but no confirmed link to the deaths yet. Cybersecurity & AI in Mississippi: Mississippi State’s cybersecurity bachelor’s program earned ABET accreditation, while Mississippi CIO Craig Orgeron highlighted the state’s AI innovation hub and a push to build durable, adaptable digital capabilities. Climate Tech Prize: Solidec won the $250,000 Wilkes Climate Innovation Prize for 2026, aiming to make low-carbon chemicals on site using chemical generation systems. Energy & Pollution Watch: Sierra Club’s Dirty Truth report gave Mississippi Power a 44/100, criticizing plans to add new gas and adding no renewables. Water & Tech in the Real World: Amazon backed water conservation through its Colorado River Basin Collaborative, including irrigation tech work tied to Mississippi. Local Infrastructure: Biloxi crews are paving the $27 million Popp’s Ferry Road extension, targeting better connectivity and hurricane evacuation routes. STEM & Community Learning: Jones College received a grant to expand free journalism classes and multimedia training for south Mississippi. Space-Linked Safety: NASA-developed rescue beacons are discussed as a way to summon help when cell service disappears.