AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Local Power: Jackson City Council paused data-center development for six months, pushing for more transparency on utility, water, health, and property impacts—while Gov. Tate Reeves mocked the move. Public Health Access: Oxford installed a free Narcan vending machine on the Square, funded by a federal grant, aiming to cut barriers to overdose reversal. STEM Research in Mississippi: Mississippi State University faculty Jean‑François Gout and Megan Smith won NSF CAREER awards, studying how genetic errors arise and how invasive species spread. Education & Tech in Mississippi: AT&T launched a Connected Learning Center at The Bean Path in Jackson with free fiber internet, computers, and funding to expand classes. Food Security Pressure: A new report highlights deep hunger in Mississippi after SNAP cuts and the governor’s decision to decline a federal summer grocery program. Local Science & Agriculture: MSU Extension says Mississippi’s corn crop is maturing early, with pest and disease issues mostly minimal. Environmental Justice Warning: A Louisiana investigation argues residents near chemical industry are “left in the dark” as monitors miss key pollutants. Literacy Policy: Sens. Cruz and Schatz introduced a bill to steer federal reading funds toward evidence-based instruction.

Data Centers & Eminent Domain: A legal scholar warns that AI’s data-center boom is colliding with property rights as companies weigh eminent domain for power and transmission lines, while many residents oppose new sites over bills, pollution, noise, and lost green space. Mississippi Agriculture: Mississippi corn is maturing weeks early after early planting and a warmer spring, with minimal pest and disease pressure but notable heat stress tied to anaerobic soils and heavy late-spring rain. School Tech & Health: Ole Miss and USM researchers say popular cafeteria items may need recipe changes to meet new USDA sodium and added-sugar limits coming in 2027. STEM in Mississippi Classrooms: Pearl Junior High is rolling out an AI robotic dog to teach coding and safety scenarios, aiming to make tech creation feel hands-on. Mississippi STEM Leadership: MSU’s interior design assistant professor Tanaya Deshpande is named an “Ones to Watch” scholar, highlighting research that feeds into classroom practice. Public Safety Tech: A Crystal Springs drive-by case shows how Flock camera systems can help identify vehicles quickly for investigators. Mississippi Weather & Learning: A Mississippi-focused look at how indoor recess solutions are improvised when heat or winter ice shuts outdoor play. AI in Courts: A national piece argues AI tools can’t replace human checks in legal work, pointing to recent court disruptions from AI-made citations.

AI in Classrooms: Pearl Junior High is rolling out an AI robotic dog, “Atlas,” to teach coding, problem-solving, and responsible tech use through real-world safety scenarios. Education & Security Tech: Lamar County Schools is adding daily weapons detectors and using AI camera detection to flag brandished or unholstered weapons before students reach campus doors. Mississippi STEM Wins: Mississippi State’s Space Cowboys rocketry team celebrated 20 years by taking first place at an international rocket engineering competition. Spaceport Testing: Blue Origin will test New Glenn upper-stage work at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, supporting Artemis-related launches. Public Safety Cameras: Crystal Springs police used Flock camera footage to identify a vehicle tied to a drive-by shooting. Community Research Call: Brown University’s Community Noise Lab is recruiting Mississippi households to host battery-powered noise monitors for a week. Health Policy Watch: A federal appeals process is tied up over changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, with the next deadline set for September. Air Quality Warning: A national analysis finds wildfire smoke has reversed the ozone pollution improvement trend since 2015, raising ozone-related deaths. STEM & Industry: FBR expands North American distribution for its Mantis welding robot via a Louisiana-based partner covering Mississippi.

Catastrophe Readiness: A new Katrina anniversary analysis argues the next $100B disaster won’t mirror 2005—warnings may be harder to spot and hazards are shifting, so planning has to change. Child Online Safety: A federal appeals court blocks Texas from forcing social media platforms to filter harmful content for minors, citing federal preemption—age checks can stay, but content mandates can’t. Health & Pharmacy Safety: University of Mississippi researchers warn that cheaper compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may carry serious risks because they bypass the FDA’s standard approval process. Mississippi Tech & Education: Alcorn State professor Jason Gibson says he hid an AI “trap” in a midterm prompt; many students failed after copy-pasting AI output. Local Science Spotlight: Mississippi State graduate researchers contribute to Shark Week research, using long-term studies to back up public understanding of sharks. Mississippi Industry Jobs: ND Defense in West Point lands a Navy contract to build parts for warships, aiming to retain skilled trades in the Golden Triangle. Public Health & Food: A Mississippi Aquarium “Shark Weekend” and ongoing food inspection reporting keep attention on community science and safety.

Education Update: Mississippi’s kindergarten reading readiness rose from 37% in fall 2025 to 55% in spring 2026, but the state also reset its assessment baseline so results can’t be directly compared to prior years. Coastal & Marine Science: Southern Miss hydrography programs were recertified at internationally recognized Category A (graduate) and Category B (undergraduate) levels, reinforcing training for global water-mapping careers. Public Health & Research: University of Mississippi researchers warn that cheaper compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may carry health risks because they aren’t reviewed the same way as FDA-approved medicines. Wildlife & Ecosystems: Mississippi State graduate researchers are contributing to long-term shark studies ahead of Shark Week, adding field data to public understanding of shark behavior. Tech, Law & Property: A legal analysis says utilities could use eminent domain to seize land for data-center power transmission lines, raising new concerns for landowners. Digital Life & Safety: A federal appeals court blocked Texas from forcing social media platforms to filter harmful content for minors, citing federal preemption under Section 230.

Mississippi Higher Ed: Morris College named two interim vice presidents and welcomed a new vice president for student and business affairs, a leadership shake-up aimed at keeping momentum on campus growth. AI & Energy: A report says Elon Musk is leaning into natural gas to power AI ambitions, raising fresh questions about how data-center demand could reshape regional energy and grid connections. Public Health: University of Mississippi researchers warn that cheaper knockoff GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may carry health risks, especially when compounded products bypass the usual FDA review. Mississippi Research: Two Mississippi State graduate students are contributing shark science for Shark Week, showing how local coastal research feeds national public understanding. Cyber & Kids Online: A federal appeals court blocked Texas from forcing social media platforms to filter harmful content for minors, citing federal law limits. Mississippi Tech/Workforce: ND Defense in West Point says it’s moving into Navy shipbuilding work, aiming to bring skilled jobs to the Golden Triangle. Environment: Heat-stressed waters are driving fish mortality reports in the region, with agencies urging residents to report dead fish and protect waterways.

Mississippi Tech & Research: Mississippi State University notched two major NSF CAREER wins in biological sciences, with Jean-François Gout studying how DNA/RNA damage drives genetic errors and Megan Smith tackling genetic mechanisms behind invasive species spread. Local Business & Energy: Comfort Engineering in Northeast Mississippi says it has kept homes and offices cool for 90 years, highlighting long-running HVAC know-how as summer heat ramps up. Public Health & Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across multiple states, including Mississippi, with federal guidance to check and discard recalled shell eggs. Water & Environment: Minnesota’s DNR reports elevated fish mortality during extreme heat, urging residents to report dead fish and protect stressed waterways—an issue that resonates across the region’s rivers and lakes. Civic Tech & Governance: A WLBT investigation raises questions about Jackson’s emergency procurement for a detention facility security contract, pointing to meetings and quotes before the emergency was declared. STEM in Schools: Lamar County Schools outlines how it plans USDA meal menus and adjusts sugar and salt to meet requirements while responding to ongoing cyclosporiasis concerns.

Mississippi Tech & STEM: NASA and Blue Origin have agreed to run second-stage hot-fire testing for the New Glenn rocket at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, a move Sen. Roger Wicker called a major win for Mississippi’s space role and high-skilled jobs. Mississippi Research: Mississippi State University biologists Jean‑François Gout and Megan Smith won NSF CAREER awards—Gout for how DNA/RNA damage drives genetic errors, and Smith for genetic mechanisms tied to invasive species spread. Mississippi Environment & Food: Lamar County Schools’ child nutrition director says menus are built around USDA meal requirements, with efforts to reduce salt and sugar and lean on whole-food ingredients as the cyclosporiasis outbreak continues. Local Governance (Jackson): A WLBT investigation says Jackson officials met with the eventual no-bid security contract winner weeks before the mayor declared an emergency, raising questions about whether the procurement was truly urgent. Public Health: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across multiple states, including Mississippi, with federal guidance to check and discard recalled shell eggs. Science in the Community: The Mississippi Aquarium will host “Shark Weekend” ahead of Discovery’s “Shark Week,” featuring local experts and USM research on sharks. Climate Stress: Minnesota DNR reports heightened fish mortality tied to prolonged heat, with guidance for residents on reporting and protecting fisheries. Tech Policy & Power Costs: The White House expanded its Ratepayer Protection Pledge as more utilities and data center firms sign on, aiming to prevent AI buildout from driving higher electricity bills for households.

Alzheimer’s Care Access: A new real-world study says a blood test (PrecivityAD2) lets family doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s with nearly specialist-level accuracy, a big win for rural and underserved patients. Energy & AI Costs: Trump expanded the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, aiming to stop data-center power buildouts from driving higher electricity bills; the updated pledge now covers about 80% of U.S. power services. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA announced $35 million for partnerships to fight feral swine, part of a larger $105 million pilot to protect farms, landscapes, and animal and human health. Mississippi Education Tech: Mississippi’s new financial literacy, computer science, and civics requirements roll out under Senate Bill 2294, with phased classroom changes starting now. STEM in Mississippi: USM’s Mississippi Digital Humanities Hub hosted a residency symposium where student researchers used digital mapping and exhibits. Public Health & Food Safety: A cyclospora outbreak update continues to spread, with guidance on foods to avoid as cases reach more states. Local Weather Leadership: 16 WAPT promoted Christana Kay to chief meteorologist after David Hartman’s retirement. Civil Rights History: MDAH’s Medgar and Myrlie Evers fellow presented research on Black women’s care networks during the Civil Rights era.

Mississippi Education & Tech Training: The Mississippi Digital Humanities Hub hosted a summer residency symposium at USM, where student teams built digital mapping and exhibit projects—aimed at careers in education, libraries, museums, and nonprofits. Local School Funding: Marion County School District approved a $720 annual fee for private and homeschool students to attend the Carl Loftin Career & Technology Center, citing gaps between state funding and the center’s real operating costs. Public Health & Food Safety: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded across multiple states, with FDA/CDC pointing to a Mexico supplier and issuing recalls and advisories. Wildlife Management: Mississippi wildlife officials are urging higher deer harvests to slow chronic wasting disease, noting rising deer numbers and fewer trophy bucks. Data Centers & Community Control: A debate over data center regulation in Arkansas highlights how AI-driven power and water demands collide with local oversight, after one company sought exemptions while promising transparency. Space & Industry: L3Harris delivered four RS-25 engines to NASA’s Michoud for Artemis III, marking the end of shuttle-era propulsion hardware. STEM Workforce: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is set to host a Women in Skilled Trades Showcase to connect students with high-demand careers.

Severe Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha is moving toward a second landfall on the Texas coast, with storm-surge and heavy-rain threats stretching toward the Mississippi River mouth in Louisiana; Mississippi beaches were closed as the storm’s outer winds reached far inland. AI & Legal Tech in Mississippi: Memphis startup Visalaw Ai won a $100,000 prize at TechBirmingham for using generative AI to speed immigration-law research and filings. STEM Funding for the Region: ULM landed a record $4.2M federal contract to expand weather nowcasting and forecasting across the Lower Mississippi River Basin. Mississippi Education Reform (Commentary): A new look at how Mississippi’s education overhaul survived backlash to Common Core, arguing durability came from long-running implementation—not quick policy swings. Mississippi Tech & Talent: Mississippi State highlighted spring 2026 graduates and a Summer Science and Engineering Symposium that brought nearly 100 student researchers together. Infrastructure Tech: MDOT shared progress on South Mississippi road upgrades, including ITS traffic monitoring and digital message signs on major I-10 widening work.

Hurricane Watch for Mississippi: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, with 45 mph winds and is expected to bring heavy rain and coastal flooding risk across the Gulf region, including Mississippi, where beaches were closed and officials warned of life-threatening surge. AI + Infrastructure Debate: Ponchatoula City Council discussed using a road-monitoring system (Vialytics) that uses automated photos and AI to flag pavement issues, with the mayor floating a possible cost-sharing approach with Tangipahoa Parish. Mississippi STEM on Display: Mississippi State hosted the Mississippi Academy of Sciences Summer Science and Engineering Symposium, bringing nearly 100 student projects to the spotlight. MSU Graduation Highlights: MSU released its spring 2026 graduation list (3,500+ students), including local veterinary graduates and a national scholarship for an MSU vet student. Supercomputer Upgrade at Navy Base: A new NVIDIA-powered supercomputer went live at Naval Support Activity Monterey, boosting AI and research computing capacity for students and faculty.

Storm Bertha Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha is churning toward the U.S. Gulf Coast with warnings for life-threatening storm surge and heavy rain, with Mississippi and Louisiana among the areas bracing for impacts. Mississippi Health: MSDH confirmed cyclosporiasis cases and urged residents to buy local produce and wash it well as the outbreak links back to Taylor Farms. GLP-1 Safety: Ole Miss researchers warn that cheaper knockoff compounded weight-loss drugs may carry serious health risks because they aren’t reviewed like FDA-approved medicines. Workforce Training: Mississippi Delta Community College is expanding career-technical programs in Greenville Higher Education Center, adding industrial electricity, cybersecurity, and HVAC tracks. STEM for Youth: Piney Woods School’s STEM Summer Camp is pairing hands-on science with mental wellness and career guidance for campers across multiple states. Local Tech/Business: PowerCompute (formerly LM Funding America) issued a shareholder letter after shifting strategy toward high-performance computing and AI infrastructure. Education & Research: Mississippi State named students Trinitee Johnson and Sofia Bonicatto to its spring 2026 Deans’ and President’s Lists, while MSU’s Extension is setting up a North Mississippi row crop field day in Verona. Space & Tech Culture: A Thibodaux sci-fi convention drew about 750 attendees and featured talks from space and robotics experts.

GLP-1 Safety Watch: Ole Miss researchers say cheaper compounded knockoff weight-loss drugs may carry serious health risks because they bypass the FDA’s standard review, with past FDA warnings tied to unapproved or mismatched ingredients. Public Health & Food Safety: Mississippi health officials confirmed cyclosporiasis cases and urged residents to buy local produce; meanwhile, the FDA says an iceberg lettuce recall tied to Cyclospora still stands after a false-positive test result. Storm Science: Tropical Storm Bertha looks lopsided on satellite imagery, and forecasters say wind shear should limit strengthening and keep the heaviest rain farther south—though track shifts remain possible. Workforce Training: Mississippi Delta Community College added new career-technical programs in Greenville—industrial electricity, cybersecurity, and HVAC—aimed at filling regional skills gaps. Campus & Community Tech: Mississippi State’s architecture school is partnering with Jackson universities through an Urban Studio to support small businesses and downtown revitalization. Transportation Safety Data: A national push highlights using smart transportation and vehicle data to better target pedestrian and cyclist crash prevention. Hydroponics Training: MSU announced a limited-seat, hands-on hydroponic workshop in Crystal Springs for October.

Undersea Defense Tech: Seatrec won U.S. Navy APFIT funding to scale a thermal-powered subsea drone system for persistent undersea monitoring, with deliveries targeted for late 2026. Mississippi School Construction: Starkville High School bids open for a $127M campus build on Mississippi State’s edge, planned in phases with a 2028 opening. AI Data Center Backlash & Property Rights: A report warns that when landowners refuse access for data center power lines, utilities may still push through eminent domain—fueling “not in my backyard” fights. Education Department Shakeup: Coverage argues abolishing the U.S. Education Department “only works in theory,” as responsibilities get shuffled rather than eliminated. Reproductive Politics: Federal HHS grant language is framed as moving “embryo adoption” toward personhood-style rights language. Mississippi Food Safety: State officials confirm cyclosporiasis cases tied to produce; Mississippi urges residents to know where food comes from. Gulf Storm Watch: Tropical Depression Two/soon-to-be Bertha prompts Gulf Coast preparations, including Chevron platform shutdowns.

Gulf Storm Watch: Tropical Depression Two is churning toward southeast Louisiana, with the National Hurricane Center issuing tropical storm and storm-surge watches from Florida to the Mississippi River mouth as Bertha could intensify and bring heavy rain and flooding risk. Energy in the Path: Chevron shut down production at its Petronius Gulf platform and moved nonessential staff onshore ahead of the storm, warning of potential large-scale oil impacts across the U.S. Gulf. Health Tech Fairness: A new look at genetic risk tools says today’s polygenic risk scores don’t perform equally across populations, raising concerns that bias could worsen health disparities if models aren’t fixed. Mississippi Education & STEM Access: A central Mississippi back-to-school fair put STEM and AI activities alongside supplies and health screenings, while Mississippi State named students to its spring 2026 President’s List. Mississippi Wildlife Planning: The state is revising its Chronic Wasting Disease management plan to slow the fatal spread that can’t be cured once it’s on the landscape. Local Tech & Industry: Toyota’s Mississippi operations are tied to a large pollinator habitat effort, showing how industrial land use can shift toward biodiversity.