AGP Executive Report

Robocall Crackdown: Mississippi’s AG Jackley is among a 49-state push urging the FCC to tighten rules so scammers can’t buy legitimate phone numbers to run robocalls and texts—after spoofing got harder and fraudsters shifted to purchasing real numbers. Consumer Fraud Settlement: Separate from the robocall fight, a multistate deal with Block/Cash App targets misleading safety claims and weak fraud help, with states receiving settlement money. Mississippi Tech & Government: The Mississippi Department of Revenue is using observability tools to track performance across major tax and licensing systems, aiming to bake visibility in from the start. Nolan Wells Update: Questions keep swirling around the death of Horn Island teen Nolan Wells after social media accounts tied to friends reportedly went quiet, while authorities urge people not to jump to conclusions. Weather Watch: Saharan dust is expected to drift over the Gulf and hit Mississippi most strongly July 11-12, bringing hazy skies and possible air-quality issues. Lottery Wins: Mississippi’s 2nd Chance drawing paid out big, including a Clinton player winning $1 million and other winners across the state.

North Mississippi Jobs: Jabil plans a $119 million investment in Marshall County, building a new 1.5 million-square-foot production facility tied to data center infrastructure and expected to create about 2,200 jobs, with state partners backing the project. Gulf Coast Economy & Travel Costs: Gulf Coast vacationers say prices are squeezing budgets, with some travelers shifting to bigger groups, shorter trips, or Mississippi Coast options as fuel, lodging, and food costs rise. Local Business & Community Impact: A Jackson bribery case involving a downtown convention center hotel is prompting current leaders to focus on rebuilding public trust after multiple guilty pleas. Public Health Debate: Jackson residents are pushing back on a proposed data center, arguing it could worsen air pollution and health risks while driving up electricity costs. Sports Betting Research: Arnold Ventures is funding $2.6 million in university research on how sports gambling affects consumer behavior, household finances, and public health. Mississippi Spotlight: Starkville’s Campbell Davis is set to play in the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star Volleyball match. Lottery: Mississippi Lottery results for July 7, 2026, include Match 5 numbers 15-16-21-22-34 and Cash 3 midday 3-0-3, evening 6-4-8.

Jobs & Industry: Gov. Tate Reeves says Jabil will invest $119 million in Marshall County and create about 2,200 new jobs at a 1.5 million-square-foot site tied to data center infrastructure. Education & Workforce: Mississippi Christian University and Millsaps College are launching a 3+3 accelerated law pathway so students can earn a bachelor’s and a JD in six years. Local Economy & Community: Meridian mourns the loss of Kenneth “Ken” Rainey Sr., a longtime music and culture advocate tied to the Jimmie Rodgers Festival and Temple Theatre. Civic Life: Mississippi Free Press held a Clarksdale Solutions Circle focused on health and wellness, crime, and economic development, with residents pushing ideas like better local food access and a resource directory. Scholarships: Thirty-one Mississippi high school seniors will compete for more than $36,000 in the 2027 Distinguished Young Women program in Meridian starting July 16. Culture & Legacy: George E. Johnson Sr., the Mississippi-born Black haircare pioneer behind Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen, has died at 99. Public Safety: A Horn Island death case involving Nolan Wells continues as his family retains civil rights attorney Ben Crump, with an autopsy underway.

Mississippi Courts & Justice: The Mississippi Bar Association asked the state Supreme Court to immediately suspend former Hinds County DA Jody Owens’ law license after his guilty plea in a federal bribery case tied to a Jackson hotel scheme. Local Business & Community: A Mississippi native and Black business pioneer, George E. Johnson Sr.—founder of Johnson Products and brands like Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen—died at 99, leaving a legacy that helped reshape the hair-care industry. Public Safety & Health: Federal health officials warn that climate-linked infectious risks are rising; Mississippi has urged precautions after reports of flesh-eating bacteria in coastal waters. Mississippi River & Infrastructure: Boland Marine & Industrial won a nearly $31 million U.S. Army Corps contract to repair the dredge Wheeler, aimed at keeping the Mississippi River channel open. Sports & Youth: An 8U Coach Pitch team from Avon Park won a state title and is headed to the Diamond Youth World Series in Laurel, Miss. Weather: Magnolia expects scattered storms Tuesday and Wednesday, then hotter, sunnier conditions Thursday.

Mississippi Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s rule that absentee ballots can be counted up to five days after Election Day if they’re postmarked by Election Day, a decision Secretary of State Michael Watson says he expects to push lawmakers to repeal the COVID-era window. Local Economy & Jobs: Mississippi State University marked America’s 250th with campus tours and wreath-laying, while Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi announced a $53 million expansion in Lee County creating 28 jobs. Agriculture: Mississippi Farmers Market Week runs July 5-11, with the state highlighting fresh, local food and noting certified markets are exempt from Mississippi sales tax on in-state products. Business & Industry: Cal-Maine Foods set its July 22 earnings release and webcast. Community & Culture: Meridian is remembering longtime Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival promoter Ken Rainey, a local radio pioneer who helped book major country stars for decades. Sports: Mississippi State is among the schools with players named to USA Baseball’s 2026 Collegiate National Team.

Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party legacy: Civil rights veteran Rev. Ed King, a founder of the MFDP, died in Jackson at 89, remembered for challenging segregation and backing the movement from Tougaloo College. Local culture and food: Jamba Jollof opened its first brick-and-mortar spot in downtown Hattiesburg, expanding West African dining in the Pine Belt after operating as a home-based business. Coast weekend business boost: Ocean Springs saw a strong Fourth of July weekend, with marine sales, fuel, bait, and ice up as visitors filled downtown shops and restaurants. Public health warning: Health officials are urging precautions as flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus risks rise with warmer waters; the bacteria can enter wounds and become life-threatening. Elections and voting power: The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent moves are reshaping elections by weakening key protections and tilting the playing field toward Republicans. Mississippi Lottery: July 5 results—Match 5: 06-13-22-26-27; Cash 3 midday 0-5-5 (FB 6), evening 5-1-7 (FB 1). Rodeo spotlight: Preston Broxson, a rodeo clown and teacher, will entertain fans at the 81st annual Gerry Fire Department PRCA rodeo Aug. 5-8.

Civil Rights Legacy: The Rev. Ed King, a key founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, died in Jackson at 89, remembered for challenging segregation and backing Tougaloo College civil rights efforts. Mississippi Celebrates America’s 250th: Jackson held “Stars, Stripes and Symphony” events with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and fireworks, while state leaders including Gov. Tate Reeves and Sec. of State Michael Watson reflected on the milestone. State Government: Gov. Tate Reeves announced more than 100 appointments across state boards and commissions, including seats tied to health, pharmacy, environmental quality and athletics. Public Safety/Weather: A heat wave and “heat dome” pattern disrupted Fourth of July plans nationwide, with organizers canceling or postponing events for safety. Local Culture & Community: Gulfport’s iMPAC will host “Flying High Again,” an Ozzy Osbourne tribute show on July 11. Sports: Texans running back Woody Marks is adapting to a complementary role after an offseason trade, with coaches expecting him to contribute on offense and special teams. Lottery: Mississippi Lottery results for July 4 included Match 5: 03-24-27-32-33 and Cash 3 midday: 9-0-0.

Mississippi Lottery: July 4, 2026 results are in for Match 5 (03-24-27-32-33) and Cash 3 (Midday 9-0-0, FB 6; Evening 3-3-9, FB 5), plus Cash 4 and Cash Pop—along with prize-claim rules for winners. State Government Appointments: Gov. Tate Reeves announced more than 100 appointments, including seats on the State Board of Health, Pharmacy, and Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality. Workforce Training Funding: Mississippi’s Workforce Pell Grant Program takes effect July 1, expanding Pell eligibility for short-term workforce training tied to high-demand, high-wage careers. America 250 in Mississippi: Jackson marked the nation’s 250th with Stars, Stripes and Symphony events featuring the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, cultural demonstrations, and fireworks. Local Culture & Entertainment: Jones College in Ellisville announced a July 4 concert headlined by Micky Dolenz as part of the Ronnie McDowell “Red White and Blue” tour. Community Business News: Laurel and Jones County are seeing fresh openings, including 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, with more retail and dining projects in the pipeline.

Workforce & Education: Mississippi’s Workforce Pell Grant Program takes effect July 1, letting Pell-eligible students use federal aid for short, approved training programs as brief as eight weeks for high-demand, high-wage careers. Public Health: Mississippi health officials are warning about rising disease risks as climate change expands pathogens and federal health-prevention funding is cut, including concerns about flesh-eating bacteria in summer waters. Local Culture & Community: Jones College in Ellisville will host a July 4 concert featuring Micky Dolenz as part of the “Red White and Blue Tour,” bringing national music star power to Mississippi’s Independence Day celebrations. Business & Growth: Laurel and Jones County are seeing new openings and expansions, including 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee and an Aldi store under construction, with more retailers expected. Justice & Civil Rights: Mississippi Valley State University is set to become the first HBCU in the state to offer a four-year college program for incarcerated people through a new partnership program.

America 250 Time Capsule: Mississippi’s contribution to the America 250 time capsule includes a letter from Gov. Tate Reeves and four brass coins highlighting the state’s music, aeronautics, Gulf heritage and literary history, headed for burial in Philadelphia and set to open in 2276. Local Culture: Oxford’s literary draw gets a spotlight, with Square Books and ties to William Faulkner and John Grisham underscoring why the college town remains a book lover’s stop. Fourth of July in Mississippi: Olive Branch kicked off its inaugural Freedom Fest with Christian music and fireworks, plus an opening ceremony honoring two World War II veterans. Mississippi Lottery: Match 5 and Cash 3 results were posted for July 3, 2026, along with prize-claim instructions for winners. Weather & Travel Safety: Across the U.S., forecasters warn the Fourth of July weekend could bring severe storms, flash flooding and damaging winds as the heat wave breaks.

Supreme Court Watch: Justice Amy Coney Barrett is drawing fresh attention as she sometimes sides with liberals against President Trump, including rulings tied to late-arriving mail ballots and birthright citizenship—while still fueling conservative wins overall. Mississippi History & Culture: The state’s America 250 push is putting Mississippi’s darker past on display, including lynching victims’ names at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, alongside broader exhibits about civil rights and community memory. Independence Day Planning (Jackson area): Organizers around Jackson are offering family-friendly Fourth of July events that focus on music, storytelling, and activities—without fireworks as the main draw. Weather & Safety: A heat wave is expected to linger across the Mississippi Valley into the holiday weekend, with officials urging precautions for outdoor events. Business & Jobs: International Paper says it’s closing a converting and container plant in Elk Grove, California, while continuing investment in Mississippi packaging operations. Agriculture: China has resumed soybean purchases after a trade freeze, but farmers say the outlook remains uncertain and not back to pre-tariff levels. Public Health: A nationwide recall of certain Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips is underway due to potential salmonella contamination.

Freedom Summer & civil rights memory: Moss Point will commemorate its Freedom Summer history through the Mississippi Humanities Council’s “Witness: The Freedom Memory Project,” adding new memorials to the Mississippi Freedom Trail. New Mississippi gun law: A 2026 measure sends juveniles to circuit court for gun crimes and ramps up penalties for stolen firearms, including long mandatory minimums for trafficking and harsher terms if a stolen gun is used in violence. Local sports leadership: Lauren Morrow moves from Florence High to coach women’s basketball at Hinds Community College, already signing 15 players. Community & culture: Rust College announced a new Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion, expanding faith-based study for Mississippi’s oldest HBCU. State agriculture spotlight: Mississippi will participate in Mississippi Farmers Market Week, highlighting more than 70 markets statewide and certified locations across the state. Business note: Southern Bancorp plans to rebrand as Uplift Bank, keeping services across locations in Mississippi and other states.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Keytronic is expanding in Corinth, investing about $8.89 million and adding 376 jobs, with Mississippi Development Authority support through MFLEX. Economic Development: AWS is repurposing the former Delphi plant in Clinton for a $1 billion data center project, aiming to create at least 100 skilled roles. Forestry Growth: MDA approved $5 million in Forestry Facility Grant Program awards for three projects across Mississippi, including road access, rail corridor work, and utility upgrades. Local Business: Gould Industries plans a roughly $14 million investment in Pike County, creating 65 jobs as it modernizes a Summit facility. Workforce & Education: Mississippi Business Alliance Foundation partnered with AccelerateMS to support the new Mississippi Postsecondary Attainment Council (M-PAC) and strengthen the talent pipeline. Community & Culture: Mississippi drag queen Seraphina Amor launched a Comic Con drag show and after party in Jackson, building more in-person opportunities for performers. Historic Finds: MDAH cataloged a Civil War “white surrender flag” scrap tied to the 1863 Vicksburg surrender, now feeding plans for the Vicksburg Civil War Visitor Center. Weather: The Fourth of July weekend brings hot temps in the low-to-mid 90s with spotty storms and heat index near 105.

Local Governance & Community: Monticello High School’s 2026-27 Royal Ambassador candidates were announced ahead of the July 12 crowning at Ellison Park, highlighting months of service, leadership, and public speaking. Public Safety & Justice: A Mississippi Supreme Court mail-ballot ruling upheld counting ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked on time, a decision officials say protects voter access. Health & Emergency Response: Mississippi’s first human case of West Nile virus was confirmed by MSDH. Aviation & Infrastructure: Two South Mississippi airports won FAA Airport Improvement Program grants, including major Gulfport-Biloxi runway and pavement upgrades and a Wiggins approach-protection easement. Agriculture & Consumer Impact: Cal-Maine Foods of Mississippi reached a settlement tied to allegations of manipulated egg price reporting, with millions of eggs set for donation if approved. Culture & History: Students began excavation work at UMMC’s Asylum Hill in Jackson, digging for remains from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Environment & Travel: The Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg-area coverage includes a personal recovery story tied to the trail’s biking and running paths.

Capital Punishment: Idaho will start using firing squads as its primary execution method on July 1, with identities of volunteer police marksmen kept confidential. Courts & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s late-arriving mail-in ballot law, allowing ballots counted up to five days after Election Day if postmarked by Election Day. Public Safety & Justice: An autopsy in the Senatobia case involving 1-year-old Kohen Wiley found a shotgun wound to the torso and ruled the death a homicide; attorneys are pressing for release of video from the Walmart shooting. Mississippi Business: Cal-Maine Foods, headquartered in Mississippi, reached a $1.5 million DOJ settlement over alleged manipulated egg prices and will donate 30 million eggs to food banks across 17 states. Local Economy: Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi is investing $53 million in Lee County, aiming to add 28 jobs over the next five years. Defense Industry: Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula began fabrication for the future USS John F. Lehman (DDG 137). Community & Culture: Marty and Linda Davidson’s endowment gift will support the MSU Riley Center’s operations in Meridian.

Public Health: With July Fourth crowds heading to water, officials are warning about flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus infections after cases reported on Long Island and in Florida—Mississippi health leaders previously urged precautions as the bacteria can enter open wounds and become deadly fast. Mississippi Courts & Crime: A former Olive Branch elementary teacher, Mitchell Cantrell, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possessing child exploitation materials. New Mississippi Gun Law: Senate Bill 2710 takes effect July 1, sending some minors accused of firearm crimes to adult court and boosting penalties for stolen-gun offenses. Federal Antitrust: DOJ and 17 states say major egg producers artificially inflated prices and are pushing settlements totaling $3.3 million plus millions of eggs. Workforce & Industry: Georgia Pacific expanded a scholarship endowment at Jones College to support Mississippi technical training. Local Justice: Hinds County DA Jody Owens pleaded guilty in a Jackson bribery case and will step down July 1. Heat & Safety: Extreme heat advisories continue across the region, with dangerous heat index conditions prompting cooling-center reminders.