AGP Executive Report

Mississippi Civil Rights Commemoration: Moss Point is set to mark its Freedom Summer role with a memorial project tied to the Mississippi Freedom Trail, as the Mississippi Humanities Council expands its “Witness: The Freedom Memory Project” to more communities. Public Health & Back-to-School Prep: Mississippi county health departments are hosting walk-in immunization clinics, with extra nursing staff to help families complete required first-time school and 7th-grade vaccines and get the needed Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121). Police Accountability in Senatobia: A Senatobia family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley says a preliminary autopsy suggests he was shot from the side of the car, challenging officers’ accounts and renewing calls for release of body and dashcam video. Holiday Safety & Travel: Mississippi Highway Patrol is promoting safety ahead of the Independence Day weekend, as officials also warn about heat and impaired boating risks. Education Spotlight: Ole Miss named Justin Sartori to its Spring 2026 Chancellor’s Honor Roll for top GPAs.

Citizenship Ceremony: Nineteen people became U.S. citizens during a ceremony at the Two Mississippi Museums, with a judge urging them to vote, serve, and take on the responsibilities of citizenship. Police Shooting Scrutiny: An independent autopsy into the fatal police shooting of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley says the bullet entered through the side window of the vehicle, challenging the official account and reigniting calls for accountability. Public Safety & New Law: A new Mississippi law aimed at reducing youth gun violence took effect July 1, increasing penalties for stolen guns and sending certain youth gun crimes to circuit court. Health Alert: Mississippi confirmed its first human West Nile virus case of 2026, prompting mosquito-avoidance precautions. Local Growth: EMCC broke ground on a $2.5 million Scooba campus housing expansion adding 24 beds. Weather for the Holiday: Independence Day plans face spotty storms and dangerous heat, with officials urging travelers to stay weather-aware. Disaster Aid: FEMA approved Mississippi’s major disaster declaration for May tornado damage, unlocking Individual and Public Assistance for five counties.

Mississippi Politics & Law: New Mississippi laws kick in July 1, including tougher rules for teens accused of certain gun crimes, expanded death-penalty eligibility in child sexual battery cases, and other changes for families, drivers, teachers and voters. Police Accountability: An independent autopsy in the Senatobia case involving 1-year-old Kohen Wiley says the death was a homicide from a shotgun wound, disputing officers’ claims about how the shooting happened and renewing demands for more transparency. Public Safety & Weather: Severe storms are possible across Mississippi Tuesday and again Wednesday/Thursday, while dangerous heat pushes heat indices above 100 degrees into the July 4 weekend—officials urge hydration and avoiding leaving people or pets in vehicles. Education: Mississippi teachers and teacher assistants are set to receive a $2,000 raise for the upcoming school year. Health & Community: Mississippi is reporting its first human West Nile virus case of 2026, and officials are reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes. Local Spotlight: Gulfport was recognized at the Mississippi Municipal League conference for a hands-on law and public safety program with Gulfport High.

West Nile Virus Alert: Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed the state’s first human West Nile Virus case of 2026 in Hancock County, urging residents to use DEET repellent, wear long sleeves, and dump standing water. Heat Safety: The National Weather Service warned dangerous heat across much of the U.S., with heat index values potentially topping 115 in parts of the Mississippi Valley—especially risky for people without cooling. Police Shooting Fallout: In Senatobia, attorneys for the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley say a second autopsy found the toddler was shot from the side of the car, calling it homicide and renewing demands for surveillance video and bodycam footage. Local Public Safety: Pass Christian is upgrading railroad crossings with new gates and warning signals to reduce train-vehicle crashes. Mississippi Courts & Voting: A Supreme Court ruling keeps Mississippi’s mail-in ballot rules in play, including counting ballots postmarked by Election Day and received afterward within set limits. Crime Update: A Mississippi man was arrested after an I-10 stop in Lafayette Parish turned up about 12.5 pounds of cocaine plus meth and marijuana. Agriculture Damage: Heavy southern Mississippi rain devastated watermelons and blueberries, with some growers reporting catastrophic losses.

Supreme Court & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s late-arriving mail ballot rules, a decision that keeps “grace periods” alive and limits the Trump administration’s push to tighten election handling. Mississippi Law Changes: New Mississippi laws take effect July 1, including updates tied to juvenile court and other major changes for families, drivers, teachers and voters. Public Safety & Health: Mississippi Highway Patrol is increasing holiday enforcement for July 4 travel, while health officials warn that new disease threats are rising after federal health program cuts. Crime & Courts: A former Olive Branch elementary teacher was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possession of child exploitation materials. Weather & Disaster Response: Trump approved $11 million in federal disaster aid for Mississippi tornado damage, as extreme heat and storm risks continue into the holiday weekend. Local Economy & Workforce: Georgia Pacific expanded a scholarship endowment at Jones College to support technical training tied to Mississippi’s workforce needs.

Workforce & Education: Gov. Tate Reeves says Mississippi will let low- and moderate-income students use Pell Grants for short workforce training programs at participating colleges, aiming to push people into high-skill, high-wage jobs. Voting & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s ability to count certain absentee ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked by Election Day and arrive within the state’s deadline—an issue that’s already drawing political heat. Birthright Citizenship: The Court also blocked Trump’s bid to narrow birthright citizenship, a ruling with direct ripple effects for immigrant families in Mississippi. School Prep: Mississippi parents can now buy birth certificates online through the state’s vital records office before the school year starts. Public Safety: Mississippi’s abortion-pill ban takes effect July 1, criminalizing mifepristone use, while questions remain about enforcement and access via telehealth. Local Crime: Two men were arrested in connection with a Jackson-area triple homicide that killed a toddler, his mother, and his aunt. State Government: The state auditor says a former Prentiss city clerk was arrested on allegations of embezzling about $469,000. Health & Weather: Officials are warning about dangerous summer heat as conditions bake parts of the region.

Supreme Court & Voting Rights: In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s “grace period” for mail-in ballots, saying federal election law doesn’t require ballots to be received by Election Day as long as they’re postmarked by then—dealing a blow to Trump and the GOP’s push to tighten mail voting. Public Safety & Crime: Jackson police say two men face capital murder charges in the June 27 killings of a woman, her 2-year-old son, and the woman’s sister; authorities say the suspects were arrested after a vehicle linked to the case was stopped. Weather: Dangerous heat and humidity are expected across the Mid-South, with heat index values around 105–110+ and Saharan dust moving in, while officials warn conditions could be life-threatening. Statehouse/Local Impact: New Mississippi laws take effect July 1, including education pay raises, tougher penalties for some crimes, and new steps tied to immigration enforcement. Transportation: Bridge work will close U.S. 60/62 over the Mississippi River near Cairo from July 6–10, with no marked detours. Health Care: A Mississippi insurer’s PrEP coverage change is tied to a dispute over “alternate lifestyles,” after a complaint and public pressure. Sports: NCAA approved a new age-based eligibility model—five years to play five seasons—affecting college athletes nationwide.

Supreme Court & Voting Rights: In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s law letting mail ballots postmarked by Election Day be counted if they arrive up to five business days later, a win for states’ grace periods that also affects dozens of other jurisdictions. Local Justice: Hinds County DA Jody Owens pleaded guilty and resigned in the federal Jackson bribery case, setting the stage for the remaining defendants, including former Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and former councilman Aaron Banks. Mississippi History: Mississippi will add nine new sites to the National Register of Historic Places, including Natchez properties tied to the enslaved experience. Community & Access: MSU and USM are partnering to offer an Adapted Swim Camp for people with special needs in Hattiesburg, running July 13-17. Business & Growth: A 30MW cryptomine is proposed in Starkville, with officials saying the steady power demand could benefit the city utility. Sports: EA Sports College Football 27 released SEC team ratings, with Ole Miss at 88 and Mississippi State at 81.

Immigration Policy: A new Mississippi law taking effect Wednesday will let the state Department of Public Safety compile a statewide list of immigrants living in the state without legal status, including names, addresses, country of origin, age, and criminal history, and share suspected violators with state and local authorities—an approach immigrant advocates fear could be used to target people ahead of mass deportations. Public Safety: Jackson police are investigating a triple homicide on Queen Alexandria Lane where two women and a toddler were fatally shot; the suspect remains at large. Weather: Forecasters warn a dangerous heat wave is building across the Mid-South, with heat index values pushing past 105 and possibly near 110 by midweek, plus only spotty storm chances. Military: The Mississippi National Guard held a Change of Command ceremony in Jackson, with Brig. Gen. Tommy Tillman Jr. assuming command. Lottery: Mississippi Lottery results for June 28 include Mississippi Match 5 (08-23-28-30-33) and Cash 3 drawings.

Heat Wave Watch: The National Weather Service warns a long, dangerous heat wave with high humidity will hit much of the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys this week, with highs in the 90s to low 100s and heat indexes up to 115—plus warm nights that won’t cool much. Local Politics at the Fair: Mississippi politicians are already campaigning at the Neshoba County Fair, with Gov. Tate Reeves discussing the need for redistricting and hinting at possible special-session talk without a set timeline. America 250 in Mississippi: Coverage highlights Mississippi’s “birthplace of America’s music” legacy, spotlighting Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson and local America 250 events like Kosciusko’s veterans-focused celebration. Public Safety & Crime: Jackson police report a triple homicide—two women and a toddler found dead—while Clay County authorities say an illegal dice game led to a shooting. Business Milestone: Gainey’s in Holden marks 45 years, expanding precast concrete and wastewater solutions across the Gulf Coast.

Public Safety: Jackson police are investigating the fatal shooting of two women in their 20s and a toddler, and are asking the public to avoid a search for a red 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage tied to the scene. Immigration Policy: A new Mississippi law will let the Department of Public Safety compile a list of immigrants the state says are living illegally, including names, addresses, origins, and criminal history, and advocates warn it could be used to target people. Coast & Environment: The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is waiving certain storm-repair permit fees for damaged structures, while the state’s beach monitoring program issued water-contact advisories for several Gulf beaches (not closures). Local Business & Community: Rosedale opened its first legal distillery in the Delta with a ribbon-cutting weekend, and East Park Community Outreach in Greenville held a food-and-supplies event for nearly 250 people with another planned for July 25. Culture & Events: Mississippi Comic Con continues in Jackson at the Trade Mart with major celebrity guests, and Biloxi dedicated “Fred Haise Landing” along Highway 90 to honor the Apollo 13 astronaut. Weather Watch: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a hot start to July with storms early, then a milder stretch before more late-month rain.

Senatobia Police Shooting Fallout: A community town hall in Senatobia drew more than 100 people demanding release of body-cam, Walmart security video, and the 911 transcript in the case of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was shot and killed by an officer; his funeral is set for Friday. Heat & Safety: The National Weather Service warns of dangerous heat and humidity across parts of the eastern U.S. into the July 4 stretch, with heat index values climbing above 100 in many areas. Downtown Revitalization: Shreveport is spending $130,000 on a three-year downtown retail plan, with residents and business leaders saying safety perceptions—panhandling, lighting, vacancies, and staffing—must be addressed. Small Business Relief: The SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for drought-related losses, including several Mississippi counties. Sports Scheduling Pressure: The NCAA urged Division I baseball coaches not to cancel nonconference midweek games to protect tournament positioning.

Mississippi Politics & Voting Rights: A new opinion piece argues the Voting Rights Act is headed for reversal, framing it as a major national fight over civil rights. Monticello Community Life: Monticello’s parks push is getting attention for its long-range planning and community input, with skateboarding and expanded recreation on the way. Local Sports: Monticello’s Ben Fasen turned in a standout week at the Mississippi 8 Conference meet, including a conference-record 4x400 win. Music & Culture: Purvis soul-blues veteran Johnny Rawls and Montpelier’s Dave Keller are out with “Tribute to Soul,” a new album built on classic influences. Entertainment in Mississippi: Mississippi Comic Con returns to the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson this weekend with a big celebrity lineup. Road Trip/Travel: A guide highlights Dolly Parton’s new truck stop near Tennessee, with directions for Mississippi drivers. Public Safety/Health: Mississippi health officials remind residents to protect themselves from extreme heat as conditions build.

Juneteenth & Community: A Juneteenth explainer marks the federal holiday signed in 2021, tracing how news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Texas weeks after Lincoln’s proclamation. Ole Miss Football: Ole Miss moved to No. 6 in the CFP rankings after Lane Kiffin’s LSU departure, and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss pushed back on Kiffin’s comments about recruiting Black players. Mississippi Law Changes July 1: New rules kick in for pay raises, retirement changes, criminal justice updates, and the SHIELD Act’s voter-registration checks. Tropical Storm Arthur Recovery: MEMA says flooding damage hit 486 homes (116 destroyed) plus roads and bridges, with Red Cross shelters still open in parts of South Mississippi. Heat Alert: Forecasters warn of a multiday heat surge with “feels-like” temps above 110°F heading into the holiday week. Public Safety: A body pulled from the Pearl River in Copiah County was identified as 56-year-old London Adail Henyard; and a Wilkinson County crash killed Juan Sarat, 44, after his vehicle overturned on Highway 24. Sports & Local Life: MSU partners with Uwill for 24/7 student mental health telehealth starting July 1.

Lawsuit Over Farm Hiring: Five Black farmworkers in Mississippi are suing an employer, alleging they were paid less than white South African workers brought in through the H-2A visa program. Voting Rights & 250th Push: A Jackson rally is planned to protect voters and boost turnout ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, after a Supreme Court ruling weakened the Voting Rights Act. State Politics: Mississippi lawmakers at the Neshoba County Fair laid out 2027 legislative priorities, with redistricting and education reform topping the list. Weather Watch: Central Mississippi is bracing for dangerous heat and humidity through the weekend and into early next week, with heat indexes often above 105 degrees and only small rain chances. Health & Safety: The Mississippi Supreme Court will hear an appeal in a 2023 double-murder conviction from a Jackson shooting near Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade. Local Life: The Mississippi Aquarium released two rehabilitated turtles back into the Gulf—one Kemp’s ridley and one loggerhead. Community Sports: Petal is opening a new miniature golf spot, Petal Putt Putt, built by a local bus driver with community help.

Fourth of July planning in Mississippi: Alton Police are laying out traffic and parking rules for “250 on the Mississippi,” with gates opening 5 p.m. July 3 and fireworks over the river around 9:30 p.m. Storm recovery and safety: Bethel Free Health Clinic in Biloxi is working to recover after nine inches of floodwater damaged equipment and patient files, and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is waiving certain storm-rebuild permit fees through June 19, 2027 (with limits). Legal and voting rights: A federal judge ruled against a bid to create majority-Black DeSoto County districts, saying plaintiffs didn’t prove intentional vote dilution under the Voting Rights Act. Public health: The Mississippi State Department of Health is marking National HIV Testing Day June 27, citing higher-than-national diagnosis rates and urging residents to know their status. Wildlife and outdoors: South Mississippi officials are urging residents to stay alert after a rise in black bear sightings, and MDWFP is reminding anglers to check updated freshwater fishing regulations.