AGP Executive Report

Weather & Storm Watch: A Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms stays in place across parts of Central Mississippi through Wednesday, with a few storms possible for damaging winds, lightning, heavy rain and spotty flash flooding, then a drier stretch as heat builds into the weekend with heat index values pushing above 105. NCAA Eligibility Overhaul: The NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a new “5 for 5” eligibility model—five seasons of competition over five years starting with full-time enrollment or the academic year after turning 19—aimed at cutting down waivers and eligibility litigation. Mississippi Courts: The Mississippi Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in the Hinds County assistant principal firing case tied to reading a children’s book to a second-grade class, leaving a reinstatement and back-pay order in place. Local Sports & Recruiting: Ole Miss and Mississippi State are set for the 2027 Amegy Bank College Baseball Series (March 5-7 at Globe Life Field), and Ole Miss landed a major defensive line commitment after Ben’Jarvius Shumaker’s brief flip to Colorado before returning to the Rebels. Public Safety: A Mississippi sheriff’s deputy had his badge stripped after a viral fight with a youth baseball umpire, with both men later arrested.

Storm Damage Update: Gov. Tate Reeves says Mississippi’s Tropical Storm Arthur damage now includes 7 homes destroyed, 35 with major damage, 55 with minor damage, and widespread road and bridge impacts, with river levels still elevated in parts of the state. Weather Aftermath: The National Weather Service confirmed 14 tornadoes tied to Arthur, including an EF1 tornado that tracked across Hancock and Harrison counties near the Dedeaux-Lizana area. Public Safety & Recovery: Harrison County residents can still get help after flooding, with the Red Cross urging people to call for needs assessments and donations still being accepted. Economy & Jobs: Mississippi hit a record employment high of 1,195,400 non-farm jobs, and Keytronic plans to expand in Corinth, adding 376 jobs with an $8.89 million investment. Fraud Crackdown: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch announced 11 Medicaid fraud indictments totaling more than $12.3 million. Local Business: Cal-Maine Foods added two independent directors to its board as it continues expanding. Sports: The Eagles signed OT Markel Bell to a four-year rookie deal.

Police Accountability: Civil-rights attorneys Ben Crump and Van Turner are demanding an independent autopsy in the Senatobia case of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, killed during a Walmart shoplifting response; the family says body-cam and other video should be released now, not after the investigation. Local Cleanup: A Marshall/Jackson County man, Kerry Blalock, has been repeatedly clearing litter from Dobbins Gap Road to keep the area from sliding back into “nasty” conditions. Flood Aftermath & Safety: South Mississippi communities are still dealing with storm damage and flooding impacts, including road washouts and recovery needs. Public Health: Allergy specialists warn Sahara dust is returning to Mississippi, which can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms. Food Access: Mississippi Power and Extra Table Feeds are expanding summer meal support to five more Pine Belt counties, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands of meals. State Money for College: The Mississippi Treasury is giving away 10 $250 MACS scholarships for America’s 250th birthday, with entries due July 3.

Police Accountability in Senatobia: Calls for justice are growing after 1-year-old Kohen Wiley was shot and killed during a Walmart shoplifting response; his family and attorneys are demanding release of body, dash, and store video, while the officer involved is on administrative leave and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation says it will share footage after its review. Public Safety Tech: Mississippi DPS is moving ahead with AI cameras to catch cellphone use and seat belt violations, drawing privacy concerns from lawmakers as the program is set to cost at least $2 million. Severe Weather Aftermath: LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is temporarily closed due to flooding, and officials are urging residents to document storm damage as Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants continue to impact South Mississippi. Road Projects: MDOT outlined major construction plans to ease traffic across South Mississippi, including widening I-10 and Highway 57. Sports Spotlight: Southwest Mississippi’s Justin Domiano was named NJCAA Division II Baseball Defensive Player of the Year. Local Crime: Jackson police are investigating shots fired on Highway 80; two people are in custody.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Tropical Storm Arthur’s aftermath is still being counted, with AccuWeather estimating $4–6 billion in damage and losses across the Gulf, including major rain totals in Mississippi and widespread road closures and power disruptions. Coastal Resilience: A new push to save Louisiana’s disappearing marsh “land bridge” near Lake Pontchartrain could get a $101 million jump-start next year, aimed at reducing storm-flood risk for the region. Public Safety Prep: With hurricane season underway, the National Weather Service is urging Mississippians to dust off emergency kits, check storm shutters, and understand the difference between watches and warnings. State Government Watch: The Mississippi Insurance Department fired its top examiner, Chad Bridges, tied to a $95 million embezzlement lawsuit involving his wife’s credit union. Local Community & Culture: Meridian’s Zauria Clark is set to compete at the Mississippi Track Classic, while the Mississippi Aquarium offered Father’s Day free admission for dads. Sports & Youth: Indianola launched a kickball league to keep Delta kids active this summer. Mississippi Lottery: Mississippi Match 5 and Cash 3 results for June 21 were published for players.

Flood Watch & River Levels: Pearl River Valley Water Supply District officials say the Pearl River in Jackson looks “pretty manageable,” with discharge expected to rise to about 30,000 CFS after days of heavy rain, and flood stage at 28 feet. Storm Recovery: Stone County is in recovery mode after Thursday’s severe weather and tornado warnings left homes flooded or destroyed; the American Red Cross opened shelters as families begin cleanup and assistance. Coast Flood Warning: A Flood Warning remains for the Pascagoula River at Graham Ferry in Jackson County, with moderate flooding forecast and some homes in the Cumbest Bluff area expected to flood. Public Safety & Weather Impacts: Leake County reported multiple trees down and water over roads during Saturday rain, while a wreck in Leake County involved a car hydroplaning off Hwy. 25. Local Culture & Community: Mississippi Media Lab at Ole Miss received a $50,000 gift from Missy Pace Callero to support student-produced journalism and fight misinformation. Mississippi Music: I Prevail frontman Eric Vanlerberghe says the band is preparing a new track, “Paradise,” for release soon.

Senatobia Walmart Boycott: Grief and protest continue after a 1-year-old was killed in a Senatobia Walmart parking lot; a Saturday boycott shut the store down as organizers demand release of surveillance video tied to the reported shoplifting call. Public Safety & Weather: South Mississippi flood response ramps up after Tropical Storm Arthur’s heavy rain, with shelters and supplies listed for coastal counties and river-stage updates urged. AI & Courts: A Mississippi court tossed a dispute over “hallucinatory citations,” adding to a wider legal pushback against AI claims seen in Germany and China. Health: The U.S. infant mortality rate hit a new all-time low in 2025, according to preliminary CDC data. Sports: Mississippi State women’s basketball unveiled a new-look 2026-27 roster after portal additions, while MSU pitcher Delainey Everett’s transfer to Oklahoma State was confirmed. Community Calendar: Neshoba County Fair Sunday schedule highlights include worship, an antique car show, pageant events, and grandstand music.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Gov. Tate Reeves declared a statewide State of Emergency as Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants brought historic rainfall, damaging roads and infrastructure and keeping Mississippi under an elevated flash-flood threat, with South Mississippi hit hardest and officials monitoring the Anchor Lake dam. Public Safety: In Senatobia, the Walmart where a 1-year-old was killed in an officer-involved shooting is temporarily closed while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation reviews the case; the shooting has sparked vigils and calls for accountability. Local Sports & Transfers: Mississippi State left-handed pitcher Delainey Everett committed to Oklahoma State softball, and Charlie Foster confirmed a transfer to Ole Miss baseball. Health & Community: Mississippi Gulf Coast officials and partners are accepting flood supplies at the National Guard Armory at the State Fairgrounds in Jackson, as residents clean up and seek help. Medicaid Spending Watch: New local Medicaid billing figures show rising claims in several Mississippi communities, including Procedures/Professional Services and Temporary Codes categories. Culture: Morgan Freeman announced a new blues album tied to Black music history, with a Juneteenth first single.

Senatobia Police Shooting: A baby’s death after a Walmart shoplifting call has sparked fresh anger in Senatobia, with the mayor urging peace while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and police still face questions about what happened and why. Juneteenth in Mississippi: Jackson’s Mississippi Civil Rights Museum held its Juneteenth Jubilee with line dancing, singing, and history lessons, while other Delta communities marked the day with community gatherings and voter-registration “day of action” efforts. Storms and Flooding: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants kept South Mississippi in the headlines, with heavy rain, road closures, power outages, and rescues reported as officials monitored dams and warned residents to stay weather aware. State Services: Mississippi DPS says it found the cause of some driver’s licenses failing to scan and will offer free replacements starting June 23. Public Safety Court Case: Two people were charged in a Union County child abuse case involving allegations spanning 2014 to 2022. Sports: Mississippi athletes and alumni are set for action Sunday, June 21, including former high school standouts now playing in pro baseball.

Storm Aftermath & Dam Watch: Mississippi emergency officials say flooding from Tropical Storm Arthur is still affecting multiple counties, with one storm-related death reported in Franklin County; MEMA says swift-water rescue teams are deployed and the Anchor Lake dam in Pearl River County and Swan Lake dam in Harrison County are under close monitoring. Public Safety & Weather: Heat advisories are in effect across southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi as humid conditions push heat indexes above 105, with officials urging residents to avoid leaving people or pets in hot cars. Water Tech for Emergencies: The Mississippi Public Service Commission showcased atmospheric water generation, a system that turns humidity into clean drinking water, citing past deployments in Flint and Puerto Rico. Local Governance & Health Care: IHL unanimously approved UMMC to take control of Greenwood-Leflore Hospital starting August 1, but leaders warn Medicaid payment issues could still threaten the transition. Crime & Courts: Three people were arrested in a Claiborne County shooting that killed a 17-year-old, and multiple defendants received felony drug sentences in Prentiss County. Community & Culture: Meridian will hold its Juneteenth Heritage Festival as planned, and the “Caravan of Hope” documentary screening returns Sunday in Jackson.

Flood Crisis After Tropical Storm Arthur: Arthur’s “ghost” moisture is still driving a dangerous, weeklong flood threat across the Gulf Coast and parts of the South, with a Level 4 high-risk rainfall area covering parts of Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana into early Friday, and a Level 3 risk for much of the Gulf Coast through Friday into Saturday; Mississippi officials report evacuations near the Anchor Lake Dam and a county road crew worker was killed during storm cleanup in Franklin County. Local Weather Watch: Forecasters say the heaviest rain threat is easing in some areas, but more storms could return Friday and Saturday, keeping flash-flood risk on the radar for south Mississippi. Public Safety & Community Response: Emergency managers urged residents to secure homes and prepare for outages, while communities across the region carried out rescues and cleanup as floodwaters moved through. Mississippi Economy & Industry: Ocean Springs researchers will help lead a new $13.5 million national NOAA aquaculture effort to expand U.S. seafood production, with USM and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium selected for the five-year project. Politics: Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker joined GOP leaders criticizing Trump’s Iran agreement, calling the $300 billion reconstruction fund a major concession. Sports & Culture: Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons highlighted “progress through people” in a city council presentation, and Mississippi’s Juneteenth celebrations in Jackson went on despite rain.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Tropical Storm Arthur has weakened, but its remnants are still dumping heavy rain and keeping flash-flood risk high across southern Mississippi and the Gulf Coast, with tornado chances lingering into the weekend. Road Safety: MDOT is urging drivers to avoid travel when possible, never drive through flooded water, and not bypass barricades as roads and roadbeds can wash out. Health Alerts: MSDH says Vibrio risk rises in warm coastal waters and warns people with wounds to stay out of brackish/salt water; MSDH also closed several county health department locations due to flooding. Local Impact: A Monroe County crash killed one woman and injured three children after an SUV left Highway 25 and hit a tree. Community & Business: Oxford’s Pitch Competition handed out $24,000 to startups, including a food truck concept and a real-estate acquisition firm. Sports Spotlight: Ally Ewing of Tupelo finished 111th at the U.S. Women’s Open. Politics: Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker criticized Trump’s Iran ceasefire framework, especially the reported $300 billion reconstruction fund.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Arthur has weakened to a low-pressure area, but forecasters say its remnants will still bring days of heavy rain and life-threatening flash flooding across the Southeast, including Mississippi, with rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches and isolated higher amounts near 20 inches. Local Preparedness: In Mississippi, communities are setting up sandbag locations, clearing drainage, and preparing damage assessment teams as the storm’s outer bands push inland. Public Safety & Justice: In Senatobia, the mother of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, killed in a Walmart shooting during a shoplifting response, spoke out in a new video as protests continue and the store reopened. Legal & Policy: The Trump administration asked a federal court to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit over Elon Musk’s xAI data center power plant in North Mississippi, arguing national security and that the state handled permitting. Sports (Ole Miss): Several Ole Miss baseball players and signees were invited to the 2026 MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix ahead of the July draft. Mississippi Sports (MSU): Mississippi State baseball is actively rebuilding through the transfer portal for the 2027 season.

Tropical Storm Arthur: The first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season is here, and Mississippi’s main worry is water. Flood watches and warnings stretch across parts of the Gulf and Southeast, with heavy rain expected to push into coastal Mississippi and beyond, and officials urging people to stay off roads overnight and avoid high water. Senatobia police shooting: A Senatobia officer was placed on administrative leave after a shoplifting call ended with the death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley; protests erupted and tear gas was used as tensions flared at and near the Walmart. Local courts & elections: A judge is looking to the governor to set a Hinds County supervisor special election after invalidating results tied to the District Two seat. Public safety & justice: A Stone County man was sentenced for felony desertion for failing to pay about $38,545 in past-due child support. Economy & debt: WalletHub reports Mississippi has the highest debt delinquency rates in the U.S., with about 13.8% of loans and lines of credit delinquent in early 2026. STEM in the Delta: Sparklight awarded $2,500 for a Leland–Stoneville Rocketry Lab, aiming to bring hands-on engineering to students ages 8–15.

Senatobia Police Shooting: The family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, killed in an officer-involved Walmart shooting during a shoplifting call, has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump; the Senatobia officer is on administrative leave as protests erupted and tear gas was used. xAI Data Center Fight: The U.S. Justice Department urged a court to dismiss NAACP-led Clean Air Act claims tied to xAI’s Mississippi-linked data center, arguing shutting power for the project could threaten national security. Gulf Storm Watch: Potential Tropical Cyclone 1 has formed off Texas and is expected to bring life-threatening flooding risk to parts of Texas and Louisiana, with heavy rain spreading toward Mississippi. Flooding in Picayune: Picayune declared a state of emergency after torrential rain overwhelmed drainage, stranding drivers and prompting rescues. Local Business: Suncrete, a Tulsa-based concrete firm, bought Little Rock’s ABC Block Co., expanding its footprint across Arkansas and into Mississippi. Education/Testing: A new education scorecard argues learning declines built up over years, not just from COVID-era shutdowns.

Tropical Weather Watch: A Gulf disturbance is now Potential Tropical Cyclone One, with heavy rain and life-threatening flash flooding risks stretching from Texas into Louisiana and Mississippi, and possibly beyond toward Georgia. Public Safety Prep: Jackson County has opened self-fill sand and sandbag sites and is monitoring drainage and trouble spots as forecasts call for more rounds of downpours. Legal Fight Over AI: The U.S. Justice Department moved to block a lawsuit seeking to shut down a massive xAI-linked AI facility in Southaven, arguing the case should be stopped. Crime & Courts: A Jasper County man accused in a toddler abuse case turned himself in and was released on $125,000 bond. Police Shooting: In Senatobia, a shoplifting call ended with a 1-year-old boy fatally shot and another person injured after officers fired at a car. Health & Community: Mississippi’s Alzheimer’s awareness push got a governor’s proclamation for June, and Jackson will host a National EMS Memorial procession honoring fallen EMS workers. Sports: Brewers prospect Cooper Pratt made his MLB debut, and Mississippi State’s track season wrapped with major NCAA success.