AGP Executive Report

Coastal Restoration in New Orleans: Researchers and recycling partners are crushing discarded glass into sand and mixing it with Mississippi River sediment to build experimental islands meant to help shrinking wetlands and create new habitat for plants and wildlife. Mississippi Training & Industry: Ingalls Shipbuilding’s virtual reality welding lab in Pascagoula has topped 1,000 trainees since opening in January 2025, using immersive simulations to improve welding skills before certification. Wildlife & Habitat Watch: A Mississippi wildlife rescue is running a “raccoon boot camp” to teach abandoned kits survival skills before release. Water, Nature-Based Solutions: A new Walton Family Foundation push highlights nature-based solutions—like wetlands and working landscapes—to cut flood risk and protect water while supporting local economies, including work tied to the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Road Safety Push: MDOT is joining National Roundabouts Week, pointing to data that roundabouts can sharply reduce severe crashes.

Wildlife & Public Health: Woodside Wildlife Rescue in Pass Christian is running a “raccoon boot camp,” raising dozens of abandoned baby kits and teaching them survival skills after storms and accidents separate them from mothers. Flood Risk & Insurance: FEMA’s new flood maps are pushing thousands more Mississippi-area homeowners into high-risk flood zones, triggering flood-insurance requirements within 45 days and raising concerns for families already stretched by rising costs. Pollution Standards: The EPA is rolling back parts of carbon pollution rules for power plants, a move critics say will worsen air quality—especially along the Mississippi River corridor often dubbed “Cancer Alley.” Water Infrastructure: The House approved the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, aiming to speed Army Corps projects tied to ports, inland waterways, and flood and storm risk management. Deer Disease Watch: Mississippi wildlife officials are urging hunters to get deer tested for chronic wasting disease, with tissue samples collected by participating taxidermists at no charge. Local Cleanup: Volunteers in Morgantown tackled trash at Red Bluff, a 150-foot-deep Pearl River “Little Grand Canyon,” removing about 800 pounds of litter to protect wildlife habitat.

Wildlife & Fisheries: Louisiana volunteers released more than 50,000 hatchery-raised red drum into Calcasieu Lake as part of a new restocking effort, with fish genetically marked before release. Public Health & Wildlife Management: Mississippi wildlife officials are asking hunters to test deer for chronic wasting disease, with participating taxidermists collecting tissue samples for free; the agency says CWD is always fatal in deer and urges people not to eat infected meat. Community Cleanup: In Morgantown, dozens of volunteers helped clean up Red Bluff, a 150-foot-deep Pearl River geological site, pulling about 800 pounds of trash and debris to protect wildlife habitat. Weather & Disaster Readiness: The U.S. Hurricane Hunters flew into Tropical Storm Lala from Biloxi to collect storm data, part of the ongoing work that supports better forecasts. Local Safety: Rankin County authorities are investigating a fatal two-boat collision on Ross Barnett Reservoir.

Space & Energy Deal: SpaceX is pushing a massive Star Base Louisiana near Abbeville, with plans for frequent rocket launches and satellite-linked expansion—an effort tied to big investment claims and secrecy agreements. Public Health: California health officials warned about a measles case tied to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles by train, urging vaccination. Mississippi River & Wetlands: The National Geographic Society is funding wetland research, including Mississippi River watershed work on pollution recovery, fertilizer runoff, and impacts on migrating ducks. Local Environment Cleanup: Volunteers in Morgantown, Mississippi’s “Little Grand Canyon” area, hauled away about 800 pounds of trash at Red Bluff to protect wildlife habitat. Wildlife & Conservation: Hattiesburg Zoo welcomed a new Malayan tiger, part of a species survival plan, while officials also confirmed a mountain lion in southern Illinois. Waste Diversion in Mississippi: Nissan’s first Recycling Roundup in Canton offers free disposal for household items and a prescription drug take-back. Health Recall: The FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination.

Hurricane Recon in Mississippi: Lockheed Martin WC-130J “Hurricane Hunters” crews based at Keesler flew from Biloxi to intercept Tropical Storm Lala in the Central Pacific, using dropsondes to feed storm forecasts. Wetlands Research Funding: The National Geographic Society’s Blue Boundaries program is funding eight wetland projects, including work in the Mississippi River watershed on runoff, fertilizer impacts, and wildlife health. Energy Policy Watch: The U.S. hosted the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, where EPA leadership announced repeal of 2024 greenhouse gas requirements for power plants. Renewables in the Region: A Mississippi-area tie-in shows up in Winona, Minnesota, where a museum rooftop solar array will cut electricity costs by about $33,000 a year. Wildlife & Habitat: Mississippi hunters get a reminder that hunter education is required for new license buyers, and a separate wildlife note highlights conservation-minded rules around protected animals. Public Health Alert: FDA issued a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination.

Wetlands Funding: The National Geographic Society’s Blue Boundaries program is backing eight wetland projects across the Mississippi River watershed and beyond, including work on water quality, wildlife health, pollution impacts, and climate-linked changes. Public Health & Water: A new Tulane study links sleeping in near-total darkness with heart benefits, while higher nighttime light exposure is tied to early signs of heart strain—another reminder that “environment” includes everyday light. Recycling in Mississippi: Nissan’s first Recycling Roundup in Canton offers free disposal for residents this Saturday, with electronics, tires, batteries, and more accepted, plus a prescription drug take-back. Wildlife & Habitat: Mississippi’s MDWFP is marking National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 26, spotlighting conservation funding from hunters and anglers. Water Cycle Stress: A World Meteorological Organization report says 2025 was among the driest years for rivers worldwide in more than three decades, with global water storage well below normal.

Public Safety: Lauderdale County deputies completed quarterly firearms and annual taser training at the Meridian Lauderdale County Public Safety Training Facility, with scenarios focused on de-escalation, safety for bystanders, and proper taser use. River Restoration: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a draft plan for Pool 18 Forestry Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement, targeting floodplain forests and wetlands along the Upper Mississippi River with fixes aimed at prolonged flooding, invasive species, and understory dieback. Wildlife Research: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science researchers and partners captured 255 bats across 39 sites in 10 south Mississippi counties during Bat Blitz surveys. Public Health: Mississippi issued a Vibrio vulnificus advisory after cases were reported earlier this year, as Gulf Coast states continue tracking the warm-water bacteria. Local Industry: Industrial Timber is expanding in Ripley with a $2.6 million investment, new space, and added machinery to support bed slat production. Water Infrastructure Finance: A new analysis compares Drinking Water State Revolving Fund rates across Southern states, noting Mississippi’s low standard rate and lack of discount tiers.

Levee Resilience in New Orleans: A long-discussed $3 million, three-year study cleared a near-final hurdle to evaluate upgrades to the regional levee system and reduce flood risk during a “200-year storm,” as Louisiana marsh loss continues to weaken natural storm surge protection. Mississippi Forests: Gov. Tate Reeves signed a shared stewardship agreement to coordinate with federal partners on forest health work like prescribed fire, invasive species control, wildlife habitat improvements, and wildfire risk reduction. Flooding, Money, and Fairness in Jackson: The Jackson NAACP’s Environmental & Climate Justice committee is hosting a community workshop on how flooding and drainage issues affect household finances, insurance, property values, and housing stability. Wetlands Conservation Funding: The National Geographic Society launched its Blue Boundaries program with inaugural grants that include projects in the Mississippi River watershed. Disaster Relief Appeals: A bipartisan bill advanced in committee that would extend FEMA disaster appeal deadlines from 60 to 90 days for survivors and government applicants. Heat Stress Watch: A Mississippi report highlights ongoing heat risks into September and how emergency crews are adjusting to protect workers outdoors. Riverfront Park Planning: Jackson is moving toward a new “front porch” Riverfront Park on a former landfill site along the Pearl River, with fundraising and permitting still ahead.

Heat & Worker Safety: Mississippi workers are still facing dangerous heat into September, with emergency dispatch calls rising and crews relying on ice coolers and frequent breaks to avoid heat stress. Flooding, Housing & Climate Justice: The Jackson NAACP is hosting a community workshop on how flooding and drainage problems hit household finances, property values, insurance costs, and neighborhood stability. Data Centers & Water Concerns: A private deal tied to Amazon’s Ridgeland water use is raising alarms about how much water could be withdrawn and whether residents have enough safeguards or transparency. Coastal Resilience Education: USM’s Coastal Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Scholarship got a five-year extension through 2031, supporting students working on ocean science and the Gulf “blue economy.” Wildlife Watch: Black bear sightings are increasing in parts of the U.S., with drought pushing bears closer to people. NOAA Research Funding: Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker and others introduced a bill to codify NOAA’s Cooperative Institutes, aiming to protect the network of university research partnerships. Public Health Recalls: FDA classified a hand soap recall in 15 states as Class II due to possible bacterial contamination, including products shipped to Mississippi. Community Engagement on Public Input: A Mississippi county debate over whether a public hearing was required is sparking questions about when residents should be able to influence major local decisions.

Mississippi River & Water Security: Mayors from 10 states along the Mississippi River met in Natchez to focus on protecting water supplies and planning for the growing AI buildout, including the grid and freshwater demands that come with data centers. Coastal Resilience: Mississippi State University and The Nature Conservancy installed four 100-foot breakwaters offshore from Hiller Park to slow shoreline erosion along the Back Bay, aiming to protect both property and habitat. Clean Water Court Fight: A federal analysis says the Trump administration has cut or frozen up to $177 billion in grants nationwide, with environmental programs among the biggest categories affected. Local Environment Watch: Mississippi’s Commission on Environmental Quality and Southaven’s gas-fired turbine operator reached an agreed order after enforcement action. Wildlife & Land: Mississippi’s AGFC announced a new wildlife management area named for a late director, expanding hunting and conservation opportunities. Public Health Recall: FDA issued a Class II recall for Laura Lynn hand soap sold at Ingles stores across 15 states, including North Carolina.

Mississippi River Water + AI Buildout: Mayors from 10 river states met in Natchez to coordinate on preserving Mississippi River water supplies while planning for AI-driven data center growth, warning that drought and hotter periods are tightening water security. Data Center Community Pushback: A Brookings panel highlighted that many Americans resist data centers unless developers hold more open conversations about why they’re building and who benefits, with concerns tied to energy and affordability. Clean Water Protections Rollback: A new federal proposal would narrow Clean Water Act coverage to wetlands that flow year-round, potentially leaving more intermittent streams and wetlands unprotected from pollution. Mississippi Air Rule Enforcement: Mississippi Commission of Environmental Quality and Southaven’s gas-fired turbine operator reached an agreed order over air enforcement issues tied to emissions controls. NOAA Gulf Research Funding: NOAA selected Mississippi State to host a Northern Gulf research institute with up to $100 million in funding. Public Health Recall: FDA classified a hand soap recall as Class II after possible bacterial contamination, with products distributed across 15 states including Mississippi. Local Conservation: Arkansas named a new WMA—Pat Fitts Oakwood—after a land trade that opens hunting access to a 2,206-acre area. Agriculture + Runoff Watch: A study links Mississippi fertilizer runoff to Gulf coral decline, adding pressure for better nutrient management.

Wetlands Restoration: New Orleans is turning more than 12 million pounds of discarded glass into sand for coastal rebuilding, a Tulane student-led effort that’s scaling up recycling into restoration material. Data Centers & Water Concerns: Mississippi supervisors are getting a crash course on data centers as the industry expands, while Starkville rejected a crypto-mining proposal after residents raised transparency and water-use worries. Local Governance: A Santa Cruz County plan to let voters weigh in on AI data centers was rejected as “too early” for sweeping rules. Marine Habitat Protection: Rep. Mike Ezell’s Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act advanced in committee to formalize “rigs to reefs” conversions with safety and environmental safeguards. Pollution Cleanup: Mississippi County crews hauled away 1,246 improperly discarded tires to reduce mosquito breeding and fire risks. Climate & Health: A heat dome is driving record warmth across parts of the South and Midwest, adding to concerns about extreme weather impacts. Wildlife & Land: MSU urged farmers to scout for a new invasive pasture mealybug, and a Deer Creek Arboretum at Stoneville was dedicated as a certified Mississippi arboretum.

Mississippi Data Centers: County supervisors met in Jackson to learn what’s coming as data center proposals move into more communities, weighing promised jobs and tax revenue against worries about noise, pollution, heavy water use, and power costs. Gulf Water Quality: A new study links Mississippi fertilizer runoff to declining Gulf coral health, adding fuel to the push for better nutrient controls. Invasive Pest Watch: Mississippi State University urged farmers to scout for the invasive pasture mealybug, warning that early detection is key to protecting pastures and hay fields. Delta Arboretum Dedication: Stoneville’s Deer Creek Arboretum is set to be dedicated as a certified Mississippi arboretum, spotlighting native trees and conservation education. Water Safety Debate: A court ruling and related coverage renewed attention on whether residents have a constitutional right to safe drinking water—an issue that hits places like Jackson hardest. Energy Infrastructure: Federal regulators approved major natural gas pipeline expansions in Mississippi and Louisiana, boosting delivery capacity for utilities and industrial demand. Wildlife & Outdoors: Hunting and outdoor updates included guidance for waterfowl seasons and local wildlife-area features, keeping Mississippi readers plugged into seasonal nature news.

Mississippi Gulf reef study: New research links nutrient runoff from the Mississippi River basin to coral decline at the Flower Garden Banks, showing nitrogen from the basin rising sharply in recent decades and lining up with marine heat, bleaching, and disease. Clean-water court fight: A federal appeals ruling says the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to clean drinking water in a Jackson, Mississippi case tied to lead-contaminated supplies. Chronic wasting disease push: Mississippi wildlife officials ask hunters to submit deer heads for CWD testing, warning against eating meat from infected deer and noting hundreds of cases since 2018. Recycling reminder: A Mississippi-focused piece argues recycling matters because the state’s residential recycling rate is below 10% and most trash still ends up in landfills. Local health funding: Gov. Tate Reeves announced Rural Health Transformation Program awards totaling more than $104 million to modernize rural care. Mississippi River research boost: NOAA selected Mississippi State to host a new Northern Gulf research institute with up to $100 million in funding. Mississippi River basin planning: The state released a draft performance report for housing and community development programs, seeking public input.

Mississippi Water & Health: Gov. Tate Reeves announced 167 awards totaling $104.1 million through the Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to modernize rural care and expand services closer to home. Clean Water Court Fight: A federal appeals ruling says the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to safe drinking water, with Mississippi residents challenging the decision. NOAA & Research Funding: NOAA selected Mississippi State University to host a new Northern Gulf research institute, with up to $100 million in funding to support Gulf science. Wildlife & Habitat: Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport announced mermaid-themed events and dive performances for two weekends, pairing family fun with ocean education. Public Health Reminder: A hand soap recall tied to bacterial contamination risk includes Mississippi among affected states. Local Environment Culture: A Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge butterfly garden update highlights pollinator-friendly annuals for the Delta, including monarch-attracting flowers. Industry & Jobs: General Atomics plans an $87 million expansion in Shannon, Mississippi, building a new facility and creating 125 jobs.

Clean Water Court Fight: A federal appeals court ruled residents in Jackson, Mississippi can’t pursue constitutional claims over lead-contaminated drinking water, saying the Constitution doesn’t guarantee clean water—shifting people toward tort and political remedies. Water Safety Updates: Lake Helen, Florida issued a mandatory boil-water notice after E. coli was found in a well sample, with additional testing underway. Mississippi Water Costs: Reports say Jackson residents could face another 10% water-rate hike in 2027. Oil & Land Use: Southern Energy Corp. released its rig after drilling and casing a Cotton Valley vertical well in Williamsburg, Mississippi, with completion and testing next. Mississippi River & Gulf Impacts: A Mississippi State NOAA Northern Gulf research institute was selected, and separate reporting flags how fertilizers are impacting Gulf coral reefs. Wildlife & Health: Mississippi’s wildlife agency secured $3 million for lake dam repairs, while a high school player in Mississippi was hospitalized after accidental exposure to the highly toxic herbicide paraquat. Community Action: Rotary clubs in Jackson County are partnering to build 50 beds for children through Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Climate & Weather: El Niño-linked maps suggest Mississippi and much of the Southeast have little to no chance of a white Christmas this year.