AGP Executive Report

Heat & Fisheries: Minnesota DNR says prolonged hot water is stressing fish and driving a rise in fish-mortality reports, urging people to report dead fish and avoid actions that worsen conditions. Food Safety: A Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people and hospitalized 26 across 17 states; health officials warn some recalled cartons may still be in Mississippi fridges through Aug. 17. Energy & Water: FERC approved a 206-mile natural gas pipeline across Mississippi, despite objections from landowners, environmental groups, and the Choctaw Tribe over impacts to water, wildlife habitat, and air quality. Local Governance & Data Centers: Mississippi’s debate over data centers is heating up after Jackson paused development for six months and Gov. Tate Reeves criticized opponents, while residents and groups demand clearer answers on costs and pollution risks. Climate Outlook: Scientists warn this El Niño could be among the strongest on record, with knock-on effects for U.S. weather later this year. Agriculture: Mississippi watermelon growers faced major losses after heavy summer rains, highlighting how fast weather swings can reshape yields.

Mississippi Watermelons: MSU Extension held a 2026 Watermelon Field Day showing how varieties are performing in Mississippi’s summer weather. Growers said heavy rains hurt yields—some south Mississippi areas saw 30+ inches of rain and lost 60% to 90% of their crop. Gulf Coast Water Quality: MDEQ lifted water contact advisories for Gulfport East and Edgewater Beaches after bacteria levels hit acceptable ranges, though it still urges swimmers to avoid swimming during or within 24 hours of significant rainfall. Wildlife & Safety: A new national look at alligator attacks notes Mississippi is among states resurveying alligator populations, with wildlife officials warning that small alligator teams make tracking harder. Mississippi Delta Conservation: Bald eagle recovery is increasingly visible across the Mississippi Delta, with researchers pointing to strong rebounds since past declines. Land & Habitat Management: North Mississippi landowners can attend a prescribed burn meeting in Union County on Sept. 1 to learn safer, habitat-boosting fire practices. Public Health: CDC data show drug-resistant Candida auris screening cases reported in Mississippi and many other states, underscoring ongoing hospital infection-control concerns.

Hurricane Outlook: NOAA and Colorado State University are forecasting a below-average Atlantic hurricane season, with a strong El Niño expected to keep major landfall odds “well below-average.” Public Health: A CDC update shows Candida auris screenings reported in Mississippi and 22 other states, with the fungus labeled an urgent drug-resistant threat. Local Nature & Community: Gulfport’s Mississippi Aquarium is hosting “Toxic Beauty,” turning microplastics research into an exhibit about pollution’s human and environmental harm, while Magee joined the Mississippi Arboreta Trail with McNair Springs Arboretum. Wildlife Safety: A new report ranks cottonmouth snakes as Mississippi’s deadliest animal. Water Affordability: Mississippi regulators voted to shift from a federal water-assistance push toward a plan urging local help for families behind on bills. Climate Hazards: NOAA warns extreme heat and rapid-onset drought risk across the Gulf Coast and Deep South, including Mississippi. Food & Health Inspections: Panola County food facilities earned mostly A grades in July, according to the state’s inspection report.

Mississippi Water Affordability: The Mississippi Public Service Commission voted to shift from pushing for a permanent federal low-income water assistance program to urging churches, businesses, and neighbors to help families behind on bills, after commissioners debated how to tackle rising costs. Mississippi River Health: Sen. Tammy Baldwin reintroduced a federal Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative aimed at protecting the waterway from pollution, invasive species, and more extreme flood-and-drought swings. Wildlife in the Suburbs: Black bear sightings are increasing in parts of Mississippi, with officials asking residents to keep distance and avoid feeding. Water Pollution Watch: Iowa regulators are investigating a wastewater discharge bypass from Keokuk into the Mississippi River, with officials saying they’ve seen no observable impacts so far. Coastal/Port Resilience: Local port leaders met FEMA to discuss shared resiliency after major storms, focusing on typhoon preparation and recovery. AI + Environment Policy: SpaceXAI agreed with Mississippi DEQ to remove 69 unpermitted mobile turbines over the next 11 months, swapping to power from a new plant. Agriculture & Environment: Mississippi cotton growers launched a campaign promoting U.S. cotton and highlighting concerns tied to synthetic fabrics.

Wildlife Watch: Black bears have been spotted in Mississippi suburbs including Brandon, Clinton and Utica, with officials urging residents to keep distance, avoid feeding and report sightings. River Health: Sen. Tammy Baldwin reintroduced a Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative aimed at tackling pollution, invasive species and more extreme flooding and drought. Climate Outlook: NOAA says El Niño is strengthening and could bring a wetter, stormier fall and winter for the Gulf Coast and Southeast. Pollinator Push: Mississippi is joining the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on Aug. 21-22, inviting residents to count pollinators for 15 minutes to help track habitat and insect trends. Data Center Debate (MS): SpaceX/xAI agreed with Mississippi DEQ to remove 69 unpermitted mobile turbines over the next 11 months, swapping to power from a new 1.2 GW plant. Public Safety: Federal, state and local agencies arrested 61 people and rescued one child in Mississippi during “Operation Muddy Waters,” targeting online child exploitation and sex offender registry violations. Food Safety: FDA posted a Salmonella recall for Walmart’s BetterGoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold in 19 states, including Mississippi.

Air Quality & Enforcement: Environmental groups say an agreed order between SpaceXAI and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality lets the company keep “illegal air pollution” for another year, even as SpaceXAI moves to remove 69 temporary gas turbines at its Southhaven site. Energy Infrastructure: Federal regulators approved a $5.2B Mississippi-to-Georgia natural gas pipeline expansion, clearing construction steps after environmental conditions are met. Wildlife & Community Access: A Mississippi nonprofit is expanding alligator hunts for children with disabilities, bringing a record 44 young participants into the guided outdoor tradition. Food Safety: Walmart-linked nut butter recalls expanded after salmonella was found in jars distributed to 19 states, including Mississippi. Public Safety: Mississippi wrapped up “Operation Muddy Waters,” arresting 61 people in a crackdown on online child exploitation. Water & Climate Watch: NOAA forecasts a potential “super El Niño,” with Gulf Coast states among those likely to see intense weather this winter. Education & Conservation: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science says goodbye to Elvis, a speckled kingsnake ambassador retiring after nearly two decades.

Pipeline Fight in Federal Court: Southern environmental groups, including Alabama Rivers Alliance and Savannah Riverkeeper, sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over its “fast-track” Nationwide Permit 12 renewal, arguing it sidesteps required reviews for gas pipelines that would cross waterways from Mississippi through Alabama and Georgia. Water Safety Updates: FEMA released proposed new flood maps for parts of Lafayette County, shifting flood-risk boundaries for hundreds of parcels and setting up an appeal process before the maps become official. Mississippi Misinformation Warning: Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell warned the public that a fake toxicology report tied to Nolan Wells is circulating online and is fraudulent. Wildlife & Habitat News: Researchers say a restoration effort at Loch Leven in Wilkinson County found an alligator gar baby fish, a sign floodplain reconnection may be working. Local Nature Education: The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science says Elvis the speckled kingsnake is retiring after nearly two decades as an animal ambassador.

SpaceXAI Turbines Timeline: Mississippi regulators reached an agreement with SpaceXAI to remove 69 unpermitted mobile gas turbines at its Southaven site, with removal starting as early as August and the last units not fully gone until July 2027—extending operation beyond the Dec. 31, 2026 deadline. Beach Health Alerts: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued beach water contact advisories for Gulfport East, Edgewater, and Biloxi East Central beaches in Harrison County, warning of higher illness risk and reminding swimmers not to swim during or within 24 hours of significant rainfall. River Wildlife Spotlight: A record-setting American alligator—13 feet, 727 pounds—was caught from the Mississippi River system, highlighting how wetlands and backwaters can support huge apex predators. Coastal Restoration via Recycling: New Orleans collected 9,000 discarded Christmas trees and airlifted them into coastal wetlands, helping restore marshland and slow land loss. Heat & Water Safety: Southeast Louisiana faced an Impact Day for isolated street flooding from storms, while Mississippi also saw reports of heightened fish mortality during extreme heat.

SpaceXAI Turbines: Mississippi regulators have agreed to a schedule for removing 69 temporary gas turbines at the Colossus AI data center site in Southaven, with removal starting as early as August and finishing by July 2027 after months of pollution and permitting complaints. Coastal Water Safety: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued beach water contact advisories for Gulfport East, Edgewater, and Biloxi East Central beaches, warning of higher illness risk after bacteria levels rose; advisories lift when samples improve. Mississippi River Wildlife: A record-breaking alligator—13 feet long and 727 pounds—was caught on the Mississippi River, highlighting how the river’s wetlands can still support huge apex predators. Mississippi Sound Policy: Federal and local leaders met in Biloxi to discuss the future of the Mississippi Sound, including impacts from the Bonnet Carré Spillway and permitting reforms. Heat & Wildlife Care: The Mississippi Aquarium is using chillers, shaded habitats, ice treats, and sprinklers to help animals cope with summer heat. Invasive Fish Threat: New reporting revisits how invasive carp escaped into the Mississippi River basin and spread, threatening native fish and river ecosystems.

Water Safety Updates: MDEQ issued beach water contact advisories for Gulfport East, Edgewater, and Biloxi East Central beaches in Harrison County, warning of higher illness risk while samples are pending, with guidance to avoid swimming during or within 24 hours of significant rainfall. AI Power & Air Concerns: SpaceXAI agreed with MDEQ on a timeline to remove all 69 temporary gas turbines at its Southaven site, starting as early as August, with completion by July 2027 as the company transitions to a 1.2-gigawatt permanent power plant; the deal follows legal pressure from the NAACP and environmental advocates. Heat Impacts: Mississippi Aquarium staff are using chillers, temperature-controlled habitats, ice treats, sprinklers, and shaded retreats to protect animals during summer heat. Coastal Planning: A federal water resources roundtable in Biloxi focused on the future of the Mississippi Sound, including permitting reform and the lasting effects of Bonnet Carré Spillway openings. Wildlife & Habitat: A Mississippi National Guard archaeological dig at Camp Shelby is uncovering artifacts from a WWI-era hospital garbage dump, adding to the site’s history. Local Environment Reminder: A three-legged dog was rescued after falling into a 20-foot sinkhole near Southaven, highlighting how open ground hazards can threaten pets and people.

SpaceXAI Turbines: SpaceXAI agreed with Mississippi DEQ to remove all 69 temporary gas turbines at its Southaven power site by July 2027, with removal starting as early as August and replaced by a 1.2-gigawatt permanent plant under a Clean Air Act permit. Beach Water Safety: MDEQ issued beach water contact advisories for Gulfport East, Edgewater, and Biloxi East Central beaches, warning of higher illness risk until bacteria levels test safe; swimming is also discouraged within 24 hours of significant rainfall. Mississippi Sound Protection: A federal-state-local roundtable in Biloxi focused on protecting the Mississippi Sound and discussed the Bonnet Carré Spillway’s impacts, plus permitting reform and future water resources. Tree Canopy Recovery: TVA donated $50,000 to Ole Miss to restore campus tree canopy after winter storm “Fern” knocked out about 11% overall. Heat & Wildlife: The Mississippi Aquarium is using ice, chillers, sprinklers, and shaded retreats to help animals cope with summer heat. Invasive Fish Threat: A new look at invasive carp traces how escaped Asian carp spread from the Mississippi River system and now threaten native fish and ecosystems far beyond Mississippi.

Mississippi Sound Protection: Federal and local leaders met in Biloxi for a Water Resources Roundtable on the future of the Mississippi Sound, with the Bonnet Carré Spillway and permitting reform taking center stage. Coastal Water Safety: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued beach water contact advisories for Gulfport East, Edgewater, and Biloxi East Central beaches—swimming isn’t banned, but illness risk may be higher, especially after significant rainfall. Heat and Wildlife Impacts: The Mississippi Aquarium is using ice treats, shaded retreats, and temperature-controlled habitats to help animals cope with summer heat. Air Quality Fight at Southaven: SpaceXAI agreed to a timeline to remove 69 temporary gas turbines powering its Southaven data center—starting as early as August 2026 and finishing by July 2027—while transitioning to a permanent 1.2 GW plant under a Clean Air Act permit. Campus Tree Recovery: TVA is donating $50,000 to help Ole Miss restore trees damaged by a winter storm, including work in the Grove and Circle. Archaeology at Camp Shelby: A new dig is examining a WWI-era hospital garbage dump at Camp Shelby, with hundreds of artifacts already found.

Mississippi River & Water Quality: A Mississippi River restoration proposal is back in the news, with lawmakers and advocates pushing for renewed action to protect the river system. Air Pollution & Data Centers: SpaceXAI says it will remove all 69 temporary gas turbines powering its xAI “Colossus” data center near Memphis/Southaven, starting as early as August 2026 and finishing by July 2027, under an agreement with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality; the company says the turbines will be fitted with pollution controls and replaced by a permanent 1.2 gigawatt power plant, while residents and groups including the NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center continue to challenge the impacts. Public Health (Heat & Water): Health officials warn that flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus infections are rising in warm coastal waters; this year includes reported cases in Mississippi and other states, underscoring how extreme heat can raise risk. Wildlife & Habitat: A bald eagle injured in March near the Mississippi River Road area was rehabilitated and released back to the wild after months of care. Agriculture & Invasive Threats: Mississippi animal health officials urge pet owners to watch for New World Screwworm, a blowfly threat that can attack dogs and cats if exposed. Policy & Food Systems: A new report flags how extreme heat and El Niño conditions could slash rice yields in the Mississippi Delta, threatening one of the region’s key crops.

Southaven Air Quality & Energy Transition: SpaceXAI says it will start removing 69 temporary mobile turbines at its Southaven facility in August 2026 and finish by July 2027, replacing them with a permanent 1.2-gigawatt power plant under its Clean Air Act permit; the company also plans added pollution-control tech and noise-reduction steps. Mississippi River Protection: Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative is back before Congress again, aiming to fund long-term work against pollution, invasive species, and more extreme flooding and drought. Coastal Water Safety: MDEQ issued beach water contact advisories for Pass Christian Central, Long Beach, and Gulfport West beaches, warning of higher illness risk while samples are monitored; swimming is not closed, but officials urge avoiding water contact after significant rainfall. Public Health—Mosquitoes: Mississippi’s mosquito season is peaking, with the state reporting five West Nile virus cases so far this summer and health officials urging bite prevention. Mississippi Sound Threat: A coalition warned the Mississippi Sound could become “a dead sea within a generation” if Bonnet Carré Spillway openings continue, citing harmful algae blooms and dead zones. Weather Watch: NOAA says El Niño is strengthening and could become a very strong event this winter, with potential impacts for Mississippi and beyond.

Public Health: Mississippi’s mosquito season is in full swing, with the Mississippi Department of Health reporting five West Nile virus cases so far this summer and officials urging extra bite-prevention steps, especially for people with health risks. Water Quality: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued beach water contact advisories (not closures) for Pass Christian Central, Long Beach, and Gulfport West, warning swimmers to avoid contact during/within 24 hours of significant rainfall. Coastal & River Impacts: The Mississippi Sound Coalition warned that the Sound could become “a dead sea within a generation” if spillway openings continue, citing harmful algae blooms and dead zones tied to polluted freshwater. Legislation: Sen. Tammy Baldwin reintroduced a Mississippi River restoration and resilience bill modeled on the Great Lakes program, aiming to tackle pollution, invasive species, and flood-and-drought swings. Wildlife & Habitat: A Pennsylvania push for wildlife corridors highlights how safer crossings can reduce animal-vehicle collisions as roads fragment habitat. Outdoor Safety: Officials responded to a Warren County jet ski crash involving five people, reminding water users to wear life jackets and operate responsibly.

Climate Housing Risk: A new Realtor.com report says about 23% of U.S. homes face severe or extreme wind, flood or wildfire risk, worth $11.2 trillion—yet buyer demand stays strong, even as costs rise and flood insurance enrollment falls. Wildlife & Habitat: Ducks Unlimited honored Arkansas volunteer Steve Cook with a major wetlands conservation project in Canada, highlighting how habitat work supports migrating waterfowl. Coastal Wildlife Care: After Tropical Storm Bertha delayed plans, four sea turtles were released back into the Gulf following treatment at the Mississippi Aquarium. Mississippi Coast Volunteers: A Massachusetts mission group is spending the week on the Coast building ramps and expanding wildlife rehab enclosures at Woodside Wildlife Rescue. Local Wildlife Safety: Mississippi wildlife officials say a black bear sighting near Rankin County’s Ross Barnett Reservoir isn’t an immediate threat, urging residents to remove attractants and keep distance. Waterway Safety: Warren County fire officials responded to a jet ski crash involving five people; two adults were taken to hospitals and juveniles were released. Research Spotlight: MSU researchers are studying shark growth in coastal waters to support fisheries management and safer harvest limits. Public Health/Environment Scrutiny: U.S. House Democrats pressed Elon Musk/xAI for emissions, permitting and water-use details tied to data centers in Tennessee and Mississippi.