AGP Executive Report

Mississippi Voter Prep: Yalobusha County residents have until Oct. 5 to register for the Nov. 3 election, with Circuit Clerk offices open Oct. 3 (8 a.m.-noon) and absentee voting already underway for those who qualify. Community Remembrance: Grand Rapids hosts an Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. at Angel of Hope Memorial Park, welcoming families of all faiths to honor children lost. Workforce Boost: AccelerateMS is pushing an earlier start for workforce development, expanding career-coach support in public high schools statewide. Youth Science in Mississippi: A free online program, “What’s in YOUR Tap Water?”, lets middle schoolers test their own tap water and map local results through a privacy-protected heat map. Culture & Food: Biloxi native Lucas McKinney (Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition) landed on Food & Wine’s 2026 Best New Chefs list, spotlighting Gulf Coast flavors. Campus Politics: A far-right critic, James Fishback, drew attention at Ole Miss with remarks that tied abortion to the Holocaust and urged decoupling from Israel.

Immigration & Public Safety: An American fugitive wanted in Mississippi for sexual battery involving an incapacitated person was arrested in Cebu, Philippines, and is set for deportation after U.S. authorities requested action. Local Law & Justice: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch says a white officer in the 2022 killing of Black motorist Jaylen Lewis won’t be retried after jurors deadlocked on manslaughter; the case has fueled calls for policing reforms in Jackson. Civic Life & Education: The League of Women Voters of Jackson Area appointed Felicia Kelly-Brookins as Local Membership Director, launching “Cinnamon Rolls & Civics” at Tougaloo College to boost student civic engagement. Workforce & Community: Stone County Economic Development Partnership named 2026 award winners, spotlighting local leadership, arts, education initiatives, and business impact. Health & School Attendance: Mississippi chronic absenteeism dipped to 26.5% in 2025-26, with 115,385 students missing 10%+ of instruction time. Tech & Cybersecurity: MSU and MGCCC hosted “Securing the Coast” to help small businesses strengthen cybersecurity for defense contracts. Sports & Culture: Mississippi State’s “SEC Nation” broadcast returns to Starkville ahead of the Bulldogs’ Oct. 3 matchup with Alabama, with gameday updates for fans. Outdoor & Family: DNR reminders highlight October hunting and trapping season openers and license/safety requirements. Community Spotlight: Peoples Bank promoted Tiffany Mangum to Senior Operations Officer, with church leadership and long-time service noted.

Immigration Enforcement: An American fugitive wanted in Mississippi for sexual battery involving an incapacitated person was arrested in Cebu, Philippines, and faces deportation after U.S. authorities requested action. Public Safety & Justice: A Mississippi grand jury declined to charge anyone in the death of Nolan Wells, keeping the family’s fight for answers alive after the July Fourth boat-trip case. Education & Community: Jackson State University’s new president, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, lays out her vision for stability and a major campus transformation as she confronts campus rumors. Local Culture: Ocean Springs is rolling out new Walter Anderson–inspired gateway sculptures to welcome visitors, with an Oct. 1 unveiling. Health & Environment: A new analysis flags atrazine contamination at harmful levels across hundreds of thousands of U.S. river miles, renewing debate over the widely used herbicide. Politics & Civic Life: Priscilla Williams Till, Emmett Till’s cousin, is set to announce her Mississippi governor bid, centering civil rights, health care access, and criminal justice reform. Sports & Entertainment: The Oxford Film Festival revealed its first four films, highlighting Mississippi-based filmmakers and community Q&As. Consumer Watch: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson urges eligible consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices.

Local Politics & Civil Rights: Priscilla Till, cousin of Emmett Till, announced her bid for Mississippi governor at Jackson State University, pitching civil rights protections, Medicaid/health access, worker rights, clean water, and a tougher stance on violence and incarceration. Education & Inclusion: Laurel’s Wonderfully Wired Institute for Learning is opening to serve students needing individualized support, including level three autism and sensory/learning disorders, with plans to expand therapy services. Infrastructure & Daily Life: Sen. Roger Wicker announced a $44M federal grant for DeSoto County road and traffic upgrades along I-55/I-69, adding lanes and improving key interchanges. Community Culture: Ocean Springs installed gateway sculptures inspired by Walter Anderson, with a public unveiling set for Oct. 1. Campus & Leadership: Ole Miss marked its August 2026 graduates, while Mississippi’s longest-serving chancellor, Vicki R. Barnes, died at 71. Family & Health: KVC Missouri is offering a free home-visiting program to help parents keep babies healthier and safer. Sports & Local Pride: Red Bay edged Belmont 22-20 in overtime for a rivalry milestone win. Fall Fun: Cruisin’ the Coast returns for its 30th anniversary Oct. 4–11 with events across South Mississippi.

Leadership & Education: Mississippi State appointed conservation scientist Kristine Evans interim director of its Geosystems Research Institute, with John Cartwright named interim associate director. Obituaries: Vicki R. Barnes, Mississippi’s longest-serving chancellor and a longtime legal leader, died at 71. Civic Life & Community: Southern Echo’s GOTV push for the 2026 midterms drew praise, with organizers urging voters to use the updated absentee timeline through Oct. 31. Public Health & Safety: A federal appeals court ruled Jackson residents don’t have a constitutional right to truthful information about lead in drinking water, a blow to a case tied to children’s exposure. Education Policy: Ohio earned an “F” on sex education from a national group, and Mississippi was listed among states receiving failing marks. Culture & Travel: Visit Mississippi unveiled its 2027 Rose Parade float celebrating food, music, culture, and hospitality. Sports & Local Pride: Mississippi State improved to 4-0 after beating Missouri, and the Bulldogs now turn to bigger SEC tests.

College Sports Policy: Alabama AG Steve Marshall helped lead a push for Congress to tighten the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, arguing states need clear authority to keep biological males out of women’s sports and protect athletes’ privacy and safety. Public Health & Courts: A federal appeals court ruled Jackson residents don’t have a constitutional right to lead-free water or “truthful information” from officials, even as the case centers on alleged lead exposure and city assurances. Trans Sports Debate: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls and women in women’s sports, and the fallout continues as states decide how participation rules will work. Mississippi Education & Community: Oxford School District students were named to the 2026-27 State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, and Mississippi is also set to return to the Rose Parade with a Visit Mississippi float celebrating the state’s food, music, culture and hospitality. Local Life & Learning: Western Nevada College received a national community engagement award, while Mississippi community colleges reported hundreds of degrees and certificates across multiple counties in 2023-24. Remembering Ole Miss: Funeral arrangements were announced for Ole Miss student Aidan Hamilton, with toxicology still pending and kratom found in both related investigations. Culture Calendar: Mississippi Book Festival drew thousands to Jackson, and Mississippi’s literary scene keeps rolling with more author events and community reading.

Mississippi Book Festival: Thousands packed the Capitol in Jackson for the 11th annual Mississippi Book Festival, with kids like 9-year-old Jubilee JiBol lining up to meet authors and celebrate the state’s reading culture. Community & culture in Mississippi: WellsFest returned for its 42nd year in Jackson, raising money for Shower Power, while East Biloxi’s Resilient East Biloxi Community Festival brought neighbors together with art, resources, and storytelling. Rural health access: Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Program is rolling out grants for telehealth expansion and upgraded data systems to better serve rural students and families. Local arts spotlight: Oxford’s Southside Gallery keeps the region’s creative scene moving with rotating exhibits and public receptions. Public safety watch: Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill is warning residents about kratom after investigations into two Ole Miss student deaths, calling it “rolling the dice on death.” Music & faith events: “Dreams on Golden Strings” brings free heavenly harp music to Mobile on Oct. 4.

Education Access: Mississippi LIFT is sending four mobile units across rural communities, bringing free toys, books, and learning materials directly to families—recent stops included Leakesville and Pascagoula. Arts & Community History: An artist talk at Chandler Hall spotlighted rural Jewish communities across the South, including an abandoned Jewish cemetery near Osyka, Mississippi. Local Culture & Learning: The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library wraps up its America 250 celebration with a free presentation on Lydia Maria Child’s correspondence tied to slavery-era politics. Public Safety & Health: Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill is warning residents that kratom is “rolling the dice on death” after investigations into two Ole Miss student deaths. Sports & Policy: AG Lynn Fitch helped lead a push for stronger women’s sports protections in the Protect College Sports Act. Remembering: Mendenhall resident Mike Peacock, 65, was remembered for a life centered on family, fishing, and deer hunting.

Local Sports & Community: Starkville Community Market hit a new high in 2026, welcoming 20,000 customers and breaking its annual attendance record, with the season running through Oct. 31. Education & Health: Bevill State vice president Dr. Russell Howton is retiring after 26 years, while Louisiana gets a behavioral health boost as Tulane Ventures backs Cabana with $250,000. Culture & Learning: Columbus-Lowndes Public Library wraps its America 250 celebration with a free talk on Lydia Maria Child’s correspondence tied to the slavery debate. Faith & Lifestyle: Sisters of Charity Nazareth honored Sister Luke Boiarski at its Celebrate the Journey event for years of lay mission leadership. Mississippi Arts & Outdoors: “Everyday Clay” spotlights Mississippi author Larry Brown’s son, Shane Brown, and his debut book “A Place Called Tula,” and a garden column argues for leaving “dead stuff” to support wildlife. Public Safety & Wellness: Virginia Tech is intensifying drug-safety messaging after two UM student deaths, with kratom found at both scenes. Tech & Local Business: Yellow Rabbit held an AI Summit to help schools and businesses talk through AI risks and accountability.

Mississippi Book Festival: National celebrities including Kate McKinnon, Tisha Campbell and Rick Ross are set to spotlight the annual Mississippi Book Festival at the State Capitol, bringing thousands of readers to the Literary Lawn Party. Education & community: Mississippi State College of Education staff members recently graduated from the College Business Management Institute, a national program focused on higher-ed business leadership. Public works: Jackson County has begun construction on a new I-10 Welcome Center, a $35.2 million project with expanded truck parking, accessibility upgrades and modernized security. Campus safety & health: After two University of Mississippi student deaths, Virginia Tech is intensifying wellness messaging, warning students to avoid pills that don’t belong to them as kratom was found at both scenes. Local justice: Two men were arrested in Oxford after police seized more than 500 units of kratom and other suspected narcotics from a vape and tobacco store; the case follows city rules banning kratom sales. Culture & faith: A new feminist book club is taking shape at Mississippi University for Women, led by a student in partnership with Friendly City Books. Sports & women’s athletics: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch joined a letter urging Congress not to strip privacy and safety protections for women student-athletes from the Protect College Sports Act.

Mental Health & Community Support: Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Xi Tau chapter at Surry Community College is hosting “Behind the Smile: Mental Health Awareness Fair” Sept. 30 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) with free resources, coping-skill activities, and a cardio drumming session. Education Access for Public Servants: Rep. Shomari Figures introduced the Public Service Educational Assistance Act to help educators, first responders, and social workers with 20 years of service pay for college or job training for their dependents. Local Science & Family Fun: USM invites Gulf Coast families to the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory open house Saturday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) with hands-on marine science, animal exhibits, and Davis Bayou boat rides. Health & Recovery Efforts: Back Bay Mission joined Mississippi’s “Save a Life” overdose-prevention push, sharing Narcan and training to help people recognize overdoses. Higher Ed Spotlight: William Carey University is climbing in national and state rankings, including top spots in Mississippi for education and Christian colleges. Arts & Identity: Out on Film’s LGBTQ+ movie festival continues through Oct. 4, with a lineup framed around survival and community. Public Safety Watch: Authorities and universities are urging caution around kratom after recent student deaths, while officials work to address misinformation.

Rural Health & Community Care: Gov. Sarah Sanders announced $54.6 million in new rural health transformation awards for Arkansas, including nutrition and prevention projects plus workforce-building grants—part of a broader push to strengthen care in smaller communities. Public Health & Faith in Action: Back Bay Mission in Biloxi hosted a “Save a Life” overdose prevention event with Narcan and training, emphasizing neighbor-to-neighbor support. College Mental Health: A new NCAA survey finds nearly 2 in 5 college athletes report suicidal thoughts, with most urging required mental health services and suicide prevention training. Kratom Safety Spotlight: UK police shared guidance after two University of Mississippi student deaths, warning about misinformation and noting packaged kratom was found in investigations while causes remain under review. Mississippi Senate Race: Absentee voting is underway as candidates trade plans on healthcare and the economy, including ACA coverage impacts and Medicaid funding concerns. Local Learning & Outdoors: MSU Delta Research and Extension Center dedicated the Deer Creek Arboretum, creating an outdoor classroom for education, research, and recreation. Election Watch: Mississippi voters are choosing among Senate candidates as Election Day nears.

University of Mississippi Student Deaths & Kratom Warning: Oxford authorities are investigating the deaths of two Ole Miss students found at separate locations, with packaged kratom recovered in both cases, but officials say they can’t confirm any link yet—still, they’re urging students to avoid kratom and other unprescribed substances. Civics in Mississippi Schools: Mississippi has passed a law requiring civics education and civil discourse in public schools starting in 2027-28, but a new survey suggests many students self-censor in class, making the “practice it, not just teach it” part the real challenge. Education & Community Updates: Hancock County School District added new air-conditioned buses (plus more on the way), while Holmes Community College announced its Homecoming 2026 schedule with alumni and career-focused events. Culture & Arts: Bradbury Art Museum in Arkansas State University received an NEA Big Read grant for a year of programs tied to Joy Harjo’s “An American Sunrise.” Local Lifestyle Spotlight: A Mississippi wildlife rescue is running “raccoon boot camp” to teach abandoned baby raccoons survival skills before release. Sports & Entertainment: Ole Miss faces Florida in the Swamp after a big LSU win, and a film review debate is swirling around “By Any Means,” which claims a Mississippi KKK-era story “based on true” events.

Ole Miss Student Deaths & Kratom Warning: Mississippi officials say two UM students died in separate incidents, with packaged kratom found at both scenes, but they haven’t confirmed the drug caused the deaths. Gov. Tate Reeves says state agencies are speeding toxicology and urges families to talk early about drug dangers. Community Safety & Public Health: A new push follows warnings about kratom and emerging synthetic opioids like cychlorphine, with officials stressing that unregulated products can be unpredictable. Local Journalism Boost: Jones College is using a $15,000 grant to expand free journalism classes for south Mississippi students, aiming to grow local news access and give more people a voice. Legal & Civil Rights After Expungement: A Jackson expungement clinic helped residents petition to clear records, including one case tied to restoring firearm rights. Small-Town Weekend Plans: Burnsville’s Waterway Festival returns Sept. 25-26, bringing crowds to the Tombigbee Waterway for music, food, and community fun. Politics Watch: Republicans are lining up for Mississippi’s 2027 governor race as Democrats weigh their next moves.

University of Mississippi: Police say packaged kratom was found in investigations into the deaths of two Ole Miss students—one on and one off campus—urging people to avoid kratom and any unprescribed substances while autopsies are scheduled. Public Safety: Covington County Hospital will hand out free naloxone boxes during “Save A Life Day” on Sept. 24, aiming to help reverse opioid overdoses. Civic Life & Education: Mississippi Supreme Court is being asked to reject Willie Jerome “Fly” Manning’s latest appeal tied to his 1994 capital murder conviction and claims about jury selection. Women’s Leadership: Mississippi University for Women’s Women’s Leadership Symposium pairs 40 MUW students with community and business leaders for mentorship and networking. Workforce & Local Business: Mississippi Business Alliance reports workforce availability is the top growth limiter for many employers after a statewide tour stop in Lowndes County. Health Equity: Aaron Perry’s “Trim the Risk” barbershop health literacy tour will travel through Mississippi and other “Stroke and Diabetes Belt” states to push diabetes and stroke conversations. Community & Culture: Bower Center’s Art of Pairing fundraiser returns Oct. 17 with a Louisiana-inspired theme, music, food, and support for arts programming. Food & Lifestyle: A Bay St. Louis cottage has been transformed into a Dolly Parton-themed “Dolly Suite,” celebrating the singer’s Southern influence.

University Safety & Community Impact: Mississippi investigators say they’re looking into the deaths of two University of Mississippi students after a weekend with LSU, with kratom found in both cases but no confirmed link yet. Justice & Civil Rights: A Mississippi grand jury declined to bring charges in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, but his family and attorneys say they’ll keep pushing for answers, pointing to unanswered questions about what happened. Education & Early Learning: Mississippi is among the few states meeting all quality benchmarks in a national preschool review, highlighting the state’s 4-year-old pre-k strength. Local Colleges & Research: Mississippi State University earned renewed FAO Reference Centre status for antimicrobial resistance and aquaculture biosecurity through 2031, and MSU also received national accreditation for geospatial intelligence certificates. Culture & Travel: Visit Mississippi is returning to the Rose Parade with a culinary-themed float celebrating Southern hospitality. Public Health & Cost Relief: Mississippi’s attorney general urged consumers to check eligibility for compensation tied to inflated generic drug prices. Historic Finds: Fort Snelling crews uncovered a 1970 time capsule inside the Round Tower and sealed a new one for 2026.