AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: Midwest Poultry Services recalled 1,589,577 dozen eggs after routine environmental testing raised concerns about Salmonella Enteritidis. The recall covers white-shell and brown cage-free eggs produced in Texas (June 6–July 3) and sold with specific carton codes (P-1950 or 0840962) and Julian dates 157–184, including Brookshire’s stores in Mississippi and Kroger/Brookshire locations across several Southern states; no illnesses were reported. Weather & Storm Impacts: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in southeast Louisiana with 45 mph winds and is tracking west along the Gulf Coast toward Texas, keeping tropical storm warnings in play and prompting beach closures from the Florida Panhandle to Mississippi as heavy rain and storm surge risks continue. Local Water Funding: A U.S. Senate water bill would send more than $20 million to Mississippi water systems, including earmarks for Clinton, Oxford and Picayune, plus federal studies tied to the Pearl and Hatchie Rivers. Wildlife Research: Mississippi State graduate researchers are contributing to Shark Week science, supporting long-term studies on shark biology and behavior.

Tropical Storm Bertha: The storm made landfall in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, with 45 mph winds and is now tracking west along the Gulf, with tropical storm warnings stretching from the Alabama-Mississippi border to Sargent, Texas. Mississippi Gulf Coast Impacts: Bertha brushed the coast with rain and gusty winds, while forecasters said the heaviest flooding risk stayed offshore; coastal flood warnings were in effect for parts of the Mississippi shoreline. AI Data Centers & Transparency: Congresswoman Terri Sewell backs a temporary pause on large AI data center growth to give lawmakers time to set standards, citing environmental and community concerns. Mississippi Earthtones Festival: The Mississippi Earthtones Festival is calling for artist grant proposals, offering up to $400 for installations at the Sept. 19 event. Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a cyclosporiasis outbreak after an FDA-linked investigation, with the agency later saying an initial positive test was a false positive.

Tropical Storm Bertha: The storm made landfall in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, with sustained winds around 45 mph and gusts higher, bringing gusty winds, locally heavy rain, and coastal flooding risk along the Gulf. A tropical storm warning runs from the Florida Panhandle to Morgan City, with watches farther west toward Texas, and officials say wind and surge are the main threats as Bertha moves inland. Local Energy & Environment: Chevron shut in production at its Petronius facility and moved nonessential staff onshore ahead of Bertha, saying it’s focused on safety and protecting the environment. Mississippi Community Concerns: Residents in Vicksburg protested a proposed Amazon data center in nearby Warren County, arguing it could raise noise, pollution, and utility costs and should not be sited so close to schools. Wildlife & Conservation: Mississippi State vet student Lily Ciel Behnam won a major national scholarship aimed at companion animal medicine and long-term mentorship. Food & Agriculture: A U.S. Geological Survey report highlighted rising nutrient loads in rivers, adding to broader water-quality concerns for the region.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Gulf Coast communities, including Mississippi, are bracing for heavy rain, gusty winds, and storm-surge flooding as Bertha crawls west-northwest across the Gulf; forecasters say wind shear may limit hurricane-strength development, but dangerous coastal impacts and rip-current conditions remain a concern. Water Quality & Rivers: A new U.S. Geological Survey study finds nutrient loads in rivers rose from 2000 to 2020, with “legacy” nutrients and non-point pollution still driving nitrogen and phosphorus into streams. Local Water Infrastructure: U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker’s 2026 Water Resources Development Act cleared a key Senate committee step, with Mississippi-area priorities including studies tied to the Gulfport ship channel and Pearl River County’s Walkiah Bluff Weir. Mississippi Agriculture & Training: Mississippi Delta Community College added new career-technical programs in Greenville, while Mississippi State University announced a limited-seat free hydroponic workshop in Crystal Springs. Wildlife & Hunting Science: DNA testing is helping identify the origin of unusually colored wild turkeys, including birds sampled from Mississippi. Regenerative Agriculture: Purina is expanding regenerative agriculture efforts as part of its sustainability push.

Tropical Storm Bertha: The Gulf is bracing as Bertha strengthens and crawls west-northwest, bringing dangerous storm surge, heavy rain, and rough surf to parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, with watches and warnings in effect and officials urging residents to finish preparations. Mississippi agriculture & climate impacts: A Mississippi-area update notes recent rain easing drought, but highlights Climate Central/NWS findings that summer warmth is lasting longer—raising pressure from weeds, insects, and other pests as the growing season stretches. Hydroponics push in Mississippi: Mississippi State University is offering a free, hands-on hydroponic farming workshop Oct. 13 in Crystal Springs, with limited spots and training on systems like deep water culture and vertical farming. Water infrastructure in Congress: U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker backed the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, which would expand water projects and speed U.S. Army Corps planning, including flood-risk and restoration studies tied to Mississippi waterways. Food safety concern: Mississippi reports confirmed cyclosporiasis cases tied to a broader U.S. outbreak, with state officials urging residents to pay closer attention to where produce comes from.

Hurricane Watch for Mississippi Gulf: Tropical Depression Two has strengthened into Tropical Storm Bertha, and the National Hurricane Center has expanded storm surge and tropical storm watches along the Gulf from the Florida Panhandle through southeastern Louisiana, with heavy rain the biggest threat for Mississippi’s coast and the Mississippi River Delta area as the storm crawls westward. Food Safety & Produce: Mississippi health officials are urging residents to be careful amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce, as FDA traceback work pointed to Taylor Farms products distributed across 27 states—though the agency later flagged a lab result as a false positive while stressing no confirmed positive samples as of July 19. Local Water Infrastructure: U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker advanced the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, which would expand water infrastructure and speed up Army Corps planning, including environmental funding for Mississippi communities. Mississippi Deer Disease Plan: Mississippi is moving forward with a plan to protect the state’s deer herd from chronic wasting disease (CWD). Data Center Scrutiny in Jackson: Jackson’s mayor says there’s no approved data center plan for the Lake Hico site yet, but talks are being considered—raising questions about impacts to JXN Water.

Tropical Storm Bertha Watch for the Gulf: Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha off Florida and bring heavy rain and flooding risk across the Gulf region, including Mississippi, with forecasts calling for several inches of rain and possible higher totals in some areas. Environmental Justice & Air Pollution: A Floodlight investigation says Louisiana’s air monitoring system often misses major industrial pollution sources and may fail to test for some dangerous chemicals—highlighting how residents near industry can be left without clear answers about what they’re breathing. Mississippi Wildlife Health: Mississippi is revising its Chronic Wasting Disease management plan, focusing on slowing the spread of the always-fatal disease that threatens the state’s deer herd and hunting economy. Mississippi River Community Events: The Mississippi Earthtones Festival is seeking artist grant proposals for an installation tied to river conservation and community art. Local Water Cleanup: Volunteers helped clean up the Mill Creek Watershed around Lake Newport, aiming to keep trash and pollutants from washing downstream.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Depression Two has formed in the northern Gulf and is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha, with tropical storm watches issued for parts of the Florida Panhandle and heavy rain risks spreading toward Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Heat & Health: Extreme heat advisories are active across 22 states, including Mississippi, with heat index values topping 112 degrees in some areas. Local Waterways & Wildlife: Students wrapped up a conservation camp in Pascagoula, kayaking the Pascagoula River and removing trash like plastic bottles and tires, while learning native plants and habitat protection. River Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened Lock and Dam No. 2 for a public open house, giving Mississippians a rare look at how the navigation system supports barges and recreation. Air & Environment: Chicago’s wildfire smoke returned with unhealthy air quality—an early reminder for the Mississippi region to watch smoke and storm forecasts. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded an iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclospora contamination across 27 states, including Mississippi.

Gulf Storm Watch: Tropical Depression Two has formed in the northeastern Gulf and could strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha, with a tropical storm watch for Florida’s Panhandle and heavy rain risks stretching toward Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and beyond. Heat Risk: Extreme heat advisories are active across 22 states, including Mississippi, with heat index values topping 112 degrees and warnings to stay inside and out of the sun. Mississippi River Health: Students in Pascagoula wrapped up a conservation camp, kayaking the Pascagoula River and hauling trash from the waterway as part of hands-on training at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. PFAS Funding Ripple: Minnesota’s 3M settlement is sending $20 million to 26 projects, including habitat and river restoration work along the Mississippi River corridor. Local Wildlife & Habitat: A record number of black-necked stilts are nesting at Horicon Marsh, showing the species’ continued northward expansion along the Mississippi Valley. Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a 27-state recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a cyclospora outbreak, including Mississippi. Community Climate Education: New York’s push for “climate education” in schools is drawing national debate.

Storm Readiness in Nashville: Volunteers with Nashville Severe Weather are using real-time, calm updates to help people track dangerous storms and decide when to take cover. River Cleanup & Youth Conservation: Students at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center’s GRITS camp ended the week by kayaking and hauling trash and tires from the Pascagoula River. Climate System Warning: A new study says the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is slowing and could shift conditions far beyond the Atlantic. Mississippi Data Center Backlash: Jackson approved an 183-day moratorium on new data centers after residents raised concerns about noise, water use, air quality, and neighborhood impacts. xAI Air-Pollution Lawsuit: The NAACP is suing over alleged Clean Air Act violations tied to xAI power turbines near Mississippi communities. Tropical Storm Arthur Aid Request: Gov. Tate Reeves asked for federal disaster help for eight Mississippi counties after major flooding and damage. Plastic Pushback: A new wave of debate continues over single-use plastics, including polystyrene foam and broader pollution impacts. Mississippi River Monitoring Boost: ULM won a $4.21M federal contract to expand weather and water monitoring across the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

Data Center Moratorium in Jackson: Jackson approved an 183-day pause on new data center proposals after residents raised concerns about noise, water use, air quality, and neighborhood impacts; the city says it needs time to set rules, while records also point to Lake Hico as a potential hub site. Clean Air Act Fight in Mississippi: The NAACP and partners sued xAI over alleged unpermitted gas turbines tied to its Colossus 2 power project, saying pollution risks fall hardest on nearby Black communities. Storm Recovery Funding Request: Gov. Tate Reeves asked for federal major disaster aid for eight Mississippi counties hit by Tropical Storm Arthur, citing heavy rainfall, flooding, and damage to homes and businesses. Wildlife & Habitat Wins: Flint Hills Resources and partners were recognized for restoring Minnesota wildlife habitat, including Pine Bend Bluffs. Public Health & Food Safety: Taylor Farms launched a 27-state recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a cyclosporiasis outbreak, urging consumers to discard affected products. Water & Weather Monitoring: ULM won a $4.21M federal contract to expand weather and water monitoring across the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

Federal Disaster Aid Request: Gov. Tate Reeves asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration for eight Mississippi counties hit by Tropical Storm Arthur, after 30 inches of rain in five days triggered flash flooding, threatened earthen dams, and left hundreds of homes and businesses damaged. Data Centers in Jackson: New records show Jackson officials have been mapping a strategy to attract data centers, including eyeing the Lake Hico site, just as the city approved a temporary moratorium. Air Pollution Lawsuit: The NAACP sued Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging unpermitted gas turbines near Southaven are pumping cancer-linked pollutants into predominantly Black neighborhoods and asking a judge to halt operations. Solar Build in Mississippi County: Cypress Creek and Google broke ground on Steel River Energy Center, projected to become the nation’s largest solar-plus-battery project, with major local job and tax impacts. Species Protection Fight: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over delayed critical habitat protections for the Pearl River map turtle. Water Monitoring Boost: ULM won a $4.21 million Army contract to expand weather and water monitoring across the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

Mississippi River wildlife lawsuit: A nonprofit sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over delayed “critical habitat” protections for the Pearl River map turtle, warning habitat loss from dams and diversions could leave the species vulnerable. Mississippi solar push: Cypress Creek Energy and Google broke ground in Mississippi County on Steel River Energy Center, billed as the nation’s largest solar-plus-battery project, aiming for 2.5 GW of solar and 2.9 GWh of storage by 2029. Data center pollution fight: A federal lawsuit says xAI’s unpermitted gas turbines powering its Colossus 2 data center are pumping cancer-linked chemicals into Southaven neighborhoods, schools, and churches, with plaintiffs asking a judge to halt operations. Water resources policy: House and Senate committees advanced the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, setting up further work on inland waterways, ports, flood management, and related infrastructure. Conservation leadership: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers named Derick Walker Natural Resources Manager at Lake Ouachita, overseeing stewardship of thousands of acres of water, public land, shoreline, and islands. Outdoor stewardship: The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Magnolia chapter announced its inaugural banquet to fund wildlife habitat, hunting heritage, and outdoor education in Mississippi.

Mississippi Data Centers & Health: Southaven residents say an xAI power plant is causing “near-constant” noise and vibrations that hurt sleep and health, as a lawsuit alleges. Air Oversight: A Reuters analysis says xAI ran 59 unpermitted gas turbines for its Colossus 2 project, with most in Mississippi, raising concerns about pollution in predominantly Black communities. State Environmental Enforcement: The Mississippi Commission of Environmental Quality and Horn Lake’s Rite-Hite Products reached an agreed order over a missed Title V permit renewal application. Local Land-Use Fight: Clinton is drafting a restrictive data center ordinance as QTS eyes a massive hyperscale campus, with residents pushing back on health and community impacts. Coastal Restoration (Mississippi Gulf Coast): The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes reforesting Khayat Park and building a nature-based stormwater park in Moss Point. Climate Watch: NOAA says El Niño is already moderate and could become “very strong,” with knock-on effects for weather patterns. Invasive Species: Zebra mussels have reached Texas’ Panhandle, threatening water infrastructure across the Mississippi River Basin. Native Gardening: A Smart Landscapes webinar will teach Mississippians how to plant native trees and build pollinator gardens.

Data Center Noise Fight: Southaven residents say an xAI data center power plant is keeping them up with “near-constant” noise and vibrations, prompting a lawsuit that adds to a growing national backlash over local impacts. Air Pollution & Equity: A Reuters investigation says xAI’s Colossus 2 project used 59 unpermitted gas turbines, with most in Mississippi, raising health concerns for nearby Black communities. Flood Risk Beyond Mississippi: Texas faced “large and deadly flood waves” on the Guadalupe River, with at least one death reported as flash flooding surged. Wildlife Protection in the Region: An enviro group sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over habitat protections for the Pearl River Map Turtle, arguing a proposed Corps dam could wipe out nesting areas. Mississippi Outdoors & Wildlife: Mississippi’s draw hunt permit window is open early for popular WMA hunts, including deer and other species. Mental Health Access: 988’s fourth year shows rising demand, with calls/texts/chats up sharply as more states expand crisis services. Community Safety Signals: A Mississippi-linked jail reporting project highlights how 911 call surges can point to medical neglect and other systemic problems.

Climate & Storm Readiness: A New Orleans Katrina survivor urged Congress to fully fund NOAA, the National Weather Service, and FEMA as stronger hurricanes and extreme weather intensify. Wildlife Protection Lawsuit: An environmental group sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Pearl River Map Turtle, warning habitat loss from a proposed Pearl River dam and dredging could wipe out the species. Local Water & Flood Fight: Jackson residents are pushing back on a new Pearl River flood-control plan, saying it won’t stop the next flood and could carry major ecological and taxpayer costs. Pollution & Permits: Mississippi’s MDEQ Permit Board approved air and stormwater permits for a Lafayette County asphalt plant despite months of public opposition over air, water, and traffic impacts. Data Centers Debate: A Jackson moratorium on data centers sparked a clash between developers and advocates; activists want a full ban while opponents argue it harms economic growth. Energy & Land Use: Google and Cypress Creek broke ground on a massive solar-plus-storage project in Arkansas, with power tied to Google’s data centers. Heat Safety: A new heat dome put more than 125 million Americans under alerts, with warnings that it’s a deadly, active travel disruption. Invasive/Ag Watch: Italian ryegrass is emerging as a hard-to-kill, herbicide-resistant weed, with Mississippi researchers warning producers to plan for resistance.