AGP Executive Report

AI & Hurricane Forecasting: As Hurricane Isaias approached the Gulf Coast, experimental AI forecasts initially pointed farther east than traditional weather models; the forecasts converged near landfall between Mobile and Pensacola. Mississippi’s Tech Workforce: Mississippi State was named the state’s ACE Composites Hub to train aerospace workers and joined the founding partners of a Southeast regional AI computing consortium. Aquaculture & Wildlife: MSU brought aquatic-health experts together to address antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, while Mississippi biologists are using a head-start program to help recover declining gopher tortoises. Critical Minerals: Westwin Elements plans a $502 million nickel refinery in Mississippi, a proposed investment in domestic materials processing. River Ecology: Researchers linked widespread invasive carp deaths along the Mississippi River to extreme heat, low water and reduced oxygen.

Storm Forecasting: As Hurricane Isaias approached the Gulf Coast, experimental AI models initially tracked farther east than traditional forecasts; forecasters blended competing guidance, with warnings extending into southern Mississippi. Data Centers: Developers are contacting Golden Triangle Development LINK daily, while residents in Jefferson Davis County have sounded alarms over a proposed $6 billion data center. Mississippi State also joined a regional AI computing consortium. Research & Workforce: MSU was named Mississippi’s ACE Composites Hub to train aerospace workers and convened experts to address antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture. Industry: Westwin plans a $502 million nickel refinery in Natchez. Environment: Extension scientists are asking residents to watch for tawny crazy ants, now reported in seven Mississippi counties; state biologists are also using a head-start program to help declining gopher tortoises.

Hurricane Science: Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, with dangerous storm surge, flooding and damaging winds threatening southern Mississippi. Mississippi State alumnus Andrew Wilson flew into the storm with the Air Force Hurricane Hunters, gathering data used by forecasters. AI and the Power Grid: Utilities may interrupt service to data centers during peak demand as AI drives up electricity use; Entergy reportedly warned Amazon that its Mississippi facilities could be affected. Aerospace Workforce: Mississippi State was named the state’s ACE Composites Hub, launching free hands-on training aimed at preparing at least 750 people for aerospace manufacturing jobs. Aquaculture Research: MSU brought researchers and industry experts together to tackle antimicrobial resistance in aquatic health, a key issue for Mississippi’s catfish industry.

Gulf Storm Science: Hurricane Isaias has strengthened to Category 3, with Mississippi under hurricane warnings as the storm threatens damaging winds, flooding and life-threatening surge along the northern Gulf Coast. Aerospace Workforce: Mississippi State will lead a federally funded composites-training hub, offering free hands-on instruction to at least 750 people and STEM outreach for schools. Regional Computing: MSU is among 15 universities joining a Southeast consortium to expand shared computing capacity for scientific research. Critical Materials: Westwin Elements plans a $502 million nickel refinery in Natchez, bringing advanced manufacturing investment to Mississippi.

Gulf Storm Science: Hurricane Isaias reached Category 2 strength Thursday and was forecast to bring dangerous surge, wind and flooding to coastal Mississippi late Friday or early Saturday. Scientists say El Niño’s storm-suppressing winds are contending with unusually warm Gulf waters that can fuel intensification. AI Research: Mississippi State University joined the founding partners of a Southeast Regional AI Computing Consortium, linking the university to a regional effort to expand AI computing. Wildlife Research: Mississippi biologists are using a head-start program to help the state’s declining gopher tortoise population. Industry and Engineering: Westwin plans a $502 million nickel refinery in Natchez, while a $10 million gift to Mississippi State will support its industrial engineering department.**

Gulf Coast Forecast: Hurricane Isaias is expected to reach the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday. Forecasters warn of damaging winds, flooding rain and storm surge, with 5–7 feet possible somewhere between Ocean Springs and Indian Pass. Health Workforce: Hinds Community College has opened a $64 million Health Sciences Complex in Pearl, with simulation labs and mock hospital rooms designed to train more than 650 people a year. Engineering Investment: Mississippi State’s industrial engineering department received a $10 million gift from alumnus Fred P. Burke. Advanced Manufacturing: Westwin plans a $502 million Class 1 nickel refinery in Natchez, a major proposed addition to Mississippi’s industrial base.

Gulf Coast Watch: Hurricane Isaias strengthened to the Atlantic season’s first hurricane Wednesday. Forecasters expect it to approach the Mississippi coast and Florida Panhandle late Friday or early Saturday, bringing heavy rain and possible flooding. Engineering Investment: Mississippi State alumnus Fred Burke and his wife committed $10 million to MSU’s industrial and systems engineering department for scholarships, fellowships and facility upgrades. Data Center Debate: Jefferson Davis County residents are raising concerns about a proposed $6 billion data center, as Sen. Roger Wicker touts the projects’ potential benefits. Industrial Technology: Westwin Elements plans a $502 million Class 1 nickel refinery in Natchez, a major proposed addition to the state’s industrial base. Invasive Species: Tawny crazy ants have spread to seven Mississippi counties, raising concerns about their impact on local ecosystems.

Gulf Weather: Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to strengthen as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast; a hurricane watch now covers Mississippi’s coast, with heavy rain and flooding possible. Invasive Species: Tawny crazy ants have reached three more Mississippi counties, bringing their known range to seven. Mississippi State entomologists urge residents to watch for the reddish-brown ants. Data Center Debate: Jefferson Davis County residents are pressing for a pause on a proposed $6 billion AI data center near Bassfield, citing health concerns and limited public input. A petition drew 950 signatures as Sen. Roger Wicker touted the economic potential of data centers. Industry and Research: Westwin Elements plans a $502 million nickel refinery in Natchez. Mayo Clinic Laboratories is also set to open a diagnostic facility in Southaven, while Mississippi Valley State received a Nissan grant to expand STEM programs.

Mississippi Education & Money Skills: Mississippi earned an “A” in the 2026 National Report Card on State Efforts to Improve Financial Literacy in High Schools, with the state credited for requiring a stand-alone personal finance course starting with the Class of 2022. Campus Tech Access: Ole Miss’ IDEAlab makerspace is expanding hands-on creativity for students, offering free tools like 3D printers and workshops to help people build STEM projects regardless of experience. Local Health Workforce: MSU-Meridian nursing graduates Shay Naylor and Jasmine Lindsey launched a $1,000 annual scholarship to help future nursing students cover costs. Winter Storm Recovery: Mississippi DOT says debris cleanup from Winter Storm Fern could run until Halloween, with FEMA grants nearing $200 million as communities continue rebuilding. Data Centers & City Policy: Jackson officials say a draft ordinance for data centers is being prepared after public pushback and a moratorium debate at City Council. Power Demand & Gas Buildout: A new analysis links the data center boom to a surge in planned U.S. gas power capacity, warning clean energy plans may lag demand. Public Safety Tech Leadership: Decatur Schools hired Hoke Wilcox as chief of safety & technology services, highlighting how districts are modernizing digital safety and systems.

Data Centers & Power in Mississippi: Southwire broke ground on a $2B-plus plan to modernize and expand its Starkville campus, adding about 380,000 sq ft as hyperscale computing drives new demand. Local Tech Infrastructure: PowerCompute increased contracted power at its Columbus, Mississippi data center from 8.5 MW to 11 MW under TVA’s new data center tariff, moving to a different rate schedule without interrupting service. Cybersecurity: Southern Company reported a data breach affecting about 100,000 Alabama Power accounts and about 300,000 Georgia Power accounts, with Mississippi Power also listed among affected utilities; customers get free credit monitoring. Broadband Expansion: Accelecom joined Georgia’s Rural Telephone and Broadband Association and the Broadband Association of Alabama and Mississippi as a platinum associate member to support rural connectivity. STEM & Education in Mississippi: Mississippi State’s new Institute for the Humanities fellows focus on language, ancient literature, and Greek/Roman women philosophers, with research support and course release. Health & Public Policy: A new report flags low vaccination rates and record exemptions, with Mississippi listed among the lowest states for child vaccine coverage.

Archaeology & Food History: New genetic analysis of pottery from the Etowah Indian Mounds found the earliest known cacao traces east of the Mississippi, pointing to 11th-century chocolate networks across the Southeast. Public Works Staffing: Jackson city leaders are weighing how to fill 24 Public Works vacancies, with only one engineer on staff and concerns about pay and retention. Energy Costs: A nonpartisan think tank projects U.S. households could pay about $6,500 more for energy through 2040, with Mississippi among the hardest-hit states. Mississippi Tech & Education: Mississippi State landscape architecture students won a national ASLA Honor Award for a hands-on courtyard design at Sudduth Elementary in Starkville. Health & Safety: PepsiCo recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade across multiple states, including Mississippi, tied to unlisted yellow food dyes. Environment & Industry: Westwin Elements plans a $502M nickel refinery in Natchez to produce Class 1 nickel and create high-paying jobs. STEM in the Classroom: MSU’s T.K. Martin Center hosts its Trick or Trot Fun Run Oct. 31 to support technology and disability programs.

Energy Costs in Mississippi: A new nonpartisan analysis says federal policy shifts could push U.S. household energy bills up about $6,500 on average through 2040, with Mississippi among the states facing roughly $9,000 more. Rural Health Tech in the Delta: Mississippi’s Rural Health Transformation Program is funding upgrades across the state, including nearly $2M for Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center to modernize connected care and $4.66M for Delta Health Center for telehealth and infrastructure. AI in Courts: A judge’s AI-assisted order in a Southern District of Mississippi case drew scrutiny after it contained serious drafting errors, feeding the national push for clearer rules on generative AI use in the judiciary. Kratom Crackdown Pressure: Reporting highlights how kratom policy is diverging as states grapple with potent 7-OH and synthetic products while leaving traditional leaf kratom less restricted. STEM Funding for HBCUs: Nissan’s $225,000 gift will expand STEM programs at Mississippi Valley State University and support multiple HBCUs statewide. Space Weapons Transparency: An AP report notes the U.S. has deployed space weapons but still won’t specify types or targets, while experts say other countries’ efforts remain similarly opaque.

Mississippi River Tech: The Mississippi Headwaters Board is rethinking its digital paddling maps after changes to Avenza Maps, weighing options like ArcGIS and checking whether existing QR codes can still work. Energy Costs: A new think-tank model says federal energy policy shifts could push household energy spending higher everywhere through 2040, with Mississippi among the hardest-hit states. AI at Work: A study on generative AI productivity finds gains are real but uneven—helping some workers more than others depending on how work is organized. Health Research: A new study links the newer shingles vaccine Shingrix with lower risk of cardiovascular events, though researchers stress it doesn’t prove cause-and-effect. Local Campus Growth: Southern University is rolling out new academic, residential, and community facilities, including a Welcome Center and a planned science building. Defense & Industry: A U.S. Navy shipbuilding plan points to South Korea as a key test case for allied shipyard production and maintenance support.

Food Safety: The FDA says PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade Lemon Lime and Orange (plus Zero versions) sold in 37 states after undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 were found, a Class II recall that can cause temporary or reversible health effects. Mississippi Higher Ed & Defense Training: Tuskegee University was named a “Distinguished Military College” by the Department of War, tying it to the Corps of Cadets effort that also includes Mississippi State University. Energy Costs: A new modeling study warns federal energy policy changes since January 2025 could raise household energy spending nationwide by 2040, with major cumulative costs and health impacts. Health Research (MSU): Mississippi State’s Kinesiology department is recruiting adults (with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities) for a cardiovascular and fitness study with a seven-day activity monitor and a free health report. Weather & Travel: Forecasters flag a potentially record-strong El Niño that could bring stormier, wetter conditions to southern states including Mississippi around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wildlife Policy (MS): Mississippi’s wildlife commission adopted a new rule for supplemental feeding, allowing corn spreading outside current CWD management zones. Local Science & Community: Janus Organization plans a $2.1M gasifier manufacturing operation in Greenwood, aiming to create 13 jobs.

Mississippi Health & Research: A new University of Mississippi Medical Center analysis finds Black mothers in Mississippi had more than twice the sepsis rate of white mothers during delivery-related hospital stays, with the study published in JAMA Network Open. Mississippi Education & Access: Mississippi’s student loan default rate is the highest in the U.S., highlighting how repayment struggles shape life decisions for borrowers. Mississippi Public Health & Policy: Mississippi wildlife officials approved a new rule for supplemental feeding, allowing corn to be spread by spin cast or by hand outside chronic wasting disease management zones, despite earlier concerns about wildlife impacts. STEM & Local Industry: Janus Organization plans a $2.1 million gasifier manufacturing operation in Greenwood, supported by Mississippi Development Authority incentives, aiming to create 13 jobs. Tech & Health Care: Pfizer reported Phase 3 results for LITFULO (ritlecitinib), showing improved repigmentation in nonsegmental vitiligo and planning regulatory submissions. National Tech/Defense: The U.S. Navy added the SPY-6-equipped destroyer USS Ted Stevens to expand air and missile defense capability.

Kratom crackdown and overdose fallout (Mississippi): Court documents reviewed in the Ole Miss student deaths case say the pills contained potent, semisynthetic kratom derivatives (not natural kratom), including MGM-15 and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, which the DOJ had already moved to Schedule I—fueling renewed calls for Mississippi to ban or more tightly regulate kratom. Public health research (Mississippi): A UMMC-linked analysis of more than 320,000 births found Black mothers in Mississippi had more than twice the sepsis rate during delivery-related hospital stays than white mothers, with higher rates also tied to Medicaid coverage and C-sections. Workforce and industry (Greenwood): Janus Organization plans a $2.1M Greenwood gasifier manufacturing operation, backed by Mississippi’s MFLEX program, aimed at treating specialty waste streams and creating 13 jobs. Sports + campus life (Ole Miss): Ole Miss students report difficulty getting football student seats as demand rises, while the university also posted its area August graduates list. Education attendance (Mississippi): Mississippi’s chronic absenteeism rate fell slightly year over year to 26.5% after new attendance policies, though officials say more work is needed. Medical innovation (Pfizer): Pfizer reported Phase 3 results showing its oral LITFULO (ritlecitinib) improved facial and total body repigmentation in nonsegmental vitiligo, setting up future regulatory filings.