AGP Executive Report

Restaurant Closures: Half Shell Oyster House, a south Lafayette seafood spot that opened in 2016, quietly closed this week as its lease ended. Food Safety Alerts: The FDA says Sugar Foods LLC is recalling specific Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons in multiple states, including Mississippi, due to possible salmonella risk tied to recalled milk powder (no illnesses reported). Civic Pressure on Sports: The NAACP launched “Out of Bounds,” urging Black athletes and fans to boycott public university sports programs in eight Southern states—naming Mississippi—over redistricting moves it says weaken Black voting power. Healthcare Watch: CMS data show Stone County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center earned a 4-star rating in Q1 2026, while other Mississippi nursing homes in recent coverage ranged from 1 to 2 stars. Local Business: Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers is holding a Biloxi grand opening May 23.

Corrections Oversight Push: Advocates and lawmakers are weighing an independent watchdog for Montana’s Department of Corrections, with an ombudsman idea gaining traction as a way to add outside, non-biased review—especially after out-of-state transfer concerns. Mississippi Distilling Milestone: In Rosedale, Rosedale Distilling Company is set to start bottling Mississippi’s first fully legal distillery, aiming to bring new attention and momentum to the historic town. Gas & Freight Pressure: Memorial Day travel is pushing Mississippi regular gas to about $3.99/gal and diesel near $5, squeezing truckers’ costs and raising worries for everyday business expenses. VA Housing Snapshot: VA interest-rate refinance loan averages are rising in multiple states, including Arkansas ($302,589) and Indiana ($304,491), signaling steady demand for refinancing. Local Business & Community: Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker earned national “Government Champion” recognition, while Poplar Avenue’s Outdoors Inc. in Memphis announced it’s closing after decades.

Jackson Water Court Fight: A federal judge is weighing a Mississippi lawsuit claiming the state handled Jackson’s American Rescue Plan water funding with racial bias, with plaintiffs pointing to boil-water disruptions and lost rental income tied to water failures. Delta Water Costs: In the Yazoo Pumps fight, the Army Corps says the Mississippi Delta project could now run $2.3 billion, while critics argue the government still hasn’t finished a clear economic case. Tech & Kids Online: NetChoice sued to block Nebraska’s parental-consent and age-verification social media law, arguing it violates the First Amendment. Infrastructure & Growth: Uniti Wholesale announced new metro dark fiber and colocation deals in Jackson and other markets, signaling continued demand for high-capacity connectivity. Local Business Watch: A Mississippi-made hot sauce brand from New Orleans attorney Morris Bart is rolling into Rouses stores across the region. Federal Housing Finance: VA interest-rate refinance loan averages rose in several states, including Mississippi’s neighbors, as refinancing demand continues.

Local Courts, Water & Housing: JXN Water is back in federal court, asking a judge to stop a receiver from selling the 156-unit Covington Park Apartments in Jackson—arguing the sale could block it from collecting more than $250,000 in unpaid water and sewer payments. The fight follows a year-plus receiver case after the owner defaulted on $7.9M in loans, and it comes weeks after a similar federal move involving the Blossom Apartments. State Policy & the Coast: Mississippi lawmakers held a post-session briefing in Biloxi, highlighting Gulf Coast Restoration Fund wins, mitigation for insurance help, and the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Act aimed at roof reinforcement grants. Business Growth: Azuria Water Solutions says it will expand in Batesville with an $80M manufacturing project expected to create 50 jobs, with operations targeted for early 2027. Everyday Life: Mississippi Lottery results rolled in for May 17, including Match 5: 06-19-20-21-35 and Cash 3 midday 2-8-9 (FB 8). Public Safety: Attala County Sheriff’s Office warned residents about scam calls/texts demanding money and claiming to be from the sheriff.

Coastal Growth Watch: Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan says the city’s momentum is showing up on the ground—from Town Commons and Legacy Park to a new Songwriters Museum—while The Sound Amphitheater keeps booking major acts and expanding local partnerships. Public Health & Business: Gentiva Hospice opened a bigger Meridian office, a move officials say helps the company serve more patients and families across the region. Housing Reality Check: A new national analysis finds 65% of U.S. households can’t afford a newly built home, with Mississippi among the lowest “middle class” income thresholds—raising pressure on affordability everywhere. Courts & Access: The U.S. Supreme Court put a pause on a 5th Circuit ruling affecting mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, underscoring how fast legal battles are shifting in the South. Local Safety: Attala County Sheriff’s Office warned residents about scam calls and texts demanding payment. Mississippi Economy: Azuria Water Solutions plans an $80M Batesville expansion creating 50 jobs, with operations targeted for early 2027.

Local Business & Community Growth: North Madison County cut the ribbon on a new softball field at its annual community festival, giving families a closer place to play and signaling more attention (and potential spending) for the area. Local Food Economy: Mississippi’s new Genuine MS Farmers Market opened in Brandon, pushing local produce, honey, flowers, and other Mississippi-made goods—while Commissioner Andy Gipson pointed to drought pressure and farmers staying in business. Public Health Watch: USDA expanded a frozen pizza and snack-food public health alert tied to a dairy recall, advising shoppers to throw away or return listed items. State Government & Compliance: FDA inspections in Mississippi found “No Action Indicated” for Vitalant in a Lee County-linked city and Brown Bottling Group in a Rankin County-linked city. Sports & Culture: Meridian Community College held four commencements for the Class of 2026, with multiple scholarships highlighted. Mississippi Lottery: Match 5 and Cash 3 results were posted for May 16.

Medicaid Spending Watch: Southaven billed $1.8M for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in 2024, up 6.4% from 2023—another sign of how local health needs and funding priorities are shifting. Local Government & Jails: Oktibbeha and Starkville are still arguing over when felony-inmate costs should move from city to county, with the wording of a new jail agreement at the center of the dispute. School Bond Costs: Starkville-Oktibbeha’s $101M Starkville High bond is set to raise property taxes for district owners, while assessment changes could add more pressure. Economic Development: The Eagle One mega site near Highway 11 got a $750K infrastructure boost to speed up water and sewer work. Business & Community: Hancock Whitney is buying Orlando’s One Florida Bank, expanding into central Florida. Sports & Culture: Meridian Community College held four commencements for the Class of 2026, and Picayune Main Street earned Accredited status from Main Street America. Public Safety & Oversight: Mississippi jail administrators are forming an association to improve detention operations, especially around mental health care and staffing.

AI & Data Centers: xAI’s Grok is reportedly losing ground—downloads reportedly fell from 20M in January to 8.3M in April, while only a tiny share of X users pay for it—adding pressure as Musk’s Mid-South buildout in Memphis and Southaven keeps expanding. South Mississippi Growth: The Eagle One mega site near U.S. 11 just got a $750,000 legislative boost for infrastructure prep like water and sewer engineering, with leaders pushing “speed to market” for incoming industry. Public Safety & Health: Louisiana says air monitoring after last week’s Chalmette refinery explosion found no concerning chemical detections; in Mississippi, jail administrators statewide are forming an association to better handle mental health and training gaps. Mississippi Business & Community: Picayune Main Street earned Accredited status from Main Street America/MMSA, joining a long list of Mississippi programs. Sports: Jones College won the NJCAA Region 23 title and advances to the World Series.

Banking Deal: Hancock Whitney (Gulfport) signed a definitive agreement to buy Orlando community bank OFB Bancshares, a move that boosts its Florida loans and deposits by more than 30% each and is expected to close in Q3. Opioid Fallout: Mississippi will receive $27M from the opioid settlement, part of a broader multi-state effort that has been winding through courts for years. Energy & Costs: Gas prices are still elevated nationally, with AAA saying the Memorial Day stretch could bring the highest prices in four years even as the weekly average ticks up and down. Data Centers vs. Communities: A new push to speed up air-permitting for major projects is raising fresh concerns about how fast data-center buildouts can move—and who pays the price. Mississippi Lottery: Mississippi Match 5 jackpot climbed to an estimated $500K after Thursday’s drawing had no winners. Local Business Spotlight: Bop’s Frozen Custard is targeting an early 2027 return to Hattiesburg after a long gap, with a new Hardy Street-area location.

SBA Disaster Relief Deadline: The U.S. Small Business Administration says Mississippi businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters hit by the Jan. 23–27 severe winter storm can still apply for low-interest federal disaster loans—applications are due June 10. Road Widening Funding Locked In: MDOT says funding is secured for two Jackson-metro projects: I-55 in Madison County will expand from four to six lanes, and Highway 25/Lakeland Drive in Rankin County will also go to six lanes with added roundabouts. Rural Hospital Stays Open: Lackey Memorial Hospital in Forest marked 75 years and credits a shift toward outpatient care and local staffing to keep services running as other rural facilities struggle. Local Business Spotlight: The Genuine MS Farmers Market is set to open May 16 in Brandon, bringing farm-fresh produce and Mississippi-made products to Rankin County. Community & Safety Notes: South Mississippi braces for termite swarms, while tornado recovery updates continue from the Pine Belt storms earlier this month.

Energy & Industry: xAI is adding more power in Mississippi—reports say it deployed 19 natural gas turbines at its Southaven data center in recent months, bringing the total there to 46 units and pushing capacity claims higher. Local Growth: Gowan Milling announced an $8.7M expansion in Blytheville, expecting 34 new jobs over five years. Public Works: Jackson approved demolitions of four more abandoned buildings as part of its ongoing cleanup push. Health & Workforce: Mississippi’s Autism Office is focusing on resource gaps, especially for adults, while Meridian-area students were recognized as Mississippi Scholars and Tech Masters. Transportation & Politics: A federal judge is weighing whether Mississippi’s new regional water authority law interferes with federal oversight of Jackson’s water system. Business Climate: Meta signed PPAs totaling 850MW across Oklahoma, Texas, and Mississippi, extending its renewable energy deals. Community & Culture: Columbia will honor Highway 40 as a notable historic property, and Hartford reopened the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower after major upgrades.

xAI Legal Clash: The NAACP has sued xAI over its Mississippi data center, saying 46 trailer-mounted natural-gas turbines are being treated as “mobile” to dodge state air rules for a year, even as only 15 have permits; the group and the Southern Environmental Law Center want an injunction, arguing emissions are worsening air quality in an already polluted area. Local Schools Under Pressure: Greenville Public Schools is facing scrutiny after a 2024 audit flagged more than $99 million in liabilities (including $88 million in pension debt) and warned of weak financial controls and recordkeeping, with district leaders disputing parts of a prior report. Aviation Month in Mississippi: Greenville Mid-Delta Airport is seeing growth and received more than $1.7 million for Taxiway B rehabilitation. Business & Jobs: Panola County leaders broke ground on an $80 million Azuria Water Solutions PVC pipe plant promising 50 jobs. Tech & Safety: An AI security camera drew attention at a Jackson County expo, pitching “never sleep” monitoring for local industries.

Public Health & Chemicals: A new report spotlights Mississippi’s role in a broader chemical crisis, tying paraquat (banned in 70+ countries) and rising PFAS contamination to health risks, including Parkinson’s-linked concerns in Wayne County and growing pressure from data-center growth. Economic Development: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders joined AEDC to award $25 million to 22 communities, including Bradley County, through the Arkansas Site Development Program—aimed at building “company-ready” industrial sites. Healthcare Tech: Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi selected OneShield Market Solutions for a cloud core-system modernization, moving from legacy on-prem tools to a single platform for about 2,500 Mississippi physicians. Local Governance: Jackson City Council pulled votes on mayoral nominees for the Metro Jackson Water Authority Board after a federal judge’s injunction put the new authority “on ice.” Business Growth: DSC Dredge reported revenue up 85.5% over three years to $99 million in 2025, citing international demand and expanded manufacturing capacity.

Energy & Cost Watch: Gas prices are still climbing in parts of the country, with reports showing regular up about 20–23 cents over the past week as crude and Middle East uncertainty keep pressure on pumps. Public Health & Environment: A new national look ties Mississippi’s chemical and air risks to a broader data-center boom and PFAS concerns, while another story spotlights how paraquat—banned in 70+ countries—remains in use in Wayne County. Business & Tech: xAI says it added 19 natural-gas turbines at its Southaven site, even as the NAACP and environmental groups push back in court over air-permit issues. Mississippi Policy: A 5th Circuit judge vacated a liability order tied to Mississippi Supreme Court district redraws, putting a planned special session back in doubt. Local Economy & Jobs: Electric co-ops are expanding high-speed internet across rural Mississippi under the Broadband Enabling Act, and a Blytheville steel plant is boosting output with new welding robots. Community & Education: TVA’s School Uplift program awarded Coffeeville High a $200,000 grant for energy upgrades and a media lab. Tornado Recovery: MEMA confirmed more tornadoes and updated damage totals from the May 6–7 outbreak, now reporting 403 homes and 21 businesses damaged.

Workforce Shakeups: Meta, Amazon, and Coinbase are among the companies cutting staff this year, with more layoffs expected as firms lean harder on AI and restructure. Local Land-Use Fight: Lafayette County supervisors voted 3–1 to deny a rezoning request tied to a planned Magnolia Materials asphalt plant—opponents can appeal by May 14, and MDEQ will hold a public hearing June 10. Jackson Water Case: A federal judge will hear arguments May 14 on claims Mississippi withheld ARPA water funds from Jackson, with state officials pushing to dismiss. Public Health & Environment: A new report spotlights Mississippi’s role in paraquat production and links it to broader health concerns, while another story flags Asian needle ants spreading in the state. Money Moves: The Mississippi Lottery topped $800 million in transfers to education and highways, and the latest transfer hit $9.66 million in April. Business & Growth: Orion180 is opening a Salt Lake City service center as it expands nationally.

Tornado recovery and insurance pressure: Southwest Mississippi is still picking up the pieces after a May 6 tornado outbreak, with families in Lincoln County—especially around Bogue Chitto—reporting homes wiped out in minutes. Local governance: Hattiesburg and Forrest County marked the completion of the Classic Drive Improvement Project, including repaving, a new multi-use pathway, and a “shovel-ready” site grant aimed at future high-tech jobs. Water fight in Jackson: Federal filings say a new Metro Jackson Water Authority act won’t block the court’s oversight of the city’s water and sewer cases. Environmental health watch: Mississippi-linked PFAS and toxic-chemical lawsuits keep building momentum, with regulators pressing claims that contamination hasn’t been fixed. Agriculture and business: The Delta Council’s 91st annual meeting in Stoneville put farm costs and the next farm bill front and center. Tech and industry: Rolls-Royce and easyJet completed a 100% hydrogen aeroengine test at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis.