AGP Executive Report

Insurance & Housing Costs: Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said Gulf Coast homeowners should see stable rates in 2027, with the windpool offering more flexible coverage choices, and highlighted a roof mitigation program that could pay up to $10,000 for qualifying homes (with homeowners covering costs above that). Healthcare Real Estate: CMS data shows Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg (for-profit) was owned by QHG of Forrest County and QHG of Hattiesburg during Q1 2026, earning a five-star overall rating with no fines or penalties. Energy Infrastructure: An EV driver shared what looks like a new model for charging—an EV-only “gas station” with a canopy, convenience store, restrooms, and a big price sign—aimed at making charging feel more routine. Economy & Prices: A national report says inflation is rising again (3.8% in April), and argues it’s not a “red vs. blue” story—gas and shipping costs are driving prices nationwide. Community & Business: The Magee Chamber welcomed K & D Dog Grooming with a ribbon-cutting for the new small business. Tourism & Leisure: Golfweek ranked two Mississippi golf courses among the nation’s best modern designs, boosting the state’s golf travel appeal. Deadline Watch: Mississippi’s Tidelands Trust Fund portal opens for applications starting June 2026, with the portal closing July 1.

Energy & Consumer Costs: GasBuddy price checks for the week ending May 30 show Mississippi fuel staying volatile but generally easing versus earlier peaks, with multiple county “lowest” deals reported across regular, midgrade, and diesel. Examples include regular as low as $3.65 in Itawamba County and $3.67 in Simpson County, premium lows like $4.14 in Jones County and $4.44 in Pike County, and diesel lows such as $4.53 in Rankin County and $4.67 in Hancock County. Coastal Funding: The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources opened applications for Tidelands Trust Fund projects starting June 2026, with the portal closing July 1; eligible work is limited to Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties and must fit conservation, reclamation, preservation, acquisition, education, or public access goals. Downtown Revitalization: Downtown Natchez Alliance named Chesney Doyle executive director effective June 1, tasking her with leading administrative and strategic revitalization work with city and Main Street partners. Community & Food Security: Extra Table FEEDS launched its statewide “Good on the Go Tour: Extra Table Feeds Awards,” taking nominations through June 15 to recognize people and organizations fighting hunger. Business Leadership: A.Y. McDonald is starting a transition to a new Dickeyville foundry, signaling operational change for the company’s manufacturing footprint.

AI Infrastructure Deal: SpaceX reportedly signed a cloud services contract with Alphabet worth about $920 million a month (roughly $30 billion total) to supply Nvidia GPUs and computing capacity from 2026 to 2029, with termination tied to chip delivery timelines. Mississippi Education & Workforce: Mississippi lawmakers and educators are targeting the achievement gap as older students lag, while MSBA’s WorkFuture Institute partners with AccelerateMS to support the new Mississippi Postsecondary Attainment Council and strengthen the talent pipeline. Energy Costs: Residential electricity prices are rising fast in many states; Mississippi’s annual increase is cited at about 11.3% (March 2026), with AI-driven data center demand flagged as a factor. Healthcare & Long-Term Care: CMS data shows Lakeview Nursing Center in Harrison County was owned by Lakeview Corporation and Brian Cain in Q1 2026 and earned an overall CMS rating of 3, with multiple fines/penalties reported. Local Business Boost: Hancock Chamber launched grant and leadership programs for small businesses, including matching grants funded by the Mississippi Power Foundation. Community & Tourism: Meridian’s State Games of Mississippi are expected to bring visitors and spending to downtown hotels and businesses.

Local Business Funding: The Hancock Chamber is rolling out a new Catalyst Grant Program, offering 35 matching grants of $1,000 to $1,500 for small businesses, plus access to an AI training program via the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Sports Tourism: Meridian is gearing up for the State Games of Mississippi, with thousands of athletes and visitors expected to boost hotels and local spending. Gaming & Development: Elite Casino Resorts cut the ribbon to rebrand Catfish Bend Casino as Great River Casino Resort, signaling new investment and planned upgrades in Burlington. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy price reports show Mississippi regular gas averaging about $3.90 per gallon in the week ending May 30, with notable low points in several counties (including $3.39 in Jackson County). Policy & Immigration Impact: Tennessee’s new remittance tax on money transmitters takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, adding fees to cross-border transfers and raising concerns about costs for migrant families. Inflation Debate: A national report says inflation is rising again, hitting 3.8% in April, and pushing back on claims that it’s mainly a “blue state” problem. Road & Construction Updates: Mississippi Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons highlighted progress on MDOT projects, including a major State Route 19 expansion in Neshoba County.

Healthcare & CMS Ratings: Forrest General Hospital’s skilled nursing unit earned a 5-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, while Pine Forest Health and Rehabilitation in Hinds County fell to a 1-star rating (with fines/penalties), and Golden Age Nursing Home in Leflore County posted a 4-star overall score with no fines. Legal & Finance: Baker Donelson asked a Mississippi federal court for a “no recovery” ruling tied to a Ponzi fallout, arguing it doesn’t owe a judgment from a jury verdict about negligent supervision. Education Policy: Mississippi lawmakers debated K-12 school consolidation, weighing district mergers versus closing schools—and even the possibility of “one-room schoolhouses” in some areas. Local Economy & Growth: A new Delta Harvest Neighborhood Market opened in Jackson to help Mississippi farmers sell locally and keep more dollars in-state. Real Estate/Tech: Jackson residents packed a hearing opposing a rezoning request for a data center, as the proposal expanded to 230 acres amid a city push to draft data-center rules. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reported Mississippi regular prices averaging about $3.90 per gallon for the week ending May 30, with local lows in multiple counties. Sports & Community: Meridian kicked off the 35th State Games of Mississippi with an opening ceremony expected to boost the local economy.

Mississippi Economy & Infrastructure: A new analysis says 14.0% of Mississippi’s major roadways are in poor condition, warning that deferred maintenance and the looming need to extend federal road funding could raise safety risks and shipping costs. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show diesel and midgrade prices remain volatile across Mississippi counties in the week ending May 30, with diesel lows like $4.73 in Marshall County and $4.99 in Amite County, while midgrade lows hit $3.97 in Hinds County. Business & Jobs: In regional growth news, Google’s West Memphis data center plan is moving forward after Elon Musk’s option fell through, with the city approving up to $60 billion in industrial development bonds over 30 years. Community & Philanthropy: Lucas Oil was named a 2026 Community Impact Award winner for its long-running giving efforts. Local Mississippi Education/Workforce: Mississippi Christian University appointed Griffin Fleming as Director of Fan Engagement, aiming to boost game-day attendance and partner with local businesses.

Nursing Home Watch (CMS ratings): New CMS data for Q1 2026 spotlights Mississippi for-profit nursing homes ranging from strong to weak performance—Hillcrest Nursing Center in Magee earned a 4/5 rating, while Washington Care Center in Washington County also posted a 4/5; other facilities landed at 3/5 (Madison Company NH) or 2/5 (Jones Company Rest Home, Liberty Community Living Center), with fines and penalties reported for several sites. Healthcare Access (Picayune expansion): Health One is planning a new multipurpose medical facility in Picayune with a sleep lab, physician offices, durable medical equipment and a clinic space—aimed at reducing the need for Pearl River County residents to travel for sleep studies. Public Safety & Courts (Paraquat litigation): A federal judge in southern Illinois ordered limited discovery in a Paraquat settlement fight involving Mississippi’s Smith Law Firm and Chicago’s DiCello Levitt, requiring plaintiffs to explain why some clients won’t accept settlement offers. State Politics (Loss): Mississippi House member Price Wallace, a poultry farmer and advocate for agriculture and ballot initiatives, died at 64. Local Transit (Jackson): MV Transportation is proposing service cuts and route changes to Jackson’s JTRAN system, targeting about $2 million in annual savings. Economic Development (Appalachian grant): Accelerate Mississippi received a $100,000 POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to help coal-impacted communities train for advanced manufacturing careers. Sports Business (Mississippi connection): Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall—born in Gulfport—signed a $42 million, three-year extension, keeping him in Seattle through 2029.

Social Security Shock for Retirees: A new analysis warns Social Security benefits could be cut starting in 2032, with Mississippi retirees facing an average monthly drop of about $459—still a major hit for household budgets. Local Business & Jobs: Integer Technologies plans to expand on the LSU campus, creating 23 direct jobs (plus 28 indirect) tied to defense-focused software work. State Economy & Consumer Impact: Louisiana is tightening SNAP EBT use to in-state purchases and nearby border ZIP codes, aiming to curb fraud while limiting out-of-area spending. Mississippi Community & Food Security: Extra Table Feeds is launching its “Good on the Go Tour” awards, seeking nominations for businesses and community groups helping fight hunger across Mississippi. Public Finance & Fraud: A Mississippi woman was sentenced to 57 months for a wire fraud scheme that stole nearly $929,000 from a Hancock County physician and his businesses. Infrastructure & Environment: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comments on a proposed Lock and Dam 5 end-cell project, with construction expected in late 2027 or 2028.

Nursing Home Watch: CMS data for Q1 2026 shows Cleveland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Lee County) rated 1 star, with $229,213 in fines and two penalties, while MS Care Center of Greenville (Washington County) rated 5 stars with no fines; Senatobia Healthcare & Rehab (Tate County) rated 2 stars with a $8,021 fine and one penalty; River Chase Village (Jackson County) earned 3 stars with no fines; and Ocean Springs Health & Rehabilitation Center (Jackson County) rated 1 star but drew four fines totaling $38,277 and four penalties. Real Estate & Growth: Brandon broke ground on The Summit at Brandon, a $50 million luxury apartment complex expected to generate about $400,000 annually in property tax revenue, with construction targeted to wrap in two years. Local Development: Madison’s Bellamare Development says permits are approved and the 70-acre $60 million “The Gallery” entertainment district is cleared for vertical construction this summer, including Spinners and a new wellness facility. Public Policy & Business: Mississippi’s alcohol delivery backlog is improving after a warehouse crisis, with pending cases down from 220,000+ to just under 106,000, though a legal fight with the contractor continues. Tech & Workforce: The Mississippi AI Innovation Hub says student teams built an AI proof of concept to support the Secretary of State’s regulatory research and statutory review.

Hurricane Season Prep: Atmos Energy is urging Mississippi customers to review natural gas safety steps as the Atlantic season kicks off, noting hurricanes can threaten homes and businesses even when forecasts look “below normal.” Gulf Coast Funding: Mississippi opened applications for Gulf Coast Restoration Fund grants tied to the Deepwater Horizon settlement, with $30 million available annually for six southern counties; the window runs through July 31. Local Business & Growth: Bradley Arant expanded its Mississippi presence by adding five former Watkins & Eager partners to its Jackson office, signaling continued momentum in legal services for the state. Agriculture Watch: Texas rice acreage is expected to keep sliding under low prices and global oversupply, while Mississippi is also projected to see reduced planted acres—plus growers are monitoring rice delphacid risk. Workforce & Cost Pressures: A new national look at minimum wage changes shows more states raising pay in 2026, widening the gap from the unchanged federal floor. Community Markets: Delta Harvest Neighborhood Market is launching in Jackson at the Jackson Medical Mall on June 4, aiming to connect local farmers with families and accept EBT.

NFL Trade Watch: The Eagles officially traded star WR A.J. Brown to the Patriots for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, reshaping the offense for both Super Bowl contenders. Defense & Markets: A draft defense bill would bar U.S. troops and Pentagon employees from betting on prediction markets when they have relevant nonpublic information, aiming to curb insider-trading risks as platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket grow. Mississippi Courts & Business: Mississippi liquor retailers filed a federal class action against Iowa-based Ruan Transport, alleging ABC warehouse failures in Gluckstadt caused major shipment delays, missing inventory, and billing errors. Public Safety: A domestic-related shooting spree in Muscatine, Iowa, killed six people; the suspect, Ryan Willis McFarland, died by suicide during a police encounter. Mississippi Economy & Workforce: The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is expanding free financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership programs statewide, including a Stock Market Game for students. Energy & Costs: Gas prices in Mississippi are projected to rise after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with statewide averages jumping since January. Local Development: The former Levi’s plant in Gluckstadt remains vacant, with F Street Investment Group still working to find a buyer or tenants for the large facility.

Rural Health Funding Fight: Mississippi lawmakers are pushing back on Gov. Tate Reeves’ handling of more than $1 billion in federal rural health money over five years, saying the administration hasn’t been transparent enough and that Reeves vetoed a bill requiring competitive bidding. Tax Deadline Update: Mississippi’s 2025 tax filing and payment deadline has been moved to June 8, 2026, with the IRS and state extending deadlines tied to Winter Storm Fern. Local Business Growth: Johnny’s Pizza House opened a new Mississippi location in Brandon (2841 MS-18), bringing the chain’s “Sweep the Kitchen” style menu to a third Mississippi market. Tourism Watch: Coastal Mississippi is gearing up for summer travel after Memorial Day weekend, leaning on indoor attractions and a packed events calendar as America 250 planning ramps up. Corporate/Legal: Seagate agreed to a $175 million settlement tied to claims it concealed export-control-violating sales to Huawei, with shareholders including pension funds in Arkansas and Mississippi. Aviation/Training: The U.S. Air Force lifted a fleetwide operational pause for the T-38 Talon after a crash near the Alabama-Mississippi border, with inspected aircraft expected to return to flight soon. Community Leadership: Pascagoula is accepting applications for its Mayor’s Youth Council for the 2026-27 term, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at city government and service projects.

Aviation & Local Business: A private plane crash in Lowndes County killed Columbus businessman Emmett Barry Sanford, with the FAA and NTSB now investigating the cause. Infrastructure & Supply Chain: A barge carrying major components for the $4.4 billion Brent Spence companion bridge reached Cincinnati after a 600+ mile trip, with in-water work expected to begin soon—good news for regional construction momentum. Energy & Community Investment: The Mississippi Power Foundation is partnering with The Max to boost America250 programming statewide, including discounted tickets and student field trips. Retail & Growth in Mississippi: Magnolia Roots & Co. opened in Meridian, with plans to expand into adjacent space as the new shop grows its home-and-lifestyle offerings. Weather Preparedness: Gulf Coast leaders are urging residents to prepare for hurricane season as NOAA and Colorado State University project a busy 2026 season. Business & Culture Spotlight: In Biloxi, a celebration of Karen Sock’s legacy highlighted her trailblazing role in casino leadership and community impact.

Jones Act & shipping economics: A new op-ed argues the Jones Act waiver debate is missing the bigger business impact—foreign-flag carriers moving through U.S. coastwise routes could distort taxes and regulations, undercut American shipping firms, and shift work away from U.S. merchant mariners. Midterm politics & voting rules: Reuters reports the U.S. Supreme Court could soon rule on Mississippi mail-ballot counting and on limits for coordinated political spending, with decisions expected by late June and potential effects on who controls Congress. Mississippi business expansion: Lockers Manufacturing is expanding in Batesville with a $9.7 million investment and 25 new jobs, adding new production capabilities and divisions supported by state and local partners. Manufacturing investment: Azuria Water Solutions broke ground on an $80 million, 72,000-square-foot Fusible PVC Pipe plant in Batesville, creating 50 jobs and supported through MFLEX and local incentives. Community development grants: Entergy Mississippi awarded $82,500 in economic development grants to nine communities through its Excellerator program, marking the 10th year of awards. Financial literacy push: The Mississippi Council on Economic Education received a BlackRock grant to expand personal finance training for K-12 teachers and students statewide. Arts & history funding: The Mississippi Power Foundation is partnering with The Max to support America250 programming, with discounted tickets and student field trips across the company’s service area. Local retail opening: Magnolia Roots & Co. held a Meridian grand opening, adding a new home-and-lifestyle shop and planning expansion into adjacent space.

Aviation & Jobs: U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith says 24 Mississippi municipal airfields received just over $20 million in FAA Airport Improvement Program grants for runway, taxiway and safety upgrades—supporting local operations and economic development. Industrial Growth: Vicksburg’s Mississippi River Inland Port Complex (MRIPC) was selected for Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s “Room to Grow” Site Ready program, earning Silver-level certification to speed due diligence for rail-served investors. Community Development: Entergy Mississippi will award $82,500 through its Excellerator Competitive Communities program to nine Mississippi recipients, including chambers and county economic development groups. Education & Scholarships: Mississippi Miss Hospitality announced record 2026 scholarships—more than $105,000 total, with a $32,500 direct cash scholarship—and the competition runs July 17-18 in Hattiesburg. Agriculture Leadership: Delta Council Day honored young leaders and scholarships, with Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson highlighting the Delta’s role in national agriculture. Workplace Safety: OSHA details show Chavez Roofing LLC faced serious penalties after a fatal fall at Mississippi University for Women, with similar prior citations at an Alabama jobsite. Outdoor Economy: Mississippi wildlife officials approved tighter non-resident spring turkey limits—two turkeys per season, and one before April 1 starting in 2027—aimed at balancing hunting pressure with economic demand.

Nonprofit Funding: Red River Credit Union’s RRCU Gives grant program opens June 1, with applications for hunger, housing, and financial education nonprofits across Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi running through Aug. 16. Public Safety & Environment: Stone County and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality team up for a free household hazardous waste collection day Saturday, May 30, 8 a.m.-noon. Small Business Spotlight: Bassfield’s Beaver Creek Distillery was named Mississippi’s Rural Small Business of the Year by the SBA. Higher Ed Leadership: Jackson State’s new president, Denise Jones Gregory, will receive a year of outside leadership training as she steps into a role marked by turnover and major campus challenges. Housing & Credit Policy: A federal lawsuit targets a CFPB rule change that fair housing groups say would weaken lending protections and make discrimination easier. Homelessness Data: A new HUD report says homelessness is rising sharply in Mississippi, including large increases in unsheltered homeless veterans. Gaming/Finance Regulation: Mississippi AG Tim Griffin led a multistate amicus brief challenging the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail, arguing it threatens financial data privacy and security. Education Crime Case: A Hernando High School substitute teacher was arrested on a child pornography charge, according to the DeSoto County DA.