AGP Executive Report

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.

Mississippi Politics: Republicans Andy Gipson and Philip Gunn have announced bids for Mississippi governor as term-limited Tate Reeves exits, with Secretary of State Michael Watson the only declared lieutenant governor candidate so far—early chatter is already building for the 2027 statewide ballot. AI & Infrastructure: A new “Breaking Points” look at AI data centers says water is emerging as a siting constraint, with projects requiring massive daily supplies and cooling systems that strain municipal planning. Transportation & Construction: IDOT will close the U.S. 60/62 Mississippi River bridge daily June 9-11 (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) for maintenance, with detours via U.S. 51/I-57/U.S. 62. Public Safety & Courts: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch reports two Venezuelan Tren de Aragua members were sentenced for “ATM jackpotting,” getting 10 months federal prison plus restitution and deportation. Local Business Support: Stone County’s facade grant program is funding upgrades for Quality Laundromat in Wiggins, with more than $7,000 in improvements completed and remaining funds available. Energy & Cost Watch: AAA says national gas prices fell 12 cents to about $4.42, though analysts warn oil-market volatility could push prices back up.

Mississippi Policy & Economy: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch joined a bipartisan push against the federal KIDS internet safety bill, warning it would preempt state authority and weaken protections for minors online while insulating Big Tech; the coalition backs the Senate’s KOSA version that includes a duty-of-care approach. Mississippi Business & Jobs: The Delta Regional Authority is investing $15 million in Mississippi Delta infrastructure projects, including road work, water upgrades, and flood control, aimed at public safety and economic development. Local Governance & Transparency: Ascension Parish (Louisiana) is set to release documents tied to the RiverPlex Mega Park industrial development, though not during the appeal process, after environmental groups sued over withheld public records. Housing & Veterans Finance: New VA home-loan rankings show Texas leading nationally, with Mississippi not listed in the provided top ranks; the broader takeaway is continued strong demand for veteran-backed mortgages. Workforce & Community: Mississippi’s Governor’s Job Fair Network held a Greenwood event connecting employers with job seekers and offering professional clothing support. Business Climate: A $20 million Pencco manufacturing facility in Gadsden, Alabama, is creating 40 jobs, underscoring ongoing regional industrial investment.

Mississippi Business & Economy: Ole Miss honors: The University of Mississippi named students to its Fall 2025 Chancellor’s and Dean’s Honor Rolls, highlighting academic performance across multiple programs. Construction retail expansion: Cornerstone Building Brands is unifying its metal solutions retail network under Mueller, with Fortify Building Solutions locations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi slated to convert through 2026. Local economic lift from sports: Hattiesburg and Starkville are projecting major spending from NCAA softball regionals, with Visit Hattiesburg estimating about $7.3 million in direct local spending and nearly $11 million in total impact. Workforce & productivity context: A new BLS look at 2025 shows Arkansas labor productivity up 1.8% (matching the national gain), offering a regional benchmark for employers and planners. Public safety & community: Mississippi wildlife officials are urging residents to secure trash and pet food as black bears move into early summer.

Iran Tensions & Energy Risk: U.S. forces carried out new defensive strikes on an Iran military facility after downing four Iranian one-way attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz, as President Trump again framed talks as “negotiating on fumes” and said midterms won’t change his approach—an uncertainty that keeps pressure on global energy markets. Mississippi Policy Watch: Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch joined a bipartisan push against the federal KIDS internet safety bill, arguing it could weaken state power to hold big tech accountable, while backing a Senate alternative that would set clearer child-safety requirements. Sports Betting Regulation: Ohio AG Dave Yost and 41 AGs urged the CFTC to recognize state authority over sports-related prediction markets, calling them “gambling” and warning they bypass state consumer protections. Coastal Economy: The Mississippi shrimp fleet is back for the 2026 season as the Department of Marine Resources sets opening dates after testing conditions; meanwhile, flooding in South Mississippi is raising concerns for farmers and delayed harvests. Local Business & Jobs: Magnolia Tee Indoor Golf Club opened in Ridgeland with high-tech simulators and plans a second location soon. Health & Community: UMMC AirCare is expanding its fleet and hiring additional medical staff for fixed-wing patient transport. Public Safety: Two people were arrested in Scott County after separate drug busts involving methamphetamine, crack cocaine, firearms, and distribution materials. Lottery Win: A Mississippi Match 5 ticket sold in Pontotoc won $750,000.

Iran Deal Watch: President Trump told reporters Iran is “negotiating on fumes” as Cabinet talks continue and a potential agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remains in flux, with critics warning any deal could leave Iran emboldened. Workplace & Legal: The 5th U.S. Circuit upheld a Mississippi TV anchor’s firing for racially offensive on-air language, saying Title VII doesn’t automatically prove discrimination when an employer acts after complaints. Mississippi Economy & Jobs: Rosedale Distilling Company is launching in the Delta with a $17 million investment, redeveloping historic buildings and targeting national markets while creating 57 jobs. Gulf Coast Business: Dutch Bros Coffee announced its first Mississippi location in Pearl (220 Bass Pro Dr.), slated to open this summer. Healthcare Operations: Ochsner Health and myLaurel say an in-home acute and transitional care partnership has cut readmissions and saved more than 10,500 hospital bed days. Blue Economy Innovation: Southern Miss’s Gulf Blue Navigator wrapped Cohort 4 with a Demo Day highlighting coastal resilience startups. Public Safety: Gulfport police are investigating a targeted Walmart-area shooting that left two people dead and a third wounded. Local Culture: Beau Rivage Theatre in Biloxi will stage “Shrek The Musical” June 11–July 2.

Capital Markets: Florida insurer Safepoint is pushing ahead with a US IPO, seeking up to $283.3 million and pricing 6.2 million shares at $15–$17, with its Bermuda reinsurance setup front and center. Energy & Industry: A new gas-burning power plant tied to Musk’s xAI is again in the spotlight after claims it was built with limited community input, with the NAACP pursuing legal action over pollution impacts in nearby Black neighborhoods. Local Courts & Governance: In Jackson’s bribery case, defendants face a May 29 deadline to say whether they’ll plead guilty, ahead of a July 13 trial date. Public Safety: Lowndes County’s chancery clerk is offering a free fraud detection service that alerts residents to documents filed in their name. Mississippi Economy & Cost of Living: A new grocery-cost study flags Mississippi among the priciest states for families of four, even as broader affordability pressures mount. Community & Culture: Clarksdale native Rick Ross is set to return for the 2026 Mississippi Book Festival, promoting his new memoir.