AGP Executive Report

Local Attractions: Fifty Grande just crowned Fayette’s Frog Farm—a one-acre sculpture garden of life-sized wooden frogs—as Mississippi’s strangest roadside stop, created by Louise Cadney Coleman and built from her lifelong craft. Education Honors: Belhaven, Delta State, and Wallace State are among schools listing students on President’s, Dean’s, and Vice President’s lists, plus a slate of “Top of Class 2026” recognitions. Music & Culture: Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience lands in Gulfport Oct. 17 (and also hits Jackson March 27), tracing blues’ Mississippi roots to modern hits. Business Moves: Five Star Breaktime Solutions says it’s acquired West Chester Vending to expand routes across the region. Public Safety/Health: The FDA issued a Whole Foods Kitchen Minestrone recall in multiple states, including Mississippi, over undeclared shrimp allergens. Politics & Community: The Neshoba County Fair released its 2026 political speaking schedule for June 24–25.

Data Center Tension in Jackson: Jackson City Council is weighing a six-month moratorium on new data center construction, aiming to study rules for AI power and permitting after residents warned that deals can spiral fast—especially with xAI-linked power issues in nearby Memphis. Local Water Fight: Jackson leaders approved a resolution urging JXN Water to seek a rate case so customers more than a mile outside city limits—about 4,100 people—don’t keep paying the same rates set decades ago. Mississippi Tech Push: Mississippi State University student Kyla Hunter was selected for the Brooke Owens Fellowship, a major aerospace pipeline program. Aviation Update: The U.S. Air Force paused its entire T-38 Talon training fleet after a May 12 crash tied to Columbus AFB in Mississippi. Prison Oversight: A second Vermont man this year died at Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility, renewing scrutiny of out-of-state private prison contracts.

Death Penalty Drama: Tennessee called off Tony Carruthers’ execution after officials couldn’t find a vein for the lethal injection, and Gov. Bill Lee then granted him a one-year stay. Mississippi Legal Fallout: A federal jury found Baker Donelson negligent in a Mississippi timber “Ponzi scheme” case tied to a nine-figure loss. AI Push in MS: Gov. Tate Reeves rolled out a statewide AI education roadmap for K-12 through workforce training, aiming to build AI literacy without replacing human judgment. Health Policy: Planned Parenthood will offer “just in case” abortion pills in two states, letting people stock medication in advance. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A new doxo report says household bill costs vary wildly by state, with the priciest places hitting far higher monthly totals. Local Flavor: Bay St. Louis hosted its 11th annual Pirate Day in the Bay—“party like it’s 1699”—with a kids parade, pub crawl, and costume competition.

Politics & Culture: Former Rep. Barney Frank—Bayonne-born, 16-term Massachusetts Democrat, and a trailblazer for gay rights and major Wall Street reforms—died at 86, with tributes highlighting his sharp wit and his push for progressive change without “forcing them on voters prematurely.” Mississippi Business & Jobs: International Paper broke ground on a $225 million Brandon packaging plant, aiming to create nearly 150 jobs and replace an older Richland site. Food Safety: Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons were recalled in 17 states, including Mississippi, over possible salmonella contamination tied to powdered milk supplier lots. Education & Community: Mississippi’s student population is down nearly 40% over 13 years, and Natchez marked 75 years of its historic preservation ordinance. Public Safety: An animal shelter in Mississippi says it’s been burglarized three times in a week, losing about $30,000. Tech & Environment: Data centers keep expanding in Mississippi, but critics warn about water and power strain.

ICE/CBP Funding Fight: Congressional Republicans are pushing a bill that would steer $1 billion in taxpayer money toward security costs tied to President Trump’s ICE/CBP “slush fund” and ballroom project, despite claims it’s private—while critics say the administration already has over $103 billion in unspent, unaccountable funds. Redistricting Warning: Maury Blackman argues mid-decade redistricting is “breaking representative democracy,” urging districts to follow real geography and communities instead of contrived lines. Voting Rights Backlash: The NAACP and Hakeem Jeffries are escalating a boycott push against Southern college sports programs tied to states rolling back voting protections. Local Impact—AI Data Centers: Jackson County officials are weighing a possible AI/data center proposal after a solar-and-storage pitch raised red flags about water, power, and strain on infrastructure. Mississippi Health: Trustmark is donating $2 million to help build a new UMMC cancer center in Jackson aimed at reducing cancer care disparities. Obituary: Barney Frank, the gay-rights pioneer and Dodd-Frank architect, has died at 86.

Gas Prices: Memorial Day travel is pushing fuel costs to a fresh four-year high, with AAA warning prices could keep climbing as demand rises. Public Health: Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons are being recalled in 17 states over possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported. Mississippi Sports: Mississippi State pitcher Tomas Valincius won the 2026 Ferriss Trophy, beating finalists including teammate Ace Reese and Ole Miss’ Cade Townsend. Local Politics: Jackson City Council tabled a proposed data-center moratorium after a procedural fight over whether it counts as zoning. Voting Rights Push: The NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus are urging athletes and fans to boycott major public college programs in states they say have weakened Black voting power. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlights several Mississippi facilities earning top ratings, including Landmark of Collins (4 stars) and River Place Nursing Center (5 stars). Community Calendar: Mississippi Pickle Fest is coming to Jackson in June.

Food Safety Watch: Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons are being recalled in 17 states, including Mississippi, after a salmonella risk tied to recalled milk powder from California Dairies; no illnesses reported. Public Health & Oversight: The FDA says it inspected one company in a Wayne County-linked city in 2025, with “no action indicated.” Nursing Home Scoreboard: Stone County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center earned a 4-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, while other Mississippi facilities in the CMS data show a wide spread—from 5-star Singing River Skilled Nursing Facility to a 1-star Sunplex Sub-Acute Center. Education: SR1 College Preparatory & STEM Academy in Canton says 69% of its kindergarteners hit reading benchmark or higher. Civic/Legal: The NAACP is pushing for emergency action over alleged unpermitted air pollution tied to xAI’s Memphis-area power plant. Local Business: Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers opens a new Biloxi store May 23.

Rosedale Distilling: Mississippi’s first fully legal distillery is set to start bottling Tuesday—Rosedale Red and Rosedale Rye—turning a long moonshining legacy into a new downtown draw. Sports/Media: Lane Kiffin blocked an Ole Miss reporter after a dispute tied to LSU AD Verge Ausberry’s comments, keeping the rivalry’s social-media feud front and center. Museums/Innovation: Smithsonian Lemelson Center director Eric Hintz will speak June 3 at Two Mississippi Museums, spotlighting invention and innovation with a focus on Mississippi’s past and present industry. Local Safety: Perry County fifth-graders got hands-on farm safety training through Mississippi State Extension’s annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day. Health/Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court sided with mifepristone manufacturers in a mifepristone-mailing fight, while the FBI is seeking major funding for nationwide license plate reader access. Business/Community: The Oaks Residence in Gluckstadt won approvals to build a dedicated memory care home, targeting a Fall 2027 opening.

National Parks Milestone: A Karns City student, Wyatt MacKrell, says he’s already visited more than 250 national parks and areas—before graduating high school—and hopes to become a national park ranger. Memorial Day History: The Miss-Lou Memorial Day Parade returns May 25 with a Mississippi historical marker unveiling and ceremonies in Vidalia and Natchez. Delta Teacher Pipeline: Reach University is expanding its Delta apprenticeship-style teacher training with a $2 million Carnegie grant, targeting underqualified staffing in rural school districts across the region. Voting Rights Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court punted a major Voting Rights Act lawsuit question, sending cases back to lower courts and keeping the law’s future in limbo. Mississippi Notes: A Memphis fugitive was sentenced in Hernando after a traffic stop turned up seven firearms; and Mississippi beaches near Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, and Biloxi face swimming advisories after higher bacteria readings.

Courts & Housing: In Jackson, JXN Water is back in federal court asking a judge to block a receiver from selling the Covington Park Apartments, arguing the sale could leave it unable to collect more than $250,000 in unpaid water and sewer payments; the fight follows a chancery-court receiver appointment tied to $7.9 million in loan defaults and comes as another hearing is set for the same day. Mississippi Politics: At a post-session briefing in Biloxi, lawmakers highlighted Gulf Coast Restoration Fund wins and mitigation for insurance help, while noting disappointment over a Gulf Coast Revolving Loan Fund veto. Local Business Growth: Azuria Water Solutions plans an $80 million Batesville expansion, adding a 72,000-square-foot PVC pipe manufacturing facility and about 50 jobs. Culture & Community: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College graphic design student Mariacelina “Mari” Corneiro won a statewide CTE conference cover contest. Everyday Life: Mississippi Lottery results for May 17 are out, including Match 5: 06-19-20-21-35.

Mississippi Politics & Policy: At a post-legislative briefing in Biloxi, state lawmakers highlighted Gulf Coast Restoration Fund wins that were left unfunded last year, plus approval of insurance mitigation and a new “Strengthen Mississippi Homes Act” roof-grant program for about 1,500 homeowners a year. Local Business & Jobs: Azuria Water Solutions is expanding in Batesville with an $80 million PVC pipe facility expected to create 50 jobs and begin operations in early 2027. Health & Community: Gentiva Hospice opened a larger Meridian office to better serve patients and families. Courts & Culture Wars: The U.S. Supreme Court put a hold on a 5th Circuit ruling affecting access to the abortion pill mifepristone, underscoring how the nation’s top court is still checking a more right-leaning appeals court. Everyday Life: Mississippi Lottery results rolled in for May 16, with Match 5 climbing toward the weekend.

Lottery Results: Mississippi Lottery posted May 16 draw numbers, including Match 5 (08-16-18-26-31) and Cash 3 (Midday 6-4-0, FB 4; Evening 9-8-9, FB 8), plus Cash 4 and Cash Pop. Food Safety: USDA expanded a public health alert tied to a dairy recall, adding more frozen pizza and snack varieties and urging people to throw away or return affected items. Community Growth: North Madison County opened a new softball field at its 5th Annual Community Festival, with Congressman Bennie Thompson at the ribbon cutting. Local Food Push: Genuine MS Farmers Market launched in Brandon, aiming to connect shoppers with Mississippi-grown produce and products every Saturday. Politics: Wisconsin GOP formally endorsed Tiffany, while Mississippi’s redistricting special session was canceled after a Voting Rights Act shift—though congressional map fights remain in play. Sports/Entertainment: MUW hired Bernard Hopkins as men’s basketball coach; Dak Prescott made headlines off-field.

Sports & Entertainment: Netflix finally has Taylor Sheridan’s overlooked Western “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” with a new premiere date, while college hoops and pro football chatter keep rolling. Mississippi College Sports: MUW hired veteran coach Bernard Hopkins to lead its men’s basketball program after a strong season. Local Community: West Point’s Clay County shelter says it helped rescue 54 dogs from a hoarding case, underscoring ongoing capacity and foster needs. State Watchdog: Nebraska’s auditor Mike Foley says fraud tips are surging after GPS tracking exposed alleged misuse of taxpayer vehicles. Mississippi Business & Culture: A new Gulfport restaurant opens from beloved food influencer Matthew Bounds, and Jackson unveiled a new mural tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Weather: Magnolia’s forecast stays warm through the weekend, with storm chances building early next week. Lottery: Mississippi Match 5 and Cash 3 results were posted for May 15.

Local Justice: A former coach at Forrest County Agricultural High School, Thomas Chambliss, was charged with felony embezzlement; no case details were released and bond was set at $7,500. Economic Development: South Mississippi’s Eagle One mega site near U.S. 11 got a $750,000 legislative boost for infrastructure prep, including water and sewer planning, as leaders push to speed projects to “market.” Community & Culture: Jackson unveiled a new Mississippi history mural on the Albert Wilson Empowerment Building, funded through the America 250 Mississippi Public Art Grant Program, spotlighting Civil Rights-era moments and figures. Public Safety & Health: Louisiana environmental officials say air monitoring after a Chalmette refinery explosion found no health-risk chemical detections; the cause is still under investigation. Corrections: Mississippi jail administrators are forming an association to improve detention operations, especially for mental health and staffing challenges. Sports & Tech: xAI’s Grok growth appears to be lagging, even as Musk expands data-center efforts in the Mid-South.

Banking Deal: Hancock Whitney of Gulfport signed an agreement to buy Orlando’s OFB Bancshares in an all-cash deal that would grow its Florida loans and deposits by more than 30%, with closing expected in Q3. Lottery Buzz: Mississippi Match 5 climbed again after Thursday’s drawing produced no winners, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $500,000 heading into the weekend. Data Center Backlash: A new push to speed air-permitting for major projects is drawing fresh fire, as opponents warn it could accelerate AI data center buildouts while communities face higher power costs and tighter secrecy rules. Local Spotlight: The Delta Council held its 91st annual meeting at Mississippi State’s Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, underscoring the Delta’s ongoing push for agriculture-driven economic development. Mississippi Notes: AG Lynn Fitch filed motions to end federal court oversight of Mississippi’s child welfare system tied to the 2004 Olivia Y. case.

Health & Aging: A new southern Mississippi study using smart rings found light activity (like walking) and vigorous exercise (like swimming) cut sleep disturbances for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, while moderate steady cardio didn’t help much—challenging the “any movement is the same” message. Mississippi Politics: Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann has formed a select committee to study redistricting and reapportionment after Gov. Tate Reeves paused immediate changes, setting up another round of legal and political pressure ahead of 2027. Local Community: Meridian dedicated “Ann’s Alley” in honor of Ann Alexander, turning a derelict passageway into a pedestrian asset. Environment & Industry: A fresh report says xAI added more gas turbines at its Southaven data center while a Clean Air Act fight continues. Home & Safety: Termite swarms are hitting South Mississippi—experts urge homeowners to cut lights and consider a treatment plan.