AGP Executive Report

Mississippi Housing Crunch: Laurel Housing Authority says it hit its affordable-housing wait list cap, with 500 units and 500+ families waiting, and is pushing to redevelop South Park Village with funding expected in early November. Port & River Commerce: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers moved the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock Replacement in New Orleans forward after an Assistant Secretary of the Army signed the record of decision, aiming to replace a 103-year-old lock that can bottleneck Gulf Intracoastal Waterway traffic. Defense/Aviation Jobs: Liberty Alliance is expanding in Hancock County, leasing 34,000+ sq. ft. at Stennis International Airport, targeting 13–15 jobs and boosting the Gulf Coast defense logistics footprint. Industrial Growth in Mississippi: Mississippi State President Mark Keenum highlighted MSU’s $4B annual economic engine and ongoing campus expansion at the fall faculty meeting. Workforce & Safety: Mississippi AG and USDA wrapped up Operation Stronghold, inspecting 421 businesses and recovering three card skimmers. Energy/Industry Signals: Starlink’s discounted service is drawing new users in Memphis/Southaven amid ongoing data center noise complaints. Culture with Local Roots: The 17th Mississippi Songwriters Festival returns Sept. 17–20 in Ocean Springs and Gautier, featuring Songwriters Hall of Fame inductions and workshops. Food & Health Watch: USDA deregulated Darling 54, a blight-resistant American chestnut, as researchers debate how fast restoration can follow.

Mississippi River & logistics: Low river levels are forcing Tri-State boaters and marinas to navigate shallower waters, adding friction for local water-based commerce. Manufacturing safety: A massive chemical fire at Howard Industries in Laurel sent workers into evacuation mode after a paint booth caught fire near a tanker carrying an explosive substance; crews contained it by evening. Local government & recovery: Meridian City Council approved $75,000 to pay Willis Engineering for flood damage evaluation work tied to April flooding, with a Sept. 15 update expected. Workforce & community grants: Visit Meridian named recipients for its 2026-2027 Tourism Grant Program, backing events and attractions meant to draw overnight visitors. Energy & infrastructure: Subsea7 won a $50m-$150m Gulf of Mexico tieback deal for the Who Dat East development, targeting first production in late 2028. Business restructuring: Southern Motion filed for Chapter 11 in Mississippi, citing tariffs, higher manufacturing costs, and a softer retail furniture market. Public health & risk: A study tracking midlife vascular health found fewer dementia-free years for people with more risk factors, with data drawn from Mississippi and other states. Aviation management: Keahey was named airport manager and is looking at a runway extension.

Industrial Safety: A massive chemical fire at Howard Industries in Laurel sent employees into evacuation mode after a paint booth caught fire near a tanker truck carrying an explosive substance; crews largely contained it by evening. Local Infrastructure: Meridian City Council approved $75,000 for Willis Engineering to continue a flood damage evaluation tied to April flooding, with an update planned for Sept. 15. Workforce & Training: AccelerateMS and the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid launched the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant, offering last-dollar help for adult learners in priority sectors like advanced manufacturing, construction trades, agriculture, transportation/maritime, and healthcare. Energy & Power: Alliant Energy began installing new natural-gas generators at its Burlington Generating Station, replacing decades-old turbines to boost reliability. Legal & Public Safety: A Nigerian man accused in the Walker Montgomery sextortion case pleaded not guilty in federal court and is set for trial Oct. 19. Tourism: Visit Meridian named 2026-2027 Tourism Grant recipients supporting events and attractions that bring overnight visitors. Business Restructuring: Southern Motion filed for Chapter 11 protection, citing tariff and cost pressures and a softer retail furniture market. Health Research: A study in Neurology Open Access links optimal midlife vascular health to longer dementia-free survival.

Industrial Safety: A massive chemical fire at Howard Industries in Laurel forced evacuations after a paint booth caught fire near a tanker truck carrying an explosive substance, with crews from across Jones County responding. Energy & Infrastructure: Low Mississippi River levels are leaving Tri-State boaters and marinas dealing with shallow water, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans free public open houses on river navigation management later this month. Water & Environment: Louisiana kicked off the “Love Our Waterways” initiative to mobilize volunteers and businesses to remove litter along rivers, lakes, bayous and shorelines, tying cleanup to the state’s maritime and water economy. Public Safety & Justice: The U.S. extradited two Nigerian nationals to face federal sextortion prosecutions tied to teen deaths, including a case in Northern District of Mississippi. Local Business & Workforce: The University of Mississippi rolled out a new Transit app and campus transportation changes as construction blocks parking areas. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reported some of Mississippi’s lowest pump prices in late August, including regular at $3.59 in Lawrence County and diesel at $4.99 in Jones County.

Industrial Fire Response: A massive fire at Howard Industries in Laurel, Mississippi, sent thick smoke into the air and triggered an evacuation after a paint booth caught fire near a tanker truck carrying an explosive substance; officials urged residents and commuters to stay away as crews from across Jones County worked to contain flames. Furniture Manufacturing & Restructuring: Man Wah Holdings said its U.S. upholstered-furniture operations in northern Mississippi are tied to a landlord arrangement while Southern Motion filed for Chapter 11, highlighting how Mississippi plant footprints can be affected by corporate restructuring. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported mixed low-price finds across Mississippi counties for the week ending Aug. 22, including the lowest regular gas in Mississippi County and other county-specific premium and midgrade price points. Legal/Environment: Mississippi joins a coalition of Republican attorneys general urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse soot pollution limits upheld from the Biden-era EPA rule, a fight with major implications for industrial compliance costs. Local Economic Development: Neshoba County named David Alexander as new head of the Neshoba County Community Development Partnership, aiming to keep existing industry and retail while courting new growth. Food Industry Spotlight: Cal-Maine Foods, based in Ridgeland, announced participation in the Barclays Global Consumer Conference and released its FY2025 Impact Report.

Defense & Manufacturing: Raytheon completed a $50M expansion at its Forest, Miss. facility, boosting radar and electronic warfare production and adding about 100 high-skilled jobs by 2028. Shipbuilding: A new U.S. Navy plan keeps Arleigh Burke destroyer work on track through 2040, with Mississippi’s Ingalls Shipbuilding holding a major share of deliveries and construction. Energy & Industry: SpaceX says it will build its own gas turbine parts to meet AI data-center power demand, underscoring how energy supply is shaping tech growth. Data Centers & Community Impact: Noise from xAI’s Southaven-area campus is raising concerns near the Memphis-Mississippi border, while a separate report argues data-center moratoriums can hit schools and taxpayers hardest. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Low Mississippi River levels are hurting marinas and dock revenue, with some facilities cutting capacity as water depth drops. Workforce & Education: Mississippi State student Bradyn Long received a Flight 93-linked scholarship for flight training while studying aerospace engineering. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Mississippi regular prices around $3.62 statewide in the week ending Aug. 22, with notable low points in several counties.

Mississippi Infrastructure: MDOT is rolling out “The Big Fix” I-20/I-55 Freight Corridors Improvement Project, targeting 36 bridge rehabilitations and 32 interstate miles of resurfacing around the Jackson metro to boost safety and mobility for freight and commuters. Agriculture Tech: USDA-ARS and Auburn University are collaborating on drone and AI research to improve scouting and field operations, including better delivery of liquid and dry materials for crops. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show Mississippi fuel prices edging up week over week, with Clay County premium hitting $4.24 (lowest in the county) and Monroe County regular as low as $3.39; diesel in Walthall County reportedly bottomed at $5.39. Gulf Economy: A new look at the Gulf South frames the region—Texas through Florida—as a growing innovation hub built on energy, manufacturing, defense, and major ports. Consumer Safety: BBB Scam Tracker data finds multiple Mississippi cities tied for elevated scam reports in July, including Picayune and Ocean Springs, underscoring ongoing fraud losses. Environment: Researchers measured the northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone at about 1,332 square miles, the second-smallest on record, after storm conditions disrupted oxygen layering.

Energy & Industry: Data centers are increasingly looking at small modular nuclear reactors for steady power, but experts warn the commercial rollout timeline is the big hurdle. Agriculture: Drought is tightening hay supplies and pushing some livestock producers to feed winter stock early; Mississippi is among the states coordinating hay help. Logistics: A new U.S. freight and supply-chain update shows mixed port and rail conditions, while downbound grain barge rates on the Mississippi River system rose in most locations. Environment: Researchers report the 2026 northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone measured about 1,332 square miles—second-smallest on record—after storm conditions disrupted low-oxygen layering. Manufacturing & Jobs: OCP North America and CHS plan a $450 million Louisiana phosphate fertilizer plant near the Mississippi River, targeting more than 1 million tonnes annually. Aviation Innovation: Louisiana launched an FAA-backed program to test electric and autonomous aircraft use cases, including energy-industry transport across Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Public Safety: A Nigerian man accused in a Mississippi sextortion case tied to a teen’s death has been extradited to face federal charges. Consumer Fraud: Corinth logged four scam reports in July, placing it among Mississippi cities with the highest BBB Scam Tracker activity.

Fertilizer & Manufacturing: CHS and Morocco’s OCP North America plan a $450 million phosphate fertilizer plant in Waggaman, Louisiana—aiming for more than 1 million tonnes a year and new jobs, with Mississippi River access built in. Aviation Innovation: Louisiana DOTD launched LIFTOff Louisiana, an FAA-backed effort to test electric and autonomous aircraft use cases tied to energy sites across Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. Defense & Tech Industry: Raytheon is expanding Mississippi radar and electronic warfare production, including a $50 million Forest facility boost tied to NGJ-MB production. Workforce & Housing: Big River Steel added $300,000 to Mississippi County’s “Work Here. Live Here.” housing incentive, pushing employer-backed investment and home purchases in the county. Public Safety & Courts: Two Nigerian men were extradited to the U.S. over alleged sextortion schemes involving minors; one case is linked to the death of a Mississippi teen. Consumer Watch: FDA upgraded a pistachio butter recall to Class I risk, warning it “could cause serious illness or death” from possible salmonella contamination. Local Business Trust: BBB Scam Tracker shows Mississippi cities like Clinton and Booneville tied for notable scam-report counts in July, with phishing and credit-debt relief among common targets. Weather & Planning: Gulf Coast forecasts call for weekend storms and localized flooding, while inland heat returns next week.

Aviation Innovation in the Gulf South: Louisiana DOTD and FAA partners launched LIFTOff Louisiana, a multi-year push to study electric and autonomous aircraft operations for cargo and personnel—aimed at safely integrating new aircraft types into the national airspace, with Mississippi and Texas in the mix. Manufacturing & Defense Supply Chain: The U.S. Department of War’s Industrial Base program backed Atlantic Alumina with a $100M follow-on investment to keep domestic alumina refining running—protecting a key defense supply chain node. Housing Incentives in Mississippi County: Big River Steel added $300,000 to the “Work Here. Live Here.” program, bringing its total giving to $5.3M and helping drive hundreds of home purchases and construction locally. Public Safety & Courts: A Nigerian man, Adebola Festus Adekunle, was extradited to Mississippi and arraigned in the Walker Montgomery sextortion death case, facing up to life in prison. Consumer Watchdog: BBB Scam Tracker data put Booneville among Mississippi cities with scam losses in July, with phishing the most common reported type. Local Libraries: Meridian unveiled a renovated fifth floor at Mitchell Memorial Library, expanding study and collaboration space for students.

Defense & Industry: The “Department of War” backed Atlantic Alumina (Atalco) with a $100 million follow-on preferred equity investment, bringing total federal support to $400 million to keep the U.S.’s last domestic alumina refinery running. Maritime Manufacturing: Ocean Aero plans a $4 million expansion in Gulfport, adding production space and 45 jobs to scale its TRITON autonomous underwater/surface vehicles. Workforce & Education: Mississippi State unveiled a renovated fifth floor at Mitchell Memorial Library, adding study rooms and updated student spaces. Agriculture & Food Prices: Mississippi shoppers and Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson react to Trump’s plan to import cheaper ground beef, with concerns about origin and local impacts. Public Safety & Courts: A Nigerian man, Adebola Festus Adekunle, was extradited to Mississippi and arraigned in the Walker Montgomery sextortion death case, facing up to life in prison. Health & Food Supply: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 20 states, including Mississippi, with thousands ill and hundreds hospitalized. Energy Costs: AAA reports August gas prices are poised to set a new record as crude stays volatile.

Defense & Jobs: Raytheon finished a $50M, 17,000-square-foot expansion at its Forest, MS plant to build and test Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods, aiming to add 100 high-skill jobs by 2028. Power & Cost Relief: Entergy Mississippi says data center revenue helped keep summer electric rates flat, avoiding a projected $4.87 monthly increase, and it’s seeking an additional 41-cent monthly reduction tied to those customer benefits. Fertilizer Supply: CHS and OCP North America are moving ahead on a proposed joint venture to build a phosphate fertilizer facility in Louisiana, targeting more domestic production and less reliance on imports. Workforce Housing: Mississippi County’s “Work Here. Live Here.” program keeps gaining employer support, with Big River Steel adding $300,000 and other partners contributing as the initiative nears its 250th home. Youth Online Safety: Mississippi is set to receive nearly $190M over 10 years from a Meta settlement, with new limits on Instagram/Facebook use for teens and funding for youth and mental health programs. Agriculture Policy Pressure: Tree farmers and landowners urged lawmakers to consider banning foreign land ownership, citing rising input costs and inflation. Local Industry Recognition: Hancock Chamber honored Woolpert as Industry of the Year at its “Beyond the Horizon” gala, alongside awards for Navy and NASA Stennis.

Food Safety: Botticelli Foods recalled 16,200 jars of Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including Mississippi, after Salmonella contamination; the FDA upgraded it to Class I, its most serious level. Manufacturing & Defense: Raytheon completed a $50 million expansion at its Forest, Miss. facility, adding 17,000 sq. ft. to boost production of Navy Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods and create 100 jobs. Logistics: Averitt opened a 100,000-square-foot distribution and fulfillment facility in Jackson to serve freight lanes on I-20/I-55, with flexible space for customers and rail connections. Energy Rates: Entergy says data center agreements under its Fair Share Plus pledge are starting to moderate rate impacts for Mississippi customers, with more benefits expected as projects ramp up. Digital Safety Funding: Mississippi is set to receive nearly $190 million over 10 years from a multistate Meta settlement, including limits on teen use of Instagram/Facebook and funding for youth programs and mental health. Agriculture Policy: Mississippi farmers urged lawmakers to consider banning foreign land ownership, citing rising input costs and inflation pressures.

Agriculture & Markets: Golden Triangle cattle producers are watching Trump’s plan to import 300,000 metric tons of beef with lower tariffs, weighing it against already-tight herd numbers and high input costs. Workplace Leadership: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leader Marty Wargo shared his “waffles and spaghetti” approach to managing complex workloads—useful for agencies juggling interconnected priorities. Tech & Logistics Security: A new report warns cargo theft of data-center gear and chips is surging, with deception and fraudulent shipping identities driving losses that can top $30m. Child Safety & Consumer Impact: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a major multistate Meta settlement requiring Instagram/Facebook youth-safety changes and payouts—part of a broader wave of state actions. Mississippi Energy/Industry: CF Industries, JERA and Mitsui broke ground on the Blue Point One ammonia plant on the Mississippi River, targeting 2029 production. Local Business & Tourism: Visit Hattiesburg CEO Marlo Dorsey earned a top national destination-management credential. Mississippi Community Health: Central Mississippi’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk set an Oct. 24 date in Flowood.

Meta Settlement for Youth Safety: Mississippi is set to receive about $188.98 million from a multistate $17.1B Meta deal aimed at curbing addictive design on Facebook and Instagram and adding child-safety limits, with more money possible if TikTok and YouTube adopt similar protections. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show Jackson County regular at $3.18 (week ending Aug. 15) and Lincoln County midgrade at $3.68, while statewide averages for regular and diesel remain volatile amid refinery and global oil market pressures. Road Work in Jackson: Nighttime lane closures on I-55 in Hinds County run 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for bridge repairs and deck overlay prep. Shipbuilding Tech Hiring: Cadmatic says it’s adding U.S. shipyard support roles in Mississippi (plus Virginia and Louisiana) to back digital design and outfitting. Agriculture Workforce: Mississippi farmers say profitability and uncertainty are shaping hiring and whether the next generation stays in agriculture.

College Sports Policy: The SEC adopted a rule Tuesday barring players drafted or rostered in the NFL, NBA or WNBA from returning to college, joining the Big Ten’s earlier move and escalating a fast-moving eligibility fight likely headed to court. Mississippi Agriculture & Trade: Mississippi cattle producers are reacting to Trump’s plan to suspend tariffs on ground beef and allow up to 300,000 tons of tariff-free imports, with ranchers warning lower prices could still squeeze an already tight cattle market. Defense & Local Industry: The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a $603 million contract to produce and sustain the AN/APQ-188 radar for the B-52 fleet, with work listed in Forrest, Mississippi. STEM & Workforce: Atmos Energy and the Grammy Museum in Cleveland launched a three-year, $50,000 partnership to expand student access through scholarships and education programming. Space & Environment (Regional): SpaceX unveiled a $100B Starbase Louisiana on Pecan Island, but wildlife groups are urging regulators not to waive environmental protections as construction ramps up.