AGP Executive Report

Mississippi Infrastructure: MDOT’s “Big Fix” in Jackson is moving into the heavy-work phase, with most 2026 lane closures planned for nights and weekends as crews resurface about 121 lane miles and repair 36 bridges over roughly two years. Mississippi River & Construction: A new $25 million Strong River bridge project is now open, reconnecting D’Lo and Mendenhall after replacement of four aging Highway 149 structures. Trade Costs for Industry: New data shows Mississippi businesses have paid $2.4 billion in executive tariffs since January 2025, with exports still exposed as Canada retaliates and Trump expands tariff coverage. Manufacturing Spotlight: Lockheed Martin won the 2026 Mississippi Makers Challenge, beating other manufacturers in a statewide push to highlight “Made in Mississippi.” Energy & Reliability: A federal push to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules targets illegal robocalls, while separate reporting flags reliability problems at SpaceX AI data centers—including sites in Mississippi—raising pressure to meet major compute deadlines. Water & Justice: A court ruling says Jackson residents don’t have a constitutional right to clean water, sparking renewed calls for environmental justice. Workforce & Training: MARAD named 16 maritime training Centers of Excellence, expanding the domestic pipeline for mariners and apprentices.

Mississippi River Industry: Frontieras North America signed an LOI with Cora Terminal in Rockwood, Illinois, outlining phased FASForm™ solid carbon fractionation plants that would process 7,500 tons of coal feedstock per day per plant and ship products by barge, rail and truck. Food Safety: The FDA expanded an E. coli berry recall to include Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend in 16 states, including Mississippi, after 17 illnesses were reported. Energy & Tech: PowerCompute said August production at its Oklahoma and Mississippi sites faced seasonal heat-related curtailment, generating about $132,000 in energy sales and bringing total energy sales to about $223,000 over two months. Workforce & Infrastructure: A new report highlights how data centers are pushing electricity-cost debates, while Mississippi’s Camp Shelby was designated a permissive test range to speed battlefield tech development with private partners. Agriculture: McKinsey reports farmers are increasingly using generative AI for farm decisions, with adoption rising even as input costs stay volatile. Local Business/Community: Mississippi State Fair will offer free brisket biscuits to veterans and active-duty military via a new partnership.

Steel Investment: Hyundai Steel is moving ahead with a $5.8B electric arc furnace mill in Louisiana, targeting 2.7M metric tons a year and relying on an air-permit approval before full construction can begin. Energy & Tech Infrastructure: C Spire is expanding Mississippi’s fiber network with a new Jackson-to-Olive Branch corridor aimed at supporting the AI economy and faster connectivity for businesses, schools, and healthcare. Ag & Food Supply: USDA announced nearly $20M in catfish awards for federal nutrition programs, including major purchases tied to Mississippi producers. Workforce & Research: Mississippi State’s Taylor Pippins is advancing robotics research through the Army SPARK program, using AI and 3D imaging for autonomous defect detection on infrastructure. Local Business & Tourism: Madison County approved a $120M conference center plus a 250-room Dolce by Wyndham hotel in Ridgeland, with tourism rebate proceeds earmarked to speed debt repayment. Public Policy: Mississippi Sen. Daniel Sparks says he’ll investigate contracts if elected state auditor, as the race heats up. Education Leadership: Four Mississippi State professors were named 2026-27 SEC Academic Leadership Development Program fellows, including an agricultural engineering faculty member.

Mississippi Politics & Growth: Empower Mississippi founder urges what to look for in the state’s next governor, arguing leaders must tackle low income and labor participation while keeping momentum from education gains and new investment. Public Finance: David McRae highlights Mississippi Treasury modernization, citing more than $1B in interest income since 2020 and nearly $200M returned to residents. Workforce & Industry: Mississippi State University partners with METAL to expand workforce training in metalworking and manufacturing. Agriculture & Markets: Grain coverage notes wheat leading grain futures higher overnight as traders watch upcoming USDA reports. Infrastructure & Logistics Risk: Inland waterway drought is flagged as a business continuity threat for ports and shippers, with low-water restrictions cascading into freight costs and delays. Community & Safety: Claiborne County mourns a deputy killed in a shooting during the Hermanville Day Festival. Local Economy: Bay St. Louis reports Labor Day weekend tourism demand holding steady despite weather.

Workplace Safety: A new Labor Day look at job fatalities ranks logging as the deadliest occupation, with fishing, roofing, and structural iron/steel also among the highest fatality-rate roles, while 2024 still saw 5,070 U.S. workers die on the job. Public Safety in Mississippi: Claiborne County mourns Deputy Terrian Bailey, fatally shot while responding to a crowd after the Hermanville Day Festival; a woman was also shot but survived. Mississippi River & Logistics: Low river levels are disrupting boating on the Mississippi River, with dredging needed at a Rock Island marina during Labor Day. Energy & Costs: Gas prices are hitting record highs for Labor Day nationwide, with diesel also at an all-time high—keeping travel budgets tight. Industry & Infrastructure: Hyundai Steel’s $5.8 billion Louisiana mill breaks ground, aiming for lower-carbon steel production; meanwhile, the Lansing Mississippi River bridge in Iowa is now expected to open in early November, months ahead of schedule. Agriculture: Corn markets are rallying into harvest as river terminals and processors offer stronger premiums, though input and energy costs still squeeze profits. Workforce & Training: Mississippi State University Extension and Alabama Extension hosted 2026 graduate crops tours, connecting next-gen researchers to regional farming conditions.

Energy Costs: Americans are bracing for the most expensive Labor Day at the gas pump on record, with the national regular average around $4.14 and Mississippi hovering just above $3.70 as crude prices stay elevated. Aviation & Logistics: The FAA tested a pilotless, hybrid-electric cargo aircraft in Louisiana, a sign that next-gen delivery and emergency supply runs could shift how goods move. Manufacturing Investment: Hyundai Steel broke ground on a $5.8 billion electric arc furnace mill in Louisiana, targeting 2.7 million tons a year and thousands of jobs as it expands low-carbon automotive steel. Workforce Training: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is joining a Lowe’s Foundation skilled-trades push to grow construction and electrical pipelines. Mississippi Business & Community: Congressman Michael Guest highlighted Aurora Flight Sciences’ expansion in Lowndes County, tying aerospace investment to job growth and defense needs. Public Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data show Brookhaven logged one scam report in July, while a wider Mississippi list reflects ongoing consumer losses. Research & Materials: USM and MIT-linked teams are using data and AI to design next-generation organic electronic materials.

Steel & Manufacturing: Hyundai Steel officially broke ground on its $5.8 billion electric arc furnace mill in Louisiana, targeting 2.7 million metric tons of steel annually and about 5,400 jobs, with commercial production slated for 2029. Workforce Training: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is joining Lowe’s Foundation’s Building Futures Skilled Trades Coalition, building on $1.7 million in prior grants to expand construction and electrical training. Defense Tech & Robotics: AAMU graduate Taylor Pippins completed a second Army SPARK research fellowship in Vicksburg, working on robotics and sensor integration. Mississippi Industry & Policy: Congressman Michael Guest highlighted Aurora Flight Sciences’ Lowndes County expansion and ongoing public safety updates in recent posts. Water Quality: New USGS research says nutrient pollution rose in many U.S. streams from 2000-2020, driven largely by nitrogen and phosphorus stored in soil and groundwater. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Brookhaven logged one scam report in July, tying it for 40th among Mississippi cities. Energy Costs: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices are near record highs nationwide, with Mississippi around the low-$3.70s.

Steel & Manufacturing: Hyundai Steel and POSCO broke ground on a $5.8 billion electric arc furnace mill in Louisiana, positioning the project to feed major industries and create new U.S. manufacturing momentum. Workforce Training: Mississippi State University partnered with METAL to expand metalworking and manufacturing workforce training. Energy & Industry Policy: Researchers say 2027 could bring the biggest wave of renewable energy siting bills as data center growth and affordability concerns keep pressure on state lawmakers. Food & Safety: A frozen berry E. coli recall expanded to more stores and states, keeping food safety front and center for retailers and shoppers. Public Health: Gulf Coast hospitals in Mississippi added free, anonymous naloxone vending machines to help reverse overdoses as local rates remain higher than the state average. Transportation Costs: AAA reports Labor Day gas prices are heading toward record highs, with Mississippi among the lower-priced states but still above last year. Local Education: Two Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students earned $1,000 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise scholarships for mechanical engineering studies and leadership. Research & Climate Tech: University of Mississippi researchers helped develop a low-cost way to turn captured carbon dioxide into chemicals, aiming to make carbon-to-products more practical for industry.

Energy & Cost of Living: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are headed for record highs, with the national regular average around $4.15 Saturday and Mississippi hovering just above $3.70. Workforce & Education: Two Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students—Skylar Bell and Hunter Williams—earned 2026 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise scholarships, both studying mechanical engineering. Public Health: Singing River Health System is expanding naloxone access on the Gulf Coast with free, anonymous vending machines at Gulfport, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula hospitals. Manufacturing & Innovation: University of Mississippi researchers, with Texas A&M, report a low-cost way to mass-produce catalysts that turn captured carbon dioxide into chemicals for fuels and plastics. Energy Policy: A national review of 2026 renewable siting bills finds most proposals aimed to restrict projects, but enacted rules were mostly permissive—researchers expect 2027 to be the biggest year yet. Local Industry Spotlight: Pass Christian is pushing a $9.5M–$11M performing arts center rebuild as part of its New Horizons 2030 plan.

Steel & Manufacturing: Hyundai Steel broke ground on a $5.8 billion electric-arc furnace mill in Louisiana, a Hyundai-Posco joint venture expected to produce 2.7 million metric tons of automotive steel sheets annually starting in 2029, with major job-creation projections for the Baton Rouge region. Food Safety: Walmart expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli risk, pulling Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) from select stores in 16 states including Mississippi; no illnesses were reported for this specific lot. Public Works & Infrastructure: Work resumed after a stop-work order was lifted on the Brandon Road invasive carp barrier project in Illinois, aimed at protecting the Great Lakes fishery. Local Governance & Community Resilience: After a Memphis storm left more than 100,000 people without power, local organizers coordinated neighbor checks and meal distribution, highlighting how communities handle outages when help is slow. Workforce/Leadership: Mississippi State alumnus Adam Telle was named acting U.S. Army secretary, bringing Army Corps of Engineers oversight experience.

Steel & Jobs: Hyundai Steel-POSCO Louisiana Steel broke ground Sept. 4 on a $5.8 billion electric arc furnace mill near Donaldsonville, targeting 2.7 million metric tons of steel annually and projecting 1,300 direct and 4,100 indirect jobs. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in 16 states are being told to check freezers after FDA expanded an E. coli recall to Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz, lot 6040 01-6, best-by Feb. 9, 2028); no illnesses tied to this specific lot yet. Transportation & Construction: Mississippi drivers are reminded to plan ahead for football kickoff and Labor Day travel as MDOT and MHP push safety and point to active I-20 work between Vicksburg and Jackson. Local Infrastructure: Ninth Street reopened to traffic after a Jayhawk Watershed project closure since Dec. 2025, with a new one-lane-per-direction pattern and temporary manhole adjustments. Workforce Focus: MDES kicked off Workforce Development Month with Labor Day job-seeker messaging and plans for campaigns supporting older workers and expanded access to workforce tools.

Energy Prices: AAA says Labor Day weekend gas prices are on track to hit record highs, with the national average around $4.14 a gallon as crude stays near $90 a barrel amid Strait of Hormuz volatility. Mississippi Health Policy: Mississippi’s insurance commissioner is proposing short-term health insurance plans as a stopgap for residents who’ve left ACA coverage as costs rose and federal subsidies ended. Food Security: A new federal requirement could push Mississippi’s SNAP benefit costs up to an estimated $75 million a year as food pantry demand increases. Workforce & Training: Louisiana Delta Community College is training data center technicians through a new fiber-installation program, reflecting the broader Gulf South push for data center jobs. Local Economy: Greenwood is preparing for a new film production based on David Magee’s “Dear William,” with local leaders expecting a boost for downtown businesses. Infrastructure: Iowa DOT and WisDOT say the Lansing Mississippi River bridge will open in early November, months ahead of schedule. Public Safety/Health: Mississippi’s heat and cooling coverage highlights how air conditioning saves lives, even as it raises energy and climate pressures.

Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Mississippi and 15 other states are being told not to eat a recalled Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) after an expanded E. coli O145 concern tied to a Chilean supplier; the FDA says no illnesses have been linked to this specific product so far, but the recall is precautionary and includes UPC 7874211226, lot 6040 01-6, “best if used by” Feb. 9, 2028. Transportation/Infrastructure: The Iowa 9/WIS 82 Mississippi River Crossing at Lansing is moving up to an early-November opening, months ahead of spring 2027, after faster construction progress and continued ferry service that has carried nearly 131,000 vehicles through August. Manufacturing/Jobs: Gulf Ship (Edison Chouest Offshore) will invest about $43.8 million to modernize and expand its Gulfport shipyard, targeting 121 new jobs by 2028. Public Utilities/Assistance: Mississippi Public Service Commissioner De’Keither Stamps is pushing “SNAP H2O,” a plan that would let eligible SNAP recipients use existing benefits to help pay water bills, pending federal approval. Healthcare/Research: University of Mississippi engineers report a spin-coated implant fabrication method that can release timed drug doses in surface-eroding devices, aiming to improve adherence.

Mississippi Shipbuilding: Gulf Ship will invest $43 million in its Gulfport shipyard, adding about 121 jobs as demand grows for U.S.-built commercial and government vessels. Data Centers & Local Control: A fast-growing wave of data center lawsuits is pushing fights out of city halls and into courtrooms, with communities using moratoriums and developers challenging them over zoning, environmental review, and transparency. Southaven Expansion: SpaceXAI won Southaven approvals for a roughly 660,000-square-foot “data storage warehouse” on Tulane Road after a land swap that includes $40 million for new city facilities. Cybercrime Crackdown: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch and USDA IG John Walk wrapped Operation Stronghold, inspecting 421 businesses and recovering three credit card skimmers in the statewide sweep. Culture & Community: Jazz legend Cassandra Wilson, a Jackson native and two-time Grammy winner, died at 70. Workforce/Policy Watch: DOJ urged a judge to back OpenAI and Microsoft in the New York Times copyright lawsuit, arguing AI progress is a national security interest. Local Business: Atmos Energy kicked in $10,000 to support children’s literacy at the Mississippi Book Festival.

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.