AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Power Costs: Entergy Mississippi pushed back on claims that data centers are driving up household bills, saying its “Fair Share Plus” plan makes data center customers fund infrastructure needs and helped keep residential rates below the national average. Utility & Infrastructure: A legal fight is brewing over 500 miles of Mississippi-to-Georgia pipelines approved by FERC, with critics arguing demand forecasts were inflated by future data center projects. Energy Prices & Relief: Mississippi is weighing gas tax relief as officials warn a full holiday could cost $35M a month and threaten $860M in federal matching funds; the state is instead moving to suspend enforcement on dyed off-road diesel on highways for near-term relief to farmers and truckers. Weather & Gulf Risk: Forecasters say a Gulf storm could become the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026, with potential impacts to Louisiana and Mississippi refineries and energy markets. Agriculture Safety Net: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith highlighted about $423M in farm safety net improvements for Mississippi producers through updated ARC/PLC payments. Food & Consumer Alerts: FDA announced a recall of more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade flavors sold in 37 states due to undeclared yellow food dyes. Local Governance: Jackson officials are drafting a data center ordinance after heated public comments and a prior moratorium. Public Safety: A Mississippi Highway 26 bridge in George County remains closed after a crash caused structural damage.

Bridge & Logistics: The Pascagoula River Bridge on Highway 26 in George County is closed after a deadly crash involving two passenger vehicles and an 18-wheeler; Mississippi DOT engineers must inspect structural damage before reopening, and drivers are urged to use alternate routes. Industrial Growth Watch: A new report says planned industrial manufacturing projects hit 156 in September, with $100M+ projects up 37.5% month over month—Mississippi logged 7 major projects. Energy & Safety: Mississippi Fire Marshal Mike Chaney is urging safe lithium-ion charging habits during Fire Prevention Week, citing at least 15 battery-caused fires this year. Broadband: Accelecom joined Georgia’s Rural Telephone and Broadband Association and the Alabama/Mississippi Broadband Association as a platinum associate member. Local Infrastructure Risk: Oktibbeha County supervisors moved to rehabilitate Oktibbeha County Lake to a high-hazard standard, but worry a federal grant deadline could jeopardize funding. Food Supply: Frozen berry recall expanded for select Great Value and Trader Joe’s products due to potential E. coli contamination. Mississippi Manufacturing Investment: Westwin Elements plans a $502M nickel refinery in Natchez, targeting 2029 commissioning.

Bridge Update: The IA 9/WIS 82 Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing is set to open to traffic Friday, Nov. 6—months ahead of the original spring 2027 plan—ending nearly a year of free ferry service that averaged about 555 vehicles a day in summer. Public Works Staffing: Jackson city leaders are weighing how to fill 24 Public Works vacancies, with only one engineer on staff and pressure to improve pay to keep trained professionals from leaving. Food Assistance: Mississippi facilities serving kids and adults can apply for federal Child and Adult Care Food Program reimbursements to stretch budgets for healthier meals. Energy Costs & Policy: Mississippi is weighing gas tax relief options, with transportation officials warning a holiday could cost the state tens of millions monthly and risk federal funding. Cybersecurity: Georgia Power says hackers exposed limited customer portal data for about 300,000 customers, with another 100,000 affected across Alabama and Mississippi. Health & Safety: PepsiCo recalled 122,000+ cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states over undeclared Yellow 5/Yellow 6 dyes; separate frozen berry recalls tied to E. coli have expanded to Walmart and Trader Joe’s. Local Business: Dixie Glass Gulf Coast is expanding residential glass services in Pascagoula, citing demand for custom window and shower replacements. Economic/Industry Events: Little Rock will host the 2027 Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals conference, highlighting inland waterway cargo and port activity.

Workforce & Education: Mississippi Valley State University received a $225,000 Nissan grant to expand STEM programs across seven Mississippi HBCUs, including lab upgrades, research experiences, and scholarships. Adult Upskilling: AccelerateMS and the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid launched the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant, offering last-dollar tuition help for eligible adults in workforce-aligned certificates and associate degrees at public community and junior colleges. Agribusiness & Food Industry: Heartland Catfish Company rolled out a refreshed website for its 30th anniversary, highlighting its vertically integrated “egg to product” model and retail/foodservice partnerships. Healthcare & Rural Care: Mississippi’s rural healthcare transformation program is funding 167 awards totaling $104.1M, including a new emergency care clinic planned for Rosedale. Economic Development & Industry Planning: Iberville Parish is exploring a new industrial zone upriver from Ascension Parish’s RiverPlex MegaPark, aiming to capture jobs and investment while managing environmental concerns. Trade & Fisheries: U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced an Ecuador shrimp tariff bill that would phase in up to a 40% duty by 2029 to protect Gulf shrimpers and processors. Energy & Environment: DOJ is arguing it can stop certain citizen environmental lawsuits tied to national defense, including a case alleging xAI data-center operations in Mississippi without required permits. Public Safety & Compliance: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states due to unlisted yellow food dyes on labels.

Mississippi Energy Costs: A new think-tank model says federal energy policy changes since 2025 could push Mississippi households to pay about $9,000 more for energy by 2040, with higher electricity and gasoline demand driving the hit. Mississippi River Recreation: The Mississippi Headwaters Board is reviewing new digital mapping options after changes to Avenza Maps, weighing platforms like ArcGIS while keeping physical maps and signage at river access points. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s organic berry products shipped to multiple states including Mississippi. Local Business & Skills: Stone County Economic Development Partnership honored MGCCC as Educator of the Year, citing the college’s role in connecting displaced workers after Hood Industries’ closure. Agriculture & Workforce: Mississippi ag producers are set to see $423 million in farm safety net improvements, part of broader federal farm-subsidy updates. Community & Culture: Biloxi hosted the Everything Embroidery Market with 500+ attendees, bringing vendors, classes, and demos together for the craft industry.

Housing & Construction: An Ocean Springs “Taj Mahal”-style, unfinished five-bedroom estate on nearly an acre with 126 feet of water frontage is back on the market for $2.5 million, up from $2 million in 2016, with the concrete-and-steel build still waiting on a contractor to finish the vision. Energy & Cost of Living: New modeling says federal energy policy changes since Jan. 2025 could drive $920 billion in added household energy spending by 2040, with Mississippi households facing higher electricity and gasoline costs. Food Safety: The FDA expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak, adding Great Value organic blueberries and triple berry blend plus Trader Joe’s organic mixed berry blend, sold in Mississippi and many other states. Agriculture & Workforce: Indiana growers can apply for free soil testing through the Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program, aiming to cut fertilizer waste and nutrient runoff. Local Business & Events: Biloxi’s Everything Embroidery Market drew 500-plus attendees to the Coast Coliseum for classes and vendor demos. Public Health & Policy: Calls are growing for a statewide kratom ban after Ole Miss student deaths and court filings tied to potent kratom-related compounds.

Economic Development: Janus Organization plans a $2.1 million gasifier manufacturing operation in Greenwood, targeting specialty waste streams like medical, pharmaceutical, and rubber tire feedstock, with Mississippi Development Authority support and an expected 13 jobs. Energy & Infrastructure: Entergy received $13.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to strengthen the grid, as Mississippi households brace for higher energy costs tied to federal policy changes. Agriculture & Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to frozen organic berries has expanded recalls for Walmart and Trader Joe’s products, with Mississippi among affected states. Public Health & Regulation: Court documents reviewed in the Ole Miss student deaths case say pills found near the victims contained potent, semisynthetic kratom-related compounds, renewing calls for tighter kratom rules. Local Government: Hancock County is moving ahead with plans to replace its aging animal shelter, citing overcrowding, drainage issues, and ventilation problems. Workforce & Business: Amazon says it will invest more than $1 billion over five years in communities with data centers, including Mississippi, while addressing local concerns about electricity and water use.

Economic Development: Janus Organization is planning a $2.1 million gasifier manufacturing operation in Greenwood, supported by Mississippi’s MFLEX incentives, aiming to create 13 jobs and produce systems for specialty waste streams. Local Government & Public Safety: Hancock County is moving forward with plans to replace its aging animal shelter, citing overcrowding, drainage and ventilation problems that contribute to mold and respiratory risks. Energy & Industry: Amazon says it will invest more than $1 billion over five years in U.S. data-center communities, including work on electricity and water impacts, with Mississippi listed among states where it has projects. Health & Regulation: Ole Miss student deaths are renewing scrutiny of kratom and synthetic products sold under that name, as federal charges and toxicology questions continue. Agriculture & Workplace Safety: Chickasaw County coroner reports a farm worker died from extreme heat exposure while harvesting sweet potatoes, with OSHA and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture continuing the investigation. Trade & Seafood: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced the Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act to protect U.S. wild-caught shrimpers from rising Ecuador imports. Weather: A weekend flash-flood threat is in place across parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast, including Mississippi, with 2–5 inches possible in some areas.

Generic Drug Settlement: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch urged residents to check eligibility and file claims for compensation tied to a multistate generic drug price-fixing settlement, with purchases covered from May 2009 to Dec. 2019. Data Centers & AI Infrastructure: Amazon Web Services says it will invest $1B+ over five years in U.S. data-center communities, promising education, job training, and steps to address electricity and water impacts amid local opposition. Energy Costs: A think tank projects Mississippi households will pay about $9,000 more for energy through 2040 due to federal policy changes, adding pressure as diesel and electricity costs ripple through prices. Agritourism Growth: Mississippi Land Bank will cover one-year Genuine MS® memberships for the first 25 agritourism operators joining the program during Agritourism Month. Mississippi Business & Development: Rivana Apartments financing closed in New Orleans’ River District, clearing the way for construction on a $111M affordable housing project. Public Safety & Health: Ole Miss student deaths linked to synthetic kratom remain under scrutiny as authorities warn of deadly risks and a gas station owner denies the pills came from his store. Workforce & Industry: Hitachi Energy, Industrial Timber, and other Mississippi-area investment announcements highlight continued industrial expansion and hiring momentum.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Seafood: Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced the “Ecuador Shrimp Tariff Act,” aiming to protect South Mississippi shrimpers by phasing in higher tariffs on certain Ecuadorian shrimp imports, reaching 40% by 2029, plus a 10-cent-per-kilogram duty for inspections and country-of-origin labeling. Tourism & Meetings: Madison County gave final approval to a 50,000-square-foot Madison County Conference Center in Ridgeland, paired with a privately financed 250-room Dolce by Wyndham hotel, targeting about $120 million total investment to land more corporate and convention business. Business & Manufacturing: The Mississippi Business Alliance held its 2026 General Assembly in Jackson, naming Lockheed Martin winner of the Mississippi Makers Challenge and “Coolest Thing Made In Mississippi.” Workforce & Training: Mississippi’s neighbors saw maritime training expand—UW-La Crosse and Western Technical College earned federal “Center of Excellence” recognition to grow hands-on domestic maritime workforce programs. Public Health & Courts: Multiple state attorneys general moved to secure court approval of a $400 million Sandoz settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Local Industry Watch: Oyster season opened on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with early catches challenged by strong winds but officials pointing to ongoing restoration work.

Energy Jobs: Mississippi’s Energy Expo & Job Fair in Jackson (Oct. 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) pairs workers with employers in the state’s power and shipbuilding pipeline, with Entergy and Ingalls Shipbuilding among participants. Building Materials: Modern Mill’s ACRE Perfection Shingle Siding—made from upcycled rice hulls—won Architect’s Newspaper’s 2026 Best of Products Award, a nod to Mississippi-area manufacturing and greener facades. Power Grid Funding: The U.S. Energy Department awarded Entergy $13.7M to strengthen grid reliability, reinforcing the kind of capital projects that keep industrial customers online. Property & Home Costs: Michigan AG Dana Nessel urged consumers to file for compensation tied to a multistate settlement over allegedly inflated generic drug prices, while separate coverage highlights how property tax bills can change based on updated assessments. Defense Tech: Pentagon leaders unveiled plans for an Autonomous Warfare Command and new AI/drone-focused initiatives, with Mississippi’s higher-ed and workforce ecosystem likely to feel the ripple effects. Public Safety Watch: Mississippi investigators continue looking into Ole Miss student deaths where kratom was found, renewing scrutiny on retail sales and labeling.

Military & Education: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a Quantico address to announce an Autonomous Warfare Command, new drone-focused initiatives, and a plan to reshape the officer corps, while Mississippi State was named a “Distinguished Military College” as part of a broader Corps of Cadets expansion. Energy & Grid: Entergy received $13.7M from the U.S. Department of Energy to boost transmission reliability across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Health Care: The Trump administration began mailing $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1M Americans in 30 states, tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges. Mississippi Economy & Fuel: Mississippi agriculture and forestry groups urged Gov. Tate Reeves to provide fuel relief, citing steep diesel and trucking cost increases that are forcing some operations to shut down. Consumer/Local Watch: A Long Beach annexation trial continued as a public works director testified the city wouldn’t need extra staff or equipment to serve the proposed areas. Environment & Industry: Crews continued clearing debris from the Chester Bridge after its implosion, aiming to reopen the main Mississippi River shipping channel. Food & Agriculture: Mississippi’s oyster season is set to open Thursday, with industry hoping for a strong harvest. Legal/Business: Mississippi will receive more than $770,000 from an Abbott Laboratories infant formula settlement.

Food Manufacturing Expansion: SANY Nutrition Group LLC says its first Jonesboro-made snack product is headed to Walmart shelves this week, after starting production at the former Butterball turkey plant last month; the Austria-based maker has already surpassed 75 employees and plans to add shifts in November, with headcount targeting about 150 by early 2027. Energy & Workforce: AccelerateMS is pushing an earlier start to workforce development, arguing talent is both the constraint and the opportunity for Mississippi’s economic growth. Public Health & Education: A free online “What’s in YOUR Tap Water?” program lets Mississippi middle schoolers test their own water and feed results into a regional heat map. Election Ops: Mississippi voters have until Monday to register for the Nov. 3 general election; absentee voting is limited to qualifying groups. Transportation Infrastructure: MDOT updated construction timelines across the state, including Delta-area bridge and road work. Aerospace/Defense Tech: The U.S. Navy ordered 10 autonomous Marauder ships from Saronic after at-sea testing, with deliveries starting as early as late fiscal 2027. Local Business/Industry: Cal-Maine Foods reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 results, highlighting a mix shift toward prepared foods and specialty shell eggs.

Data Centers & Local Power: Mississippi Senate challenger Scott Colom called for a temporary ban on new data centers in the state, arguing the boom is already showing up in power bills and daily life, and pushing for tougher rules, transparency, and “pay their own way” terms before more projects move forward. Cybersecurity for Defense Supply Chains: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Mississippi State teamed up for “Securing the Coast,” a cybersecurity event aimed at helping small businesses win and protect defense contracts, with training focused on basics like phishing resistance and stronger passwords plus required policies for controlled unclassified information. Fuel Cost Pressure: Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson urged Gov. Tate Reeves to declare an economic emergency to cut gasoline and diesel costs, including a temporary suspension of the state fuel tax and expanded use of off-road diesel for farmers and loggers. Mississippi Gas Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest prices in Mississippi counties, including regular at $3.74 in Tishomingo and diesel at $5.69 in Mississippi County and Itawamba County. Space & Jobs: MSU alum Christine Powell was promoted to director of NASA’s Stennis Space Center, overseeing rocket propulsion testing and the center’s test facilities. Local Business & Consumer Notes: Amazon Flex operations reportedly halted at a Batesville delivery hub, leaving local officials seeking answers; and the BBB warned homeowners about contractor scams, urging checks on licensing, insurance, and written agreements.

Steel & Jobs: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tied Trump’s steel tariffs to Essar Group’s Mesabi Metallics plan for a $15B integrated steel mill in eastern Iowa, with officials saying it could support 1,700+ jobs and use Mississippi River access for iron-ore logistics. Workforce Training: Alabama opened a Perry County re-entry center expanding welding and heavy machinery training for people on parole/probation, aiming to cut recidivism by matching skills to local labor shortages. Healthcare Costs: Attorney General Alan Wilson urged consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. Consumer & Food Safety: Mezzetta recalled specific 32-oz peperoncini lots after a viral TikTok raised concerns about pest contamination; no illnesses reported. Mississippi Policy Watch: Mississippi lawmakers renewed debate over kratom after two Ole Miss student deaths, with Rep. Lee Yancey pushing tighter rules. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the week’s lowest regular gas in Washington County at $3.79/gal and diesel lows around $5.99/gal in Leake and Marshall counties. AI & Risk: Anthropic warned advanced AI could pose “catastrophic or existential risks,” while coverage also flagged new safety concerns around major AI systems.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending Sept. 19 shows Mississippi prices still swinging, with Rankin County regular hitting $3.59 (lowest in the county), Rankin premium at $4.25 (lowest), and Marshall County diesel bottoming out at $5.99. Natural Gas Infrastructure: Kinder Morgan says the Southeast Connector natural gas pipeline would cross western DeKalb County, affecting about 50 landowners, with service targeted for 2029. Regulation & Public Health: Mississippi lawmakers are revisiting kratom rules after two University of Mississippi student deaths; Rep. Lee Yancey renewed calls for a statewide ban as toxicology results remain pending. Food Safety: Mezzetta recalled specific 32-ounce jars of Golden Greek Peperoncini after a TikTok claim of a dead rodent; the company says it has no reported illnesses tied to the product. Industry & Power: Entergy Mississippi says new data-center revenues helped prevent a July rate increase, with more customer savings projected over the next two decades. Steel & Jobs: The White House announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel mill in Iowa, framed as a major U.S. supply-chain boost tied to iron ore from Minnesota.