AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day Travel Push: Mississippi Highway Patrol is ramping up patrols for the holiday, warning drivers to watch for impaired driving, speeding, and distractions—especially with construction zones and summer weather in the mix. Gas Prices: AAA says Mississippi regular is near $3.99 a gallon (diesel about $5), with drivers feeling the hit as Memorial Day road trips ramp up. Beach Safety: Water contact advisories are active along parts of the Coast (Bay St. Louis to Biloxi), with DEQ saying bacteria levels are high at specific stations—beaches stay open, but officials urge staying out of the water, especially for people with open wounds or weakened immune systems. Family-Friendly Travel: The FAA is funding airport upgrades nationwide, including Mississippi’s Tupelo Regional Airport for a family-friendly security screening lane. Local Summer Fun: Trace State Park near Tupelo is getting attention as a quieter alternative for hikers and disc golfers. Mississippi Sports: Mississippi State softball advanced after sweeping the Eugene Regional, powered by Alyssa Faircloth’s no-hitter and extra-innings win.

National Parks Buzz: A Karns City student, Wyatt MacKrell, says he’s already visited more than 250 national parks and areas—before graduating high school—fueling a future goal of becoming a national park ranger. Memorial Day Heritage: The Miss-Lou Memorial Day Parade returns May 25 with a Mississippi state historical marker unveiling and ceremonies in Vidalia and Natchez, tying today’s crowds to roots in the late 1800s. Coast Travel Watch: Mississippi’s beaches are under renewed swim advisories after higher-than-normal bacteria readings, with officials continuing tests and promising updates when conditions improve. New Gulfport Gaming: Gulfport’s Island View Beach Casino opened June 21, a $75 million, smoke-free venue with restaurants and a sports bar planned to expand into sports betting. Family Fun Picks: USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice ranked Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Pelahatchie, Miss., among the nation’s top campgrounds. Sports Spotlight: Mississippi State softball advanced after sweeping the Eugene Regional, led by Alyssa Faircloth’s no-hitter and three-win run.

State Audit Push: Mississippi State Auditor Shad White is launching a new effort aimed at wasteful spending in smaller state agencies, boards, and commissions—building on earlier audits that found major waste in bigger offices. Memorial Day Travel Watch: Holiday plans are getting hit by a wet, chilly Memorial Day weekend forecast across much of the U.S., and AAA reports gas prices are still high enough to make some drivers rethink summer trips. Coast Beach Updates: The Mississippi Gulf Coast is seeing shifting water-contact advisories after heavy rain—some Pass Christian beaches have advisories lifted, while others remain under caution. Local Spotlight: Long Beach hosted the Mississippi Senior Games beach volleyball tournament at Long Beach Harbor, drawing a big crowd and showing off the city’s courts. Coastal Policy Briefing: South Mississippi lawmakers met in Biloxi to review 2026 session wins, including Gulf Coast Restoration Fund funding and home-repair support for residents.

Coastal Beach Alerts: Mississippi Gulf Coast officials say several beaches are unsafe after heavy rain—Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, Gulfport West, Gulfport Harbor, and Biloxi East Central are under swimming advisories/closures due to high enterococci levels, with MDEQ urging people to avoid swimming during and for 24 hours after significant rainfall. Local Growth & Culture: Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan highlights momentum from Town Commons to Legacy Park, plus a new Songwriters Museum and ongoing concert programming at The Sound Amphitheater. Legislative Priorities: Mississippi lawmakers met in Biloxi to tout session wins and coastal funding, including Gulf Coast Restoration Funds and home-repair support aimed at strengthening roofs. Road Work: A Mississippi County stretch of I-57 will be reduced to one lane for pavement repairs in late May/early June. Tourism-Adjacent News: A new plastic-pollution exhibit “Toxic Beauty” is set to debut at the Mississippi Aquarium with Southern Miss.

Voting Rights Showdown: Thousands rallied in Montgomery, Ala., and at the state capitol plaza for “All Roads Lead To The South,” pushing back after a Supreme Court ruling that limits majority-Black districts—while Mississippi’s redistricting pause remains a key backdrop. Mississippi Gulf Coast Safety: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued beach water-contact advisories after heavy-rain bacteria spikes, keeping swimmers out of multiple spots including Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, Gulfport West/Harbor, and Biloxi East Central. Community & Family Fun: North Madison County opened a new softball field during its annual community festival, with Congressman Bennie Thompson on hand for the ribbon cutting. Sports Spotlight: Texas A&M’s baseball team closed strong with a series win over Mississippi State, and the SEC softball bracket is set for regionals. Travel Notes: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices are poised to be among the highest in four years.

Beach Closures After Heavy Rain: Mississippi Gulf Coast visitors are being told to stay out of the water after enterococci bacteria levels spiked following significant rainfall. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued water contact advisories for Bay St. Louis Beach, Long Beach Beach, Gulfport West and Gulfport Harbor, and Biloxi East Central Beach—so plan beach time, but skip swimming until conditions improve. Weekend Weather Watch: A mostly sunny Saturday with a 20% chance of showers gives way to a wetter Sunday—showers and thunderstorms are likely, with windy conditions. Public Health Access: MSDH says it has expanded substance use disorder treatment support statewide, using clinic screenings and follow-up to connect people to care earlier and closer to home. Local Spotlight: Jones County kicks off a “Click It Or Ticket” seat belt enforcement push May 18–31. Culture & Travel: Long Beach’s second annual “Bikin’ the Beach” motorcycle event returns this weekend with live music and fundraising.

Gulf Coast Beach Warning: Mississippi’s health agency says several Gulf beaches are off-limits for swimming after bacteria levels ran high—advisories include Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pass Christian, with officials warning it can make people sick, especially kids, seniors, and anyone with health risks. Camping Season Kickoff: Miller Riverview Park and Campground in Dubuque opened for the 2026 season, adding tent and RV sites along the Mississippi River—good timing for early-summer road trips. Weekend Travel + Sports Buzz: Texas A&M’s softball and baseball tournaments are drawing fans to College Station, while Mississippi’s own sports scene stays busy with NCAA softball regional action and local enforcement reminders like Jones County’s seat belt campaign. Family-Friendly Fun: Long Beach’s “Bikin’ the Beach” motorcycle event returns for a second year, pairing live music and stunt shows with fundraising for veterans. Health Access Update: MSDH expanded statewide substance use disorder treatment support through earlier screening and follow-up.

Gulf Coast Water Warnings: Several Mississippi beaches are under advisories for “probable high bacteria levels,” with swimmers told to avoid contact at Bay St. Louis, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport (West and Harbor), and Biloxi (East Central). Jackson Bribery Trial Push: Prosecutors want the Jackson bribery case moved to Gulfport, arguing recently unsealed documents and intense media coverage could taint the jury pool. Travel & Costs: AAA says the national gas average is $4.534 and Memorial Day prices are expected to be the highest in four years, even as crude stays around $100 a barrel. Local Getaway Ideas: Mobile’s newly renovated AWF Delta and Bay Conservation Center at 5 Rivers spotlights the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta’s wildlife and birding draw. Family Fun on the Road: USA TODAY’s 10Best put Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Pelahatchie, MS, at No. 5 nationwide for campgrounds.

Road Safety & Updates: Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on I-59 in Pearl River County; 35-year-old Britney Kennedy of Picayune died after her car left the road and overturned. Coastal Culture: The Mississippi Aquarium and Southern Miss unveiled “Toxic Beauty: Plastic’s Hidden Cost,” an interactive exhibit built from nearly 3,000 pounds of Gulf Coast debris, running through Sept. 7. Jackson Metro Mobility: MDOT says funding is locked in for major widening in the Jackson area—Interstate 55 in Madison County (to six lanes) and Highway 25/Lakeland Drive in Rankin County (to six lanes with roundabouts). Local Improvements: Hinds County is moving ahead with a $3.2 million repaving push for Old Canton Road, including sidewalks and drainage upgrades. Outdoor Escape: Looking for summer plans? A spotlight on Mississippi’s Black Creek Canoe Trail highlights a scenic, Wild and Scenic River paddle through De Soto National Forest. Tourism Calendar: Registration is still open for the Tour of the Mississippi River Valley (June 6-7), with an overnight stop in Dubuque.

Tourism Spotlight: The Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower is back open in Hartford after a major renovation, with a park expansion, new public art, a playground, and upgrades to the visitor area—funded by $2.8 million in grants and local partnerships. Health & Safety: A Biloxi dermatologist is urging South Miss residents to watch for “ugly duckling” skin changes and get daily SPF 30+ protection, especially for beach-and-boat days. Public Service: Jackson hosted the 16th annual Fallen Officers Memorial Candlelight Vigil, adding Deputy Joshua Aaron Brashears’ name to the memorial wall. Mississippi Community Impact: AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers are in the Delta helping the Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center build a chicken coop, a pavilion, and plans for bees. Travel Watch: Gas prices are climbing again nationwide, with the average hitting $4.55—good news for road trips, but tougher on budgets.

Mississippi Delta Growth: AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers are in Greenville helping the Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center build a chicken coop, a new pavilion, and add bees—hands-on sustainability work aimed at teaching families practical, everyday habits. Aviation Month Spotlight: Greenville Mid-Delta Airport is seeing growth in enplanements, helping it secure more than $1.7 million for Taxiway B rehabilitation—good news for travelers and the Delta’s small-town economy. Family-Friendly Learning: Meridian’s Mississippi Children’s Museum debuts “Story to Stage: America250,” running May 15–Aug. 15, with interactive history play, an “interactive Story Tree,” and a Members Preview Party May 14. Road Trip Win: The Great River Road was named Best Scenic Drive in America for the second straight year in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Public Safety & Community: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch wrapped up fentanyl strike force operations in Corinth and Meridian with 23 arrests and six ICE detainers.

Major Case Update: A Mississippi woman, Stephanie Albritton of Brookhaven, was arrested on a second-degree murder charge tied to her husband Mark Morgan’s 2021 death in St. Mary Parish, after “new evidence” surfaced—bail set at $950,000. Public Health Watch: Illinois is investigating a possible hantavirus case in Winnebago County linked to rodent droppings during home cleaning, with officials stressing the risk to communities remains very low and that it’s not tied to the recent cruise outbreak. Travel Costs & Weather: Homeowners in hurricane-prone states are still feeling the “hurricane tax,” while gas prices tick up again ahead of Memorial Day travel. Tourism & Outdoor Planning: Wisconsin’s DNR is seeking public comment on the Western Coulees and Ridges draft master plan—covering parks, trails, hunting, fishing, and more—while Mississippi’s own weather story is foggy mornings giving way to sunny afternoons.

Jackson Bribery Case: A federal judge in Jackson issued a protective order tightening how discovery materials can be used in the downtown convention-center hotel bribery fight involving Hinds County DA Jody Owens II, former Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, and former Councilman Aaron Banks. Gulfport Airport Road: MDEQ approved key permits for the Airport Road connector project despite resident opposition over traffic, wetlands, and flooding concerns. Tourism & Travel Watch: Gas prices are ticking up again ahead of Memorial Day, with the national average around $4.50 a gallon and Oregon higher—another reminder that road trips may cost more this summer. Local Community Spotlight: A beloved “Santa Claus” figure in the Jackson metro, Alex “Buddy” Cooper, is recovering after a crash involving his bus and an 18-wheeler. Mississippi on the Move: Mississippi State launched a student-only break bus service to Birmingham and Memphis airports, aiming to make travel during academic breaks easier.

Mississippi River Logistics: The newly restored USS Kidd is still waiting to return to Baton Rouge because river levels are too low—Baton Rouge hit 24.5 feet Monday, about 8 feet under what the ship needs. Coastal Growth vs. Neighbors: Gulfport’s Airport Road connector project cleared a hurdle after MDEQ approved key permits, even as residents packed the meeting to argue about wetlands, flooding, and traffic impacts. Hotel Boom Watch: Pensacola says it’s contracted with four developers to more than double nearby hotel rooms around the Bay Center—an aggressive move as tourism demand grows. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Jackson’s Bishop’s Ball is set to honor Father Burke Masters and Tommy Turk, with Catholic Charities’ programs in the spotlight. Nature Planning: DNR is asking for public comment on the Western Coulees and Ridges draft regional master plan. Travel Safety Reminder: A Mississippi teen just became one of the youngest law school graduates ever, adding a feel-good local headline amid a busy week.

Local Health Watch: Jackson-area nursing homes and schools are among the latest to fail April health inspections, with state reports flagging issues like unsanitary food contact surfaces, handwashing gaps, and rodents. Outdoor & Adventure: Cheona Trails Disc Golf Course at Flint Creek Water Park in Wiggins just earned Mississippi’s No. 1 spot on UDisc—another reason to plan a Coast-to-Country day outdoors. Arts & Community: Oxford’s Singlewide is hosting a free EP release show at The Lyric on May 21, adding to the city’s growing live-music buzz. Sports & Travel Buzz: NCAA women’s regionals kicked off Monday, and Mississippi fans will be watching the broader bracket as teams chase OKC. Giving Back: Blood Cancer United’s Visionaries of the Year push is raising money for Mississippi families facing blood cancer costs, including copay help.

Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Cheona Trails Disc Golf Course in Wiggins just hit a big milestone—UDisc ranked it the No. 1 disc golf course in Mississippi, putting Flint Creek Water Park on the national map. Coast Business Buzz: Casey’s is bringing its famous pizza to Gulf Shores after buying out CEFCO stores, and the city will consider the liquor license request at its May 11 meeting. Road & Safety: A fatal early-morning crash in Noxubee County killed 29-year-old Jerrico Dooley when his Camry hit a stopped truck on Highway 45; the Mississippi Highway Patrol is still investigating. Weather Watch: Fog and clouds are lingering across central/eastern Mississippi this morning, with sunshine returning Tuesday—plan extra drive time if you’re heading out early. Outdoor & Community: Mississippi’s turkey season proposal would shift nonresident hunting pressure later in the season, aiming to reduce early-season harvest intensity. Sports (for fans): NCAA softball tournament bracket news is rolling in nationwide, with Mississippi State among teams in the mix for regional play.