AGP Executive Report

Super Regional Spotlight: Mississippi State softball is one win from the Women’s College World Series after beating No. 3 Oklahoma 11-9 in Game 1, with Game 2 set for May 23 at noon CT at Love’s Field. Game Momentum: Oklahoma jumped out early, including a big Lexi McDaniel three-run homer, but MSU answered with key pitching changes and timely hitting to take control. Local Good-Luck Lore: Fans are calling “Broccoli Guy” (Jim Stewart Allen) a good-luck charm—he’s been showing up with broccoli pom-poms at every postseason stop. Memorial Day Travel Watch: A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of south Mississippi and southeast Louisiana through Sunday evening as heavy rain could bring flash flooding and ponding. Road-Trip Reality Check: Gas prices remain a major concern heading into the holiday, with AAA expecting record travel and drivers facing some of the highest pump costs in years. Coast Safety Note: Mississippi Coast beach advisories continue to pop up due to elevated bacteria levels tied to sewage leaks and heavy-rain runoff.

Memorial Day travel watch: AAA says 45 million Americans are hitting the road and skies this weekend, with gas at a four-year high (national regular about $4.56). Storms and flooding: Rain is moving through the Mid-South, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected Sunday into Monday—plan for slick roads and localized flooding. Coast health alert: Officials warn of higher-than-usual fecal bacteria levels at popular swimming spots along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Lake Pontchartrain, with swimming strongly discouraged in some areas. Road closures: The Western Hills Viaduct is set to close late May for Duke Energy maintenance, and I-55 lanes reopened after a crash in Copiah County. Safety reminders: Mississippi is seeing deadly ATV crashes locally, and alligator sightings are popping up around the metro during breeding season—leave them alone. Tourism boost: The Port of Dubuque Marina opens for the season on the Mississippi River just in time for the holiday.

Wildlife Warning: Alligators are popping up around the metro—one in Byram and another spotted in Madison’s Northbay subdivision—right in the middle of breeding season, when males roam more and rain/rising water can move them closer to neighborhoods. Experts say activity should ease in 2–3 weeks, and the safest move is to leave gators alone (feeding them is illegal). Holiday Travel Reality Check: Memorial Day gas prices are at a four-year high, with the national average around $4.56 a gallon as millions hit the road. Mississippi Road-Trip Pick: Fifty Grande named Fayette’s Frog Farm the state’s strangest roadside attraction—an established 1999 sculpture garden of life-sized wooden frogs. Memorial Day Safety: Mississippi Highway Patrol is ramping up enforcement from Friday evening through Monday, focusing on seat belts, speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving. Neighboring-State Policy Watch: Louisiana is tightening SNAP EBT use to in-state and approved border ZIP codes starting May 26.

Memorial Day travel pressure: AAA expects about 45 million Americans on the road, but gas prices are the story—AAA says Memorial Day is the highest in four years, while GasBuddy warns summer could average near $4.80 and even hit record highs if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed. Mississippi road-trip reality check: AAA notes Mississippi’s average is about $4.01, and AAA also flags a key legal question for drivers—short naps at rest areas are generally fine, but long-term parking and camping are not. Local tourism pulse: Meridian is already seeing more visitors heading into the holiday weekend, with downtown shopping and events drawing travelers. Coast & safety watch: Mississippi Gulf beaches have had health advisories tied to fecal bacteria after heavy rain, so check conditions before you swim. Big draw for history lovers: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is starting its Eastern tour on Memorial Day, with stops that include the Mississippi/Ohio Valley region.

Pirate Day in Bay St. Louis: The Mystic Krewe of the Sea Horse brought back its 11th annual “Pirate Day in the Bay,” with a Friday “invasion” lineup, a Saturday kids parade, and a full weekend of costumes, pub-crawl stops, and community giving—marking next year for the 3rd weekend of May. Memorial Day travel & safety: Mississippi Highway Patrol says it’ll ramp up patrols statewide from Friday morning through midnight Monday, focusing on speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving. Gas prices: Diesel is running around $5.05 statewide (week ending May 16), with Hancock County’s lowest reported at $4.75. Local culture & events: Two Mississippi Museums hosts historian Charles Dew June 10 for “History Is Lunch.” Coast & weather watch: Memorial Day weekend starts with storm risk and flooding delays across parts of the country, so plan routes and extra travel time. Community spotlight: Crews are set to raise a 120-foot cross between McLain and Lucedale next week.

Civil War History Event: Two Mississippi Museums will host historian Charles Dew on June 10 for “History Is Lunch,” focusing on how Mississippi commissioners helped push secession in the lead-up to the Civil War. Immigration & Voting Rights: A heartbreaking Letters column highlights the detention of two Mississippi brothers by ICE, arguing it shows why voting matters. Public Safety & Travel: Gulf Coast law enforcement leaders are pushing boating safety ahead of summer, while Memorial Day travel comes with higher gas prices nationwide. Mississippi Growth With Tradeoffs: Reports say data centers are bringing jobs and investment across Mississippi, but critics warn about water and power strain and environmental justice concerns. Community & Faith: “Heal Mississippi Day” drew statewide prayer leaders and community members for healing and restoration. Local Roads: MDOT says I-22 lane closures and slowdowns will likely continue through summer as crews install median cable barriers. Native History in Motion: The Choctaw Trail of Tears Bike Team is set to arrive May 22 at Choctaw headquarters in Durant, marking a 400-mile ride along historic routes.

Travel Disruption: Low Mississippi River levels are forcing reduced-capacity ferry service at the Lansing bridge, meaning fewer vehicles and potentially longer waits—plan ahead if you’re heading through the area. Memorial Day Prep: With the holiday driving travel demand, officials are also pushing safety reminders like seat belt enforcement campaigns as roads get busier. Weather Watch: Central and eastern Mississippi are seeing patchy fog and spotty showers, with more afternoon storms possible—give yourself extra drive time. Mississippi Tourism Angle: The Great River Road just earned top honors as “America’s Best Scenic Drive” again, putting the Natchez Trace Parkway connection and river towns in the spotlight for road-trippers. Coast & Culture: Gulf Coast development momentum continues, with downtown Gulfport’s next wave of hotels, apartments, and dining aimed at bringing visitors back downtown.

Memorial Day travel pressure: AAA says Mississippi is heading into one of the busiest Memorial Day weekends on record—45 million Americans traveling, with 39.1 million driving—while gas prices stay near the highest levels since 2022. Gas prices shift: In Pennsylvania, Warren is no longer near the top of the state’s highest-price list, a reminder that pump costs can move fast even during peak travel weeks. Road-trip bragging rights: The Great River Road just took top honors as America’s Best Scenic Drive in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—another spotlight on Mississippi River tourism. Local growth & stays: Gluckstadt is breaking ground on its first community park (18–20 acres, lake, trails, playground) and Jellystone Park Pelahatchie earned a national USA TODAY 10Best ranking for RV camping. Family-friendly culture: Austin & Colin’s “Welcome To Starkville” won a Southeast Emmy, showing how destination storytelling is turning into real buzz. Safety reminders: Meridian police are joining “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement through May 31. Tourism-adjacent services: Mississippi reports driver’s license scanning issues at TSA and retail spots, adding stress for travelers.

Memorial Day travel push: Mississippi Highway Patrol is ramping up patrols for the holiday, flagging impaired driving, speeding, and distractions as the big risks while urging drivers to slow down in construction zones and bad-weather moments. Coast safety update: Water contact advisories are in effect along the Gulf Coast from Bay St. Louis to Biloxi due to high bacteria levels—beaches stay open, but officials say avoid the water, especially if you have open wounds or are immunocompromised. Roadside reminders: Meridian police are joining the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign through May 31, targeting nighttime crashes where unbuckled drivers are more likely to be hurt. Travel friction: Mississippians report driver’s license scanning problems at TSA and some retail spots, adding stress right as families head out. Summer vibe, with a weather caveat: Tuesday starts warm and foggy, with showers and storms possible this afternoon and heat building into the low 90s. Family-friendly travel upgrades: The FAA is funding more airport amenities for families, including a Mississippi grant for a family-friendly security screening lane. Local spotlight: Jellystone Park™ Pelahatchie near Jackson and Great Escapes RV Resorts North Texas both earned national USA TODAY 10Best recognition.

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.