Sound Off

Sound Off: May 12, 2026

By Sun Herald

May 12, 2026 4:00 AM

This 2015 map on file with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality shows one of numerous developments Louisiana’s Ward family has proposed over the years for about 1,300 acres south of Interstate 10 and west of Gulfport Premium Outlets. Nearby residents have long opposed development of the acreage, which is mostly wetlands that absorb stormwater and filter pollution. MDEQ

Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.

Boondoggle Boulevard

Why not hold a meeting on Gulfport’s controversial road project in a venue large enough to seat supporters on one side and opponents on the other. That would be illuminating. Then, ask supporters who are residents of Gulfport to raise their hands. More illumination. The opinions of out-of-town developers and paid experts shouldn’t matter. The cost-vs-traffic-benefits ratio, the environmental impact, the quality-of-life impact — none of the iffy projections by the “pro” side are impressive enough to be worth the money.

The Weather Channel

You can buy a subscription to the Weather Channel for $30 annually.

White House functions

Whenever the White House holds a large event, a huge tent is erected to accommodate it along with portable restrooms. Not really a good look for the greatest country on earth.

Price gouging

America is the largest producer of oil/gasoline in the world. We have little reliance on Saudi Arabia, Iran or anyone. In fact, we import more oil from Canada than them. We are also the largest exporter of gasoline. Yesterday a gas station increased its per gallon cost by almost 40 cents. It’s all about profiteering. The Iran debacle seems an extremely useful excuse to gouge citizens.

Tornado damage

A tornado ran through Mississippi this week. Some of you will think I’m glad it wasn’t me. Well, next time it may be you. Mother Nature has no political affiliation.

It’s incredible

The cost of President Trump’s plan to repair the reflecting pool has jumped by 88 percent, to $13.1M, government records show. The price appears to include a 20 percent profit margin for Trump’s handpicked contractor, who got the job in a no-bid contract. I can only imagine the outcry if this had been done by President Obama.

No surprise

President Trump said that his handpicked contractor would charge only $1.8 million to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and paint it blue. The actual cost is now more than seven times that, after the Interior Department nearly doubled the size of the contract late last week, federal records show.

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