Mississippi makes headlines with storm damage, power outages, and tornado rescues; a state-wide context in brief. Population, history, and politics shaped by a long Black political legacy.
Congressman Bennie Thompson, first elected in 1993, secured his 18th term in Mississippi's 2nd District with 84.8% of the vote, defeating challenger Evan Turnage, who emphasized generational change. Thompson's district remains strongly Democratic, and he maintains key committee roles, including on Homeland Security.
A new national helpline, SafeCall, launched in January to support children in crisis, has helped prevent young people from going missing or experiencing exploitation. Meanwhile, West Virginia advances legislation to expand foster care options, and Connecticut considers ending a program that supports at-home care for disabled children. These efforts aim to improve youth welfare and independence.
At SXSW in Austin, Gavin Newsom has asserted that California taxes the middle class less than Texas, while suggesting Florida is the other regressive tax state. Critics dispute the data, noting California’s overall tax burden and living costs. He has also hinted at a 2028 presidential bid should Democrats win back the House.
Ted DiBiase Jr. was found not guilty on 13 charges related to a large public corruption scheme in Mississippi. The case involved allegations of misusing over $3 million in federal welfare funds for personal purchases. The verdict ends a seven-year legal battle, with DiBiase expressing relief and intent to serve the community again.
The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Gabriel Olivier can pursue a civil rights lawsuit after being arrested for preaching outside a designated protest zone. The decision clarifies free speech rights and opens the door for future legal challenges against local restrictions.
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing an appeal in a Mississippi case involving allegations of racial discrimination in jury selection. The case echoes a 2019 ruling that overturned a previous death sentence due to similar bias. The decision could impact future capital cases and jury practices.
Passover begins on April 1, with celebrations taking place worldwide. The holiday commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt but is overshadowed this year by geopolitical tensions, rising antisemitism, and recent attacks on Jewish communities. The observances highlight family and tradition despite these challenges.
Mississippi's state-controlled liquor distribution system has been experiencing significant delays since January, caused by warehouse system failures. Retailers report shortages and declining sales, with the backlog reaching over 172,000 cases. A new warehouse is under construction, but the current issues are disrupting business across the state.
A Hancock Middle School bus driver has recovered after an asthma attack left her unconscious. Sixth- and eighth-grade students on board acted quickly to steer, brake, call for help, and administer medication, averting a potential catastrophe. No injuries were reported; the driver and students have been recognized for their actions.
The Supreme Court has issued a closely watched ruling on Louisiana's district map, delivering a 6-3 decision that preserves some protections under the Voting Rights Act while labeling the map an unconstitutional gerrymander. The ruling signals tensions over how race can be used in redistricting and may influence political maps ahead of upcoming elections.
A string of storms has damaged hundreds of homes across several central and western Mississippi counties, including a severe mobile home park in Lincoln County. Officials say there have been multiple injuries but no reported deaths as crews assess damage and restore power.
A kitten found alive after being trapped in debris by tornadoes in rural Mississippi is being cared for by a disaster-response group; no owners have been identified yet and adoption interest is high. The storms have damaged hundreds of homes and prompted state-wide emergency response.
An inquiry has heard that a former NHS Trust chair has acknowledged a missed opportunity to prevent Calocane’s violent rampage, after he carried weapons to kill students and injure a caretaker in Nottingham in June 2023. The trust’s handling of prior incidents and discharge planning is under scrutiny, with evidence touching on a fatal August 2022 case and actions taken up to 2025.
Stanford's Educational Opportunity Project has found that, in most U.S. districts, reading scores have declined over the past decade, with 83% reporting lower reading results last year. Math has declined in about 70% of districts. The data underscore a long-term trend predating the pandemic and point toward a shift toward phonics-based instruction in some states.