Mississippi / Public News Service

As of Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, Mississippi's Statewide Election Management System reported more than 38,000 absentee ballots requested for the November General Election. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Experts analyze key issues uniting Mississippi's rural and urban voters

During this contentious election season, people may think rural and urban Mississippi voters are hopelessly divided but experts said it is largely a …

A report from the Brennan Center for Justice urges policymakers to invest in alternatives to cash bail and provide support for pretrial services, such as supervision programs, as well as increased access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Report makes case for eliminating cash bail system

A new report outlines how eliminating cash bail could affect people in Mississippi and beyond. The ACLU of Mississippi said 14 of 25 people in jail …

Health care professionals warn that untreated bouts of postpartum depression can lead to serious health consequences, both for the new parent and their child. (Adobe Stock)

Groups provide new treatment options for postpartum depression

More new babies are born in the fall than any other time of year, which also means some new mothers may be heading into winter with what is sometimes …

During the holiday seasons of Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022, the U.S. Postal Service handled record mail volumes with improved average delivery times, dropping from 2.7 to 2.5 days despite high volume. (Robert Latawiec/Adobe Stock)

MS part of National Day of Action to save the Postal Service

This is a National Day of Action for workers at the U.S. Postal Service. Mississippi postal workers are among those rallying to demand that Postal …

According to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, 59% of small business owners said they would face negative consequences if the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction expires. (DimaBerlin/Adobe Stock)

MS small businesses look to Congress to keep tax break alive

Just as inflation starts to ease, Mississippi small businesses face another looming threat: the potential expiration of the small business deduction…

In 2022, about 70 million people received financial assistance from Social Security programs.<br />(Jetcityimage/Adobe Stock)

Stay vigilant: Mississippians urged to protect Social Security numbers

In Mississippi, the demand for Social Security cards is soaring, with thousands of Mississippians requesting appointments for new cards. While a …

At least 25 state prison systems and federal prisons offer copay waivers for chronic conditions and 13 states provide copay exemptions for pregnancy-related care. (photogeek/Adobe Stock)

Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons

Researchers have found that higher copays for health care obstruct access to receiving care behind bars, even as prison populations in Mississippi …

Operation Good works to improve life in Mississippi and recently held a community block party, inviting single moms and their kids to help to curb violence in Jackson. (Photo courtesy of Operation Good)

'Operation Good' collaborates with single moms to fight crime

A new initiative for single mothers and their sons is helping to combat crime and empower vulnerable community members in Jackson. The nonprofit …

Many Latinos consider the Mississippi River a vital part of their cultural identity. More than half of Latinos live within 10 miles of the river and a significant portion frequently visit nearby parks and trails for recreational activities. (EWY Media/Adobe Stock)

MS Latinos call for cleaner environment along Mississippi River

The latest survey of Latino voters in Mississippi and nine other states reveals overwhelming support for environmental initiatives, with 87% favoring …

In Mississippi, on a typical day 56 out of 100,000 youth nationwide are held in juvenile facilities, pre- and post-adjudication, with rates varying widely among other states. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MS youth incarceration snapshot reveals hope amid disparities

A new report shows the rate of juvenile crime continues to fall, but disparities remain in Mississippi and nationwide. The Sentencing Project report …

The Sentencing Project found Mississippi is one in four states where more than 10% of people serving life or virtual life sentences with a chance of parole were under 18 when they were convicted. (MemoryMan/Adobe)

Report: Mississippi has not made progress in youth sentencing reforms

Efforts to reform juvenile sentencing in the U.S. have made significant strides but a new report showed Mississippi is lagging behind. A study by …

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, low-income households participating in the Solar for All program can expect to save an average of around $400 a year on their electricity bills. (SpeedShutter/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi economy to benefit from $7 billion solar initiative

Mississippi is among 49 states to receive funding from the $7 billion Solar for All program. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the program aims …

The recipients of the USDA's Discrimination Financial Assistance Program include more than 23,000 individuals who have operated farms or ranches, receiving assistance up to $500,000. (JackF/Adobe Stock)<br />

Mississippi minority farmers to receive USDA discrimination payments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing direct payments to Mississippi minority farmers and ranchers who faced past discrimination and there …

A survey found half the residents at the Cherokee Forest Subdivision reported they consider themselves

MS Cherokee group: Industrial pollution threatens families

A rural Mississippi community is fighting to protect the health of some Cherokee residents threatened by industrial pollution. Barbara Weckesser…

By analyzing DNA from shark-bitten fish caught by charter boats, scientists determined that sandbar and bull sharks are the primary culprits behind these attacks. (Adobe)

MS anglers demand action as shark depredation challenges rise

Along the Gulf Coast, Mississippi anglers are concerned about sharks stealing their catch, or what's known as shark depredation. The resurgence of …

The Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable recently wrapped up its fourth

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Aiming to boost Black women's voter engagement in MS

As the November general election approaches, Mississippi groups are ramping up efforts to boost Black voter participation. The Magnolia State has a …

Pastor Wesley Bridges, CEO of Clergy for Prison Reform, with participants at a

MS conference to focus on redemption, 'second chances'

Formerly incarcerated Mississippians will share their stories about rebuilding their lives at the "Redemption Over Retribution" fall conference next m…

Approximately 16 of every 1,000 Mississippians were prescribed Ozempic last year, according to insurance data analyzed by health analytics firm PurpleLab. (Fernanda/AdobeStock)

Counterfeit weight loss medication spreads across Mississippi, nation

Counterfeit medicine sales are on the rise in Mississippi and nationwide. Online scammers are counterfeiting the weight-loss drug Ozempic, including …

Mississippi releases more than 127,000 men and more than 29,000 women from its prisons and jails annually. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

MS 'Rethinking Reentry' conference to focus on criminal justice, resources

In Mississippi, people face many barriers to restarting their lives after prison and this week, the "Rethinking Reentry" conference will focus on …

If finalized, proposed federal rules would prohibit the use of medical devices as loan collateral and prevent the repossession of essential items, like wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs, due to unpaid debts. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

MS could benefit from eliminating medical debt from credit reports

Many Mississippians could see higher credit scores if a rule proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau goes into effect. The proposal …

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds projects through three different grant opportunities: flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants and demonstration grants. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

AARP awards grants to help four MS communities boost 'livability'

Civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to recently awarded …

A staggering 421 Mississippians lost their lives to suicide in 2021, while an alarming 107,000 adults considered suicide. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe)

MS response rate to 988 crisis hotline reaches 98%

A health report by the non-profit group called "Inseparable" shows Mississippi's 988 crisis line has a 98% response rate. The report shows the role …

Each year, extreme heat claims about 1,220 lives in the U.S., though the fatalities are avoidable. The CDC says proper precautions could prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

Expert: Tips for MS children to stay safe during the summer

As summer heats up in Mississippi, paying close attention to children is essential to keep them safe, cool and healthy while they enjoy the outdoors…

Mississippi allocates about $40 million annually to college student financial assistance. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Expert offers tips for smart student-loan repayment

Mississippians who have just graduated from college this summer may be celebrating now but they also just joined the millions of Americans facing stud…

Black people in Mississippi are incarcerated at a rate 2.5 times higher than white people. (Framestock/AdobeStock)

Prison reform proposal seeks federal funding to reduce state prison populations

A new proposal could reduce the number of people behind bars in Mississippi. Currently, approximately 27,000 people are jailed, mainly in state …

A price change for mail service will take effect July 14. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a first class Forever stamp from 68 to 73 cents. (AdobeStock)

Mississippi observes National Postal Worker Day

Today is National Postal Workers Day, celebrated annually to show appreciation for postal workers in Mississippi and across the country. The U.S…

Nearly one out of 10 adults in Mississippi is disenfranchised, constituting 9.36% of the population. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Eligible incarcerated people may request absentee ballots Monday in MS

A new bill that takes effect next Monday will allow incarcerated Mississippians to request an absentee ballot in time for the presidential election on…

To participate in Mississippi's work-release program, individuals must be within two years of their release date and have not had disciplinary action within the last 12 months. (Tjshot/Adobe Stock)

MS expands work-release program, job training to reduce recidivism

Mississippi's pilot work-release program for incarcerated individuals has been extended to three years. The program allows qualified participants to …

Individuals convicted of a nonviolent felony offense in Mississippi will be eligible for parole consideration only after serving either 25% of their total sentence or a minimum of 10 years in prison, whichever is less time. (wolfhound911/Adobe Stock)

MS parole law renewal aims to reduce recidivism, boost economy

Advocates said continuing parole is vital for Mississippi's families, businesses and communities. Senate Bill 2448 keeps the current parole law in …

Both public and private organizations across Mississippi reported using Mississippi Kids Count data for grant applications over the past three years resulted in a collective $48 million to programs and services in the state. (gpointstudio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Some progress, but low rankings, for MS kids' well-being

Mississippi ranks near the bottom among states for children's well-being, at 49th overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law significantly impacts the cleanup of orphaned oil and gas wells. Since its passage, states have plugged more than 7,000 wells, eliminating an estimated 11,530 metric tons of potential methane emissions. (MarekPhotoDesign.com/AdobeStock)

Mississippi receives $6.8 million in federal funds to clean up orphaned wells

New federal funding will help bolster Mississippi's efforts to track down, clean up and tackle pollution from orphaned oil and gas wells. The …

Prison-to-College Pipeline Program Director Patrick Alexander, far right, and PTCPP teaching assistant, Juyoun Jang, far left, celebrate with PTCPP students who completed the Summer 2022 course titled,

Prison-to-College Pipeline Program empowers men at Parchman

A program in Mississippi is increasing access to educational opportunities for those behind bars. The University of Mississippi's Prison-to-College …

The 2024 hurricane season spans from June 1 to Nov. 30. Experts anticipate it will be among the most active seasons ever recorded. (Davivd/Adobe Stock)

Coastal MS child care centers get help preparing for hurricane season

The nonprofit Save the Children is working with child care centers along the Mississippi coast, with plans and tools to help them reopen or resume …

The Mississippi Access to Care Network assists seniors, people with disabilities and their loved ones in finding the care and support they need to live independently for as long as possible. (wavebreak3/Adobe Stock)

Working to create connections, age-friendly communities in MS

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize Mississippians over 50 and their contributions, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in …

Across the country 19 states permit earlier and often more meaningful parole hearings for youth serving lengthy or life sentences, and four states permit earlier hearings for those ranging in age from 18-25 at the time of the offense. (MemoryMan/AdobeStock)

'Second look' laws gain traction, but MS sticks to elderly parole

"Second look" laws to help reduce prison time are gaining traction across the country but Mississippi is not following suit. A new report examinee …

A Harvard study from 2021 said 96.4% of Black Lives Matter protests were nonviolent, despite widely reported vandalism, property damage and looting in the news. (Drazen/AdobeStock)

First Amendment rights to mass protest under attack in MS and beyond

In a blow to free speech and the right to assemble, the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case involving the rights of protest …

About 10% of Mississippi residents have lost their voting rights because of past felony convictions. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)<br />

Push continues to restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated in MS

Voting-rights advocates continue their push to restore these rights for formerly incarcerated Mississippians after lawmakers failed to act. House …

Among U.S. grain exports, 60% is shipped on the Mississippi River through the Port of New Orleans and the Port of South Louisiana. (Daniel Thornberg/Adobe)

Group: Nature-based solutions help solve Mississippi River Delta problems

As part of an effort to restore the Mississippi River delta, an organization is collaborating with nature to address environmental challenges…

Several Mississippi correctional facilities offer both short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (six months) alcohol and drug programs with individual and group counseling for treating alcohol and drug addictions. (Wesley JvR/peopleimages.com)

MS group backs health-center alternative to incarceration

Mississippi prisons often lack resources to treat people who are incarcerated with substance-use disorders adequately but a nonprofit organization is …

In Mississippi, around 11% of the total population was uninsured in 2021. (Drazen)

Mississippi seniors may benefit from dual-eligible special-needs coverage

Certain health plans offer benefits for eligible low-income seniors in Mississippi who have special medical needs, but not everyone knows they are …

The AARP Foundation says its Tax-Aide program helped secure more than $1.1 billion in refunds for more than 1.5 million taxpayers last year. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Tax-filing procrastinator? Free help still available in MS

From now until next Monday, Mississippi residents who need assistance in filing their income tax returns can use the free services of the AARP …

One in five children in the Magnolia State faces hunger, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. <br />(Adobe Stock)

Mississippi kids will miss out on Summer EBT food program

As summer approaches, thousands of children in Mississippi could go without enough nutritious food when school is out, as the state has opted out of …

House Resolution 4366 is a package of six Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills that continues funding for several programs and helps avoid a partial government shutdown. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock)

MS Community Health Centers get boost from federal funding bill

In Mississippi and across the country, Community Health Centers are getting a funding increase, thanks to Congress passing a bipartisan spending …

Mississippi boasts around 5,000 named streams spanning about 14,000 miles in total length, but most are seriously degraded, according to the group Wildlife Mississippi. (kengmerry/Adobe Stock)

Clean water advocates urge Congress to restore vital protections

Today is World Water Day, a global observance to raise awareness about the importance of access to clean, fresh and safe water. This year, advocates …

A new Prison Policy Initiative report revealed the number of deaths by suicide among women in jails increased by almost 65% between the periods of 2000-2004 and 2015-2019. (Karen/Adobe Stock)

New report details harsh realities of women in jail, prison

Women are treated much differently than men by the criminal justice system, according to a new report detailing how and why mass incarceration is …

A report from the National Rural Education Association showed there is only one psychologist or counselor for every 436 children in Mississippi, the fifth

Rural MS schools face steep hurdles compared with nation

Nearly half the public schools in Mississippi are in rural areas and their needs figure prominently in a national report on rural education. The …

In Mississippi, 147,800 people aged 35 to 49 owe an average $48,985 in student-loan debt, totaling $7.24 billion, according to Education Data Initiative. (Tada Images/AdobeStock)

Loan forgiveness deadline approaches for Mississippi student borrowers

Student-loan borrowers in Mississippi and nationwide could have their debt reduced or eliminated through a new one-time adjustment by the U.S…

Mississippi is one of 14 states that has banned abortion completely. Before the Dobbs decision, the monthly average number of abortions in April and May 2022 was 350 each. (Parilov/AdobeStock)

Group offers abortion travel benefits for Mississippi women

Amid ongoing concerns about reproductive access in the Magnolia State, a Jackson-based organization is offering financial help and other support …

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