Nonprofit, nonpartisan Mississippi newsroom working to create a more informed Mississippi. Sign up for our newsletters:
buff.ly/3qmiDim Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist
Among anticipated changes to a new visitor brochure for the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is no longer using "racist" to describe the killer of the civil rights leader.

Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist
Among anticipated changes to a new visitor brochure for the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument is no longer using "racist" to describe the killer of the civil rights leader.
Sen. Wicker writes to Kristi Noem opposing feared ‘ICE warehouse’ in Byhalia
Sen. Roger Wicker's letter to Homeland Security Kristi Noem cites his constituents' concerns about “public safety, medical capacity, and economic impacts.”

Sen. Wicker writes to Kristi Noem opposing feared ‘ICE warehouse’ in Byhalia
Sen. Roger Wicker's letter to Homeland Security Kristi Noem cites his constituents' concerns about “public safety, medical capacity, and economic impacts.”
House votes to legalize online sports betting and divert $600M to pension system
Proponents say this could generate tens of millions of dollars a year in new tax revenue, but critics warn it would fuel gambling addiction and hurt brick-and-mortar casinos.

House votes to legalize online sports betting and divert $600M to pension system
Proponents say this could generate tens of millions of dollars a year in new tax revenue, but critics warn it would fuel gambling addiction and hurt brick-and-mortar casinos.
Lawmakers push bills to heighten transparency for rural health federal funding
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves led Mississippi’s application for the funds, with support from the Mississippi State Department of Health and Division of Medicaid.

Lawmakers push bills to heighten transparency for rural health federal funding
Republican Gov. Tate Reeves led Mississippi’s application for the funds, with support from the Mississippi State Department of Health and Division of Medicaid.
House unanimously approves $5K teacher pay raise
Every Mississippi lawmaker has so far voted for a pay raise for teachers, $5,000 in the House and $2,000 in the Senate.

House unanimously approves $5K teacher pay raise
Every Mississippi lawmaker has so far voted for a pay raise for teachers, $5,000 in the House and $2,000 in the Senate.
Senate measure to restore Mississippi voters’ right to ballot initiative advances
The Mississippi Supreme Court invalidated the state’s initiative process in 2021 over technicalities, and the Legislature has not been able to reach a consensus on how to restore it to voters ever since.

Senate measure to restore Mississippi voters’ right to ballot initiative advances
The Mississippi Supreme Court invalidated the state’s initiative process in 2021 over technicalities, and the Legislature has not been able to reach a consensus on how to restore it to voters ever since.
Mississippi prison health care reforms: What lived, what died with legislative deadline?
One measure would require the creation of a hepatitis C program and an HIV program aimed at improving the treatment available to prisoners.

Mississippi prison health care reforms: What lived, what died with legislative deadline?
One measure would require the creation of a hepatitis C program and an HIV program aimed at improving the treatment available to prisoners.
A winter storm is just the latest test of resilience in the sparsely populated south Delta
Winter Storm Fern is the latest in a string of disasters to hit Mississippi's south Delta since 2019.

A winter storm is just the latest test of resilience in the sparsely populated south Delta
Winter Storm Fern is the latest in a string of disasters to hit Mississippi's south Delta since 2019.
‘When it’s affecting you, crime is bad’: Competing realities behind Jackson’s falling homicide figures
Police recorded 74 homicides in Jackson in 2025, virtually half the number of killings in 2021, but feelings of safety among residents remain complicated.

‘When it’s affecting you, crime is bad’: Competing realities behind Jackson’s falling homicide figures
Police recorded 74 homicides in Jackson in 2025, virtually half the number of killings in 2021, but feelings of safety among residents remain complicated.
The looming return of Jim Crow to America’s Blackest state
The pending U.S. Supreme Court's Voting Rights decision could usher in new era of Jim Crow for vulnerable communities.

The looming return of Jim Crow to America’s Blackest state
The pending U.S. Supreme Court's Voting Rights decision could usher in new era of Jim Crow for vulnerable communities.
States will deal with a leaner FEMA during winter storm recovery
The Trump administration was quick to mobilize initial aid to Mississippi and other states damaged by a winter storm, but it’s not clear how a shrunken agency will handle the long-term recovery costs.

States will deal with a leaner FEMA during winter storm recovery
The Trump administration was quick to mobilize initial aid to Mississippi and other states damaged by a winter storm, but it’s not clear how a shrunken agency will handle the long-term recovery costs.
Super Bowl memories
Rick Cleveland has watched all the 59 previous Super Bowls, 30 in person – always in pursuit of all the Mississippi angles. His memories are many.

Super Bowl memories
Rick Cleveland has watched all the 59 previous Super Bowls, 30 in person – always in pursuit of all the Mississippi angles. His memories are many.
Mississippi lawmakers push prison reform after journalists reveal dozens of deaths
A Mississippi reform bill that would set up an oversight committee to review each prison death comes after a joint news investigation by several local outlets.

Mississippi lawmakers push prison reform after journalists reveal dozens of deaths
A Mississippi reform bill that would set up an oversight committee to review each prison death comes after a joint news investigation by several local outlets.
‘The bill dies today.’ Senate committee kills House school choice measure
Senate leaders have made clear they are opposed to voucher programs that siphon money away from public schools — so opposed that there was no discussion when the bill was considered by the committee.

‘The bill dies today.’ Senate committee kills House school choice measure
Senate leaders have made clear they are opposed to voucher programs that siphon money away from public schools — so opposed that there was no discussion when the bill was considered by the committee.
House considering $5K teacher pay raise, topping Senate’s $2K
'Teachers work hard, and it’s key that we compensate them for the work that they do,' said Rep. Jansen Owen

House considering $5K teacher pay raise, topping Senate’s $2K
'Teachers work hard, and it’s key that we compensate them for the work that they do,' said Rep. Jansen Owen
Legislation to increase access to nurse midwives died in committee. Now, Mississippi faces a federal lawsuit
Bills to allow more certified nurse midwives to practice in Mississippi died in committee Tuesday, two weeks after the state was named in a federal lawsuit over how it restricts access to…

Legislation to increase access to nurse midwives died in committee. Now, Mississippi faces a federal lawsuit
Bills to allow more certified nurse midwives to practice in Mississippi died in committee Tuesday, two weeks after the state was named in a federal lawsuit over how it restricts access to midwives in a place with some of the worst outcomes for mothers and babies. If passed, the legislation would have removed the requirement that Mississippi nurse midwives pay for collaboration agreements with physicians, preventing the state from being sued.
Domestic violence offender registry would raise awareness, inform people and bring accountability, supporters say
Five bills in the Mississippi Legislature would create a domestic violence offender registry giving individuals access to information that could save lives.

Domestic violence offender registry would raise awareness, inform people and bring accountability, supporters say
Five bills in the Mississippi Legislature would create a domestic violence offender registry giving individuals access to information that could save lives.
School closures in the Southeast stretch into 2nd week after large winter storm
School systems across the Southeast are dealing with weather-related school closures for the second week in a row, leading some to try remote learning while many prepare to add more school days to make up for lost…

School closures in the Southeast stretch into 2nd week after large winter storm
School systems across the Southeast are dealing with weather-related school closures for the second week in a row, leading some to try remote learning while many prepare to add more school days to make up for lost instructional time
Senate votes unanimously to spend $20m for initial Mississippi winter storm response
The Senate measure would direct money to MEMA and would not provide individual assistance for Mississippians impacted by the storm. State leaders said more state and federal dollars will be forthcoming for…

Senate votes unanimously to spend $20m for initial Mississippi winter storm response
The Senate measure would direct money to MEMA and would not provide individual assistance for Mississippians impacted by the storm. State leaders said more state and federal dollars will be forthcoming for recovery.
Q&A: Joy Hogge reflects on decades of working to improve mental health services for Mississippi families
In anticipation of her upcoming retirement as executive director of Mississippi Families As Allies, Mississippi Today interviewed Joy Hogge about her mental health work in the South and what…

Q&A: Joy Hogge reflects on decades of working to improve mental health services for Mississippi families
In anticipation of her upcoming retirement as executive director of Mississippi Families As Allies, Mississippi Today interviewed Joy Hogge about her mental health work in the South and what she’s excited about in the future.
Tougaloo student is gifted Super Bowl tickets for his gun prevention work
Ajani Crenshaw, a Tougaloo College junior, will travel to California for the Super Bowl after receiving tickets to the game for his gun prevention work.

Tougaloo student is gifted Super Bowl tickets for his gun prevention work
Ajani Crenshaw, a Tougaloo College junior, will travel to California for the Super Bowl after receiving tickets to the game for his gun prevention work.
‘We shouldn’t run from our past.’ Lawmakers are concerned Mississippi children aren’t learning their history
Three state representatives have filed bills calling for schools to teach a comprehensive history of Mississippi. The bills have to pass out of committee Tuesday to remain viable.

‘We shouldn’t run from our past.’ Lawmakers are concerned Mississippi children aren’t learning their history
Three state representatives have filed bills calling for schools to teach a comprehensive history of Mississippi. The bills have to pass out of committee Tuesday to remain viable.
Rep. Summers: With U.S. Supreme Court likely to dismantle Voting Rights Act, Mississippi lawmakers push for state version
State Rep. Zakiya Summers has filed the House version of the "Robert G. Clark Jr. Voting Rights Act." It's an effort to get out in front of what many expect will be the further…

Rep. Summers: With U.S. Supreme Court likely to dismantle Voting Rights Act, Mississippi lawmakers push for state version
State Rep. Zakiya Summers has filed the House version of the "Robert G. Clark Jr. Voting Rights Act." It's an effort to get out in front of what many expect will be the further dismantling of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 by the U.S. Supreme Court. Summers isn't extremely optimistic about the measure's passage in the Mississippi Legislature this year, but says she and other lawmakers are trying to educate people about the dire impact voters could see from damage to the VRA.
Senate wants to earmark $20 million for Mississippi’s initial storm effort. House noncommittal
House leaders do not appear to be onboard with the legislation, which Senate leaders plan to pass on to them as early as Tuesday. House Speaker Jason White on Monday said he has not had any communication…

Senate wants to earmark $20 million for Mississippi’s initial storm effort. House noncommittal
House leaders do not appear to be onboard with the legislation, which Senate leaders plan to pass on to them as early as Tuesday. House Speaker Jason White on Monday said he has not had any communication with Hosemann, and that House leaders are still trying to determine the best way to help local communities with state resources.
Mississippi to launch obstetric system of care. But experts say it is a piece of the puzzle for moms, babies
This new system of care will go into effect Feb. 13, though it could take years to be fully implemented, according to state officials.

Mississippi to launch obstetric system of care. But experts say it is a piece of the puzzle for moms, babies
This new system of care will go into effect Feb. 13, though it could take years to be fully implemented, according to state officials.
Alabama and Charles Bediako accentuate the messy condition of college sports
Rick Cleveland: The thin-and-getting-thinner line that divides college and professional sports has become microscopic. When it comes to the Southeastern Conference and the other so-called power leagues, we must ask: Is…

Alabama and Charles Bediako accentuate the messy condition of college sports
Rick Cleveland: The thin-and-getting-thinner line that divides college and professional sports has become microscopic. When it comes to the Southeastern Conference and the other so-called power leagues, we must ask: Is there really any line at all?
Campaign finance reports: 2027 Mississippi gubernatorial contenders raising cash
Shad White and Lynn Fitch have the most campaign cash on hand, but Hosemann and Fitch tied in amount raised last year.

Campaign finance reports: 2027 Mississippi gubernatorial contenders raising cash
Shad White and Lynn Fitch have the most campaign cash on hand, but Hosemann and Fitch tied in amount raised last year.
Former House member’s recollections of Robert Clark after new voting rights bill is filed
Former House member writes as new Robert Clark Voting Rights Act is filed, "Robert was a very courageous, fearless gentleman. His decision to seek election in the 60s was in itself a profile in courage."

Former House member’s recollections of Robert Clark after new voting rights bill is filed
Former House member writes as new Robert Clark Voting Rights Act is filed, "Robert was a very courageous, fearless gentleman. His decision to seek election in the 60s was in itself a profile in courage."
End of ‘silly season’ approaches with bill passage deadlines: Legislative recap
The House Corrections Committee passed several bills aimed at improving health care in state prisons, an issue that has been documented in Mississippi Today's "Behind Bars, Beyond Care" investigative series.

End of ‘silly season’ approaches with bill passage deadlines: Legislative recap
The House Corrections Committee passed several bills aimed at improving health care in state prisons, an issue that has been documented in Mississippi Today's "Behind Bars, Beyond Care" investigative series.
Senate moves campaign-finance reform. House panel promptly kills it
While the Senate Elections Committee advanced the measure, House Elections on the same day killed a similar proposal with no discussion.

Senate moves campaign-finance reform. House panel promptly kills it
While the Senate Elections Committee advanced the measure, House Elections on the same day killed a similar proposal with no discussion.
Mississippi lawmakers push nuclear power expansion legislation
One measure would incentivize expansion or extension of Mississippi's only existing nuclear plant. Another would provide grants to incentivize new nuclear developments.

Mississippi lawmakers push nuclear power expansion legislation
One measure would incentivize expansion or extension of Mississippi's only existing nuclear plant. Another would provide grants to incentivize new nuclear developments.
Marshall Ramsey: Ice-cold grief
Marshall Ramsey's editorial cartoon is about the stages of grief after an ice storm hits.

Marshall Ramsey: Ice-cold grief
Marshall Ramsey's editorial cartoon is about the stages of grief after an ice storm hits.
Gov. Reeves says ice storm in Mississippi not as bad as ICE protests in Minnesota
Gov. Tate Reeves said Mississippians impacted by a winter storm should be "grateful" they are not experiencing Minnesota's protests.

Gov. Reeves says ice storm in Mississippi not as bad as ICE protests in Minnesota
Gov. Tate Reeves said Mississippians impacted by a winter storm should be "grateful" they are not experiencing Minnesota's protests.
Mississippi braces for another weekend of freezing temperatures
Some counties in Mississippi are expected to see temperatures as low as 7 degrees and with a wind chill below zero degrees.

Mississippi braces for another weekend of freezing temperatures
Some counties in Mississippi are expected to see temperatures as low as 7 degrees and with a wind chill below zero degrees.
‘We need help bad’: Holmes County residents have struggled without necessities long after the ice storm
Almost a week after a deadly winter storm devastated areas of Mississippi, some Holmes County residents still lack safe drinking water, electricity and other basic necessities.

‘We need help bad’: Holmes County residents have struggled without necessities long after the ice storm
Almost a week after a deadly winter storm devastated areas of Mississippi, some Holmes County residents still lack safe drinking water, electricity and other basic necessities.
MEMA warns of ‘huge gap’ in disaster recovery funding
Mississippi may soon face a "huge gap" in disaster recovery funding if the federal government moves forward with its plan to raise the threshold for public assistance, state officials alerted lawmakers.

MEMA warns of ‘huge gap’ in disaster recovery funding
Mississippi may soon face a "huge gap" in disaster recovery funding if the federal government moves forward with its plan to raise the threshold for public assistance, state officials alerted lawmakers.
Where there’s ice there’s fire? Jacksonians battle the familiar blaze amid winter freeze
Though the capital city was spared from the devastating conditions that hit north Mississippi last weekend, Winter Storm Fern coincided with what's known as “fire season” in Jackson.

Where there’s ice there’s fire? Jacksonians battle the familiar blaze amid winter freeze
Though the capital city was spared from the devastating conditions that hit north Mississippi last weekend, Winter Storm Fern coincided with what's known as “fire season” in Jackson.
Federal lawsuit questions Mississippi’s limited access to nurse midwives
If passed, the bills before state legislators this session would remove the requirement that nurse midwives pay for collaboration agreements with physicians.

Federal lawsuit questions Mississippi’s limited access to nurse midwives
If passed, the bills before state legislators this session would remove the requirement that nurse midwives pay for collaboration agreements with physicians.
Mississippi’s winter storm death toll reaches at least14 as state tallies damages
At least 14 people in Mississippi have died in connection with Winter Storm Fern, which struck last weekend.

Mississippi’s winter storm death toll reaches at least14 as state tallies damages
At least 14 people in Mississippi have died in connection with Winter Storm Fern, which struck last weekend.
Mississippians ask why state didn’t prep earlier and respond sooner for winter storm
Almost a week after the worst winter storm to hit Mississippi in a generation, citizens and elected leaders in north Mississippi are openly questioning why state leaders did not prepare for or respond sooner to…

Mississippians ask why state didn’t prep earlier and respond sooner for winter storm
Almost a week after the worst winter storm to hit Mississippi in a generation, citizens and elected leaders in north Mississippi are openly questioning why state leaders did not prepare for or respond sooner to the crisis that has left people without electricity and water for days. Some mayors and residents say that the state was too slow to mobilize resources, particularly the Mississippi National Guard and the Mississippi Department of Transportation, to help clear roadways and deliver supplies to people stranded in their homes.
House committee approves pilot program aimed at improving teacher satisfaction
Staffing redesign, a strategy used in at least 17 states, elevates the highest-performing teachers to coaching roles. These lead teachers continue to teach their own classrooms, while also being paid more to help other…

House committee approves pilot program aimed at improving teacher satisfaction
Staffing redesign, a strategy used in at least 17 states, elevates the highest-performing teachers to coaching roles. These lead teachers continue to teach their own classrooms, while also being paid more to help other teachers.
Longtime activist Angela Davis reminds Tougaloo audience that freedom takes practice and work
Activist Angela Davis tells a crowd at Tougaloo College that the more people practice freedom, the more they learn about the nature of freedom and what is possible.

Longtime activist Angela Davis reminds Tougaloo audience that freedom takes practice and work
Activist Angela Davis tells a crowd at Tougaloo College that the more people practice freedom, the more they learn about the nature of freedom and what is possible.
Lawmaker targets getting guns away from domestic abusers
Federal law allows for firearms to be removed from those who have a protection order against them. A bill in the Mississippi Legislature seeks to empower state courts and law enforcement to also order such removal of weapons.

Lawmaker targets getting guns away from domestic abusers
Federal law allows for firearms to be removed from those who have a protection order against them. A bill in the Mississippi Legislature seeks to empower state courts and law enforcement to also order such removal of weapons.
House panel approves prison health-care reform, questions ‘mysterious bank accounts’
Currie said she found seven bank accounts linked to the Inmate Welfare Fund, but only obtained access to one. In that one account, she found about $32 million, but had trouble tracing much of it.

House panel approves prison health-care reform, questions ‘mysterious bank accounts’
Currie said she found seven bank accounts linked to the Inmate Welfare Fund, but only obtained access to one. In that one account, she found about $32 million, but had trouble tracing much of it.
Marshall Ramsey: Ice storm 2026 creates monumental, unwanted memories
Marshall Ramsey: This week's catastrophic ice storm has crippled my new hometown of Oxford. I’ll never forget the gruesome, demonic cacophony of trees breaking, transformers popping and thunder.

Marshall Ramsey: Ice storm 2026 creates monumental, unwanted memories
Marshall Ramsey: This week's catastrophic ice storm has crippled my new hometown of Oxford. I’ll never forget the gruesome, demonic cacophony of trees breaking, transformers popping and thunder.
Gloster residents worry about health after Mississippi regulators allow more pollution from wood pellet plant
Mississippi regulators approved increased emissions at the U.K.-owned wood pellet plant in Gloster even as sick residents are left with few answers

Gloster residents worry about health after Mississippi regulators allow more pollution from wood pellet plant
Mississippi regulators approved increased emissions at the U.K.-owned wood pellet plant in Gloster even as sick residents are left with few answers
One of the ‘lucky ones’: College students deal with the winter storm aftermath
Mississippi colleges and universities are still dealing with the winter storm's aftermath: icy roads, power outages, and downed trees. Some will remain closed for the rest of the week or longer.

One of the ‘lucky ones’: College students deal with the winter storm aftermath
Mississippi colleges and universities are still dealing with the winter storm's aftermath: icy roads, power outages, and downed trees. Some will remain closed for the rest of the week or longer.
Lights are slowly coming back on, but many Mississippi roads remain messy after ice storm
The lights are slowly returning in regions of north Mississippi and the lower Delta in the aftermath of this past weekend's ice storm. But officials say obstacles remain for restoring power, clearing roads…

Lights are slowly coming back on, but many Mississippi roads remain messy after ice storm
The lights are slowly returning in regions of north Mississippi and the lower Delta in the aftermath of this past weekend's ice storm. But officials say obstacles remain for restoring power, clearing roads and providing water.
Lawmakers push bills to ban cellphone use in schools
At least 33 states and Washington, D.C. require school districts to ban or restrict cellphones usage among students in schools. Mississippi could be next.

Lawmakers push bills to ban cellphone use in schools
At least 33 states and Washington, D.C. require school districts to ban or restrict cellphones usage among students in schools. Mississippi could be next.
Bill to adjust how hospitals and clinics make improvements heads to Reeves’ desk
Lawmakers passed nearly identical changes to the state’s certificate of need law last session, but this year, they removed a provision that led Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to veto the legislation in April.

Bill to adjust how hospitals and clinics make improvements heads to Reeves’ desk
Lawmakers passed nearly identical changes to the state’s certificate of need law last session, but this year, they removed a provision that led Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to veto the legislation in April.