JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi's capital is collecting only a little more than half of the money it bills for water use, far below the rate at which most American cities obtain such fees, Jackson's federally appointed water manager said Monday.
Mississippi harms free speech by requiring state permits before protests, lawsuit says
June 5, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A new Mississippi law will restrict free speech by requiring people to obtain permission from state law enforcement officials for any protest near the statehouse, Governor's Mansion or other state government buildings in the capital city of Jackson, according to a lawsuit that seeks to block the mandate from taking effect July 1.
US judge condemns Mississippi city’s ‘crime cancer’ as he removes state justice from lawsuit
June 2, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Supreme Court chief justice cannot be sued over a state law that requires him to appoint some judges in the capital city of Jackson, a federal judge wrote Thursday in a ruling that also condemned violence in the city.
eStem Public Charter Schools in Arkansas names Labat as CEO
May 26, 2023 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A public charter school system serving nearly 3,000 students in Little Rock has a new leader.
After a nationwide search, eStem Public Charter Schools selected Cherie Labat, a career educator whose last post was with the University of Southern Mississippi, to be chief executive officer of the charter system, officials said in a news release Friday.
Body-cam footage shows indicted ex-police officers laughing at man who died in their custody
May 26, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Three former police officers who were indicted by a Mississippi grand jury joked around about a Black man who died in their custody, with one of them questioning whether to call an ambulance for the man immediately, body-camera footage shows.
3 ex-officers indicted in death of Black man seen on video being shocked with stun guns
May 25, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Mississippi. (AP) — A Mississippi grand jury has indicted two former police officers on murder charges and another ex-officer on a manslaughter charge in the death of a Black man seen on video being pinned down and repeatedly shocked with stun guns during a New Year's eve arrest.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A federal judge on Monday extended his order that temporarily stops the Mississippi Supreme Court chief justice from appointing judges in the capital city of Jackson and the county where it's located, both of which are majority-Black.
Prosecutors say Alabama police chief didn’t steal overtime payments, request charges be dropped
May 22, 2023 GMTMOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Prosecutors are asking to drop theft charges against a former police chief in suburban Mobile.
Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood told WALA-TV on Monday that prosecutors found evidence of “dubious bookkeeping” but concluded Jerry Taylor wasn't illegally receiving overtime pay when he was police chief in Creola.
Jackson police chief announces retirement as capital city grapples with patrol issues
May 19, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The police chief in Mississippi's capital city said Friday that he is retiring after 30 years with the Jackson Police Department and nearly five years in the top job.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A longtime Mississippi lawmaker faces up to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal charge of willfully making a false statement on a tax return — a conviction that does not preclude him from seeking reelection this year.
Attorneys agree to pause federal litigation for water violations in Mississippi’s capital
May 17, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Attorneys for the federal government, Mississippi and the state's capital city have agreed to request to delay litigation from a complaint filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that said the city wasn’t meeting standards for providing reliable drinking water.
1 lawsuit over appointment of Mississippi judges dismissed, another case still alive
May 15, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi judge has dismissed one lawsuit that challenges a new law dealing with appointment of judges in the majority-Black capital city of Jackson and the surrounding county, but a separate lawsuit remains alive in federal court.
Order temporarily blocks appointed judges in mostly Black city and county in Mississippi
May 12, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A federal judge Friday temporarily blocked the appointment of four state court judges in the majority-Black county that is home to Mississippi's capital city — appointments that drew protests from local residents who said white state officials were stomping on civil rights.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Supreme Court chief justice is no longer a defendant in a lawsuit that challenges a state law dealing with courts and appointed judges in the capital city of Jackson.
‘Affront to democracy’: Concern about appointing Mississippi judges where most are elected
May 11, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Three residents of Mississippi's capital city testified Wednesday that their rights as citizens are undermined by a new state law that would create a court inside Jackson with judges who are appointed because the state constitution requires most judges to be elected.
Mississippi Rep. Banks charged with felony false tax return
May 10, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A longtime Mississippi lawmaker has been charged with willfully making a false statement on a tax return for allegedly failing to report more than $500,000 of income from the 2018 sale of real estate.
2 set for trial in shooting at FedEx driver in Mississippi
May 8, 2023 GMTBROOKHAVEN, Miss. (AP) — An August trial has been set for two white men in Mississippi who are accused of chasing and shooting at a Black FedEx driver who had dropped off a package at a home.
Mississippi impeding funds for Jackson’s water, group says
May 5, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi has intentionally created hurdles that prevent the majority-Black capital city of Jackson from receiving enough money to repair a long-troubled water system that nearly collapsed last year, the Southern Poverty Law Center said Friday in announcing a new civil rights complaint it filed.
Mississippi governor touts tax cuts, teacher pay raise, jobs
May 3, 2023 GMTRICHLAND, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves told supporters at one of his first large-scale campaign events Wednesday that he has fulfilled promises to cut taxes, increase teacher pay and promote job development.
Judge OKs money for billing system upgrade for Jackson water
May 2, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A judge Tuesday approved a request to set aside federal money for new billing software and other services for the troubled water system in Mississippi's capital city.
Escaped Mississippi prisoner found dead in New Orleans
May 2, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A man who escaped from a Mississippi jail on April 22 has been found dead at a truck stop in New Orleans, authorities announced Tuesday.
Jackson needs federal funds to cover repairs, appointee says
May 2, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The manager appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee reforms to the beleaguered water system in Mississippi’s capital city says he won't have enough money to cover expenses until more federal funds arrive.
Mississippi lobbyist pleads guilty in timber sales fraud
April 28, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A longtime Mississippi lobbyist has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for participating in a fake timber investment scheme that caused investors to lose tens of millions of dollars.
Former sheriff indicted on bribery, giving ammo to felon
April 27, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A former acting sheriff in Mississippi's largest county has been indicted on federal charges of soliciting bribes and providing ammunition to a convicted felon.
Marshand Crisler, 54, of Jackson, who was interim sheriff of Hinds County for part of 2021 and is running for a full term this year, pleaded not guilty Thursday during an appearance before a U.S.
2nd Mississippi jail escapee found; arrested in Texas
April 27, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A man who escaped from a Mississippi jail last weekend and fled to Texas after allegedly stealing a public works vehicle has been arrested in Houston, authorities announced Thursday.
Mississippi jail escapee dead after armed standoff
April 27, 2023 GMTCONWAY, Miss. (AP) — A man who escaped from a Mississippi jail and is suspected in a Monday night killing died after barricading himself in a home and setting it on fire during an armed standoff with deputies, authorities said Wednesday.
Mississippi jail escapee a suspect in killing, carjacking
April 25, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A man who escaped from a Mississippi jail over the weekend is suspected of killing a man and stealing his pickup truck in Jackson, authorities said Tuesday.
Anthony Watts, 61, was shot and killed Monday night around 7 p.m.
Lawsuit: Mississippi violates rights by appointing judges
April 24, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi is violating its own constitution with a new law that requires some judges to be appointed rather than elected in the state's capital city and its surrounding county, civil rights groups said in a lawsuit filed Monday.
4 prisoners on the run after escaping from Mississippi jail
April 24, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Four prisoners are on the loose after escaping over the weekend from a Mississippi jail already under federal scrutiny for alleged mismanagement.
NAACP sues Mississippi over ‘separate and unequal policing’
April 22, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The NAACP warns that “separate and unequal policing” will return to Mississippi’s majority-Black capital under a state-run police department, and the civil rights organization is suing the governor and other officials over it.
Mississippi OKs more state policing in mostly Black city
April 21, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi's Republican governor signed a bill on Friday to expand the territory of a state-run police department inside the majority-Black capital city of Jackson, and the new law is expected to face a court challenge from the NAACP.
Mississippi to require consumption-based water billing
April 16, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed legislation Friday requiring localities to base water bills on personal consumption, blocking a proposed reform by the federally appointed manager of the troubled water system in the state's capital city.
New Colorado coach Deion Sanders already making an impact
April 8, 2023 GMTBOULDER, Colorado (AP) — New Colorado coach Deion Sanders can’t yet point to any on-field wins in Boulder, but signs of a massive shift in mood and expectation abound at this school and in this city around what has been a forlorn football program.
Ravens GM: Jackson’s status doesn’t affect draft prep
April 5, 2023 GMTOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta said Lamar Jackson's situation isn't causing the Ravens to look at quarterbacks differently in the upcoming draft, although he did say the team could conceivably take one in the first round.
Mississippi session: Yes to moms’ Medicaid, no to tax cuts
April 1, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — During the three-month session that ended early Saturday, Mississippi lawmakers guaranteed a year of Medicaid coverage for women after birth but ignored broader Medicaid expansion for working people whose jobs don't provide health insurance.
Mississippi closer to more state police in mostly Black city
April 1, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Tensions erupted Friday as the majority-white and Republican-controlled Mississippi House passed the final version of a bill to expand the territory of a state-run police department inside the capital city of Jackson, which is majority-Black and governed by Democrats.
Mississippi pushes more state policing in mostly Black city
March 31, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The majority-white and Republican-led Mississippi Legislature is taking final steps to expand the the territory of a state-run police department inside the capital city of Jackson, which is majority-Black and governed by Democrats.
After tornado, harrowing tales of survival in Mississippi
March 26, 2023 GMTSILVER CITY, Miss. (AP) — Nothing remained of William Barnes’ home in the tiny western Mississippi town of Silver City after a killer tornado tore it off its foundations. He stood in disbelief Saturday as he surveyed the lot where he'd lived for 20 years, twisted debris of cinder blocks and mangled wood siding scattered across where his home once stood.
Only 1 Black rep gets role in talks on Mississippi policing
March 22, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — One Black lawmaker and nine white ones have been chosen to negotiate final versions of bills that could expand the territory of a state-run police department inside Mississippi's majority-Black capital city.
Ex-Nonprofit head pleads guilty in Mississippi welfare fraud
March 17, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The former director of a Mississippi nonprofit organization pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to stealing government funds intended to help needy families in one of the poorest states in the U.S., court documents show.
JSU president will resign months after no-confidence vote
March 15, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The president of Jackson State University will resign at the end of this month, weeks after the board that governs Mississippi's eight public universities put him on paid administrative leave and months after the JSU faculty senate took a vote of no confidence in him.
Ex-rep: Legislative plans in Mississippi are ‘Jim Crow 2.0’
March 14, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Efforts by the majority-white Mississippi Legislature to create courts with appointed rather than elected judges and to expand patrols by state police inside the majority-Black capital city of Jackson amount to “Jim Crow 2.0,” a Democratic former state lawmaker said Tuesday.
Police: Officer fatally shoot armed man who pointed gun
March 14, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee police responding to a report of shots fired at a residence in Jackson fatally shot an armed man who pointed a gun at officers, authorities said.
Officers with the Jackson Police Department found Glennard Herndon, 31, in the backyard of the home with a firearm on Sunday night, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said in a statement.
Court: Mississippi mayor wrong in veto of disputed contract
March 10, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The mayor of Mississippi's capital city acted improperly when he tried to veto a garbage-collection contract the city council had rejected, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
Mississippi lawmakers stop effort to take over Jackson water
March 9, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi lawmakers are giving up on an effort to create a state-dominated board to oversee the troubled water system in the state's capital city.
State wants to hear from people who lost power in storms
March 8, 2023 GMTDEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — State regulators want to hear from frustrated Michigan residents who lost electricity during recent storms across the Lower Peninsula.
Mississippi Senate OKs bill affecting majority-Black city
March 7, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The majority-white and Republican-led Mississippi Senate voted Tuesday to pass its version of a bill that would allow an expanded role for state police and appointed judges inside the majority-Black capital city of Jackson, which is led by Democrats.
Slain man’s mother decries plan to expand Mississippi police
March 7, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The mother of a 25-year-old Black man who was shot to death by Mississippi Capitol Police last year told some state lawmakers Monday that she strongly opposes giving the state-run law enforcement agency wider territory to patrol inside the majority-Black capital city of Jackson.
Jackson State temporary president pledges integrity in role
March 6, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The temporary acting president of Jackson State University said Monday that she intends to focus on student success, academic excellence and research at Mississippi's largest historically Black university.
Jackson State wins 68-60 against Mississippi Valley State
March 5, 2023 GMTITTA BENA, Miss. (AP) — Coltie Young's 15 points helped Jackson State defeat Mississippi Valley State 68-60 on Saturday night.
Young had five rebounds and three steals for the Tigers (13-18, 12-6 Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Jackson State president put on leave, temporary leader named
March 3, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The president of Jackson State University has been put on paid administrative leave, and a longtime faculty member has been named temporary acting president.
The board that governs Mississippi's eight public universities took the actions Thursday but did not disclose the reasons for taking Thomas K.
Adams’ 18 help Jackson State beat UAPB 67-63
March 3, 2023 GMTPINE BLUFF, Ark. (AP) — Chase Adams' 18 points helped Jackson State defeat UAPB 67-63 on Thursday night.
Adams shot 7 for 13 (3 for 4 from 3-point range) for the Tigers (12-18, 11-6 Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Jackson, 1 of 3 cities to host Obama’s Change Collective
February 28, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Former President Barack Obama has selected Jackson, Mississippi, as one of three cities to participate in a new initiative aimed at supporting the next generation of emerging leaders.
Justice Jackson writes 1st Supreme Court majority opinion
February 28, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has written her first majority opinion for the Supreme Court.
The opinion released Tuesday in a dispute between states over unclaimed money is one of roughly a half dozen she is expected to write by the time the court finishes its work for the summer, usually in late June.
Young powers Jackson State past Prairie View A&M 61-57
February 28, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Coltie Young totaled 14 points and 11 rebounds to propel Jackson State to a 61-57 victory over Prairie View A&M on Monday night.
Romelle Mansel scored 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting for the Tigers (11-18, 10-6 Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Douglas has 23 as Prairie View A&M beats Alcorn State 75-71
February 26, 2023 GMTLORMAN, Miss. (AP) — William Douglas scored 23 points as Prairie View A&M beat Alcorn State 75-71 on Saturday night.
Douglas had five rebounds for the Panthers (12-17, 8-8 Southwestern Athletic Conference).
Young’s 19 lead Jackson State over Texas Southern 71-69
February 26, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Coltie Young's 19 points helped Jackson State defeat Texas Southern 71-69 on Saturday night.
Young had five rebounds for the Jackson State (10-18, 9-6 Southwestern Athletic Conference).
For poor schools, building repairs zap COVID relief money
February 20, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The air-conditioning gave out as students returned from summer break last year to Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi, forcing them to learn in sweltering heat. By Thanksgiving, students were huddling under blankets because the heat wasn’t working.