Mississippi News

Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson’s office implemented a controversial method using Experian credit data to update voter rolls, leading to thousands of inactive designations and voter rights concerns.

Legislative efforts to pass a teacher pay increase and key measures have faltered amid political infighting. Negotiations continue as lawmakers face a tight legislative schedule.

The Lumberton Main Street Association has formed a grant committee and will distribute a $10,000 Mississippi Power Foundation award as a facade grant to downtown businesses. Applications close April 9 and awards of up to $2,000 per business will be distributed in early April, the association said.

Charles Smith, a Food for Life instructor in Jackson, wrote in Mississippi Today Ideas that switching to a whole-food, plant-based diet can cut grocery bills, help weight loss and curb chronic disease. He offered tips on buying staples in bulk and shared budget-friendly recipes.

Lawmakers advanced measures to intercept casino and sports-betting payouts from parents behind on child support, a move supporters say could help recover roughly $1.7 billion owed to about 153,964 children, Sen. David Blount said.