mississippi

A proposed Mississippi bill would make joint custody the default in divorce cases, prompting criticism from judges and family lawyers who say it could harm children and challenge the state’s constitutional authority.

County and state crews, aided by volunteers, had the wildfire 70% contained Monday after it burned 4,246 acres in Carroll County, officials said.

The Supreme Court will examine whether racial discrimination influenced jury selection in the 2004 case of death row inmate Terry Pitchford, amid broader debates over jury fairness in capital cases.

Legislators pass a nearly $7.4 billion state budget, including a $2,000 teacher pay increase amid debates over Medicaid funding and education spending.

A nonprofit-run trailer park in central Mississippi provides emergency housing to people with nowhere else to go, but a resident says she was groped by a sex offender and later issued an eviction notice. The nonprofit says the housing is transitional and cannot segregate residents.

Warner Alford, who served as Ole Miss athletic director and was a key figure in the university’s sports history, died Friday at age 87. His legacy includes playing on the 1960 national championship team and impacting countless lives.

Mississippi legislators finalized the majority of their $7.36 billion budget Sunday night, with plans to conclude their 2026 session by week’s end. Key increases include funding for teacher pay raises and Medicaid.

Democrats point to stronger-than-expected primary turnout in Mississippi and around the country as a sign of momentum, though Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith remains the favorite for reelection, according to state results and party officials.

Mississippi lawmakers are advancing a plan to allocate nearly $60 million from opioid settlement funds, sidestepping the advisory council tasked with oversight. The move raises questions about transparency and adherence to established procedures.

Thousands turned out Saturday for Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade in downtown Jackson, which carried the theme “Stars, Stripes & Shamrocks — Jackson Celebrates America250,” Mississippi Today reported.