mississippi

A proposal moving through the Legislature would open youth court hearings and records that have been closed to the public since the courts were created in 1979, supporters and opponents told Mississippi Today.

Mississippi’s 2026 legislative session nears its end amid ongoing disputes over the state budget, including education funding and retirements. Lawmakers worry delays could cost taxpayers millions.

Mississippi plans to increase prison spending for the upcoming fiscal year, with proposed restrictions on contracts and transparency measures amid concerns over costs and care quality.

Mississippi has once again failed to expand Medicaid, missing out on billions in federal funding and potential health and economic benefits, according to a new study.

The family of Ayden Stockstill is advocating for legislation that would give county law enforcement authority to use radar guns to enforce speed limits. Despite setbacks in the state legislature, local governments continue to back the proposal.

Clarksdale Municipal School District, which posted 40 teacher vacancies in July, is offering a vocational educator preparation class to recruit local students into teaching. District leaders and a local nonprofit say the program can boost diversity and address persistent staffing gaps.

The Mississippi Senate approved $15 million to help low-income families access child care, but the funding faces uncertain prospects in the House amid ongoing debate.

Corey Wiggins, a Hazlehurst native and federal official, will become the 15th president of Tougaloo College starting July 1, after a yearlong search.

John Perkins, a pioneering civil rights pastor and author, died Friday at age 95. His life was marked by efforts to promote racial unity and justice.

Sonya Williams Barnes wrote that Senate Bill 2588, the Mississippi SHIELD Act, would place document burdens on voters who already face cost and access barriers.