Grant McLaughlin

5 days ago | clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin

The Mississippi Supreme Court denied State Auditor Shad White's appeal to dismiss Brett Favre's defamation lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from social media posts by White concerning Favre's alleged role in the Mississippi welfare scandal. Favre has repaid over $1 million in misspent welfare funds but is being sued by White for additional interest. A court date for the defamation case has not yet been set.

6 days ago | clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin

Two Mississippi federal judge seats are currently unfilled. It is unclear when and how the Trump administration will fill the vacancies. Trump is expected to consult with Mississippi Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker. Senators can influence judicial appointments through the "blue slip" process. District judges handle significant federal cases and can shape legal precedents. Editor's note: This is the latest edition of Curious Mississippi, a service to the readers of the Clarion Ledger.

6 days ago | clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin

Lowndes County District Attorney Scott Colom is considering challenging incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in the 2026 Mississippi Senate race. Colom would face Democratic primary challenger Ty Pinkins, who previously ran for Senate in 2024. Concerns exist regarding Colom's name recognition and fundraising abilities compared to Hyde-Smith. National Democrats are targeting Southern states, including Mississippi, with increased funding and support for candidates.

1 week ago | clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin

A federal three-judge panel has accepted a state-proposed legislative redistricting plan for several Senate districts in the Desoto County area, which is in the northwest corner of the state.

1 week ago | clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin

Former Pascagoula Mayor Dane Maxwell and Chris McDonald, former director of federal and environmental affairs at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, have been appointed to positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Maxwell will serve as Mississippi's rural development state director, while McDonald will be the state executive director for the Farm Service Agency. The appointments follow former Governor Phil Bryant's recent appointment to a FEMA review panel.