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2 weeks ago | 
usatoday.com | Grant McLaughlin
• Mississippi state tax revenues are trending down compared to 2024, but interest on savings has helped offset the decline. • Despite the downward trend, the state economist remains confident that Mississippi will meet its revenue projections for the current fiscal year. • The state legislature has yet to finalize the budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins in July.
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2 weeks ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Former Mississippi Senate attorney Kristie Metcalfe refiled a discrimination lawsuit alleging unequal pay based on race. Metcalfe claims she was paid significantly less than white colleagues despite having more experience. The DOJ initially represented Metcalfe but voluntarily dismissed the suit, after which she refiled independently. Metcalfe's attorney criticizes the current system, arguing it makes discrimination victims dependent on the political climate.
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2 weeks ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Senate chairman supports putting suffrage bills into special session, former Democratic Party chairman passes awayDuring a press luncheon sponsored by the Mississippi State University Stennis Institute for Government on Monday, May 12, Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson told reporters the state isn't doing enough to regulate a fast-growing solar industry in Mississippi. "It is the farmer's land. It is the farmers' decision … on these matters," Gipson said.
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3 weeks ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Senator Roger Wicker stated that a $400 million jet gifted to President Trump by the Qatari government would need security upgrades and be treated like a Qatari embassy. Wicker expressed concerns about surveillance equipment and the time required to retool the aircraft. This jet would be the largest foreign gift ever given to a U.S. president. Wicker has previously disagreed with the Trump administration, notably on matters related to the Department of Defense and the war in Ukraine. U.S. Sen.
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3 weeks ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Andre Nichols, a formerly incarcerated Mississippian, was unable to register to vote due to state laws disenfranchising felons. Nichols's suffrage bill, along with over 70 others, failed to pass the Mississippi Legislature due to political infighting. Around 68,000 Mississippians, mostly Black, are disenfranchised due to felony convictions. Nichols continues to advocate for voting rights despite his own disenfranchisement.
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3 weeks ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Mississippi sued China in 2020, alleging COVID-19 information was withheld and PPE supplies were manipulated. China has not acknowledged the lawsuit and claims sovereign immunity. A default judgment was issued against China due to non-appearance in court. Mississippi seeks over $200 billion in damages, potentially seizing Chinese assets if necessary.
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3 weeks ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Mississippi lawmakers are at an impasse over the state's $7 billion budget due to disagreements about funding local projects. The House wants to use capital expense funds for local projects, while the Senate is hesitant due to potential federal budget cuts. The governor has threatened to fund essential state agencies himself if the legislature fails to pass a budget by July 1. A special session is likely needed to resolve the budget stalemate before the fiscal year begins on July 1.
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3 weeks ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
The U.S. Supreme Court last week opted not to hear a case challenging whether the state of Mississippi can limit how medical cannabis companies advertise their businesses. This leaves in place a U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that stated because cannabis is federally illegal, plaintiff's arguments, including those of Clarence Cocroft, a medical cannabis business owner, that state laws restrict his first amendment rights do not apply to the selling and advertising of medical cannabis.
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4 weeks 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.
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1 month 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.
