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3 days ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
A federal judge will decide sometime next week whether to grant a restraining order seeking to halt the enforcement of House Bill 1193, a Diversity Equity and Inclusion ban passed into state law earlier this year.
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3 days ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Mississippi's gas tax will increase by 3 cents per gallon on July 1st, rising to 21 cents, and will continue to increase annually until it reaches 27 cents. This increase, part of a larger tax reform, aims to fund infrastructure improvements and is the first gas tax increase since the 1980s. While economists predict minimal long-term impact on gas prices for consumers, the increase is considered regressive, potentially affecting lower-income households more.
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4 days ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Only one MS congressional delegate opposing Trump's decision to strike at Iranian nuclear weapon development sitesMississippi's conservative leadership is sticking by President Donald Trump's decision to militarily engage with Iran after several Iranian nuclear development sites were bombed over the weekend. Mississippi's two U.S. Sens., Cindy Hyde Smith and Roger Wicker, both Republicans, chose to congratulate the president and supported his decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites.
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5 days ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed a $7.135 billion state budget for the upcoming fiscal year after a special legislative session. Reeves vetoed one bill and used line-item vetoes on several appropriations within other bills, citing errors and unconstitutional actions by the legislature. Disagreements between House and Senate leaders, particularly concerning budget allocation and special projects, necessitated the special session after the regular session ended without a budget agreement.
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6 days ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson has officially entered the gubernatorial race, joining a growing field of Republican candidates. Other potential candidates include Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, State Auditor Shad White, and several businessmen. The Republican primary is becoming increasingly competitive, with several candidates holding similar conservative viewpoints.
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1 week ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Incarcerated individuals in Mississippi have formed a unique community through book clubs sponsored by the Mississippi Humanities Council. These book clubs offer prisoners the chance to engage with diverse literature and share their perspectives, fostering personal growth and reflection. The program has expanded to 16 clubs across 12 facilities due to private funding, but faces potential closure if the MHC cannot secure new funding sources to offset federal cuts.
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1 week ago | 
prsa.org | Grant McLaughlin
Artificial intelligence is transforming public relations, revolutionizing how practitioners craft narratives, reach audiences and measure impact. Companies embracing AI are discovering unprecedented ways to innovate, while those hesitating risk being left behind as the technology becomes industry standard. The key to success in an AI-driven world is not to compete with machines, but to learn how to collaborate with them.
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1 week ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced a partnership with NVIDIA to implement AI learning programs in K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities. The initiative aims to prepare the state's workforce for future job opportunities in AI and cybersecurity, targeting underserved rural areas. The state plans to invest a similar amount as the recent $9 million investment in AI partnerships with Amazon Web Services, with a goal of training at least 10,000 Mississippians.
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1 week ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Mississippi is likely to meet its $7 billion budget for the current fiscal year. Recent downward trends in state revenue may result in the state collecting less than the estimated $7.6 billion. Surplus funds from previous years have been used for debt reduction, state agency funding, and special projects. If the state budget isn't met, emergency spending and budget cuts may be necessary to maintain a balanced budget as required by state law.
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1 week ago | 
clarionledger.com | Grant McLaughlin
Who next could take up Jackson water system takeover fight now that Sen. David Parker is leaving state SenateMississippi's Attorney General is awaiting a judge's ruling on damages owed by China related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts suggest such lawsuits may strain US-China relations rather than yield substantial financial gains for states. The departure of State Senator David Parker raises questions about the future legislative direction regarding Jackson's water system.
