Heather Harrison

1 week ago | mississippifreepress.org | Heather Harrison

The Mississippi Legislature’s newly redrawn Mississippi Senate District map does not follow court orders to strengthen voting power for Black Mississippians in DeSoto County, a unanimous three-judge panel ruled on Tuesday. The Legislature has seven days to propose a new Senate district map, the judges said.

1 week ago | mississippifreepress.org | Heather Harrison

In a special legislative election on Tuesday, April 15, Mississippi voters in Leake, Neshoba and Winston will elect a candidate to represent them for Mississippi Senate District 18. Voters can confirm which Senate district they live in at this link. Gov. Tate Reeves had to set a special election for the district after former Mississippi District 18 Sen. Jenifer Branning, a Republican, won a spot on the Mississippi Supreme Court after the Nov. 26, 2024, general runoff election.

1 week ago | mississippifreepress.org | Heather Harrison

Mississippi election officials will no longer be able to change or close polling places within 60 days of an election except under certain circumstances under a new law. Mississippi House Rep. Noah Sanford, a Republican from Collins, introduced House Bill 1419 on the House floor on Feb. 5.

2 weeks ago | register-herald.com | Heather Harrison

Jackson, MS (Mississippi Free Press)The Mississippi Legislature's 2025 session is over, but lawmakers could soon return to work in a special session after the House and Senate failed to adopt a budget before the regular session ended on April 3. Gov. Tate Reeves will have to call lawmakers into a special session ahead of the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. kAmp7E6C E96 w@FD6 6?565 E96 D6DD:@? @? pAC:= a 2?5 E96 $6?2E6 7@==@H65 DF:E @?

2 weeks ago | mississippifreepress.org | Heather Harrison

The Mississippi Humanities Council, an organization behind events and programs across the state focused on history and culture, is facing steep cuts after the Trump administration eliminated federal funding for its current and future grants. The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency notified the council of the termination in a late-night email on April 2, MHC Executive Director Dr. Stuart Rockoff told the Mississippi Free Press on April 4. “It’s really callous.