Verbatim Statement

Mississippi NAACP: Move NCAA Softball Tourney from Ole Miss Due to State Flag

Mississippi NAACP is requesting the NCAA continue its opposition to symbols of racial hatred and expand its ban to all NCAA sanctioned events and relocate the Softball Regional Tournament at the University of Mississippi on Friday, May 19, 2017.

Poll: Lumumba Leads in Mayor's Race; Graham, Horhn Battle for Second Position

A newly released poll conducted by Millsaps College and Chism Strategies reveals a highly competitive mayoral race. Jackson voters head to the polls on Tuesday, May 2 for the Democratic primary election to determine which of the leading candidates advances to the runoff in two weeks.

Crossroads Film Festival Rewards Several Mississippi Filmmakers, Students

The 2017 Crossroads Film Festival honored winning films, including several by Mississippi filmmakers.

National Weather Service Issues Pearl River Flood Warning

As it pertains to flood history, this crest compares to a previous crest of 31.6 feet on February 6, 2016. At 32.0 feet, impact may cause water to affect businesses on South President and South Farish Streets as well as flooding on Sidney Street.

BREAKING: Mississippi’s Abortion Clinic Shutdown Law Permanently Blocked

A federal district court permanently blocked Mississippi’s Texas-style clinic shutdown law today, ensuring the last abortion clinic in the state will remain open.

Jackson Inks New 10-Year Deal for Wastewater Plant Operations

The City of Jackson, Mississippi has signed a 10-year operations and management agreement with Veolia Water North America-South, LLC, to operate three wastewater-treatment plants.

McCain to Trump: 'Putin Will Never Be Our Partner'

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on President Donald Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Putin tomorrow.

City of Jackson Christmas Parade Rescheduled to Dec. 10 Due to Inclement Weather

Due to forecasted inclement weather, the City of Jackson’s annual Christmas Parade has been rescheduled from Saturday, Dec. 3, to Dec. 10 at noon.

Former MDOC Officer Pleads Guilty to Covering Up Inmate Assault

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that former Mississippi correctional officer Deonte Pate, 23, pleaded guilty today to helping conceal the beating of an inmate.

Delta State University President: It's Time for a 'New, Unifying' State Flag

This is a verbatim statement regarding Delta State University's decision to bring down the Mississippi state flag from William N. LaForge, the university's president.

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Will Serve as Interim JSU President

Rod Paige has dedicated his life to breaking through barriers and providing opportunities for young people to succeed.

Jackson State Responds to Cash Reserve Questions

Jackson State University released the following statement to the media on Oct. 21 following reports of the university's cash drain.

State Cuts to Funding Reduce Jackson Libraries' Operating Hours

The Jackson Hinds Library System (JHLS) will reduce hours beginning October 10, 2016 at all 15 libraries due to a recent $50,000 cut to the library system's state-based Personnel Incentive Grant program.

FBI Seeking Info on Child Sexual Assault Victim

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 37, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap.

Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Receives $17 Million in Grant Funds

The FAA through the Airport Improvement Program and MDOT awarded grant funds to support airfield construction projects at both the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS).

Feds Order William David "Butch" Dickson to Pay $5.4 Million

William David Dickson, aka "Butch" Dickson, 60, of Jackson, was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to pay restitution to the bankruptcy estate of Community Home Financial Services, Inc., in the amount of $5,442,004.58, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Acting U.S. Trustee Henry G. Hobbs, Jr. of Region 5, FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway and U.S. Marshal George White.

Mayor: City Closing Grove Park Golf Course

The City of Jackson's Department of Parks and Recreation on Wednesday, Sept. 14, began the process for planning the closure of the Grove Park Golf Course and identifying personnel cuts in response to the City Council's changes to the fiscal year 2016-2017 city budget.

Hinds DA Indicted, Arrested for Hindering Prosecution, Two Felonies

JACKSON— Attorney General Jim Hood announced today that a Hinds County grand jury has indicted Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith on two felony charges, accusing Smith of conspiring with an assistant DA to hinder prosecution of a criminal defendant.

DOJ Charges Mississippi Businessman with Bribery in Epps Case

Guy E. “Butch” Evans, 61, of Jackson, has been charged with paying bribes and kickbacks to former Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner (MDOC) Christopher B. Epps in exchange for exclusive access to sell insurance products to MDOC employees, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain, and FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Donald Alway.

New Airline Coming to Jackson: Southern Airways Express

The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) and Southern Airways Express invite all members of the media to attend a press conference on Monday, August 22nd, at 8:30 a.m. announcing new non-stop and direct air service to/from Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN). Representatives from the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, Southern Airways Express executives, and local dignitaries will be available for interviews immediately following the press conference.

Former Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Facing Charges of Exploitation and Forgery

A former Hinds County deputy sheriff is facing charges that she exploited a vulnerable person and committed forgery, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.

Feds Sue Mississippi for Discrimination Against Adults with Mental Illness

The Justice Department today filed a complaint against the state of Mississippi, alleging that it violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) by failing to provide adults with mental illness with necessary integrated, community-based mental health services.

Jackson Doctor Indicted in Epps-Related Bribery Case

Dr. Carl Reddix, 57, of Jackson, was charged today with paying bribes and kickbacks to former Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Commissioner Christopher B. Epps in exchange for receiving contracts involving the MDOC and its operations, announced Acting United States Attorney Harold Brittain and FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Donald Alway.

Local Gulen-Inspired 'Dialogue Institute' Addresses 'Ongoing Situation in Turkey,' Denounces Coup

The Dialogue Institute SW is a part of a larger network of organizations inspired by the teachings of Fethullah Gülen, who is accused of being connected to the attempted coup today in Turkey. Mississippi Representative Fatih Ozcan released a statement condemning the coup tonight.

DOJ, Hinds County Reach Settlement on Criminal Justice System Reform

The Justice Department today reached a landmark settlement agreement to reform the criminal justice system in Hinds County, Mississippi, a press release states.

AG Hood: Mississippi Will Not Join Transgender Bathrooms Lawsuit

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following statement today regarding the lawsuit by Texas and 10 other states.

Sens. Wicker, Cochran: Obama Transgender Directive Lacks the Force of Law

WASHINGTON D.C.– U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today signed a letter clarifying that federal law does not require states and schools to adhere to a new transgender directive issued by the Obama administration.

Dems, Former Mental Health Director Call for Special Session to Find Mental-Health Funding

Legislative Democrats and the state's formal mental health director sent Gov. Bryant an open letter today calling for a special session of the Legislature to find funding for the state's mental health department to avoid a 'crisis.'

Iles, Grisham, Eubanks, Reed, Smith, Stockett, Laymon, Tartt Among 95 Mississippi Writers Opposing Anti-LGBT Law

Gov. Phil Bryant and the Mississippi legislators who voted for HB 1523 are not the sole voices of our state. There have always been people here battling injustice.

Mayor Yarber Voices Frustration Over Potholes, Airport, Water, More on Facebook

Mayor Yarber on Facebook: "It took me at least 15 minutes to begin this post. It took so long because I actually didn't know where to start. In the City that we all love, it seems that everything that could go wrong is going wrong, fast."

Repairs to Water System Made, Boil Water In Effect

The City of Jackson reports that repairs have been made to the water system and water pressure is returning to normal.

City of Jackson Issues Emergency Water Restriction Notice

Effective immediately, The City of Jackson has issued an emergency water use restriction for all customers served by the City’s Water System. The city’s Department of Public Works has determined that system-wide water conservation measures are needed at this time due to loss of power at the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Facility.

DJP President Ben Allen Indicted, State Auditor and DJP Slam Hinds County DA Investigation

Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering says Hinds County District Attorney Robert S. Smith must drop indictments against two of his employees.

Rep. Gipson: Guns in Courthouses Nothing New

Below is a verbatim statement from Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, in support of guns in courthouses and House Bill 571.

Rep. Dortch: Confederate Heritage Month Not 'Worthy of Honor'

Below is a verbatim statement from Rep. Jarvis Dortch, D-Jackson, on Confederate Heritage Month.

JPD Arrest Man for Killing Two Women, One of Them Pregnant

On Thursday, February 25, 2016, Rahim Williams was developed and identified as a suspect in this incident. He has been charged with three counts of Murder stemming from the deaths of Stephanie Mejia, Janis Evans and the death of the fetus.

City of Jackson Resampling Water at 13 Homes for 'Actionable' Lead Levels After State Report

The Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) on Thursday, Jan. 28, reported to the City of Jackson the results of random water samples taken by the state agency from residences in the City in June 2015. Of the samples taken at 58 residences, 13 showed lead above the actionable levels of 0.015. Within an hour of notification from MSDH, the City dispatched water sample kits to those 13 locations for immediate re-sampling. The results are expected back within two weeks.

Stories by Verbatim