Reeves Commends Bryant for Joining Transgender Bathroom Lawsuit
Below is a verbatim press release from Lt. Gov. Reeves supporting Gov. Phil Bryant's decision to join the lawsuit challenging Obama's transgender school bathrooms directive: "Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves today commended Gov. Phil Bryant for joining a lawsuit challenging the federal directive to open bathrooms in Mississippi schools to both …
U.S. House Approves Bill With Amendment to Ban Confederate Flags at VA Cemeteries
Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Veteran's Affairs spending bill that had contains an amendment that will ban Veteran Affairs cemeteries from flying Confederate flags. The vote on U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman's (D-CA) amendment ignited debate yesterday in the House but passed this morning by a vote of …
ACLU of Mississippi Responds to GOP House Reps Letter to Dr. Wright
The following is a statement from American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi Executive Director Jennifer Riley-Collins in response to the group of Mississippi House Republicans who have asked state Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright to step down if she follows the White House’s directive on protecting transgender students’ rights. Some Mississippi …
Mississippi GOP Senators Call for Board of Education to Ignore White House Directive
Following a letter from Mississippi House GOP members, 27 Mississippi Senate GOP members have signed a letter penned to the Mississippi Board of Education and state superintendent Dr. Carey Wright, urging them to resist the White House directive to protect the rights of transgender students. This morning, Wright said that …
Mississippi Department of Education Stalls on Directive to Protect Trans Students
The Mississippi Department of Education said Friday that they would adhere to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as well as the joint guidance issued that day by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice to curb discrimination against trans students in order to …
Mississippi Democratic Party Issues Statement on Cleveland School District Desegregation
From a press release from the Mississippi Democratic Party: Jackson, MS – Following the court's order to desegregate schools in Cleveland, Mississippi, Mississippi Democratic Party spokesperson, Ouida Meruvia, issued the following statement: "It is fitting that on the eve of the 62nd anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the …
Charter Founder with School in Jackson Plans to Step Down
Ravi Gupta, the CEO of RePublic Schools, announced today that he will be stepping down as chief executive officer of the organization. Gupta opened ReImagine Prep in Jackson, which opened in fall of last year. Gupta plans to leave his position by December of this year. Read his letter below: …
Congressman Thompson Asks NCAA to Review House Bill 1523
Congressman Bennie G. Thompson wrote a letter to NCAA President Mark Emmert, asking him to review House Bill 1523 and advise Thompson on the sanctions that the state’s NCAA member institutions may face as a result of the law. On April 27, the NCAA board adopted a new requirement for …
JPS Third Graders Top Reading Test Ranks
The Mississippi Department of Education has released the 3rd Grade Reading Summative Assessment Results. You can view them here. Of the top ten highest performing schools, three of them were located in Jackson Public Schools. 100% of Casey Elementary, McWillie Elementary and Davis Magnet School third graders passed the test …
Report: Brandon GOP Legislator Drafting Legislation to Take Over Control of Jackson?
WLBT is reporting that Rep. Mark Baker, R-Brandon, is "currently drafting legislation that would grant Governor Phil Bryant direct control over Jackson's city government," much as the Michigan state government did in Detroit and Flint. “I’m working on it. This is something I’m looking at," Baker told WLBT. The TV …
Legislative Leadership: General Fund Revenues 'Overestimated by $56.8 Million'
Below is a verbatim press release from Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn: JACKSON – "Late last week, we were made aware of a staff error that led to expected general fund revenues to be overestimated by $56.8 million during the FY2017 budget negotiations,” said Lieutenant Governor …
Forest Hill Mom Who Brought Gun to School Arrested
Via Jackson Public Schools: "Today, JPS Campus Enforcement and the Hinds County Constable arrested Shawana Smith. She is charged with possession of a weapon on school property. She received a $10,000 bond. She is a 39 year-old Jackson resident. As a result of the investigation, other complainants were identified who …
Governor Signs Jackson Airport 'Takeover' Bill into Law
Gov. Phil Bryant has signed the Jackson airport 'takeover' bill into law. Sen. Josh Harkins, R-Flowood, announced the news on his Facebook page today, with a photo and a message that said: "Gov Phil Bryant just signed the airport bill, SB 2162. I believe that this will have a great …
Gov. Bryant: 'I Will Support Donald Trump'
Gov. Phil Bryant released the following statement after Sen. Ted Cruz suspended his presidential campaign: "Tonight, Sen. Ted Cruz ended his hard-fought run for the Republican nomination for president. I congratulate him on his effort. I believe he is a true patriot and admire his stand. He will continue his …
No Confirmed Measles Cases in Mississippi; Health Dept. Takes Precautions
Below is a press release from the Mississippi Department of Health, with an update on the measles outbreak in Shelby County, Tennessee and Mississippians affected by the outbreak: The Mississippi Department of Health is monitoring four unimmunized Mississippi residents who were exposed to measles in Shelby County, Tennessee. The Shelby …
Zoo Blues Goes Forward Despite the Weather
Despite overcast skies, Zoo Blues appears to be getting a reprieve and the folks at the Jackson Zoo say the show will go on.