Mississippi / Public News Service

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds projects through three different grant opportunities: flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants and demonstration grants. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

AARP awards grants to help four MS communities boost 'livability'

Civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to recently awarded …

A staggering 421 Mississippians lost their lives to suicide in 2021, while an alarming 107,000 adults considered suicide. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe)

MS response rate to 988 crisis hotline reaches 98%

A health report by the non-profit group called "Inseparable" shows Mississippi's 988 crisis line has a 98% response rate. The report shows the role …

Each year, extreme heat claims about 1,220 lives in the U.S., though the fatalities are avoidable. The CDC says proper precautions could prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

Expert: Tips for MS children to stay safe during the summer

As summer heats up in Mississippi, paying close attention to children is essential to keep them safe, cool and healthy while they enjoy the outdoors…

Mississippi allocates about $40 million annually to college student financial assistance. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Expert offers tips for smart student-loan repayment

Mississippians who have just graduated from college this summer may be celebrating now but they also just joined the millions of Americans facing stud…

Black people in Mississippi are incarcerated at a rate 2.5 times higher than white people. (Framestock/AdobeStock)

Prison reform proposal seeks federal funding to reduce state prison populations

A new proposal could reduce the number of people behind bars in Mississippi. Currently, approximately 27,000 people are jailed, mainly in state …

A price change for mail service will take effect July 14. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a first class Forever stamp from 68 to 73 cents. (AdobeStock)

Mississippi observes National Postal Worker Day

Today is National Postal Workers Day, celebrated annually to show appreciation for postal workers in Mississippi and across the country. The U.S…

Nearly one out of 10 adults in Mississippi is disenfranchised, constituting 9.36% of the population. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Eligible incarcerated people may request absentee ballots Monday in MS

A new bill that takes effect next Monday will allow incarcerated Mississippians to request an absentee ballot in time for the presidential election on…

To participate in Mississippi's work-release program, individuals must be within two years of their release date and have not had disciplinary action within the last 12 months. (Tjshot/Adobe Stock)

MS expands work-release program, job training to reduce recidivism

Mississippi's pilot work-release program for incarcerated individuals has been extended to three years. The program allows qualified participants to …

Individuals convicted of a nonviolent felony offense in Mississippi will be eligible for parole consideration only after serving either 25% of their total sentence or a minimum of 10 years in prison, whichever is less time. (wolfhound911/Adobe Stock)

MS parole law renewal aims to reduce recidivism, boost economy

Advocates said continuing parole is vital for Mississippi's families, businesses and communities. Senate Bill 2448 keeps the current parole law in …

Both public and private organizations across Mississippi reported using Mississippi Kids Count data for grant applications over the past three years resulted in a collective $48 million to programs and services in the state. (gpointstudio/Adobe Stock)

Report: Some progress, but low rankings, for MS kids' well-being

Mississippi ranks near the bottom among states for children's well-being, at 49th overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law significantly impacts the cleanup of orphaned oil and gas wells. Since its passage, states have plugged more than 7,000 wells, eliminating an estimated 11,530 metric tons of potential methane emissions. (MarekPhotoDesign.com/AdobeStock)

Mississippi receives $6.8 million in federal funds to clean up orphaned wells

New federal funding will help bolster Mississippi's efforts to track down, clean up and tackle pollution from orphaned oil and gas wells. The …

Prison-to-College Pipeline Program Director Patrick Alexander, far right, and PTCPP teaching assistant, Juyoun Jang, far left, celebrate with PTCPP students who completed the Summer 2022 course titled,

Prison-to-College Pipeline Program empowers men at Parchman

A program in Mississippi is increasing access to educational opportunities for those behind bars. The University of Mississippi's Prison-to-College …

The 2024 hurricane season spans from June 1 to Nov. 30. Experts anticipate it will be among the most active seasons ever recorded. (Davivd/Adobe Stock)

Coastal MS child care centers get help preparing for hurricane season

The nonprofit Save the Children is working with child care centers along the Mississippi coast, with plans and tools to help them reopen or resume …

The Mississippi Access to Care Network assists seniors, people with disabilities and their loved ones in finding the care and support they need to live independently for as long as possible. (wavebreak3/Adobe Stock)

Working to create connections, age-friendly communities in MS

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize Mississippians over 50 and their contributions, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in …

Across the country 19 states permit earlier and often more meaningful parole hearings for youth serving lengthy or life sentences, and four states permit earlier hearings for those ranging in age from 18-25 at the time of the offense. (MemoryMan/AdobeStock)

'Second look' laws gain traction, but MS sticks to elderly parole

"Second look" laws to help reduce prison time are gaining traction across the country but Mississippi is not following suit. A new report examinee …

A Harvard study from 2021 said 96.4% of Black Lives Matter protests were nonviolent, despite widely reported vandalism, property damage and looting in the news. (Drazen/AdobeStock)

First Amendment rights to mass protest under attack in MS and beyond

In a blow to free speech and the right to assemble, the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case involving the rights of protest …

About 10% of Mississippi residents have lost their voting rights because of past felony convictions. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)<br />

Push continues to restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated in MS

Voting-rights advocates continue their push to restore these rights for formerly incarcerated Mississippians after lawmakers failed to act. House …

Among U.S. grain exports, 60% is shipped on the Mississippi River through the Port of New Orleans and the Port of South Louisiana. (Daniel Thornberg/Adobe)

Group: Nature-based solutions help solve Mississippi River Delta problems

As part of an effort to restore the Mississippi River delta, an organization is collaborating with nature to address environmental challenges…

Several Mississippi correctional facilities offer both short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (six months) alcohol and drug programs with individual and group counseling for treating alcohol and drug addictions. (Wesley JvR/peopleimages.com)

MS group backs health-center alternative to incarceration

Mississippi prisons often lack resources to treat people who are incarcerated with substance-use disorders adequately but a nonprofit organization is …

In Mississippi, around 11% of the total population was uninsured in 2021. (Drazen)

Mississippi seniors may benefit from dual-eligible special-needs coverage

Certain health plans offer benefits for eligible low-income seniors in Mississippi who have special medical needs, but not everyone knows they are …

The AARP Foundation says its Tax-Aide program helped secure more than $1.1 billion in refunds for more than 1.5 million taxpayers last year. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Tax-filing procrastinator? Free help still available in MS

From now until next Monday, Mississippi residents who need assistance in filing their income tax returns can use the free services of the AARP …

One in five children in the Magnolia State faces hunger, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. <br />(Adobe Stock)

Mississippi kids will miss out on Summer EBT food program

As summer approaches, thousands of children in Mississippi could go without enough nutritious food when school is out, as the state has opted out of …

House Resolution 4366 is a package of six Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills that continues funding for several programs and helps avoid a partial government shutdown. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock)

MS Community Health Centers get boost from federal funding bill

In Mississippi and across the country, Community Health Centers are getting a funding increase, thanks to Congress passing a bipartisan spending …

Mississippi boasts around 5,000 named streams spanning about 14,000 miles in total length, but most are seriously degraded, according to the group Wildlife Mississippi. (kengmerry/Adobe Stock)

Clean water advocates urge Congress to restore vital protections

Today is World Water Day, a global observance to raise awareness about the importance of access to clean, fresh and safe water. This year, advocates …

A new Prison Policy Initiative report revealed the number of deaths by suicide among women in jails increased by almost 65% between the periods of 2000-2004 and 2015-2019. (Karen/Adobe Stock)

New report details harsh realities of women in jail, prison

Women are treated much differently than men by the criminal justice system, according to a new report detailing how and why mass incarceration is …

A report from the National Rural Education Association showed there is only one psychologist or counselor for every 436 children in Mississippi, the fifth

Rural MS schools face steep hurdles compared with nation

Nearly half the public schools in Mississippi are in rural areas and their needs figure prominently in a national report on rural education. The …

In Mississippi, 147,800 people aged 35 to 49 owe an average $48,985 in student-loan debt, totaling $7.24 billion, according to Education Data Initiative. (Tada Images/AdobeStock)

Loan forgiveness deadline approaches for Mississippi student borrowers

Student-loan borrowers in Mississippi and nationwide could have their debt reduced or eliminated through a new one-time adjustment by the U.S…

Mississippi is one of 14 states that has banned abortion completely. Before the Dobbs decision, the monthly average number of abortions in April and May 2022 was 350 each. (Parilov/AdobeStock)

Group offers abortion travel benefits for Mississippi women

Amid ongoing concerns about reproductive access in the Magnolia State, a Jackson-based organization is offering financial help and other support …

The three oral conditions that most affect overall health and quality of life are cavities, severe gum disease and severe tooth loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Mississippians' access to oral health among worst in U.S.

The Magnolia State is in the top five for worst access to dental care, according to a county-by-county report. More than 70 million Americans live in …

The Postmaster General implemented a 10-year transformation plan known as

MS postal union workers voice concerns about understaffing, mail delays

Postal service staffing shortages across the United States, including in rural areas of Mississippi, are being cited as one of the reasons for mail …

Operation Good works to improve life in Jackson and recently collaborated with University of Mississippi Medical Center for a violent crime interruption research project. (Operation Good Mississippi)

'Operation Good' works to curb violent crime in Jackson

A group of formerly incarcerated people is making headway in Jackson, Mississippi, to turn young lives around and prevent violent crime. On average…

New Lumina Foundation data revealed Mississippi's attainment of higher-education degrees or certificates increased 19.6% between 2009 and 2021. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Report: MS could do more to help people get degrees, certificates

A new report looked at how many people go on to get degrees or other education credentials after high school, and showed Mississippi has some work to …

Last year, the AARP Community Challenge Grant program received more than 3,600 applications. More than $3.6 million was distributed to 310 projects across the country. (Courtney Haas/peopleimages.com)

AARP Mississippi seeks ideas for grants to boost 'livability'

Cities or civic groups with ideas for improving their communities have a new chance to make them a reality. Grants from the AARP Community Challenge …

African American students are about twice as likely as their white peers to attend school in a district with below-adequate funding, while Hispanic students are about 75% more likely to do so, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MS schools among nation's most 'chronically underfunded'

A new report finds Mississippi is among the states that it says "chronically underfunds" its K-through-12 schools. The Albert Shanker Institute …

Report: MS prison policies only deepen inequality

Being in prison has consequences stretching far beyond paying back a person's debt to society and a new report found it is even more true in Mississip…

Restaurant workers are among the groups most likely to earn minimum wage, which in Mississippi is $7.25 an hour. It was last changed in 2008, when it was raised $0.70 from $6.55. (Joshua Resnick/Adobe Stock)

MLK Day highlights wage disparities for Black women

In observance of Martin Luther King Junior Day, there's a call to action to address the persistent wage disparity between Black women and their …

Six states have passed laws requiring state-regulated private health plans to cover certain over-the-counter forms of contraception, without the need for a prescription and without cost-sharing. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi 'Right to Contraception Act' to be filed in 2024

Amid ongoing concerns about reproductive access in the Magnolia State, Mississippi's Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups are slated to introduce …

An estimated 29% of Mississippi adults, or more than 660,000 people, have criminal convictions; 11% have a felony conviction and 5% have spent time in prison. (Mavoimages/Adobe Stock)

Criminal justice reform would boost MS workforce, economy

In the new year, advancing criminal justice reform could improve the Magnolia State's low labor participation rate and strengthen the workforce…

Parents are the first and most important teachers for their children. As part of the Early Steps to School Success program, a mother reads with her daughter at home. (Save The Children)

MS program help families bond, promotes early child development

A Mississippi home-visiting program is helping families build a strong, positive, nurturing relationship with their children. The program equips …

Natural gas accounted for 72% of Mississippi's net electricity generation in 2021 and was the primary fuel used at nine of the state's 10 largest power plants. (Andranik123/AdobeStock)

Report: Biomass surpass emissions of other fossil fuels

Biomass and wood pellets, often touted as renewable or clean-energy alternatives to fossil fuels, may be far more costly for public health and air …

Mississippians may register to vote by mail or in-person but the deadline for mail-in registration requires it to be postmarked 30 days before Election Day. (rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

'Inclusive Democracy Act' would expand ballot access for people in prison

In Mississippi, 27,000 people are incarcerated and legislation now in Congress might let them cast their ballots from behind bars. The nonprofit …

A 2021 Empower Mississippi report reveals the state earns an

'Dead Zone' persists as defendants await indictment without legal representation

By Caleb Bedillion for The Marshall Project.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Mississippi News Connection reporting for the Marshall Project-Pub…

A report from AARP found expanding the use of innovative, effective models for nursing homes can improve both quality of care and quality of life, such as with smaller facilities and private rooms. (Rawf8/Adobe Stock)

MS ranks low among states for long-term care services, supports

A new report finds Mississippi could be doing a lot more to better serve the people in the state who need long-term care. AARP's Long-Term Care …

Volunteers for Big House Books distributed 557 packages containing more than 1,671 books to Mississippi correctional facilities in September and October. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Prison Book Program fosters literacy behind bars in Mississippi

A Mississippi-based organization is providing free books to incarcerated individuals to promote literacy and pave the way for prison reform. Prison …

Black Americans were 9.3 times as likely as whites to be homicide victims in 2020, American Indians were 4.3 times as likely, and Latino Americans were 1.9 times as likely, based on age-adjusted figures. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

Report cites disparities in crime and policing

The lifetime likelihood of imprisonment for Black men has changed significantly from one generation to the next, according to The Sentencing …

The Governor's Job Fair Network of Mississippi will be in Clinton next Wednesday for a job fair at the Wood Activity and Therapeutic Center. (Prostock-studio/AdobeStock)

MS second-chance job fairs connect formerly incarcerated with employers

Finding a job after prison can be tough, but a program in Mississippi is helping formerly incarcerated people get back on their feet. The …

Black individuals are incarcerated at 2.5 times the rate of white individuals in Mississippi. (thawornnurak/Adobe Stock)

Report: Racial disparities remain high in MS incarceration rates

Black people continue to be locked up at disproportionate rates in Mississippi, according to the latest data. The report from the Prison Policy …

Report: MS ranks last among states for health of women, children

Mississippi received the lowest ranking of the 50 states for the overall health of women and children in the new America's Health Rankings report by t…

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