Mississippi’s Tobacco Money Mistake | Jackson News

Mississippi’s Tobacco Money Mistake | Jackson News

In 2005, Mississippi lawmakers nearly sold future tobacco settlement funds for quick cash to cover a $268 million Medicaid shortfall—until Speaker Billy McCoy intervened, killing the bill at the last minute. With no consensus on solutions, the state instead slashed Medicaid and drained $240 million from the tobacco trust fund, a move that never got repaid. Now, facing a new opioid settlement, Mississippi is hoping to avoid repeating that fiscal misstep and finally use the money to combat addiction—this time with a more stable financial footing. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/d8253b858dbeef89

Mississippi Kindergarten Reading Surge | Jackson News

Mississippi’s kindergarten reading scores are soaring—jumping to 55% this year, up from 37% last fall—thanks to a revamped assessment that resets the baseline, making direct comparisons obsolete. The state’s laser focus on early literacy, launched in 2013, now tracks kids twice a year to measure growth and pre-K program effectiveness. State-funded pre-K programs are showing dramatic gains, with some hitting 70% readiness. Officials are eyeing expansion to reach more kids. Renaissance Learning, the testing provider, has a new five-year contract to ensure consistent, comparable data. The state kept the benchmark at the 56th percentile to uphold rigor and align with third-grade reading goals. Moving forward, the emphasis is on evidence-based instruction, smoother transitions from pre-K to kindergarten, teacher training, and a whole-child approach to ensure every child starts strong. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/30afddf048f667b3

Mississippi Redistricting Tests Competition Claims | Jackson News

In Mississippi, redistricting hopes to spark more competitive elections by forcing candidates to earn votes—not just rely on safe districts. While some, including former President Trump, believe new, race-neutral maps will level the playing field, strategists debate what “competitive” even means—especially in a state with stark party and demographic divides. Recent special elections in redrawn districts have seen slim Democratic wins, challenging the idea that old maps were the only barrier to competition. DeSoto County, with its growing, diverse population, has become a flashpoint for legal battles over voting maps, as courts intervene to reshape districts. The outcome remains uncertain: will new maps truly energize voters—or just shift the game? Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/1fde8de4da332c8f

Four-Year-Old’s Police Dream Inspires Communities | Jackson News

A four-year-old named Slater Bynum is on a mission to meet 1,000 police officers—and he’s already halfway there! He spent a full day with the Madison Police Department, donning a junior officer’s uniform, riding motorcycles, flying drones, and even chatting with dispatch. The mayor joined in, and Slater even FaceTimed a wounded officer he’s supporting. His heart for service is touching officers nationwide, with departments from Texas and Louisiana reaching out to join his cause. This little hero is inspiring a movement—one badge at a time. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/9039551f6d80c62e

A Fishing Trip Turned Life-Threatening | Jackson News

A fishing trip turned deadly for Coleman when a minor foot pain spiraled into a Vibrio infection that sent him into septic shock. Doctors forced a life-or-death decision: amputate his leg or face death within a week. He agreed, and his son Jonathan, terrified of losing him, stepped up to support his father through the ordeal. Now recovering at home with a prosthetic leg on the horizon, Coleman is speaking out to warn others about the deadly bacteria that thrives in warm coastal waters — urging anyone with an open wound to stay out of the water. Health officials echo his warning, and Coleman hopes his story will save lives by pushing for clearer warning signs. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/1c714662936306e7