Mississippi State News

Lt. Governor Tate Reeves on Budget Woes

State lawmakers now face a $56.8 million challenge after a staff error over-projected the state budget. News 25’s Kristen Durand asked Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves about the shortfall. A $56.8 million mistake now looms over the state Legislature, a mistake…

Anti-Discrimination Forum

House Bill 1523 and the removal of the Mississippi flag are just two of the hot topics discussed during an anti-discrimination forum in Biloxi this evening. The event served as the first of many stops around the state on the…

Mental Health Budget Cuts

Because of state budget cuts, Mississippi will lose all of its state operated programs to help people break an addiction to drugs and alcohol. The State Department of Mental Health will close two chemical dependency units for men, one with…

$56.8 Million Mistake in Budget

Mississippi legislative leaders say they overestimated how much money the state could collect during the coming budget year, a nearly $60 million shortfall to be exact. News 25’s Shelby Myers has more. In a statement, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and…

Interview with Director of Advocacy and Policy Erik Fleming

House Bill 1523 and the removal of the current Mississippi flag are just two of the hot topics members of the ACLU and the Steps Coalition will discuss this evening during an anti-discrimination forum. News 25’s Kendra Turley joins us…

$56.8 Million Mistake Found in Mississippi Budget

Statement of Legislative Leadership "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 Tate Reeves and Speaker…

ACLU Challenges HB 1523

The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Mississippi filed a federal lawsuit today to challenge House Bill 1523, also known as the Religious Accommodations Act. The lawsuit targets the registrar of vital records and was filed on behalf…

Sports Gambling in Coast Casinos?

A New Jersey court case could pave the way for sports gambling in casinos nationwide, including Mississippi. This was just one of the topics of discussion at the Southern Gaming Summit today at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center in Biloxi.…

Governor Bryant Expresses Support For Trump

Governor Phil Bryant has now officially thrown his support behind Donald Trump. Bryant had endorsed Ted Cruz before Mississippi’s primary back in March, but soon after the Texas senator ended his campaign, Bryant issued a statement saying he is with…

Budget Cuts at the Department of Revenue Could Lead to Tax Delays

Possible delays could be in store for Mississippians waiting on their tax returns as a second round of midyear budget cuts hit the Mississippi Department of Revenue. This happened just as they are swamped with thousands of individual income tax…

March To Governor's Mansion

Hundreds of equality advocates, rights organizations, and leaders demanding a repeal of the state's discriminatory H.B. 1523 during a rally on the steps of the state capitol yesterday. The march to the governor's mansion culminated in a rally where advocates…

Fantasy Sports Sites Hopeful for Return

Daily fantasy sports could soon be making a return to the Magnolia State. Back in February, top daily fantasty sports sites FanDuel and DraftKings both suspended their operations in the state of Mississippi. This was after Attorney General Jim Hood gave…

Man Arrested in Triple Murder in Kilmichael, Mississippi

Montgomery County Sheriff Bubba Nix says authorities will criminally charge 40-year-old McCarley resident Odell Hallmon in shootings that left three dead and one injured. The sheriff says Hallmon is accused of shooting and killing 32-year-old Marquita Hill and her 59-year-old…

First Lady Visits Mississippi

Michelle Obama was right here in the Magnolia state this weakened speaking to grads at Jackson State. The first lady reflected on the heated battles her husband has endured as president and urged students to use peaceful means towards making…

Singer Lance Bass on House Bill 1523

Singer and actor Lance Bass, a Mississippi native, is speaking out against the Religious Accommodations Act that has become law in his home state. Jessica Bowman caught up with him while he was in Clinton helping promote healthy living. “It’s…

President Obama Talks about Mississippi

President Obama said today that North Carolina and Mississippi laws that limit anti-discrimination protections for the LGBT community are wrong and should be overturned. Speaking during a joint news conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron, the president said the…

Bill Could Loosen Open Container Laws

Places like New Orleans and Las Vegas allow you to walk in the street with an alcoholic beverage. Soon, some downtown areas in Mississippi could be added to that list. State Legislators are looking to loosen open container laws in…

2016 Mississippi Legislature

The Mississippi Legislature has concluded its 2016 session. During the first session of a four-year term, republicans gained a supermajority in both chambers abolishing elected school superintendents, phasing out corporate franchise tax, and passing the religious freedom bill. However legislators…

Bill Could Loosen Open Container Laws

Taking your margarita to go from your favorite downtown hot spot? Well that will soon be a reality. State legislators passed a law loosen open container laws in downtown areas across Mississippi. HB 1223 could allow designated areas all across…

Ocean Springs Upper Elementary Named Healthiest School in Mississippi

Ocean Springs Upper Elementary School now has bragging rights and a $50,000 check after being named Mississippi’s healthiest school. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation recognized Ocean Springs Upper Elementary for their continued efforts to not only…

Mississippi Senate Wraps Up, House Back for One Day

The Mississippi Senate has ended its part of 2016 Legislative session, but the House still had a bit of work. Senators adjourned and went home Wednesday. House leaders planned to do the same but Democratic Rep. Bryant Clark of Pickens…

Target’s New Transgender Bathroom Policy

Target’s new policy on bathroom use is attracting mixed reactions from customers with some now calling themselves former customers. The company now allows transgender employees and guests to use the bathroom they most identify with. The announcement was made on…

State Budget Cuts

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant says he’s making another round of budget cuts and will take $10 million out of the state’s rainy day fund. This is the first round of cuts since fiscal year 2016 started last July. The reason…