Jackson News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Leigh Bridges, former CEO of the Jackson Area Federal Credit Union, is facing serious charges after allegedly embezzling $95 million—admitting guilt in April and losing her job. Now, federal investigators are hot on her trail, uncovering her frantic attempts to move cash into her husband’s accounts, leading to his state job leave. She even tried to cash out $200K in credit card rewards as gift cards after her accounts were frozen, snagging $32K and spending $17K. Her husband also tried to cash out $15K from his state leave, and Leigh wants to withdraw $500K from her retirement fund, claiming it’s needed for living expenses as her income dries up and her husband’s unemployment ends in December. Regulators are moving to seize the gift cards, freeze remaining assets, and liquidate the retirement and leave payouts.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wlbt.com/2026/09/17/court-records-defendant-95m-credit-union-case-tried-bypassing-frozen-accounts-get-money/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/0f104c220f23a443

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A symbolic casket honoring “The 22” — the estimated number of veterans who die by suicide each day — was solemnly carried to the Mississippi State Capitol, sparking a powerful call to action. Organized by the Patriot Guard Riders, the ceremony featured a flag-draped casket, an Army National Guard honor guard, and three hours of public remembrance under the haunting tones of Taps. Families and advocates urged lawmakers to prioritize mental health support, foster open conversations, and expand accessible resources for service members and their loved ones — especially as September marks National Suicide Prevention Month. This poignant event reminds us that behind every statistic is a brother, sister, or friend whose sacrifice deserves to be seen, heard, and honored.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wlbt.com/2026/09/17/patriot-guard-escorts-symbolic-casket-capitol-honoring-veterans-lost-suicide/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/29c1e2df126ff39d

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When Lauren Stokes was fired after posting a critical comment about Charlie Kirk on Instagram, the University of Mississippi’s chancellor Glenn Boyce doubled down, arguing her First Amendment claim fails—and that he’s shielded by qualified immunity. Boyce claims her post disrupted campus order and only stopped when she was let go, even offering an apology afterward. He leans on the Pickering test to justify his actions, saying employee speech can’t outweigh workplace efficiency. But Stokes isn’t alone—faculty allies and a free speech group are filing amicus briefs in her favor. Now, the court must decide whether oral arguments are needed before ruling. This high-stakes legal battle could set a precedent for campus speech rights.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://mississippitoday.org/2026/09/17/glenn-boyce-ole-miss-charlie-kirk/

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Myles Flint Johnson’s last-ditch appeal to overturn his 40-year murder conviction has been denied by Mississippi’s highest court, sealing his sentence for the death of his wife Kristi in January 2024. His legal team argued key evidence was mishandled, his attorney was ineffective, and there wasn’t enough proof to convict — but both the state appeals court and now the Supreme Court have rejected those claims. With no higher court left to challenge the verdict, Johnson will continue serving his time as the case officially closes on the appellate level.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wlbt.com/2026/09/17/mississippi-supreme-court-denies-appeal-madison-county-murder-case/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/c0dd02c8cf206e32

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Hinds County’s beloved Judge Dewayne Thomas, who served the community for over two decades with wisdom and compassion, passed away at 72 after an unexpected but natural death. A trailblazer in Mississippi’s legal landscape, he began his career in 1980, rose through the ranks as assistant county attorney, and became a respected judge since 2027 — running unopposed this year. His rulings shaped critical issues from water systems to charter schools and even challenged state legislative powers. Colleagues praised his quiet leadership, fairness, and ability to settle cases with dignity. Governor Tate Reeves will now call a special election to fill his seat, leaving behind a legacy of justice deeply cherished by Hinds County.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.mississippifreepress.org/person-of-the-day-dewayne-thomas-hinds-county-judge-dies-at-72-while-running-for-re-election/

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Mississippi University for Women, aka “The W,” is on the hunt for its next president after Nora Miller’s retirement—searching nationally with a powerhouse committee, aiming to name a successor by early spring 2027. Dr. Scott Tollison serves as interim leader while campus input is gathered. The school, recently crowned top college in Mississippi by Time magazine, also faces cybersecurity challenges: a recent breach at the Office of Student Financial Aid is part of three incidents this year—but students can still safely apply via MAAPP. New leadership will inherit both historic legacy and urgent operational hurdles.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2026/09/17/muw-president-search-committee-set-by-ihl-in-mississippi/91812408007/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/e4c218def5d47ede

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Mississippi lawmakers are rushing to redraw voting districts ahead of the next census, sparking fierce backlash from residents who fear it will undo decades of civil rights progress and weaken Black political power. At a Meridian hearing, activists like Carolyn Rash Hampton and Amir Badat warned that this move—driven by partisan motives and shaped by a recent Supreme Court ruling—could erode hard-won representation. Critics argue the process is a sham, with legislators ignoring public concerns and sidestepping real debate. As hearings continue across the state, citizens brace for maps that may silence their voices—and reshape Mississippi’s political future in ways they can’t yet control.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.mississippifreepress.org/dont-take-us-back-to-that-era-mississippians-decry-legislatures-redistricting-efforts/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/36491ba20a14e325

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Jackson’s long-dormant landfill site is set to become a stunning 30-acre Riverfront Park along the Pearl River, featuring an amphitheater, trails, and a boat ramp—all designed to reconnect residents with the river and revitalize a neglected corner of the city. With environmental history making commercial development impossible, the park will include a clay cap for safety and scenic overlooks. Backed by decades of planning and now in fundraising mode, the project aims to break ground by late 2027 after securing $2 million in funding—already $500K pledged—with no need for Army Corps approval. This transformative space promises recreation, economic growth, and a vital new gathering spot tied to Jackson’s expanding trail network.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wlbt.com/2026/09/17/trash-front-porch-inside-plans-create-jacksons-riverfront-park/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/954e433d6765efd9

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Toys R Us is making a nostalgic comeback at the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl, joining Clark’s shoes and Spirit Halloween — all set to open by mid-October. This revitalization, part of a broader retail refresh that includes Ulta and Southern Marsh, signals how shopping spaces are evolving to stay relevant, blending childhood memories with seasonal thrills.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wapt.com/article/toys-r-us-returns-joins-new-stores-at-outlets-in-pearl/73780472

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/c35ff2622b550c49

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Claiborne County is reeling from the tragic death of Deputy Terrian Bailey, shot while responding to a call on Labor Day — the bullet pierced under his vest, and no arrests have been made. The community is shattered, with residents grappling with grief and disbelief, some even questioning whether justice might be slipping through the cracks. As locals mourn, plans are set for public visitation on Friday, September 18th, followed by his funeral at Alcorn State University on Saturday, September 19th — a solemn tribute to a fallen hero whose life touched many.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.wapt.com/article/claiborne-county-community-seeks-tips-in-deputy-killing/73780019

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/9ae20d98412c28b6

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