SuperTalk Mississippi News

Every year, the Mississippi Department of Health is charged with sending millions of federal dollars to state agencies that pass that money to nonprofits. State Auditor Shad White released a report on Monday that shows three organizations received more than $853,000 over the past five years, money that was supposed to be used to decrease HIV infections. During that time, only 35 HIV tests were administered. The Department of Health says none of the nonprofits cited in the report have active grants or contracts.

This week, 133 Catholic cardinal electors will choose a new pope in a secretive, centuries-old ritual called a conclave. On Wednesday, the electors will be locked inside the Vatican's Sistine Chapel to hold as many rounds of voting as prove necessary to select the next pontiff.

Five human trafficking victims are receiving treatment after they were recovered in Operation 806 in Southaven on May 1, and one person has been arrested. Investigators from the Attorney General's Office worked with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to serve two search warrants, make the arrest, and recover the victims.

Heavy rainfall is expected in Mississippi on Tuesday and could continue through Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, Tuesday night will have the greatest threat for flooding. They're predicting 4-8 inches of rain in some areas, with locally heavier amounts. That means roads could be flooded, closed, or washed out. The primary concerns are flash flooding, damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes.

Over 40 illegal aliens were rounded up on the coast in "Operation Magnolia", which was carried out during the last week of April.

According to the U.S. Border Patrol, 48 illegals from Mexico, Nicaragua, Kazakhstan, Honduras, Colombia, and Guatemala were taken into custody, and 3 U.S. citizens are facing federal charges. Multiple firearms, magazines, other illegal contraband, and around $140,000 were seized during the arrests along I-10. All illegal aliens were processed for removal from the U.S. Eight individuals will be prosecuted for re-entry after deportation, while one was charged with attempting to use false documents.

Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones was enjoying a Cinco de Mayo celebration at a local restaurant on Monday when gunfire rang out. Jones told the Vicksburg Daily News she was eating at Superior Crab when she heard gunshots coming from inside the women's bathroom. Investigators say there has been an ongoing issue between the victim and the alleged shooter that led to violence. The female victim was shot in the leg and is expected to recover. The suspect was apprehended in the parking lot, where a vehicle was stopped, and two suspects are now in custody.

Monday night was an emotional one for Meridian native Jamal Roberts. His powerful performance of Fantasia's "I Believe" had him advancing to the Top 7 on American Idol. Roberts also let judges in on the fact that he'd welcomed his third child into the world earlier in the day. You can follow the rest of Roberts’ journey on American Idol by tuning in to ABC on Sunday and Monday at 7 Central for “Double Disney Night.” The season 23 finale will then air on Sunday, May 18.

MORE INFO: https://www.supertalk.fm/mississippis-jamal-roberts-welcomes-new-baby-before-being-welcomed-into-american-idol-top-7/

Wednesday is the Real ID deadline. Americans who want to travel by plane or enter federal buildings must switch to the enhanced form of identification by May 7. According to the Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, around 98% of Mississippians are already compliant. Mississippi has issued driver's licenses meeting REAL ID standards since 2018. You're compliant if your license has a white star inside a yellow circle.

MORE INFO: https://www.supertalk.fm/what-mississippians-need-to-know-as-real-id-deadline-looms/

Heavy rainfall is expected in Mississippi on Tuesday night and could continue through Thursday.

MORE INFO: https://www.supertalk.fm/your-mississippi-forecast-for-tuesday-may-6/

Around 20 people were arrested in Harrison County Saturday after ICE and Homeland Security agents raided the property. READ MORE: https://www.supertalk.fm/homeland-security-busts-large-cockfighting-ring-in-harrison-county/