SuperTalk Mississippi News

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has released a new damage report from last weekend's rash of severe weather, with 24 counties now reporting impact from the storms. READ MORE: https://www.supertalk.fm/24-mississippi-counties-reporting-damage-from-weekend-tornadoes/

Mississippi State spring football practice is underway in Starkville and head coach Jeff Lebby says he's leaning on returners in his second year.

Both the Mississippi House and Senate overwhelmingly approved HB 1197, legislation that would require a permit to solicit in public, along with other regulations. READ MORE: https://www.supertalk.fm/safe-solicitation-act-restricting-homeless-panhandling-moves-to-governors-desk/

Unredacted files related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy were released Tuesday evening by President Donald Trump's administration. About 2,200 files consisting of over 63,000 pages were posted on the website of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.

Mississippi will soon offer a statewide Blue Envelope Program, designed to foster better communication during traffic stops involving drivers on the autism spectrum. Plus, municipal clerk offices statewide will be open the next two Saturdays for eligible absentee voters to cast their ballots in person ahead of the April 1 municipal primary election.

MORE INFO: https://www.supertalk.fm/mississippis-blue-envelope-program-to-help-autistic-drivers-to-become-law/

MORE INFO: https://www.supertalk.fm/saturday-in-person-absentee-voting-in-mississippi-begins-this-weekend-2/

The prime suspect in a murder in Wilkinson County has taken his own life. Deputies executed an arrest warrant for 60-year-old Gregory Thompson, of Clayton, Louisiana on Sunday. He was transported to a local hospital after shooting himself but passed away from his injuries. 60-year-old Bernadine Rogers was reported missing on March 3, and her body was located on the 6th. Plus, foul play is suspected in the death of a juvenile in Hattiesburg. First responders were called to Veteran's Memorial Park Tuesday afternoon around 2:55 for an unresponsive juvenile, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

City leaders in Jackson have approved new regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries. Under the new rules, businesses must pay $1,000 to apply for a privilege license, which has to be renewed annually. A Site Plan Review Committee would have to approve any plans for future businesses. The plan also limits the hours of operation for cultivation, processing, testing, research, and dispensary facilities, and limits overnight cash storage at each business to $200.

A court has denied the appeal of a Biloxi man who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a 16-year-old in 2023. Jaquez Porter and four other teens tried to rob Madison Harris at a home on Rustwood Drive. Harris was shot and killed after an altercation. Plus, an explosive bottom of the fifth inning propelled No. 19 Southern Miss to a 6-2 win over No. 18 Ole Miss in a neutral-site revenge matchup.

MORE INFO: https://www.supertalk.fm/cbsb-explosive-fifth-inning-propels-no-19-southern-miss-to-6-2-win-over-no-18-ole-miss/

State lawmakers are moving forward on a bill that would phase out the state income tax, immediately reduce the grocery tax, and stabilize the state's retirement system. The updated legislation includes a plan to move new state employees to a Tier 5 retirement plan. House Speaker Jason White says their chamber wants to create a dedicated revenue stream for PERS.

MORE INFO: https://www.supertalk.fm/mississippi-house-and-senate-pass-amended-tax-reform-bills-solidifying-future-negotiations/

Ocean Springs voters approved a $52 million school bond on Tuesday, with 87% support at the polls. The school district plans to build a new middle school, improve three elementary schools, and renovate the current middle school. The good news is the bond won't affect the amount of taxes property owners pay. A school bond from 2008 will expire next year, and with the district seeking the same millage, the new bond would start as the old one finishes.