Mississippi News
Congressman asks feds to investigate Gov. Phil Bryant
Congressman asks feds to investigate former Gov. Phil Bryant's welfare spending influence
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson wrote a letter on Friday to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, asking for a Department of Justice investigation into former Gov. Phil Bryant's influence over the possible misspending of federal welfare funds.
Bryant, who was Mississippi governor from 2012-2020, was first publicly accused of wrongdoing this week by key defendants in the state's ongoing civil case regarding the sprawling welfare scandal. The defendants specifically said Bryant directed them to pay former NFL quarterback Brett Favre $1.1 million in welfare funds, among other grant spending.
“This gross misuse of (welfare grant) dollars must illicit a review of former Governor Phil Bryant's involvement,” Thompson wrote. “Such an investigation should also examine the intolerable activity of retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre and how his actions were aided by Governor Bryant.”
READ MORE: Gov. Phil Bryant directed $1.1 million welfare payment to Brett Favre, defendant says
In his letter, Thompson referenced Mississippi Today's “The Backchannel” investigative series, which first examined Bryant's role in the scandal using never-before-published text messages shared with the news organization.
“It is egregious that news reports produce critical information that has yet to be addressed in the current investigations by state and local agencies,” Thompson wrote.
Thompson is not the first to call for a federal investigation of the former governor. In April, following initial publication of Mississippi Today's “The Backchannel” series, the national president of the NAACP wrote a letter to Garland asking for a federal investigation.
READ MORE: Phil Bryant had his sights on a payout as welfare funds flowed to Brett Favre
Read the letter in full below:
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Looking back on 2011 Louisville tornado and moving forward
SUMMARY: The lives of Kenisha White Jones and her grandmother were changed forever when their house in Winston County took a direct hit from a storm. Jones suffered a fractured back and her grandmother lost her home. The Long-term Community Recovery Committee Winston Strong stepped in to help with the rebuilding process, providing assistance to Jones and other affected families. Reverend Mike Dowd, the former Executive Director of Winston Strong, believes that the community has come back stronger after the disaster. Winston Strong helped rebuild 23 homes and repair over 60 others, showcasing the resilience and character of the community.
The post Looking back on 2011 Louisville tornado and moving forward appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Community of Louisville reflects 2011 tornado
SUMMARY: Louisville, Mississippi commemorated the 10th anniversary of a devastating tornado that took 10 lives and destroyed homes in the community. The church bells rang 10 times at 10 o'clock in remembrance of the lives lost. Mayor Will Hill reflected on the tragedy and praised the community's unity in rebuilding. Despite significant damage to homes and businesses, including the hospital and nursing home, the community came together to provide care and support. A memorial service honored the storm victims and highlighted the resilience of the Louisville community. The city lost industrial space and more than 400 homes were damaged in the tornado.
The post Community of Louisville reflects 2011 tornado appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Road work in Tupelo may affect routes
SUMMARY: Starting on April 29 at 8 a.m., Gun Club Road in Tupelo will be closed to through traffic for about a month due to a box culvert drainage project. Local traffic will still be allowed during the closure. Follow updates on Facebook for the latest news.
The post Road work in Tupelo may affect routes appeared first on www.wcbi.com
-
Local News4 days ago
Sister of Mississippi man who died after police pulled him from car rejects lawsuit settlement
-
Mississippi Today4 days ago
At Lake High School in Scott County, the Un-Team will never be forgotten
-
Mississippi Today17 hours ago
On this day in 1951
-
Mississippi News2 days ago
One injured in Mississippi officer-involved shooting after chase
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
Cicadas expected to takeover north Mississippi counties soon
-
Mississippi News5 days ago
Viewers make allegations against Hatley teacher, school district releases statement – Home – WCBI TV
-
Mississippi News Video4 days ago
Vehicle struck and killed man lying in the road, Alcorn County sheriff says
-
Mississippi Today7 days ago
On this day in 1892