SUMMARY: The Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi has partnered with The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services to continue the Job Extravaganza program for students with disabilities aged 14-21. The program offers hands-on job experiences provided by local businesses, allowing students to explore different careers and develop skills. Pre and post-sessions are held to prepare students for the event and discuss their experiences afterwards. The program has already seen success in three events, impacting over 180 students. Those interested can learn more or request an event in their area by visiting the IDS website, calling, or emailing.

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SUMMARY: Joseph David Heard of Gulfport, Mississippi, has been convicted of Capital Murder for the death of his two-year-old step-son on December 27, 2021. The child died of suffocation by smothering and multiple blunt force injuries. Heard's abuse of the child, including forcing him to sit on a potty-training seat for hours and popping blisters with a spatula, was revealed during the trial. The child's mother, Hailey Heard, confessed to the murder, stating that Joseph repeatedly punched the child when he took too long to get a juice box. Hailey is serving a life sentence, while Joseph has been sentenced to death.

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SUMMARY: The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name to Scouting America as part of a significant shift towards inclusion and to increase membership numbers. The organization has made seismic changes in recent years, including allowing gay youth, welcoming girls, and accepting them into its flagship program. The move to accept girls strained the organization's relationship with the Girl Scouts of the USA but they reached a settlement. The Boy Scouts emerged from bankruptcy last year, compensating victims of sexual abuse. The organization aims to provide structured activities for children and teach important life skills, with the official name change set for 2025.

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