SUMMARY: The Mississippi Supreme Court declined to rule on whether the state was violating its constitution with a $10 million grant program for private schools, as an advocacy group lacked legal standing to sue. The program, funded with federal pandemic relief money, was put on hold after a lawsuit by the ACLU and other organizations. Public schools were excluded from the grants, leading to concerns about competitive advantages. A separate program for interest-free loans for public schools was created. While three justices heard arguments on the issue, the court ultimately decided not to weigh in on the constitutional question.

Read the full article

The post Mississippi high court declines to rule on questions of public funds going to private schools appeared first on www.wjtv.com

SUMMARY: House Speaker Jason White proposed a ballot initiative for Mississippi voters to voice their opinion on Medicaid expansion, which was not well-received by the Senate. House Democrats are pushing for a work requirement in the expansion but have faced opposition. With the federal government consistently denying Medicaid expansion plans with work requirements, many lawmakers see little point in supporting a measure that is unlikely to be approved. House Minority Leader Robert Johnson III presented a compromise to Senate leadership, but the Senate seems unreceptive. Lawmakers have until Thursday to reach a deal on a conference report or Medicaid expansion will die.

Read the full article

The post Mississippi Medicaid expansion talks hit a wall appeared first on www.wjtv.com

SUMMARY: A pro-Palestine protest at the University of Mississippi in Oxford turned into a shouting match between protesters and counter-protesters. The protesters were evacuated from the campus and the protest was in response to the Israeli military response in Gaza. Over 200 counter-protesters were also present, throwing objects, shouting, and singing The Star-Spangled Banner. The organizers of the pro-Palestine protest are unknown and Governor Tate Reeves stated that law enforcement is prepared to respond to any unlawful behavior. Despite differing views, peaceful protests are allowed and protected, but unlawful actions will not be tolerated.

Read the full article

The post Pro-Palestine protest held on Ole Miss campus appeared first on www.wjtv.com