SUMMARY: Two Mississippi school superintendents, Dr. Earl Joe Nelson of Leake County and Dr. Mario Willis of Hollandale, were indicted on June 12 on federal charges of embezzlement, theft, and bribery. From November 2021 to June 2023, they allegedly funneled nearly \$240,000 in fraudulent consulting fees through companies they owned for services never rendered. They also misappropriated funds from the U.S. Department of Education paid to their districts. A St. Louis teacher, Moneka M. Smith-Taylor, allegedly paid kickbacks to them in exchange for these fake contracts. Willis has been replaced as Hollandale superintendent; Nelson remains superintendent of Leake County. Willis faces up to 30 years in prison; Nelson up to 20 years; Smith-Taylor up to 10.

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SUMMARY: SuperTalk Mississippi News earned multiple honors, including top news website, at the Mississippi Press Association (MPA) journalism awards. The newsroom won the “Website” award and placed third in community service, supporting efforts like raising funds for Palmer Home for Children. Individual awards were received in categories like General News, Breaking News, Feature Story, and Sports Feature. News director J.T. Mitchell praised the team’s work, highlighting their first-year success. Awarded articles covered issues such as long-term poisoning in Water Valley and local corruption investigations. The ceremony took place at the Hilton Memphis during the Tri-State Press Convention with Tennessee and Arkansas associations.

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SUMMARY: Mississippi’s statewide elections in 2027 are attracting early candidates. Shuwaski Young announced his run for secretary of state as a Republican after switching from the Democratic Party, citing alignment with GOP values on faith, family, and progress. Previously a Democratic nominee, he dropped out in 2023 due to health issues but has since recovered. Young’s platform includes advocating for limited early voting, protecting voter ID laws, voter registration drives, election security, and supporting business growth via public safety. He aims to improve voter turnout and foster inclusivity in Mississippi. Young may become the first Black statewide official since Reconstruction if elected.

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