SUMMARY: U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction halting construction at a new immigrant detention center in the Florida Everglades, citing environmental concerns and inadequate justification for the location. The facility, rapidly built on a remote training airport, holds several hundred detainees but was designed for 3,000. Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued to stop the project, highlighting threats to sensitive wetlands and habitats. Judge Williams ordered the state and federal defendants to transfer detainees within 60 days and prohibited adding new detainees, allowing only safety-related repairs. Florida filed an appeal, while the state insists the project falls under state, not federal, environmental law.

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SUMMARY: The Biloxi Police Department launched its fifth annual Citizen’s Police Academy, offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement in Harrison County. The program features classroom lessons, special unit introductions, K-9 demonstrations, patrol ride-alongs, and hands-on activities, with graduation in October. This year includes a new virtual reality taser training element. The academy aims to educate attendees on how various police units serve and protect the community, fostering understanding and support. Graduates often share their positive experiences, enhancing community-police relations. Lt. Candace Young emphasizes the program’s role in building a strong partnership between law enforcement and the community.

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SUMMARY: The Mississippi Department of Education released the 2024-25 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) results, showing mixed outcomes: some grade levels and subjects improved, but overall proficiency slightly declined. Proficiency rates were 54.5% in math, 47.4% in English Language Arts, 60.9% in science, and 69.7% in U.S. History. Pass rates rose for third-grade reading and all end-of-course exams. State Superintendent Dr. Lance Evans emphasized shifting focus from growth to proficiency to better reflect content understanding. The MDE plans to increase literacy and math coaching, seek legislative funding for initiatives, promote high-quality instructional materials, and enhance science of reading professional development.

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