SUMMARY: The Justice Department has initiated a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi after officers tortured two Black men, using stun guns and engaging in sexual assaults. Five deputies, part of a group dubbed the “Goon Squad,” pleaded guilty in 2023 for this racially charged attack, receiving sentences of 10 to 40 years. The investigation will assess patterns of excessive force, unlawful arrests, and racially biased policing within the department. Officials noted ongoing concerns following incidents linked to the officers, emphasizing the serious nature of their actions and the historical context of racial violence in Mississippi.

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SUMMARY: Mississippi State‘s Director of Athletics, Zac Selmon, announced an anonymous $8 million pledge to enhance the Bulldogs football program, marking the second-largest commitment in the history of MSU Athletics. This significant donation will launch the State Excellence Fund, aimed at improving student-athlete resources and competitiveness. Coach Jeff Lebby emphasized the importance of such support for building a successful program. The anonymous family, members of the Bulldog Club, expressed gratitude to Selmon and Lebby for their commitment. They highlighted the importance of collaboration for sustained success in recruiting and talent development. The initiative invites further contributions from supporters.

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SUMMARY: A new program in Mississippi aims to provide mental health services to individuals facing felony charges while in jail. The Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center at the University of Mississippi School of Law has partnered with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health for a two-year initiative. The program features a hotline attorney who will assist judges, public defenders, and families in navigating mental health needs. Director Cliff Johnson emphasizes the need for better treatment options instead of incarceration. The initiative has already facilitated inpatient care for a woman charged with arson, illustrating its positive potential impact.

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