Mississippi News

Jackson garbage pickup halted indefinitely over contract dispute

Published

3 years ago

October 6, 2022

Jackson garbage pickup halted indefinitely over contract dispute

by Geoff Pender, Mississippi Today
October 6, 2022

The City of Jackson on Thursday announced garbage collection will be halted city-wide, indefinitely because of a long-running dispute between Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and the city council.

In a press release, Lumumba’s office said that “After six months under an emergency contract and without compensation, Richard’s Disposal will cease all city-wide garbage collection” after Saturday.

New Orleans-based Richard’s Disposal has been collecting garbage in Jackson since April, after Waste Management’s contract with the city expired. Lumumba and the council deadlocked over who had the lowest and best bid for collection. Lumumba issued an emergency contract for Richard’s to collect, but the City Council rejected the contract and has refused to pay the company. The two sides have been fighting in court, and Richard’s has sued the city and says it is owed nearly $5 million for collection to-date.

“It is unfortunate that the Jackson City Council has failed to ratify the executed contract and allow for payment for services rendered,” Lumumba said in a statement. “The citizens of Jackson have paid and continue to pay for the solid waste collection, and they have received the services but, due to inaction by the Jackson City Council, my administration is legally unable to pay Richard’s for services rendered.”

Mississippi’s capital city is only recently recovering from a water crisis that included nearly two months of boil-water notices and a citywide water outage that forced the state to declare an emergency and step in.

The press release from Lumumba’s office recommended that residents help manage the halt in garbage pickup by using reusable containers and “other sustainable household products and goods,” freezing seafood waste until pickup resumes and continuing to drop off household hazardous waste at 1570 University Boulevard.

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Search continues for Vance Boelter, suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers: What we know

Published

1 day ago

June 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-15 08:13:00

SUMMARY: A massive search is underway for Vance Boelter, 57, who posed as a police officer and fatally shot Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded nearby. Authorities called the act a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor, fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with police. His vehicle contained AK-style firearms and “No Kings” flyers. The investigation noted his writings targeted abortion rights advocates. The attacks highlight growing political violence and prompted heightened security for lawmakers nationwide.

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Mississippi News

Iran retaliates with missile barrage after Israel strikes nuclear sites, kills top generals

Published

3 days ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-06-13 13:45:00

SUMMARY: Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, targeting key facilities including Natanz and Isfahan, killing top generals and scientists to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. Iran retaliated with dozens of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, hitting areas near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The conflict escalated fears of a broader war in the region. Israel said the operation was months in planning and aimed to neutralize an imminent nuclear threat. The U.S. was informed but not involved in the strike and cautioned against targeting American interests. International calls urged de-escalation amid rising tensions.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 13-15

Published

3 days ago

June 13, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-06-13 07:54:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (June 13-15) in Mississippi offers numerous events across regions. In Central Mississippi, enjoy free tours at the Eudora Welty House, World Snake Day in Jackson, and the Juneteenth Homecoming Weekend at Tougaloo College. Activities include concerts, art exhibits, farmers markets, family fun runs, and outdoor movies. Natchez hosts garden tours, fishing events, and farmers markets. Meanwhile, in the Pine Belt region, Hattiesburg features family splash nights, Juneteenth festivals, a golf tournament, live performances, and unique museum exhibits. Laurel offers karaoke night, while community runs, interactive concerts, and theatrical performances round out a lively weekend across the state.

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