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Johnson sworn in as first woman judge in Mississippi’s southern district

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Johnson sworn in as first woman judge in Mississippi’s southern district

The first woman judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi has joined the bench. 

A formal investiture ceremony was held last week for Judge Kristi Haskins Johnson of Brandon. 

“This truly was a lifelong dream of mine,” Johnson said about her appointment in a February 2021 article by her alma mater, the University of Mississippi. 

She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in Nov. 2020 by a 53 to 43 vote. 

Johnson previously worked as Mississippi’s first solicitor general. She also worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Jackson as an assistant U.S. attorney. 

From 2008 to 2010, Johnson clerked for Judge Sharion Aycock of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi — the state’s first woman federal district court judge. Johnson also clerked for Judge Leslie Southwick of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Elected officials including Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, the first woman to represent Mississippi in Congress, and Attorney General Lynn Fitch, the first woman in her role, praised Johnson after her Senate confirmation. 

“Judge Johnson, as you exercise your power, I pray that God will grant you wisdom, humility, compassion and courage. Congratulations!” Hyde-Smith wrote in a Friday tweet after she attended Johnson’s investiture ceremony. 

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

Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 1-3

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-08-01 07:06:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (August 1-3) in Mississippi offers diverse activities across the state. In Central Mississippi, enjoy Latin music and salsa at Fondren Fiesta in Jackson, family fun at 042 Nights in Brandon, food trucks in Byram, art exhibitions in Natchez and Jackson, and farmers markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Special events include hurricane remembrance, back-to-school drives, and community wellness fairs. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg hosts Denim & Diamonds Casino Night, live music, themed balls, 5K fundraisers, and movie screenings. Laurel offers karaoke, art workshops, and a family farmers market. Activities cater to all ages, promoting culture, health, and community engagement.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: July 25-27

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-07-25 06:41:00

SUMMARY: Mississippi is packed with events this weekend (July 25–27), including the JXN Film Festival, interactive exhibits, and art showcases in Jackson. Clinton screens *Train to Busan*, and Vicksburg features live events, a catfish tournament, and farmers markets. Natchez hosts its Food & Wine Festival and community celebrations, while Ridgeland offers art parks and dinner theater. In the Pine Belt, Hattiesburg offers comedy, musical theater, a Jane Austen tea, and a murder mystery dinner at Ross Mansion. Toy, gun, and farmers markets span multiple cities, while special events like the Little Miss Black Mississippi Pageant round out a diverse, festive weekend.

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Bryan Kohberger sentenced for murdering four University of Idaho students

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www.wjtv.com – The Associated Press – 2025-07-23 12:37:00

SUMMARY: Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms without parole for the brutal 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. He pleaded guilty in July 2025 to avoid the death penalty. During sentencing, families shared emotional testimonies of loss and anguish. Kohberger, a criminology graduate student, broke into the victims’ home and killed them without known motive, remaining silent at the hearing. Police used DNA and genetic genealogy to identify him. The case deeply affected the community, with misinformation spreading online. Kohberger waived his right to appeal. Some victims’ relatives offered forgiveness and sought answers.

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