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Kim Benton is new interim state superintendent

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Kim Benton to replace Carey Wright as interim state superintendent

Kim Benton, interim state superintendent of education.

On Thursday, the Mississippi State Board of Education announced Kim Benton as the interim state superintendent following the retirement of State Superintendent Carey Wright on June 30. 

Benton currently serves as the interim chief academic officer, a position she previously held for six years before retiring from the agency in 2018. She has worked in public education in Mississippi for 40 years as a teacher’s assistant, teacher, principal, and executive director of special populations and federal programs in the Meridian Public School District. 

“Dr. Benton has worked alongside Dr. Wright during most of her tenure and has been instrumental in helping to lead the state’s successful education reform efforts,” said Rosemary Aultman, chair of the State Board of Education. “The Board is confident Dr. Benton will continue the progress we have made in public education over the past decade as we begin the search for a permanent state superintendent.”

The Board also announced the formation of the superintendent search subcommittee, which will be responsible for reviewing proposals from consulting firms to lead the search for the new superintendent. The formal call for proposals will be issued on June 1, and a consulting firm will be selected by July 1 and begin interviewing candidates in the fall.

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

Mississippi News

Kilmar Abrego Garcia surrenders to ICE in Baltimore, again faces possible deportation

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www.wjtv.com – BRIAN WITTE and BEN FINLEY Associated Press – 2025-08-25 07:22:00

SUMMARY: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Baltimore, faces potential immediate deportation under the Trump administration. A Maryland federal court order pauses deportations for immigrants challenging detention, including Abrego Garcia. Previously wrongfully deported to El Salvador despite fearing violence, he was returned to the U.S. and charged with human smuggling, which he denies, calling the prosecution vindictive. The administration alleges gang ties, which he rejects. Abrego Garcia faces deportation to Uganda, a new U.S. deportation partner, despite his family and life in Maryland. His attorneys seek to block deportation pending legal review and due process.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: August 22-24

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-08-22 07:20:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (August 22-24) in Mississippi offers diverse events across Central Mississippi and the Pine Belt. In Jackson, enjoy concerts like Starlito x Don Trip and The Step Brothers 4 Life Tour. Art lovers can explore exhibits such as The Garden of Earthly Delights in Natchez and Hurricane Katrina: Mississippi Remembers in Jackson. Family-friendly activities include the Mississippi Children’s Museum exhibits and the Farmer’s Markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Notable events include the Black Men’s Health Equity Conference, The Boss T.E.A. Party, and the 15th Annual Leadership Natchez Kickball Tournament. In the Pine Belt, Southern Miss hosts the SMAC Welcome Back Festival and Pride Preview, while Laurel features The Color Purple musical and a chess social.

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Gymnast who sparked FBI sex abuse inquiry into coach tells AP she’s proud to come forward

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www.wjtv.com – Ryan J. Foley – 2025-08-21 13:59:00

SUMMARY: Finley Weldon, 18, bravely spoke out about abuse by her former gymnastics coach Sean Gardner, recently arrested on child sexual exploitation charges. Gardner, who worked at the renowned Chow’s Gymnastics Academy, allegedly targeted young gymnasts since 2004. Weldon endured manipulative and abusive behavior starting at age 11 but persevered to join Iowa State’s gymnastics team. Though many teammates quit due to Gardner, Weldon emphasizes breaking the cycle by coming forward. Investigations by SafeSport, local police, and the FBI uncovered hidden-camera evidence. Despite a slow legal process, Weldon hopes her courage helps protect future young athletes from similar abuse.

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