Mississippi News
Poor People’s Campaign to file Fair Housing complaint over Jackson water
Poor People’s Campaign to file Fair Housing complaint over Jackson water
Poor People’s Campaign co-chair Rev. William Barber II announced Monday that his organization would be filing a Fair Housing Act complaint against the state of Mississippi for failing to provide clean drinking water to Jackson residents.
Barber announced the news at a Monday evening rally in downtown Jackson. In his return to Jackson after hosting another protest in late September, the reverend marched alongside about 100 city residents from the Smith Robertson Museum, walking a half mile or so to a stage set up outside the Governor’s Mansion.
“The Fair Housing law says you cannot refuse to give people what they need in their private housing, in their rental housing, or in their federally owned public housing, what they need to have a decent life,” Barber told the crowd on Capitol Street. “And we believe that when you deny people access to clean water, you are violating their fair housing rights.”
Barber cited that the federal law protects against discrimination in housing based on a number of factors, including race. Jackson, the largest city in Mississippi, is 83% Black. The federal government created the law as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.
The Poor People’s Campaign also echoed other activists speaking out against the possibility of privatizing Jackson’s drinking water system.
“Understand that if you privatize the water of Jackson, everything else is up for grabs,” Barber said. “If you privatize the water they’ll take the economic resources.”
Mississippi Today reported in August that state lawmakers had met to consider new options for managing the city’s water system, including privatizing. It’s unclear, however, what the state’s role will be as the federal government steps in. Last week, the Jackson City Council voted to enter a confidentiality agreement with the Department of Justice in discussing a settlement over the water system, WLBT reported.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Can you remain anonymous in Mississippi if you win the $1.8B Powerball jackpot?
SUMMARY: The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $1.8 billion, the second-largest in U.S. history. Winners must decide between a lump sum or annuity payout and should keep their ticket safe, sign it, and assemble a team of financial, tax, and legal advisors. Experts recommend maintaining privacy, though disclosure laws vary by state. Some states require public release of winners’ names and locations, while others allow anonymity or temporary confidentiality based on prize amounts. Many winners use trusts for privacy. Powerball is played in 45 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, with odds of 1 in 292.2 million.
The post Can you remain anonymous in Mississippi if you win the $1.8B Powerball jackpot? appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: September 5-7
SUMMARY: This weekend (September 5-7) in Mississippi offers diverse events across the state. In Central Mississippi, highlights include the “Wild Robot” screening in Jackson, the Roosevelt State Park reopening in Morton, the Hurricane Katrina photo exhibit, and art shows at the Mississippi Children’s Museum and Mississippi Museum of Art. Activities also include roller derby, farmers markets, painting classes, and a Woodstock-themed festival. In the Pine Belt region, Hattiesburg hosts charity events, art classes, live music concerts, a food truck festival, and Southern Miss football games, alongside karaoke nights and museum exhibits. These events suit all ages and interests, ideal for relaxation and exploration.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: September 5-7 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Mississippi universities halt funding for student groups, citing DEI law
SUMMARY: Some Mississippi universities have halted funding for student organizations due to a state law (House Bill 1193) banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, currently blocked by a federal judge for potentially violating First Amendment rights. The law exempts registered organizations but prohibits using student activity fees—considered state funds—for DEI-related programming. Consequently, universities like the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State redirected these fees to campus departments for organizing activities, suspending the student-driven funding process. Students and leaders express concern, fearing loss of support for events and club activities, with efforts underway to find alternative funding amid growing legal uncertainty.
The post Mississippi universities halt funding for student groups, citing DEI law appeared first on www.wjtv.com
-
Mississippi Today6 days ago
DEI, campus culture wars spark early battle between likely GOP rivals for governor in Mississippi
-
News from the South - Louisiana News Feed5 days ago
‘They broke us down’: New Orleans teachers, fired after Katrina, reflect on lives upended
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed6 days ago
Alabama state grocery tax to fall 1% on Monday
-
Mississippi Today4 days ago
Trump proposed getting rid of FEMA, but his review council seems focused on reforming the agency
-
News from the South - Missouri News Feed4 days ago
Missouri joins dozens of states in eliminating ‘luxury’ tax on diapers, period products
-
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed4 days ago
Tennessee ranks near the top for ICE arrests
-
News from the South - Alabama News Feed5 days ago
Alabama union leaders say they’re fighting for the state’s middle class
-
Local News5 days ago
Today in History: September 1, Titanic wreckage found