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
Hatley seniors announce post high school plans during Decision Day
SUMMARY: Seniors at Hatley High School have been preparing for life after graduation with the help of a career coach for at least two years. Students like Madison Case participated in internship programs that allowed them to gain real-world experience and make a difference in their community. The career coach, Amie Prewett, works with juniors to help them define their goals and interests, providing job shadowing opportunities, college visits, and internships. The partnership between the school and local organizations like Monroe Strong has been instrumental in guiding students towards their desired career paths. The success of the program was evident in the positive feedback from students and parents.
The post Hatley seniors announce post high school plans during Decision Day appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Gordo Bypass in the works to improve Highway 82 traffic
SUMMARY: The 6.2-mile Gordo Bypass project in Alabama has two phases: the grade and drain phase completed in 2023, and the base and pave phase expected to start this year. The project aims to improve safety, mobility, and commerce for motorists in West Alabama. Once finished, US-82 will have four lanes from the Mississippi state line to Tuscaloosa. The project is expected to cost around 63 million dollars and will increase the capacity of Highway 82 while decreasing heavy truck traffic through Gordo. Local residents see opportunities for growth and development with the completion of the bypass.
The post Gordo Bypass in the works to improve Highway 82 traffic appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic boost to Starkville
SUMMARY: The MSU baseball game kicks off Super Bulldog Weekend in Starkville, drawing huge crowds and selling out hotels. Paige Hunt, Director of Tourism, highlights the economic benefits for the city, with visitors spending money and leaving tax dollars behind. Local businesses, like Campus BookMart, are gearing up for the rush of customers. Despite the busyness, store clerk Pam Minyard enjoys the excitement of game weekends and the community coming together. In addition to baseball, the football team will host its spring game. Overall, Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic growth and excitement to Starkville.
The post Super Bulldog Weekend brings economic boost to Starkville appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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