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State’s first broadband community engagement event to address inequities in Delta

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State’s first broadband community engagement event to address inequities in Delta

The Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility for Mississippi (BEAM) and the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi have partnered to present the state’s first broadband community engagement event.

The free event — held Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lyric Hotel in Cleveland — will serve as an informational overview of how residents can get involved in shaping broadband plans for their communities and even how to utilize available credits to lower their internet bills.

Many counties and cities in the Mississippi Delta, like other rural areas of the state, have been slow to gain access to high-speed internet access.

“A person’s zip code should not determine their access to the full range of benefits that high speed broadband access has to offer,” said BEAM director Sally Doty. “The BEAM office is committed to overcoming geographical barriers and leveling the playing field by providing technological opportunity for Mississippians across all corners of our state.”

The Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility for Mississippi was created by state lawmakers in 2022 to serve as the state’s single point of contact for broadband issues and to serve as the clearinghouse for federal grant funds for broadband expansion.

Speakers at the Thursday event include: BEAM director Sally Doty; Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons; state Director for Digital Skills and Accessibility Angelique Lee; community leaders from Quitman County; Vermont-based Center On Rural Innovation’s southeast director Brandon Campbell; and Microsoft representatives.

A public library representative will also detail how all Delta residents can gain free broadband access and education in their communities, according to a press release for the event.

“We are inviting everyone who may want to shape the state’s Broadband plan, see how to develop a plan for their community, or learn how to gain free or reduced cost to access Broadband,” said Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi President Keith Fulcher.

Admission is free for all Delta residents, but registration is necessary.

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

Mississippi News

Defendant in Mississippi auditor’s ‘second largest’ embezzlement case in history goes free

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www.wjtv.com – Anna Wolfe – 2025-06-28 10:19:00

SUMMARY: Four years ago, Tunica nonprofit operator Mardis Jones was arrested for allegedly embezzling over $1 million from a county home rehabilitation program funded by casino revenue. The state auditor accused Jones of misusing funds meant to help vulnerable residents, claiming little money reached contractors. Jones’ defense cited poor program administration and insufficient evidence of theft, with a jury ultimately acquitting him last month. Despite the criminal acquittal, the auditor’s office demanded repayment through a civil claim, which the attorney general’s office had yet to act on, but recently confirmed receipt of the demand letter. The case highlights issues in government oversight and program management.

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Mississippi News

Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: June 27-29

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www.wjtv.com – Kaitlin Howell – 2025-06-27 07:11:00

SUMMARY: This weekend (June 27-29) in Mississippi offers a variety of events across the state. Central Mississippi hosts the Kiwanis Club of Pearl Golf Tournament, multiple hot air balloon events including the Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Festival in Canton, and exhibitions like Hurricane Katrina: Mississippi Remembers in Jackson. There are also family-friendly activities such as Guys and Dolls Jr. in Natchez, Pilates and yoga events in Jackson, and farmers markets in Jackson, Natchez, and Vicksburg. The Pine Belt region features Story Time with a Soldier in Hattiesburg, immersive theater experiences, karaoke, and runs supporting recovery programs in Laurel.

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Mississippi News

Traveling for July Fourth? When to expect the worst traffic, busiest airports

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www.wjtv.com – Jeremy Tanner – 2025-06-26 13:03:00

SUMMARY: With the Fourth of July on a Friday, AAA expects a record 72.2 million Americans to travel domestically over the long weekend, including 61.6 million by car—a 2.2% increase from last year. Busiest driving days are July 2 and 6, with afternoon hours the most congested. Major highways in cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and New York will see peak traffic. AAA advises early departures and vehicle maintenance. TSA anticipates 5.84 million air travelers during the week, a 1.4% increase, with July 6 the busiest airport day. Popular destinations include Orlando, Seattle, and New York, while Vancouver tops international spots.

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