SUMMARY: Mississippi experienced a minor decline in its high school graduation rate, dropping to 89.2% for the 2023-24 school year, a decrease of 0.2%. The dropout rate remained unchanged at 8.5%. For students with disabilities, graduation rates fell to 65.2%, down 4.8%, while their dropout rate rose by 2.3% to 20%. These rates reflect students entering ninth grade in the 2020-21 year, influenced by previous COVID-19 assessment waivers. Despite the slight decrease, Mississippi’s graduation rate remains above the national average of 86.6%. State officials emphasize ongoing dedication to educational support and progress over the past decade.

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SUMMARY: On February 20, Jermaine Mayers of Gulfport pled guilty to manslaughter and a drive-by shooting. Judge Lisa Dodson sentenced him to 50 years total, with 10 suspended, resulting in 40 years for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The manslaughter charge involved the shooting death of Jacoby Bolton on November 16, 2021, where Mayers, who believed Bolton was armed, admitted to the killing. The drive-by shooting occurred on April 24, 2021, injuring three victims. Sentences for both crimes will run consecutively, and after serving his time, Mayers will be on five years of post-release supervision.

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SUMMARY: A Mississippi judge granted a temporary restraining order requiring the Clarksdale Press Register to remove a critical editorial, prompting a lawsuit from the city for libel. The editorial criticized Clarksdale officials for not notifying the media before a special meeting that approved a controversial tax resolution. The city argued the piece falsely implicated officials in wrongdoing, hindering lobbying efforts. Press advocates condemned the ruling as unconstitutional, asserting that the government cannot dictate which opinions are permissible. The newspaper’s president plans to challenge the order, emphasizing the editorial’s role in exercising free speech. A hearing is set for February 27.

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