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Citizen Portal News Mississippi
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Mississippi's college-savings programs have transformed from struggling to thriving, achieving full funding thanks to smart investments and targeted outreach strategies!

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#MS #FinancialLiteracy #CommunityOutreach #EducationFunding #MississippiCollegeSavings #CitizenPortal
State treasurer says college-savings plans recovered to full funding after investment changes
State Treasurer David McRae told the Joint Universities and Colleges Committee the state's prepaid tuition and 529 plans have returned to healthy funding levels following investment-structure changes and intensified outreach; he provided enrollment figures and described modernized payment options.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 5:26 AM
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Mississippi's education leaders are pushing for a major shift towards outcomes-based funding to better align higher education with workforce needs and boost student success.

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#MS #OutcomesBasedFunding #MississippiHigherEducation #WorkforceAlignment #CitizenPortal
Committee weighs outcomes-based funding and workforce alignment after multi-agency briefings
Business and workforce leaders urged the committee to prioritize student work outcomes over degree counts; national advisers and Tennessee's commissioner described outcomes-based funding models, trade-offs and data demands; members raised concerns about winners, losers and protecting institutions that serve high-need students.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 5:24 AM
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Mississippi's higher education leaders are facing an enrollment cliff and funding challenges that could reshape the future of state universities.

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#MS #InstitutionalFinancialHealth #EnrollmentChallenges #EducationFunding #CitizenPortal #MississippiHigherEd
IHL and LBO brief committee on funding-formula history, institutional finances and enrollment challenges
Legislative Budget Office and the IHL commissioner presented funding-formula history, recent allocations and university financial health. Members questioned why a prior NCHIMS formula was frozen and asked how to shield institutions serving high-need students while responding to an enrollment cliff.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 5:23 AM
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The Public Service Commission has just greenlit Spire Mississippi's supplemental growth rider, paving the way for potential $5 million investments that could boost job creation and industrial development!

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#MS #EconomicDevelopment #RegulatoryAccountability #MississippiUtility
PSC reinstates Spire's supplemental growth rider after staff presentation and questions
Commissioners approved Spire's request to reinstate a supplemental growth rider that allows up to $5 million in investments over three years without project-specific commission approval; Spire representatives answered commissioner questions about likely sites, tap costs and safeguards.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 3:59 AM
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The Public Service Commission has just denied the Lake Carolina Homeowners Association's bid to challenge a controversial rate hike, sparking debate over notice and jurisdiction in the process.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #UtilityRegulation #PublicNotice #MississippiHomeowners
PSC denies Lake Carolina Homeowners Association's motion to intervene in CMU rate increase dispute
Lake Carolina Homeowners Association sought to set aside Canton Municipal Utilities' rate increase and cancel certificates, arguing defective notice; CMU and staff said actual notice and publication were provided during a suspension period; legal staff recommended denial, and the commission denied the motion to intervene.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 2:42 AM
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Great River Operating Company is set to transform the troubled water systems in Jackson County with a new wholesale water agreement that promises cleaner, clearer drinking water!

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#MS #MississippiWaterQuality #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment
PSC approves Great River's wholesale water contract with Jackson County Utility Authority to address water quality issues
Commission staff recommended and commissioners approved Great River Operating Company's petition to buy wholesale water from Jackson County Utility Authority for four systems with long-standing discolored water and iron problems; JCUA will install interconnection infrastructure at no cost to Great River or customers.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 2:41 AM
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Mississippi's IHL board is exploring innovative funding models to align state university allocations with workforce needs and educational goals—could this reshape the future of higher education in the state?

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#MS #CitizenPortal #PolicyInnovation #MississippiHigherEducation
IHL trustees hear NCHEMS proposal outlining alternative higher‑education funding models
The IHL board heard a two‑part presentation from NCHEMS that presented four conceptual funding models — base‑plus, per‑FTE, all‑performance, and a hybrid adequacy approach — and outlined trade‑offs, implementation levers and recommended stakeholder engagement across the eight IHL institutions.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 1:25 PM
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The IHL board just approved exciting new academic programs, major renovations, and significant funding initiatives that could reshape the future of higher education in Mississippi!

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#MS #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #MississippiHigherEducation #CommunityDevelopment
IHL board approves program additions, contracts, construction and bond authorization across campuses
Trustees approved first‑reading policy changes and a new Center for Simulation at MSU, multiple new degree programs, several system and UMMC contracts, a preconstruction housing agreement, a $62.5M bond resolution for USM renovations, and multiple real‑estate and capital project items; most votes were carried by voice vote.
citizenportal.ai
November 28, 2025 at 1:24 PM
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Mississippi's State Board just approved a groundbreaking $28.4 million in grants to enhance after-school programs and a strategic contract with Civic Solutions Group to revolutionize educational support!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #CommunityLearning #HealthServices
Board approves contract with Civic Solutions Group and awards 21st CCLC grants totaling $28.4M
The State Board approved a contract for Civic Solutions Group to provide administrative claiming support and a nurses database platform for the Department of Education, and authorized competitive and renewal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants totaling $23.9M and $4.5M respectively.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 7:22 AM
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Superintendent Doctor Evans reveals critical updates from the U.S. Department of Education that could reshape how elementary and secondary programs are managed—what does this mean for local districts?

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#MS #FederalPolicy #CitizenPortal #DistrictSupport #EducationReform
Superintendent: USDE notices program transfers, MDE to monitor and support districts
Superintendent Doctor Evans told the board that USDE notified states of program management transfers to other federal agencies but subsequently confirmed core responsibilities remain with USDE; Evans said MDE will keep districts informed and monitor federal activity.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 6:59 AM
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Mississippi's education updates reveal persistent achievement gaps, slight ACT score improvements, and new strategies for kindergarten readiness—what's next for our students?

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#MS #CitizenPortal #AchievementGaps #LiteracySupport #StudentReadiness #MississippiEducation
State presents MAP gap analysis, ACT and kindergarten readiness results
Mississippi Department of Education staff presented annual MAP achievement‑gap findings, 2025 ACT results and fall kindergarten readiness data; presenters highlighted subgroup gaps, small shifts in ACT scores and vendor transitions affecting kindergarten comparability.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 6:58 AM
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Mississippi schools are bracing for a significant shift as the State Board of Education votes to raise A-F cut scores, redefining accountability for the 2025-26 school year!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #MississippiEducation #AccountabilityReform #PublicEducation #ProficiencyGrowth
State Board adopts higher A–F cut scores for Mississippi accountability system
The Mississippi State Board of Education unanimously approved raised A–F cut scores for the statewide accountability system, effective with the 2025–26 school year, following a multi-stage standard‑setting process and a Center for Assessment review.
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November 26, 2025 at 6:54 AM
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The Tidelands program received a staggering 89 applications for funding this cycle, but a crucial pause on public access projects could delay vital coastal improvements.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #CoastalAccess #MississippiPublicAccess #ResourceAllocation #InfrastructureDevelopment
Tidelands program: 89 applications; public access awards paused for current cycle
The agency received 89 Tidelands applications requesting about $34 million; FY26 appropriations totaled $6.3 million and the legislature did not award public access projects this cycle, with $3.8 million allocated to managed projects and prior-year/bond funds.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 11:21 AM
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A commercial fisherman is sounding the alarm over new endorsement rules that could flood the speckled trout market and jeopardize livelihoods in Mississippi.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #MarketRegulation #EconomicImpact #MississippiCommercialFishing #FisheriesManagement
Commercial fisherman protests trout endorsement changes as agency explains payout limits
A commercial fisherman raised concerns in public comment that lowered endorsement thresholds and expanded eligibility are flooding the speckled-trout market; the department said second-round federal funds were limited to shrimp and oysters and cannot be paid to finfish harvesters under NOAA guidance.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 11:15 AM
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Oyster harvests in Mississippi are booming with over 11,000 sacks collected since mid-October, but changes to lease rules are on the horizon following a court ruling.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #MississippiMarineResources #LegislativeReform #SustainableHarvesting #ReefProtection
MDMR: strong oyster harvests, lease rules to be revised after court ruling
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources reported brisk oyster harvests since an Oct. 13 opener and said staff will work with legislators to revise on-bottom lease rules after a judge found the prior approach unconstitutional.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 11:13 AM
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Mississippi's school performance ratings are set for a major overhaul as the Commission of School Accreditation adopts new A-F cuts for the 2025-26 accountability system!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #PerformanceEvaluation #MississippiSchools #EducationReform
Commission approves new A–F performance-level cuts for 2025–26 accountability ratings
The Commission of School Accreditation voted Nov. 18 to adopt recommended A–F performance-level cuts for the 2025–26 Mississippi Statewide Accountability System after a presentation by Mr. Al Burrow outlining the standard-setting process and committee rationale.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 3:26 AM
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Southaven's Board of Aldermen is grappling with the future of medical cannabis, weighing patient access against public safety concerns in a heated debate.

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#SouthavenDeSotoCounty #MS #CitizenPortal #SouthavenMedicalCannabis #PublicSafety #HealthAccess #LocalRegulations
Southaven aldermen direct attorney to draft dispensary ordinance after extended cannabis debate
After an extended debate on medical cannabis, aldermen instructed the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would allow medical-cannabis dispensaries only within the citys designated medical zone; no final opt-in vote was taken tonight.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 3:24 AM
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The Mississippi State Board of Education has taken drastic measures, placing the Okalona Separate School District into a 'district of transformation' amid financial chaos, appointing a new interim superintendent, and authorizing emergency loans to avert a payroll crisis.

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#MS
State Board places Okalona district into 'district of transformation,' abolishes district and appoints interim superintendent
The Mississippi State Board of Education on Nov. 14, 2025 found the Okalona Separate School District impaired by a serious lack of financial resources, abolished the district under state law, appointed John Farrell as interim superintendent and authorized up to $3 million in loans after MDE reported unpaid payroll and missing audits.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 11:13 PM
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Rankin County is racing against time to secure new voting equipment, aiming for a seamless March primary amidst critical security concerns and vendor negotiations.

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#RankinCounty #MS #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #RankinCountyVoting #VotingTransparency #ElectionSecurity
Rankin County narrows voting-equipment debate, moves to secure vendor ahead of March primary
After a months-long RFP review, supervisors discussed security, certification and unit counts for two vendors and voted to select Park (Park Intercivic) to expedite pricing and delivery; staff emphasized the need for equipment on site by year-end to allow training for a March federal primary.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 4:41 PM
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The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure has decided to withdraw controversial CRNA collaboration regulations, paving the way for a broader discussion among stakeholders.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #StakeholderEngagement #HealthcareRegulations #PatientSafety
State board withdraws proposed CRNA collaboration rules after public comment; will reconvene stakeholders
The board’s rules and regulations committee recommended withdrawing the proposed CRNA collaboration regulations for further stakeholder consideration after extensive public commentary; the board voted to withdraw and seek broader discussion.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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The commission just approved a staggering $21.44 million in payables and is heading into an executive session to tackle crucial personnel matters.

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#MS #PublicFinance #ExecutiveSession #CitizenPortal #MississippiCommission #ContractManagement
Commission reviews large payables, contract extensions and votes to enter executive session on workers' comp and personnel
The commission approved payables of $21.44 million, payroll dockets, multiple agency contracts and requested an executive session to discuss a workers' compensation settlement and a personnel matter under §25‑41‑7 of the Mississippi Code.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 10:19 AM
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The Mississippi Transportation Commission is set to enhance highway safety and efficiency with new agreements and projects—transforming over 12 miles of Mississippi Highway 12 and more!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovements #MississippiTransportation
Commission ratifies supplemental agreements, awards bids and grants moving authority for carrier certificate
The commission ratified supplemental agreements for mill-and-overlay projects, approved geotechnical and signing‑plan work assignments, and recommended a certificate of public convenience for Stiles Moving LLC after no protests were filed.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 9:48 AM
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Psychiatrist Maxie L. Gordon faces serious repercussions after the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure found him guilty of falsifying time records and unprofessional conduct.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #ProfessionalConduct #MississippiMedical #LicensureRegulations
Mississippi medical board finds psychiatrist Maxie Gordon guilty of timekeeping and reporting violations; limits APRN collaborations
After a multi-hour hearing that included surveillance data, depositions and witness testimony, the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure found psychiatrist Maxie Gordon guilty of falsifying time records, failing to report dozens of APRN collaborations and unprofessional conduct. The board stayed a one-year suspension, limited his APRN ties, 
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 11:39 PM
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Mississippi's medical board just approved key telehealth exemptions that aim to improve patient care, but not everyone made the cut.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #PatientCare #HealthcareAccess #MississippiTelehealth #TelemedicineInnovation
Board executive committee grants two telehealth exemptions and denies several other requests
The State Board of Medical Licensure executive committee met by Zoom and approved exemptions for a St. Jude pediatric telehealth hub and an inpatient geriatric psychiatry collaboration, while denying a cross‑state supervision request, a retired psychiatrist’s exception and one foreign‑trained applicant’s license.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 11:29 PM
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The Transportation Commission just greenlit major funding for bridge studies and replacements, paving the way for improved infrastructure in Mississippi!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalConsulting #PublicSafety #MississippiTransportation #InfrastructureDevelopment
Transportation Commission authorizes bridge studies and design work assignments, sets condemnation actions
The commission approved work assignments including a $652,375 study for I‑10 over the Pascagoula River and $328,581 for final plans to replace four US‑80 bridges, and approved moving forward with condemnation orders and contract extensions.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 10:51 PM