The Mississippi Monitor

06/03/2026

Mississippi State women’s basketball has added Brooke Renfroe as Director of Women’s Basketball Operations, head coach Sam Purcell announced on Tuesday.

The school said Renfroe will coordinate and oversee all operational aspects within the program, including travel logistics, schedule management, in addition to supporting the staff in a multitude of other capacities.

MSU Athletics noted that Renfroe is no stranger to the women’s basketball program, as she served the last two seasons as a student manager. Last season, she earned the spot of head manager, leading the efforts of the manager group.

(Photo from MSU Athletics)

06/03/2026

State Senator Michael McLendon said this week that he plans to file the School Predator Accountability Act when lawmakers return to Jackson in January. He said the comprehensive legislative package is being drafted in light of the growing number of arrests involving teachers, school employees, and other individuals entrusted with the care of children.

“Predators belong in prison, not in our classrooms,” said McLendon. “The School Predator Accountability Act closes loopholes, exposes bad actors, protects whistleblowers, empowers parents, and ensures those who target children face consequences that follow them for life.”

Among the provisions McLendon plans to include in the measure is authorizing courts to order chemical castration for offenders who commit sexual crimes against minors while serving as teachers, principals, coaches, school counselors, or school contractors.

McLendon said the proposal reflects the seriousness of abusing a position of trust to exploit children.

Pictured: State Sen. Michael McLendon

06/03/2026

Covington County Hospital is using the last half of a $4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to renovate its hospital after nearly $2 million went to restore emergency care in Smith County.

By Jeremy Pittari, Magnolia Tribune     Covington County Hospital is using the last half of a $4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to renovate its hospital after nearly $2 million went to restore emergency care in Smith County. The hospital system utilized ...

06/02/2026

🚧 Traffic Alert: Overnight Ramp Closure on I-220

The Mississippi Department of Transportation announced that the I-220 northbound ramp to U.S. 80 west (Exit 1B) in Hinds County will be closed from 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4, until 6 a.m. Friday, June 5.

The temporary closure is needed for paving operations. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, use an alternate route and remain alert while traveling through the area.

For updates, visit MDOTtraffic.com or follow the Mississippi Department of Transportation on social media.

06/02/2026

The Mississippi Republican Party will hold its 2026 MSGOP Lincoln-Reagan-Trump Gala on Thursday, June 4 at the Sheraton Refuge Hotel in Flowood. The VIP Reception will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the dinner program at 7:00 p.m.

Headlining the event will be U.S. Senator and gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Republican National Committee Co-Chair K.C. Crosbie of Kentucky.

“The Mississippi Republican Party is excited to be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our great country at our upcoming statewide gala,” said Mike Hurst, Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party. “We are thrilled to hear from two national stars in the Republican Party – Senator Tommy Tuberville and RNC Co-Chair K.C. Crosby – who are leading conservative efforts both on Capitol Hill and throughout our nation as we seek to elect more Republicans and make America even better. Thursday will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for Republicans, and a very special night to remember for all Mississippians.”

06/02/2026

Most people driving through Corinth probably have no idea they are passing one of the most important railroad crossroads of the Civil War.

By Meredith Biesinger, Magnolia Tribune     Most people driving through Corinth probably have no idea they are passing one of the most important railroad crossroads of the Civil War. And honestly, that’s hard to imagine now. These days, Corinth feels busy in the best small-town Mississippi way. ...

06/01/2026

Today (June 1, 2026), the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, Mississippi College, officially changes its name to Mississippi Christian University.

  Today (June 1, 2026), the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, Mississippi College, officially changes its name to Mississippi Christian University.     MC President Blake Thompson said the University’s new name is a strategic, forward-looking decision that better reflects the sch...

06/01/2026

Mississippi Democratic Party chairman and State Rep. Cheikh Taylor has been accepted to attend the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s premier institutions for strategic leadership and national security studies.

The U.S. Army War College has educated military leaders, government officials, and strategic thinkers for more than a century. Admission to the program is highly selective and reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to public service.

“This opportunity represents far more than personal achievement,” said Taylor. “It is an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in strategic planning, crisis management, organizational leadership, national security, and public policy. The lessons learned at the Army War College will strengthen my ability to serve the people of Mississippi and help prepare our communities for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

(Photo from Cheikh Taylor on Facebook)

05/29/2026

Jackson State University broke ground on a new state-of-the-art dining facility on Tuesday supported by legislative and auxiliary funds that will cost approximately $21.7 million dollars.

The Tiger Dining Hall is slated for completion in summer 2027 and will accommodate up to 550 guests, offering a customizable dining space for students to study, engage with peers in between classes, and eat fresh, healthy food options.

The Tiger Dining Hall will transform areas such as JSU’s former Department of Public Safety building and surrounding parking lots into a beautiful 26,000 square foot facility that connects to the JSU Student Center.

Photo: Rendering of JSU new dining facility (From JSU)

05/29/2026

The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with a black death row inmate from Mississippi who claimed the makeup of the jury that convicted him was racially biased.

https://www.themississippimonitor.com/u-s-supreme-court-sends-mississippi-death-row-inmates-appeal-back-to-fifth-circuit/

By Frank Corder, Magnolia Tribune     The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with a black death row inmate from Mississippi who claimed the makeup of the jury that convicted him was racially biased. Per court documents, in 2004, two black teenagers, Terry Pitchford and Eric Bullins, robbed a grocery sto...