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Citizen Portal News Mississippi
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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
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Mississippi's Public Service Commission has made a pivotal decision in Atmos Energy's rate case, approving a 9.4% return on equity and a 50-50 capital structure, but what does this mean for consumers?

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#MS #CitizenPortal #RateCaseUpdates #PublicAccountability #EnergyRegulation
PSC adopts final order in Atmos Energy rate case; majority of staff positions approved including 9.4% ROE and 50‑50 capital structure
The commission issued a final order in Atmos Energy's rate case, adopting many public utility staff recommendations including use of a historic test year, a 50‑50 capital structure and a 9.4% return on equity, while also accepting some company proposals such as an incentive compensation program.
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 8:55 AM
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Mississippi schools will now face new safety measures with mandatory annual pressure testing for natural gas systems, including strict deadlines and immediate leak notifications!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MississippiSchools #EnergyRegulation #EducationReform
PSC adopts school natural‑gas pressure‑testing rules tied to recent state law; sets July 15 deadline and immediate leak‑notification requirement
The commission voted to adopt final rules implementing a recent state law requiring annual pressure testing of natural gas piping in schools; key changes included a firm July 15 testing deadline for all schools and a requirement to notify the commission and gas providers immediately when a leak is detected and to notify the provider in writing once
citizenportal.ai
November 13, 2025 at 8:26 AM
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Madison County supervisors have hit pause on Makita's ambitious 625-acre industrial rezoning request after residents raised alarm over health impacts and procedural issues.

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#MadisonCounty #MS #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #PublicHealth #MadisonCountyPlanning
Madison County stalls Makita rezoning after residents raise notice, buffer and health concerns; case sent to planning board
After a lengthy public hearing, Madison County supervisors voted to refer Makita’s rezoning request (about 625 acres from A‑1 to I‑2 and a 110‑foot height variance) to the Planning & Zoning Commission and continued the matter to Jan. 8 amid resident concerns about notice, buffers and potential health and traffic impacts.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 10:03 PM
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The IHL Board just greenlit a groundbreaking 45-year lease for a massive 1,250-bed student housing project at Ole Miss, promising a new era for campus living!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #HigherEducationFunding #PublicPrivatePartnership #StudentHousing #MississippiUniversity
IHL board approves 45‑year ground lease, management deal for 1,250‑bed Ole Miss student housing
The IHL Board approved two University of Mississippi agreements for a 1,250‑bed student housing project: a 45‑year ground lease with PRG Oxford Properties LLC and a management agreement for operations. Board staff described bond financing (~$118.4M), a $212 per‑bed maintenance assessment and PRG’s authority to set rates.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 9:52 PM
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George County High School has proudly maintained its A rating, but board members are demanding deeper insights into student growth and assessment outcomes to ensure every learner succeeds.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #StudentGrowth #AssessmentTools #EducationAccountability
George County School District presents accountability ratings, board presses for more data on assessments
District staff reviewed accountability ratings, reported George County High School retained an A rating and discussed assessment tools (EOS, i-rated); board members requested additional data and site-visit findings to understand growth and proficiency cutoffs.
citizenportal.ai
November 12, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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Marion County schools are on the rise with improving student performance, expanded career programs, and a healthier financial outlook!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #StudentGrowth #CommunityPartnerships #MississippiSchools #EducationReform
Superintendent and school principals report student performance gains, CTE growth
District leaders reported improved finance and food-nutrition balances, rising student growth metrics at elementary schools, and expansion of CTE certifications and dual-enrollment opportunities.
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 5:33 PM
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Exciting upgrades are on the way for Westmere High School's baseball and track fields as the Marion County School Board unanimously approves new lighting and plans for enhanced safety!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MississippiSchools #CommunityDevelopment #EducationReform
School board approves lighting project and selects Option B for track updates, authorizes bids
The Marion County School District board voted unanimously to advertise engineering-led lighting work at the Westmere High baseball field and to approve Option B for track/field updates, directing staff to advertise both projects for bids.
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 5:31 PM
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Harrison County's health plan could face a 10% cost increase, but consultants propose innovative changes that could save up to $800,000!

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#HarrisonCounty #MS #CitizenPortal #HarrisonCountyHealth #PharmacySpending #HealthcareCosts #EmployeeBenefits
County hears detailed health-plan briefing; consultants propose PBM/formulary changes and optional KanaRx program to curb pharmacy spending
Benefits consultants told the board that prescription drugs are a major driver of rising plan costs and proposed a closed formulary plus an optional 'counter health' KanaRx program and PBM arrangements (ProAct) that would charge about $3 per member per month with guaranteed ROI and projected savings of $500,000–$800,000 if participation is high; no
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 12:49 PM
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The Mississippi Department of Education has awarded over $2.9 million in grants to prepare 236 future educators, paving the way for a brighter future in elementary and special education!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #TeacherRetention #CivicAccountability #EducationFunding
MDE: $2.9 million in residency grants will support 236 teacher candidates; Mississippi teacher wins Milken award
The Mississippi Department of Education told the state licensure commission it awarded more than $2.9 million in teacher residency grants to nine institutions, funding up to 236 candidates for elementary and special education licensure. MDE also announced that Mansdale Upper Elementary third-grade teacher Kayla Saxton received the Milken Educator $
citizenportal.ai
November 9, 2025 at 11:03 PM
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Jackson Public Schools is making waves with a $4.4 million investment in career education, expanded college fair access for younger students, and exciting events tied to the upcoming National Folk Festival!

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#MS #CitizenPortal #CulturalOpportunities #MississippiSchools
JPS highlights $4.4 million in Career Development Center upgrades, college fair expansion and National Folk Festival events
Instructional TV and administration highlighted district scholar honors, announced $4,400,000 in upgrades to the Career Development Center, expanded college fair participation to elementary and middle school students, and previewed National Folk Festival activities beginning the following day.
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 2:37 PM
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The Jackson Public School District board made significant leadership changes and approved key agreements in a unanimous special session that could reshape the future of local education.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #JacksonPublicSchools #CivicAccountability #CommunityInvolvement
Votes at a glance: Jackson Public School District special meeting, Nov. 6, 2025
The board approved routine minutes and agenda items, elected officers under the rotation method, retroactively approved a commercial lease, passed consent items for finance, general and personnel, and voted to close for executive session.
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 1:51 PM
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A storm is brewing in DeSoto County as parents and educators demand the resignation of board member Michelle Henley for backing a convicted child offender, shaking the community's trust to its core.

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#MS #CitizenPortal #CommunityTrust #EducationAccountability
Parents and former teachers urge DeSoto County school board to demand resignation after reference letter
Multiple public commenters at the Nov. 6 DeSoto County School District board meeting demanded the resignation of board member Michelle Henley after she submitted a character reference for a person convicted of crimes involving a child. Speakers described the letter as inappropriate for an elected official and said it undermined trust in the board;
citizenportal.ai
November 8, 2025 at 12:27 AM