A group of Mississippi residents is claiming the state's process for choosing its governor is racist. In a federal lawsuit filed yesterday, four black Mississippians claim the process intentionally discriminates against African Americans. Currently, candidates for governor must win both a majority of the popular vote and a majority of the state's 122 House districts. Most states in the U.S. require a simple majority vote. The lawsuit is backed by the National Democratic Redistricting Committee which is headed by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. The group wants a judge to block the process for this year's elections.
Hurricane Season begins tomorrow…now is the time to get your hurricane supplies in order. It's also a good idea to check your flood insurance coverage, and discuss what you would do in the event of a hurricane with family.
Louisiana's Governor John Bel Edwards has signed a strict abortion ban into law. The new law prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is usually after about six weeks of pregnancy. It does not include an exception for rape or incest, but does allow for exceptions if the mother's life is at risk. The law will only take effect if a similar law in Mississippi is upheld in federal court.
Ole Miss and Mississippi State open up NCAA Baseball Championship action today. The Rebels clash with Jacksonville State today in Oxford. Mississippi State is hosting a regional in Starkville and faces off with Southern today. The winners of the double-elimination regional round will advance to the Super Regionals.
The jackpots for this weekend's Mega Millions and Powerball drawings are growing to nearly 800 million dollars combined. There was no winner in Wednesday's Powerball drawing, meaning that jackpot is expected to reach 350-million for Saturday's lottery. Friday's Mega Millions jackpot is expected to hit 444 million. The cash option for Mega Millions is more than 281 million and the cash option for Powerball is 221 million. The odds of winning are more than 292-million-to-one.
The FDA is holding a public hearing on cannabis and products like cannabidiol, or CBD. The use of CBD is growing like gangbusters with countless products from oils to edibles entering the market. They're marketed as treating a range of conditions, from anxiety to skin problems. While CBD doesn't get people high, its effects and safety haven't clearly been studied. The hearing today will provide input from doctors, consumers and producers and could be a first step toward eventual regulation.
WEEKEND EVENTS:
The 14th annual Red, White, and Blueberry Festival kicks off this weekend in downtown Ocean Springs.The festival is always a good time for families with live music, free ice cream, as well as all things blueberry. There will also be blueberry growers and cooking demonstrations.The event kicks off Saturday at 10 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m.
Get to know Republican candidates for Mississippi and Jackson County offices before the August 6 Primary election. Jackson County Republican Executive Committee is hosting an old time political rally Saturday, June1 at Indian Point RV Resort, Gautier beginning at 11:00 AM. The public is invited to this free event where food and drinks will be sold and campaign literature will be available.