Mississippi

Is the Mississippi Miracle real despite the state continuing to rank low in education?

Published

2 years ago

March 3, 2024

Is the Mississippi Miracle real despite the state continuing to rank low in education?

Click on any list ranking states by education quality, and Mississippi will most likely appear dead last or close to last.

Mississippi, a state facing financial and other barriers, has historically been branded as a low-education region.

However, some experts believe the typical ranking methods are not a good indicator of education in Mississippi.

The Mississippi Miracle

State leaders including Gov. Tate Reeves often tout the “Mississippi Miracle,” a name given to the rise in literacy scores in Mississippi in recent decades.

The idea of the Mississippi Miracle seems undermined by data presented in many rankings and studies.

A recent study conducted by Smart Teacher, ranked Mississippi 35th out of states with the best education systems. The study gave each state a score from one to 100 based on several different factors, all of which used data from nationalreportcard.gov.

Mississippi earned 36.27 out of 100. The same study concluded that the average Mississippian visits a library only twice a year and determined the average yearly high school dropout rate is 6.8%.

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What experts say

Jeff Gagne, director of policy analysis for the Southern Regional Education Board, believes other states should actually look to Mississippi as an example.

“They are leaders in the nation on early grades literacy,” Gagne said.

Gagne said researchers and analysts in the SREB often don’t look at state test scores since the scores are not easily comparable across state lines.

Instead, Gagne pointed to National Association of Educational Procurement scores, since those tests are federally regulated.

The NAEP places test takers into three categories: below basic, basic and proficient and advanced.

In 2017, the SREB went back to look at NAEP data starting in 2007.

Gagne, who has done extensive research on Mississippi education, said what the data shows is a steady increase.

“(Mississippi was) pushing all performance categories up,” Gagne said. “You see the percentage of students in ‘below basic’ decreasing while you see the percentage in ‘proficient’ increasing.”

In addition, Gagne said the word “miracle” is not entirely accurate. Instead, the uptick in test numbers and proficiency rates is the result of a carefully planned and effort-driven method put in place nearly three decades ago.

“You’ve got to have data to inform policy and practice and you’ve got to pay attention to that data,” Gagne said. “If it goes on the report and sits on a shelf, it’s not doing anybody any good. And, Mississippi did a great job of using their data to continue to inform how they needed to change things.”

Gagne credits the steady rise to the Barksdale Reading Institute which partnered with the state in 1998 and to the work of former Mississippi Superintendent of Education Carey Wright.

“Mississippi is the first state in the nation back in ’98 to require their colleges of (education) to include a second early grades prep reading course for prospective teachers,” Gagne said.

In addition, Gagne pointed to Wright’s accomplishments including how she “set about hiring contractors to provide professional learning to every veteran teacher out in a classroom in the state of Mississippi.”

SREB President Stephen L. Pruitt shared similar sentiments, saying analyzing state and local data in important to understand progress, not just rankings.

“Mississippi has made great gains and drawn national recognition in the area of reading and genuinely serves as a model for other states. This is about continual growth and progress, and all states, including Mississippi, have more work to do,” Pruitt said. “This is not like ranking sports teams. Education rankings make choices about what they measure, and it’s important to know what you’re counting.”

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Will Mississippi start rising through the ranks?

If Mississippi is indeed improving steadily, will the state place better in national studies in the years to come?

It’s not that clear cut.

Gagne said if the current progress continues, Mississippi might shed the stereotype. However, it all depends on the decisions made in the years to come, especially when it comes to early education.

“We keep telling states, ‘Don’t reinvent the wheel,’” Gagne said. “We know what works. We know what the research says. When I hear a policy maker say, ‘If we only knew what works.’ No. We know what works for a lot of things. The problem is we don’t have the political will or the wisdom to do what the research tells us.”

Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 15, 2025

Published

4 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 15, 2025

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 15, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

07-10-24-28-33

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 3-5-7, FB: 6

Evening: 5-8-0, FB: 0

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 5-5-2-5, FB: 6

Evening: 3-1-0-9, FB: 0

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 15 drawing

Midday: 08

Evening: 08

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Mississippi

Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? What MS law says about wild, exotic pets

Published

17 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Want a hippopotamus for Christmas? What MS law says about wild, exotic pets

Mississippi requires a permit to own certain exotic animals considered “inherently dangerous,” such as hippos, big cats and bears.
Permit applicants must be at least 21, have experience with the species and carry liability insurance of at least $100,000 per animal.
Annual permit costs vary by species, ranging from $75 for canids to $300 for animals like elephants and tigers.
It is illegal in Mississippi to keep wild native species, such as deer or raccoons, as pets.

If you want a hippopotamus for Christmas, there are some hurdles to legal and responsible pet ownership in Mississippi.

There are plenty of exotic species, like birds, reptiles and rodents that are considered safe pets. They can be bought next to cat and dog supplies at pet stores and exotic animal shows.

But some people, only a hippopotamus will do. Baby hippos, like Fiona and Moo Deng, can make the species look cute and, well, manageable. (The same can be said of many species that can grow up to be a menace, like baby big cats.) And as much as the song pleads, a garage isn’t the best home for a hippo hero.

Mississippi has laws about owning pets that are considered inherently dangerous, like monkeys or wild dog species. If you’re planning to get an exotic animal as a pet, it helps to know which animals are on the list. If you want to give an unusual species as a Christmas gift, be sure the new owner can meet the criteria so they won’t end up in a tricky legal situation.

Colt Mooney, Exotic Species Program leader of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said animals on the list aren’t totally banned in a previous interview with the Clarion Ledger. But owners have to apply for a permit and meet several requirements.

And permitting isn’t a one-and-done process. There will be an annual follow up, and it could get expensive over the lifetime of the animal. That’s not even accounting for the costs of specialty veterinary care.

Here’s what to know about which dangerous animals you need a permit for in Mississippi, whether you can own a wild animal native to the Magnolia State and what the permitting process requires and costs.

Can I own an exotic pet in Mississippi?

Yes, but you have to have a permit for certain species, like big cats, bears and primates.

It’s illegal to sell, give, deliver, or transfer an animal on the state’s list of dangerous animals unless the recipient has a permit or is an exempt organization.

“It’s mostly due to their ability to inflict damage if something goes wrong,” Mooney said. “The potential is always there.

“They’re not pets. All it takes is one slip-up, one moment, to cause a life-threatening incident.”

What exotic animals do I need a permit for in Mississippi?

The state defines several animals as “inherently dangerous,” including elephants, rhinoceroses, African buffaloes and, yes, hippopotamuses.

If those sound like large pets, there are plenty of small primates and carnivores on the list too. (Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!)

Carnivoras:

Wolves, including crosses between wolves and domestic animals
Jackals
Dingos
Red dogs
African hunting dogs
Bears (all species)
Wolverines
Hyenas (all species)
Lions
Tigers
Jaguars
Leopards
Cheetahs
Cougars (all sub-species)

Primates:

Gibbons
Orangutans
Chimpanzees
Siamangs
Gorillas
Macaques
Mandrils
Baboons

What do Mississippi exotic animal permits cover?

Each permit is good for one year, according to information from the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It’s only for the species specified, and a permit is needed for each animal.

At base level, applicants must:

Be at least 21 years old with no convictions involving wildlife offenses or cruelty to animals within the past 3 years
Have 2 years of experience with care and handling of the species or be able to pass a DWFP test on biology, diet, health care and habit needs
Have a plan to quickly and safely capture the animal if it escapes, including how to put it down or kill it if it can’t be caught

Personal permits don’t cover exhibiting the animal, like making money by showing it at a fair or appearing at parties. They must have a full-time caretaker on the grounds where the animal will be kept. Applicants must have a letter from a vet stating that all the owner’s pets are vaccinated and receive yearly care. Proof of liability insurance of $100,000 per animal and up to $1 million is also required.

If your own version of Cousin Eddie wants to start a petting zoo, don’t buy him animals. At least not until he has the permits.

Public zoos have multiple criteria to meet, including being the designated zoo of a town or city and being accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

Zoos and exhibitors must hold a USDA Class “C” Exhibitor’s License. Exhibitors also have other extensive requirements.

Rehabbers and sanctuaries also have conditions. Like they can’t make a profit from exhibiting, breeding or selling the animals. They also must have 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt status and meet state and federal permitting requirements.

How much do dangerous animal permits cost in Mississippi?

According to MDWFP, the personal permit cost depends on the type of animal:

Canids (wolves, jackals, etc.): $75
Primates (gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, etc.): $150
All species of bears: $200
Big cats (lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, etc.): $300
Wolverines: $300
Hyenas: $300
Elephants: $300
Rhinoceroses: $300
Hippopotamuses: $300
African buffalo: $300

Exhibitor fees range from $100 for up to 30 days or $300 for up to a year.

How do I apply to get a permit?

Email Colt.Mooney@wfp.ms.gov or call MDWFP at 601-432-2199.

Some organizations, like “public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, exhibitors, and rehabilitation/sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit,” according to the commission. MDWFP or the commission would have to approve the exemption.

Can I keep a wild animal as a pet in Missississippi?

There are several wild animals native to Mississippi, like deer, raccoons and opossums. The state does not allow people to keep wild native species as pets.

“They’re a public resource that’s held in trust by the state, or public, to enjoy,” Mooney said. “It’s the people of Mississippi’s animals.”

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 14, 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 14, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

10-18-19-20-22

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 7-7-0, FB: 6

Evening: 1-8-0, FB: 1

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 0-4-0-4, FB: 6

Evening: 3-0-5-9, FB: 6

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 14 drawing

Midday: 02

Evening: 15

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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