Mississippi

Watson: Mississippi Students: Not Just A Number | DeSoto County News

Published

2 years ago

June 8, 2024

Watson: Mississippi Students: Not Just A Number | DeSoto County News

By Michael Watson, Mississippi Secretary of State

There continues to be an increase of focus on the causes and effects of the “brain drain” on Mississippi’s youth. This includes an oversaturation of data attempting to quantify the issues and solutions. While I enjoying “wonking” out on policy with the best wonks, the more I consider this topic, the more I believe the answer starts with something very simple.

Since assuming the role of Secretary of State, I have traveled Mississippi speaking to numerous groups of all ages. As I reflect on the speech topics and discussions, a consistent theme emerges– our high school and college students are some of the most passionate, engaged, and sincere Mississippians in the state. Contradictory to the narrative we hear, I believe this population truly loves Mississippi and her people.

So, what gives?

The real question is– does Mississippi reciprocate this sentiment? Yes, it is easy to say we must stop the brain drain while dealing with abstract theory, but to keep our best and brightest home, it is not just talking about what makes Mississippi great or what should change. We must focus on our youngest generation as individuals, not just a number. To show we truly care, we must invest on a personal level.

It reminds me of the video we filmed during my 2019 campaign for Secretary of State. Sitting at my daughter’s miniature table with teacups in hand, we had a simple conversation regarding my election. While we may have been filming this for a commercial, the concept still resonates. Our children and youth want us to meet them where they are, look them in the eye, and have real conversations.

Although our newest programs at the Secretary of State’s Office may not be politically expedient, they are by far some of my favorites and most rewarding. Through the SOS Student Ambassador program, our Jackson Public School Summit, and the Promote the Vote program, we have the opportunity to invest in young Mississippians through civic engagement while fostering heartfelt relationships. We have been able to say, “We see you, and we hear you!”

By creating these interactions, we give our students a voice and understanding they are part of the big picture. Not only does it engage them civically, but it creates a long-term investment in hopes of them settling roots to continue calling Mississippi “home.”

As I often discuss with our students, growing up as a preacher’s son came with the heavy burden of following in my father’s footsteps. I knew I was drawn to public service but did not feel led to ministry. Through a conversation with one of my own mentors, I realized I could serve others from any position or profession.

Despite “wonking” out on policy and being a statewide elected official, I am truly grateful God has given me a platform to connect with and mentor Mississippi’s future leaders. I also encourage each of you reading this to use your status and positions to positively influence this young generation. Through genuine and transparent interactions, we will make a difference in their lives and ensure Mississippi’s prosperity for years to come.

Note: This article is written by Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson. Any opinions expressed are that of the author and not necessarily that of this publication.

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Mississippi

Powerball ticket worth $2 million sold in Mississippi

Published

2 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Press Room

Powerball ticket worth million sold in Mississippi

Check your Powerball tickets. One sold in Mississippi is worth at least $2 million.

Across the U.S., at least 91 lottery tickets won $1 million in the Wednesday, April 29 drawing, according to the Powerball website.

That includes two tickets that won the jackpot. They were sold in Indiana and Kansas.

The estimated jackpot was $143.4 million ($65.2 million cash prize).

The winning numbers were 3, 19, 35, 51, 67 and Powerball 15. The multiplier was 2x.

Here’s what we know about where the winning ticket was bought, how many tickets are worth at least $1 million and how to file for lottery winnings in Mississippi.

Where was the $2 million Powerball ticket sold in Mississippi?

One ticket in Mississippi matched all five white balls and had the Power Play option. The odds of matching the five white balls is 1 in 11,688,053.52, according to the Powerball website.

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation said the multi-million-dollar-winning ticket was sold at Doc’s Quick Stop Exxon in Byhalia.

27 tickets win $2 million in latest drawing

Just because you didn’t get the Powerball doesn’t mean you didn’t win big.

Twenty-seven tickets matched the five white balls and had the Power Play option to win $2 million each. They were sold in:

Arkansas: 1
Illinois: 1
Indiana: 5
Kansas: 1
Louisiana: 5
Mississippi: 1
New Jersey: 4
Oregon: 3
Pennsylvania : 2
Rhode Island: 1
South Carolina: 1
Wisconsin: 2

How many Powerball tickets are worth $1 million?

Sixty-two tickets matched the five white balls to win $1 million each. They were sold in:

Arkansas: 1
Arizona: 1
California: 1
Georgia: 1
Illinois: 3
Indiana: 14
Kansas: 5
Kentucky: 1
Louisiana: 6
Michigan: 1
Minnesota: 1
Missouri: 1
Nebraska: 2
New Jersey: 14
Oregon: 1
Pennsylvania: 5
Wisconsin: 4

Some are calling Wednesday’s Powerball drawing the luckiest ever.

A news release announcing where jackpot-winning tickets were sold is usually posted to the Powerball website the morning after a drawing. However, a news release related to the Wednesday drawing winners had not been posted as of 1 p.m. Thursday, April 30.

Can you claim a lottery jackpot anonymously in Mississippi? How?

Yes, Mississippi lets lottery winners claim a jackpot of any size anonymously.

Mississippi Lottery won’t disclose your identity without written permission.

I won the lottery in Mississippi! How do I get my money?

The Mississippi Lottery advises people to sign the back of their winning ticket immediately.

If your prize is less than $600, you can claim that at any place that sells Mississippi Lottery tickets.

If you win $600-$99,999, you can claim by mail or by going to the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters in Flowood.

All prizes more than $100,000 must be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters.

What are the rules to claim a Powerball prize?

Powerball prizes must be claimed within one year from the date of the drawing.

Powerball jackpot winners may choose to receive their prize as an annuity, paid in 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or a lump-sum payment. Both advertised prize options are prior to federal and jurisdictional taxes, according to the Powerball website.

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Mississippi

Mississippi man charged with killing mother, allegedly flushing her remains down toilet

Published

14 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi man charged with killing mother, allegedly flushing her remains down toilet

A Mississippi man is charged with killing his mother after authorities allegedly found him trying to flush pieces of her flesh down a toilet in what a local sheriff called one of “the most heinous crimes that I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life.”

Zachary Lavel Jackson Jr., 29, faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, mayhem and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his mother, Lana Brown Bradley, 62, a retired teacher.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said deputies initially responded April 4 to Bradley’s home in Natchez, after her relatives reported her missing.

Jackson was initially identified as a family member of Bradley before investigators confirmed he was her son.

“This is by far the most heinous crime that I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life. We weren’t out there that day; this was one of those things when we walked up. This was one of those cases that you will never, ever forget in your life. This is the type of case that follows you home,” Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten told WJTV.

Deputies were called to Bradley’s home after her oldest son could not reach her the previous day. Two of Bradley’s other sons lived with her.

“As soon as they walked in the house, they could just see where somebody had been cleaning up, and they could smell chemicals all throughout the house. Floor was extremely slippery. And the older son said that this is just unusual for the youngest son to be cleaning up the house like that,” Patten explained.

Zachary Lavel Jackson Jr., 29, has been charged with first and second-degree murder, mayhem, and tampering with evidence in connection with his mother’s death, Lana Brown Bradley, 62, a retired teacher. Adams County Sheriff’s Office

Jackson, the youngest son, was found in a bathroom where deputies allegedly saw a black substance in the toilet.

“I can say what was in the toilet, and it was her flesh. He chopped her up in pieces and dismembered her in a way that whoever came looking for her would have to do their due diligence to find her, and that’s just what we did,” the sheriff said.

Authorities stated that Jackson had allegedly placed his mother’s body parts in a suitcase and flushed the rest down the toilet after dismembering her.

Lana Brown Bradley wearing a black cowboy hat with a blue and gold — Jackson Jr. allegedly tried to flush pieces of his mother’s flesh down the toilet in what a local sheriff said was one of “the most heinous crimes that I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life.” Facebook / Lana Bradley

Bradley had threatened to evict her son from the home, according to the sheriff, who cited interviews with family members stating that Jackson was mentally unstable.

However, Patten noted that Jackson was “very calculating” when he allegedly committed the crime.

“He had threatened her the day before because she was looking to have him evicted from the home. She was in the process of doing so and had just gone to court the day before to have him removed from the home,” Patten explained.

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