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Auburn signees highlight Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game

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Auburn signees highlight Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game


Auburn signees highlight Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game

MOBILE, Ala. — The 2024 edition of the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game week continues on Wednesday as blue-chip talent from both states took the field before arriving on college campuses nationwide.

Rivals will be live on-site with daily updates from practices throughout the week — with the annual contest set to kick off at noon CT on Saturday, December 14 from Hancock Whitney Stadium on South Alabama’s campus.

Top performers from Day 2 of All-Star practice were headlined by several Auburn signees like Anquon Fegans. and Jared Smith.

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Here’s more from Rivals National Recruiting Analysts John Garcia, Jr. and Sam Spiegelman:

FOUR-STAR SAF ANQUON FEGANS – AUBURN SIGNEE

Anquon Fegans saw action at multiple positions in the secondary during Day 2 of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practices. The Auburn signee out of Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson is at his best working in the slot and also over the top. Fegans is sticky in coverage with plus quickness and instincts patrolling the back end of the defense. Fegans showed extremely well in coverage in various reps throughout Wednesday’s action, earning at least one interception and breaking up other passes along the way.

FOUR-STAR DE JARED SMITH – AUBURN SIGNEE

Jared Smith has continued to be a force off the edge of the Alabama All-Star defensive line. Smith is a physical EDGE defender with outstanding length and a massive wingspan, which presents ample issues for opposing offenses. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Smith is a dangerous pass-catcher with the reach to impact plays even if he can’t reach the quarterback. Smith provides consistent pressure off the edge and has a knack for completely derailing offensive plans, which continued into Day 2 of practices.

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FOUR-STAR OT CARDE SMITH – COLORADO SIGNEE

Carde Smith continues to check off boxes as a pass-protector. The uber-athletic offensive tackle from Mobile (Ala.) Williamson inked with Colorado this month, where he’ll have a chance to compete for playing time early. Smith saw action at both tackle spots and shined working on the right side. Smith is fluid dropping back in pass sets and plays with excellent leverage. He’s bendy with great feet. He certainly has the tools and the frame to develop into a very solid tackle in pass pro and run blocker.

FOUR-STAR DE ZION GRADY – OHIO STATE SIGNEE

Zion Grady enjoyed his best day of practice on South Alabama’s campus during Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practices. The top-100 DE who inked with Ohio State was twitchy working off the edge and consistently conjured up splash plays in one-on-ones as well as in the live portion of workouts. Grady plays a major chip on his shoulder and comes downhill in a hurry. The four-star DE has power rush moves that became more and more devastating and effective as workouts went on.

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FOUR-STAR DL MALIK AUTRY – AUBURN SIGNEE

Malik Autry packs so much athleticism and power in a 6-foot-6, 320-pound frame. The four-star Auburn signee pops off the ball and is bouncy working inside of the defensive line. During Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practices, Autry was a handful to contain. His explosive first step and ability to generate a pass rush from the middle of the defensive line set the stage for big splash plays behind the line of scrimmage, which has been his M.O. during this week of practices so far.

FOUR-STAR OT TYLER MILLER – LSU SIGNEE

Tyler Miller is a brick wall manning the left tackle spot for the Mississippi All-Star Team. The massive OL is nimble and is immensely powerful. We love Miller’s frame and athletic profile. During Day 2 of practice, Miller shined in pass protection again and was unshakable in one-on-ones with one misstep during Wednesday’s action. Overall, the four-star OL from from Laurel (Miss.) High School plays with good leverage and has immense power to contain rushers off the edge. The LSU signee is one of the most intriguing prospects at a premium position in this 2025 cycle.

FOUR-STAR OL MAL WALDREP – ALABAMA SIGNEE

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Mal Waldrep is working multiple offensive line spots this week but he has settled at left tackle for the primary unit for the all-star team. While it may not be where he projects best at the next level, there is a high-floor feel with his game. Waldrep is game for a scrap at the point of contact and he anchors well thereafter. When defenders try to beat him with speed, he has no issue redirecting with his balance and base. The 300-pounder continues to work as the safest bet among the offensive linemen, most of which are also committed within the Power 4 ranks.

FOUR-STAR LB TYLER LOCKHART – MISSISSIPPI STATE SIGNEE

Our first few in-person evaluations of Tyler Lockhart have been eye-catching. The dynamic hybrid defender from Mississippi fires off the ball at a high clip and plays downhill off the edge. He plays like a man on fire, which gives defensive coordinator added firepower on crucial downs. Lockhart has been excellent rushing from a two-point stance and closing quickly. He’s also been a force defending the run and doing his best damage playing in the box.

FOUR-STAR QB DEUCE KNIGHT – AUBURN SIGNEE

Deuce Knight has been the driving force of the Lucedale (Miss.) George County offense for years. The dynamic quarterback headed to the Plains has continued to shine with his quick delivery and outstanding decision-making. That was on display during Day 2 of Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practice. Knight ripped throws to multiple levels of the field and impressed with the timing on several passes. The future Tiger always possesses the threat of running the football or extending plays in his back pocket. At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, his mobility is an X-factor that will haunt defensive coordinators in the SEC for years to come. Knight has elevated his game to such great heights over the past few years.

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FOUR-STAR SAF ERIC WINTERS –  AUBURN SIGNEE

Eric Winters continues to showcase his versatility, even in this setting with so many elite athletes lined up all over the placer. In our viewing, he has worked anywhere from off-ball linebacker to sub defender (nickel) all the way to deep safety and he has found success in each spot. Winters looks to be around 205 pounds and despite being the largest secondary player, he moves about as well as any from a lateral and transition standpoint, allowing him to cover speedy backs and slot types alike. Winters is quite comfortable in space and his closing speed allows for wide-ranging responsibility in zone looks, too.



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Mississippi

Mississippi non-farm employment reaches record high for May

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Mississippi non-farm employment reaches record high for May


JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Gov. Tate Reeves said Mississippi’s total nonfarm employment reached a new all-time high in May, topping 1.19 million jobs.

The state said the number shows its economic development strategy is working. Workforce leaders said the job market includes opportunities for people who are unemployed or looking for better-paying work.

Workforce leaders point to training options

Blaise King, director of strategy and alignment for Accelerate Mississippi, said job seekers should not let timelines or a lack of skills keep them from pursuing work.

“Not everything has to be a degree. It can be short-term training that can get you into work quickly and making good money,” King said.

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King said Mississippi is seeing strong demand for construction jobs, driven in part by new data centers coming to the state. He said those jobs can lead to long-term careers.

“Someone could very easily have a career in the construction trades and move up beyond manual labor to the project manager and things like that to really have a high quality of life for them, for their family, and contribute back to society,” King said.

Advanced manufacturing is also a high-priority occupational sector.

Employers looking for skills and commitment

John McKay, president and CEO of the Mississippi Business Alliance, said opportunities exist across job sectors.

“There’s really no sector where there’s no opportunity,” McKay said.

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McKay said companies are willing to invest in workers who show commitment.

“They’re willing to put that money on the line because they are really there. There’s a deep need for skilled people who can come in and kind of be ready on day one, and they’re willing to invest that capital in that,” McKay said.

McKay said soft skills can help job seekers get started.

“I will say that employers are most excited about an individual that has the drive and determination to show up to work every day and put in the effort. And so if your problem is you think you have a lack of skill or education, do not let that be a barrier,” McKay said.

While opportunities exist statewide, unemployment rates show an uneven distribution of economic success. The rates range from a low of 2.5% in Rankin County to a high of 8.8% in Issaquena County.

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11 indicted in $12.3 million Mississippi Medicaid fraud scheme, AG says

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11 indicted in .3 million Mississippi Medicaid fraud scheme, AG says


JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Eleven people have been indicted in connection with an alleged Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $12.3 million.

This according to Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, who said the indictments involve allegations of fraudulent billing, wire fraud, and/or false documentation seeking to defraud the government.

All 11 charged include:

  • Isluv Robertson, 36, of Jackson
  • Shawncee Vassar-Cunningham, 51, of Olive Branch
  • Katricia Smith, 47, of Olive Branch
  • Sheila Boney Collins, 53, of Hollandale
  • Ahyana Nicole Crosby, 34, of Laurel
  • Angela Nannette Crosby, 51, of Laurel
  • Yolanda Evette Blackman, 54, of Hattiesburg
  • Linda Jenkins, 46, of Hermanville
  • Deja Almore, 30, of Yazoo City
  • Curtis Moore, 51, of Gulfport
  • Taylor Christian Rushing, 34, of Gautier

Officials said the defendants are accused of participating in health care fraud schemes involving more than $6.5 billion in intended loss.

“These indictments are just the latest efforts we are taking to fight waste, fraud, and corruption,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I am proud to partner with President Trump to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that money meant to help those in need is not stolen from safety net programs. I will remain laser-focused on rooting out fraud, recovering money wrongfully stolen from hard-working taxpayers, and holding fraudsters accountable.”

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Governor: At least 47 homes, 50 roads damaged by Mississippi storms, flooding – SuperTalk Mississippi

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Governor: At least 47 homes, 50 roads damaged by Mississippi storms, flooding – SuperTalk Mississippi


Gov. Tate Reeves has released updated damage assessments following the severe weather and flooding that inundated parts of southern Mississippi last week.

According to Reeves, assessments through the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are ongoing, and disaster aid is still being distributed through a mix of federal, state, and local agencies, along with nonprofits. But numbers as of Monday morning showed dozens of homes and businesses damaged and even more public roads affected.

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Among the counties with significant impacts are Covington, Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River, Perry and Stone. Across those counties and others, at least 47 homes were affected, seven of which were completely destroyed. Nine businesses sustained damaged, six of which are considered major. One farm sustained major damage.

A Harrison County roadway is flooded by the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur on Friday, June 19, 2026. (Photo by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette via SuperTalk Mississippi News)

50 public roadways were affected, including four that are considered major and four that were completely destroyed. Two bridges sustained major damage, while two public buildings sustained minor damage.

Reeves said two rivers are in the moderate flood stage – Leaf River near McClain and the Pascagoula River at Graham Ferry.

15 other waterways are in the minor flood stage: Big Black River near Bentonia, Biloxi River near Lyman, Chickasawhay River at Enterprise, Chickasawhay River at Leakesville, East Hobolochitto Creek near Caesar, Pascagoula River at Merrill, Pearl River at Jackson, Pearl River near Pearl River, Pearl River near Philadelphia, Pearl River at Rockport, Strong River at D’Lo, Tallahala Creek at Laurel, Tuscolameta Creek at Laurel, West Hobolochitto Creek near McNeill, and Wolf River around Gulfport.

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A sinkhole caused by flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur is seen in Covington County on Friday, June 19, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Covington County Emergency Management Agency)

Damage reports could have worsened on Monday with additional rounds of severe weather in some parts of the state. The worst of the storms and floods came with the remnants of what was Tropical Storm Arthur late last week and into the weekend.



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