Mississippi

Civil rights leader John Perkins to lie in state at Jackson City Hall

Published

2 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Civil rights leader John Perkins to lie in state at Jackson City Hall

Civil rights leader John Perkins will lie in state at Jackson City Hall on Friday, March 20, in honor of his life, legacy and service to the city.

Jackson Mayor John Horhn announced the tribute in a press release Tuesday, March 16. Perkins will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a police motorcade escort to New Horizon Church International where a wake will be held at 5 p.m.

“Dr. John Perkins was one of the moral giants of our time, and our city is grieving his loss. He poured his life into the work of justice, reconciliation, and community, and Jackson is better because he chose to make this city his home,” Horhn said. “What I will remember most about Dr. Perkins is that he never gave up on people, and he never gave up on this city. On behalf of the City of Jackson, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Dr. Vera Mae Perkins, to the Perkins family, to the Foundation, and to all who were shaped by his teaching and his example. As we mourn his passing, we also commit ourselves to carrying his work forward.”

Perkins died Friday, March 13 at his home under hospice care surrounded by his family members. He was 95. A leader of the civil rights movement, Perkins and his wife, Vera Mae Perkins, would start what would become one of Mississippi’s first Head Start programs. The pair also led the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation. He also authored several books and was honored with almost 20 honorary doctorate degrees and many awards for his service, including the Mississippi Medal of Service in 2010.

Perkins’ homegoing celeebration is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21 at New Horizon Church International with Horhn paying tribute. Other speakers announced include Perkins’ pastors and “Equal Justice Initiative founder Bryan Stevenson, pastor and author Rick Warren, senior pastor Tony Evans, pastor and broadcaster David Anderson, and U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson.

The service will be livestreamed on Youtube, which you can find at this link.

The internment is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, March 22, at Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in New Hebron, where Perkins was born. Instead of sending flowers, Perkins’ family asks that people donate to his foundation’s work at jvmpf.org/donate.

Charlie Drape is the Jackson beat reporter. You can contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

Mississippi fans can now vote for Daniel Stallworth on ‘American Idol’ – SuperTalk Mississippi

Published

14 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi fans can now vote for Daniel Stallworth on ‘American Idol’ – SuperTalk Mississippi

Mississippi residents have a chance to help a homegrown talent become the second consecutive winner of ABC singing competition “American Idol.”

Daniel Stallworth, a 27-year-old from Moss Point, is looking to join Meridian’s Jamal Roberts in the win column after Roberts captured the title in season 23. Season 24 resumes Monday night with Stallworth among the top 20 contestants.

But from this point forward, Stallworth will need the viewers to advance.

For the first time this season, fans will be able to vote for who they want to move on in the competition. Traditional voting methods – online and through text message (text 4 to 21523) – will be available. It will also be the first time a reality competition has made the leap to social voting, meaning fans can vote in the comments on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

“You can vote up to 10 times on each platform for a total of 50 times per person, and when voting in the comments on social media, please make sure to spell my name correctly. All you need is my first name,” Stallworth said with a laugh. “But I’m looking forward to Monday and I’m looking forward to the support.”

Even though fans haven’t been able to vote up until this point in the competition, Stallworth says the support he’s received behind the scenes from his hometown and alma mater, Alcorn State University, has been “so encouraging.”

“Moss Point, from day one, has been standing by me even before this ‘American Idol’ journey,” Stallworth said. “They’ve shown their love and support the whole time. They always show me how much they love me. So I’m definitely grateful for my home city. Even my college, Alcorn State University, shouted me out after I received the golden ticket.”

Stallworth earned that golden ticket during the season 24 premiere when the elementary school teacher performed a rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Since then, he has taken the stage with “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King and “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

According to him, each song was intentionally chosen to express gratitude for the support he’s received while also offering a glimpse into the challenges of chasing his dream to become the next “Idol” winner.

“Each week, honestly, I try to paint a picture and tell a story from the beginning,” he explained. “With Journey…I wanted to send a message out to anybody who has a hard time believing in themselves or has a hard time with confidence. I try to tell them that no matter what you’re dealing with in your life or no matter how hard you think things are, don’t stop believing. Because there is something inside of you that is great and the world needs to see that.

“With ‘Stand By Me,’ I wanted the people who I know believe in me that as long as you keep believing in me, I want you to stand by me as well. That’s the thing. Even with ‘The Climb,’ this journey in itself has been a climb for sure. I’ve had moments that I was kind of second guessing my vocal ability and second guessing who I am, but I had to remember that I’m telling a story. I can’t stop believing if I’m telling other people to believe.”

Stallworth, who moved to Texas a few months ago to teach music outside of Houston, said he still carries Mississippi with him everywhere he goes – including now, as he competes in Hawaii on one of the nation’s most influential singing competitions.

“American Idol” airs every Monday at 8/7c on ABC.

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Jeff Lebby’s Mississippi State football offseason grades from transfers to staff moves

Published

1 day ago

March 16, 2026

Press Room

Jeff Lebby’s Mississippi State football offseason grades from transfers to staff moves

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football improved by three wins in 2025 in coach Jeff Lebby’s second season.

Now, the Bulldogs aim to make a similar leap as a program that can win multiple SEC games. They haven’t accomplished that since 2022.

Lebby and MSU shook up the coaching staff, especially on defense with Zach Arnett rehired as the new defensive coordinator. MSU also added 23 transfers and signed 30 players in the 2026 recruiting class while it builds around new starting quarterback Kamario Taylor.

Spring practice begins March 17, and here’s how we graded Mississippi State’s offseason so far.

Mississippi State added 23 transfers, missed on Jordan Seaton

The Bulldogs added 23 players from the transfer portal. That’s the ninth most in the SEC. However, the class ranks 15th in the conference and No. 35 nationally, according to 247Sports.

Seven of those transfers are on the offensive line. Mississippi State was able to land a visit from Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, the No. 4 overall player in the transfer portal, but he picked LSU. Seaton alone could’ve propelled MSU’s transfer class from OK to great.

Cornerback is perhaps Mississippi State’s most improved position from the transfer portal. All-SEC cornerback Kelley Jones is back, but MSU needed better corners opposite of him. Iowa State’s Quentin Taylor Jr. could fill that role, while Florida’s Jamroc Grimsley and Syracuse’s Kaylib Singleton could be in the mix, too.

Transfer wide receivers have had success in Lebby’s offense. Missouri’s Marquis Johnson could be the next one.

Grade: C

Mississippi State’s roster retention in transfer portal

Mississippi State’s biggest losses in the transfer portal were at offensive line with Jayvin Q. James, Jimothy Lewis Jr. and Zack Owens leaving. However, the line struggled as a unit and was probably in need of a refurbish.

None of Mississippi State’s best players entered the transfer portal or left early for the NFL draft. That includes players like Taylor, running back Fluff Bothwell and wide receiver Anthony Evans III on offense and Jones, safety Isaac Smith and linebacker Tyler Lockhart on defense.

That’s different from last season when top players like Brice Pollock, Kevin Coleman Jr. and Mario Craver transferred.

Grade: A-

Mississippi State boosted recruiting class before signing day

Mississippi State capitalized on its better season by flipping some late recruits. The Bulldogs’ two highest-rated signees weren’t part of the 2026 recruiting class until the week of early signing day.

Four-star safety Bralan Womack flipped from Auburn to MSU. He was a five-star at the time of his signing, according to the 247Sports Composite, but has since been downgraded. Womack, from Hartfield Academy, ranks as MSU’s ninth-best signing off all time.

The Bulldogs also flipped four-star edge rusher Micah Nickerson of South Pike from Missouri.

The class ranks No. 23 nationally, up five spots from 2025 and six spots from 2024.

Grade: B

Mississippi State coaching staff shaken up for 2026

Lebby hardly made changes to the coaching staff in 2025 but has done a lot more in 2026, mainly with Arnett as the new defensive coordinator.

Other new defensive assistant coaches include Matt Brock (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers), Ty Warren (defensive line), Kevie Thompson (defensive backs/nickels) and Jermauria Rasco (assistant defensive line).

On offense, Mississippi State has a new quarterbacks coach, Kevin Johns, wide receivers coach, Phillip Montgomery, and assistant wide receivers coach, Desmond Lindsey.

The Bulldogs have one opening after safeties coach Matt Barnes left for Maryland, but it’s possible Arnett takes that role since he is not assigned a position.

It should be a big boost for MSU if Arnett can return the defense to where he had it while being the coordinator under coach Mike Leach.

Grade: B+

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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When does Mississippi State football start spring practice? What’s new for 2026

Published

2 days ago

March 15, 2026

Press Room

When does Mississippi State football start spring practice? What’s new for 2026

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football spring practices are beginning soon.

The Bulldogs open spring practice March 17.

MSU is looking to build off its 5-8 record from coach Jeff Lebby’s second season with Kamario Taylor as the new starting quarterback. Success in 2026 could hinge on the defense though with Zach Arnett rehired as the new coordinator.

Here’s what to know about Mississippi State before the Bulldogs begin spring practice.

When does Mississippi State start spring practice?

Mississippi State will hold its first spring practice on Tuesday, March 17.

When is Mississippi State football spring game?

Mississippi State has not announced details about a spring game.

When is Mississippi State’s Pro Day?

Mississippi State’s Pro Day is scheduled for March 27.

Mississippi State football spring practice schedule

Mississippi State has not announced a spring practice schedule, other than that it starts on March 17.

What coaches did Jeff Lebby hire, fire and promote for 2026

Here are Mississippi State’s primary assistants in 2026.

Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett (hired from Florida State to replace Coleman Hutzler, who was fired)
Co-defensive coordinator/LB coach Matt Brock (hired from UConn)
Associate head coach for offense/WR coach Phillip Montgomery (hired from Virgina Tech to replace Chad Bumphis, who was fired)
Assistant head coach/pass game coordinator/RB coach Anthony Tucker
QB coach Kevin Johns (hired from Oklahoma State to replace Matt Holecek, who was not retained)
Run game coordinator/TE coach Jon Cooper
OL coach Phil Loadholt
CB coach Corey Bell
DE and OLB coach Vincent Dancy
DB and nickelbacks coach Kevie Thompson
DL coach Ty Warren
Special teams coordinator Cliff Odom
Strength and conditioning coach Shaud Williams