Mississippi

Leaders throughout Mississippi remember JSU’s Elayne Hayes-Anthony

Published

4 weeks ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Leaders throughout Mississippi remember JSU’s Elayne Hayes-Anthony

Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, a trailblazing journalist and educator, has died at the age of 72.
She served as a longtime professor at Jackson State University and was its acting president in 2023.
Hayes-Anthony broke barriers as the first Black woman to be an anchor, producer, and reporter at WJTV in Jackson.
Mississippi leaders, including the governor and Jackson’s mayor, are remembering her significant contributions to education and media.

Mississippi leaders and educators are remembering Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony as a trailblazing journalist, educator and public servant following news of her death Thursday, March 5.

Hayes-Anthony, a longtime professor and chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Jackson State University and former acting president of the university, spent decades mentoring students and shaping communications education throughout Mississippi.

Jackson State University officials announced her passing in a statement Thursday morning. She was 72. A cause of death was not provided.

Hayes-Anthony served as interim president for eight months in 2023, between former President Thomas Hudson and Marcus Thompson. She became the first Black woman to work as an anchor, producer and reporter at WJTV in Jackson and later spent 17 years as chair of the communications department at Belhaven University. Hayes-Anthony also served as assistant superintendent of communications for Jackson Public Schools and served as the first Black woman and journalism educator to become president of the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters.

Jackson Mayor John Horhn praised Hayes-Anthony in a statement as a “proud daughter of Jackson and a distinguished graduate of Jackson State University who returned home to pour her knowledge back into this community.” Horhn also extended condolences to Hayes-Anthony’s husband, family, colleagues and former students.

“Our city mourns the loss of a trailblazer whose life’s work helped shape generations of communicators, educators, and leaders,” Horhn said in a statement. “As a pioneering journalist and the first African American woman to serve as anchor, producer, and reporter at WJTV-12, she broke barriers in Mississippi media and opened doors for countless Black journalists. Her leadership at Jackson State, from the classroom to the president’s office, reflected her commitment to excellence. Jackson is better because she chose to live, work, and lead here. We honor her legacy, celebrate her remarkable life, and pray for comfort and strength for all who are grieving this tremendous loss.”

Ward 4 Councilman and Jackson City Council President Brian Grizzell, a long time educator and alumnus of JSU, said he remembered Hayes-Anthony from several points in her life and career.

“I remember Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony from several stages of her remarkable journey,” Grizzell said. “I first knew her as a student in Jackson Public Schools, later as a student at Jackson State University, and we reconnected years later during her time serving as acting president of Jackson State University.”

Grizzell called Hayes-Anthony a pioneer in education whose work helped shape the lives of many students across the community.

Longtime Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson, also a JSU alum, honored Hayes-Anthony as a “a trailblazer in every sense of the word.”

See his post on Facebook below:

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves also offered condolences Thursday via X, formerly known as Twitter.

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker also shared the following statement on Hayes-Anthony passing:

“Mississippi has lost a leader and pioneer, my friend Dr. Elayne Anthony. Jackson State benefited from her steady hand during a time of transition. She was revered by its students. The Mississippi Association of Broadcasters recognized her leadership by electing her chair. Elayne’s legacy of kindness, servant-leadership, and community service will impact generations to come.”

Investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell reflected on Hayes-Anthony’s impact on journalism in Mississippi.

“What a loss. Dr. Anthony was truly a champion for journalism. Her work produced so many talented journalists we have today in Mississippi and beyond,” Mitchell said.

State Rep. Zakiya Summers and Sen. David Blount, both of whom represent parts of Jackson in the Mississippi Legislature, also paid tribute to Hayes-Anthony.

Officials with the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi State Board of Health also shared condolences, noting Hayes-Anthony served on the Board of Health for nearly two decades.

“I personally grieve the loss of a very important Mississippian who cared deeply about education at all levels, public health, and very importantly the need for the health of our population to improve,” said Dan Edney, state health officer and executive director of the Mississippi State Department of Health. “She was a strong supporter of MSDH and for my work as State Health Officer and was one of our greatest cheerleaders. Her passing is a loss to public health and higher education leadership, but her service has helped to make our state a better place.”

Lucius Lampton, chairman of the Board of Health, said Hayes-Anthony’s service on the board began in 2007.

“Dr. Elayne Anthony’s long service on the Board of Health, which began in 2007, was exceptional and benefited the public’s health in countless ways. She led always with intellect, creativity and integrity. The Board of Health and our agency will so miss her gracious presence. I also will miss her dear friendship.”

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

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Mississippi

Rapper Afroman plans 3 Mississippi shows. When, where to see new tour

Published

2 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Press Room

Rapper Afroman plans 3 Mississippi shows. When, where to see new tour

Afroman has three Mississippi shows lined up soon. The Grammy-nominee recently unveiled dates for his 2026 Freedom of Speech Tour. The first two are this week. Is one near you?

Afroman’s real name is Joseph Foreman. The 2024 presidential candidate used to live in Hattiesburg.

The rapper is best known for his hits such as “Because I Got High,” “Mississippi” and “Crazy Rap.” He was nominated for a Grammy in 2002 for Best Rap Solo Performance for “Because I Got High,” a comedy song about smoking marijuana.

Here’s what to know about his First Amendment court victory and when you can watch him in the Magnolia State.

Why is it called the Freedom of Speech tour?

In 2022, law enforcement in Adams County, Ohio, raided the rapper’s home. It was tied to allegations of kidnapping and drug trafficking. Afroman was never charged.

Months later, Afroman used video from his home security system in music videos. He has lyrics making fun of specific officers by name. Songs like “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon Pound Cake” have racked up millions of views and streams.

The deputies filed a lawsuit in 2023, arguing that he’d committed defamation and invasion of privacy.

He continued releasing police diss tracks. “Batteram Hymn of The Police Whistle Blower” was dropped this month.

A jury acquitted Afroman on March 18.

“I didn’t win, America won,” he told Cincinnati’s WCPO 9 News outside the courthouse.

His new album “Freedom of Speech,” includes the songs from the lawsuit. It drops on April 20. The date, 4-20, is popular and an unofficial holiday for weed smokers.

When will Afroman play in Mississippi?

He has three shows in Mississippi this spring, according to Afroman’s tour webpage and event organizers.

Afroman most recently drew attention following victory in a three‑day trial in Ohio after deputies with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office sued him for using real footage from a 2022 police raid on his home in viral music videos. The videos were “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon Pound Cake.”

Contributing: Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman

Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.

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

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Mississippi

Vote for Clarion Ledger Mississippi girls high school athlete of the week March 23-28

Published

14 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

Vote for Clarion Ledger Mississippi girls high school athlete of the week March 23-28

There were several top performers across the state in girls high school sports, but only one can be voted as the Clarion Ledger athlete of the week for March 23-28.

Fans may vote in the poll BELOW one time per hour per device. The poll closes at noon on Friday.

To nominate a future athlete of the week, email mchavez@gannett.com or message him on X, formerly Twitter, @MikeSChavez.

To submit high school scores, statistics, records, leaders and other items at any time, email mchavez@gannett.com.

Nominations

Lexie Dixon, Alcorn Central: Dixon had eight hits with two home runs and eight RBIs in Alcorn Central games against Booneville and Corinth.

Alyssa McMurtrey, Pisgah: McMurtrey had seven hits with 10 RBIs in Pisgah’s games against Morton and Quitman.

Madison Rhodes, Clinton: Rhodes had four hits with eight RBIs and a pair of stolen bases during Clinton’s games against Madison Central, Germantown and Murrah.

Abbie Robertson, Itawamba Agricultural: Robertson had two home runs and nine RBIs during Itawamba Agricultural’s wins against Amory and Pine Grove.

Addy Walker Phillips, Neshoba Central: Phillips produced six hits and six RBIs in Neshoba Central’s games against West Lauderdale and Choctaw Central.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.

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Mississippi

When will you get your April 2026 SSI check in MS? See payment schedule

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

Press Room

When will you get your April 2026 SSI check in MS? See payment schedule

People who get Supplemental Security Income checks will get paid on Wednesday, April 1.

The payments sometimes go out early. It happens when the first falls on a weekend or a holiday. Checks get sent on the last weekday before the normal send date.

Social Security recipients also will get their regular checks as scheduled in April. Benefits are typically disbursed to almost 74 million people on Wednesdays later in the month. Your payment date depends on the day of the month you were born.

Here’s what you should know about the April payment schedule, when the next time SSI checks will go out early and where to find a Social Security Office near you in Mississippi.

March 2026 Social Security payment schedule

The Social Security Administration’s 2026 payment schedules are online to help beneficiaries plan their budgets.

Regular Social Security retirement benefits will be issued according to the SSA’s standard payment schedule in March:

March 11: Birthdates between the first and 10th of the month
March 18: Birthdates between the 11th and the 20th of the month
March 25: Birthdates between the 21st and the 31st of the month

When will SSI checks be sent early in 2026?

The next time checks will be sent early is Friday, July 31. August 1 is a Saturday this year.

SSI checks also will be sent out early for November because the first is over a weekend.

And the first check of the new year always gets sent on New Year’s Eve because of the holiday conflict.

SSI payment schedule for 2026

Supplemental Security Income checks will be sent out on the following dates in 2026, according to the SSA calendar.

It’s usually sent on the first of the month, but they are disbursed early if the first falls on a weekend or holiday.

Wednesday, April 1 (check for April)
Friday, May 1 (check for May)
Monday, June 1 (check for June)
Wednesday, July 1 (check for July)
Friday, July 31 (check for August)
Tuesday, Sept. 1 (check for September)
Thursday, Oct. 1 (check for October)
Friday, Oct. 30 (check for November)
Tuesday, Dec. 1 (check for December)
Thursday, Dec. 31 (check for January 2027)

➤ Most Americans think Social Security won’t be there for them. Are they right?

Why will some people get paid 3 times in certain months?

People who get both SSI and regular Social Security will be paid three times in October and December.

The regular SSI payment will come on the first. The Social Security check will be paid on its usual date. Then the SSI funds for the following month will be sent near the end of the month because the next SSI disbursement date falls on a weekend or holiday.