Mississippi
Mississippi sales tax holiday helping parents shop for back to school
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) – Shoppers across Mississippi can look forward to cheaper prices July 12 through July 14 as the state observes a sales tax holiday.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. next Friday until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, there will be a hold on sales taxes for clothing, footwear and school supplies under $100.
The holiday is earlier than usual this year, helping out some Pine Belt parents whose children return to school as soon as July 22.
“I think it’s helpful for sure,” April Jordan said. “With two children, it definitely helps out, and moving it up a little earlier since the start of school is a little earlier is definitely an advantage, for sure.”
Families with multiple children especially are grateful as the cost of living rises and school supply lists grow longer.
“We have four kids, so anytime we can go clothes shopping for them, we look forward to any kind of discount we can get,” said Bryce Hantla.
Other parents are on the fence about hitting the aisles during the sales tax holiday because of large crowds.
“It’s kind of like Black Friday, where it’s like ‘Hey you can save 10 percent’ and I’m like ‘OK …’” said Chris Jordan.
Even grandparents, who can remember fondly this time of year with their own children, said they also were happy to see things get a little easier for parents.
“We loved school shopping,” Valerie Craig said, “We liked getting all the supplies for the kids and it was fun for us.
“I’m kind of sad we’re not doing it this year. But, we’ll definitely take advantage when it’s our time again.”
Eligible items this holiday include: baby clothes, backpacks, most athletic wear, shoes, scout uniforms, and casual footwear or boots.
Other deals in stores, like buy one, get one free items, also will be tax free if the full priced item is less than $100.
For a full break down of eligible items and restrictions, click here.
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Copyright 2024 WDAM. All rights reserved.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ms. (WZTV) — The family of a Mississippi teenager whose body was found after he went missing Fourth of July weekend is now demanding answers.
On Friday, Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump , Rev. Al Sharpton and the family of Wells are holding a press conference to demand an investigation into the teen’s death.
Wells’ body was reportedly found Monday in the water near the end of Horn Island in Jackson County, Mississippi.
Rev. Sharpton opened the conference by stating there are too many unanswered questions to close the investigation into Wells’ death. He says Wells, who is Black, went on a boat with three white men, who returned with Wells’ phone and keys, but not Wells.
“We we’ve been told does not make sense,” Rev. Sharpton said. “There’s just too many questions where they should not be closing the investigation. This does not smell right.”
Attorney Crump leading an independent investigation into Wells’ death.
Investigators are asking anyone who was on or near Horn Island on July 4 to come forward, especially if they saw Wells, spoke with him, heard or saw any type of disturbance or have original photos or videos from the island.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Division at 228-769-3065 during regular business hours or 228-769-3063 after hours.
This is a developing story. Check back as we continue to update this story.
Mississippi
Mississippi Highway Patrol deployed to Goodman after viral gun video, leaders explain goals
GOODMAN, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has deployed state troopers to the Town of Goodman indefinitely following a viral video showing people waving guns and mocking the absence of police in the town.
DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell and other department leaders flew into Goodman on Thursday to meet with town officials. Tindell said the video drew the attention of both himself and Gov. Tate Reeves.
“We felt like there needed to be a presence of law enforcement in Goodman to send a message,” Tindell said. “That it’s not a town or any town in Mississippi that we’re going to allow lawlessness to prevail.”
Troopers conducting stops, working alongside sheriff’s office
Since Wednesday, troopers have been stopping drivers in downtown Goodman and in neighborhoods. Tindell said the Mississippi Highway Patrol is working alongside the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office as part of the investigation.
“It’s more regular law enforcement duties at this point,” Tindell said. “You know, we’re looking at individuals in the video to ask who they were and go from there.”
Tindell said MHP deployments to towns across the state are not uncommon, and include safety checkpoints, driver’s license verifications and insurance verifications.
“So that’s not unusual anywhere on any given day,” Tindell said. “We just happen to be in Goodman because they needed additional help at that time.”
Mayor supports presence; some residents question it
Mayor Michael Howard said he supports MHP’s increased presence in the town. However, resident Keni El questioned whether the deployment was necessary.
“It really doesn’t change anything because if the people they’ve seen on the video are who they came for then that’s who they need to be looking for,” El said. “Because in a way, it’s kind of harassing the people for stupidity of some younglings.”
El said leaders should instead focus on providing resources to mentor young people.
“The youth need to be taught the right knowledge, right wisdom, right understanding,” El said. “But I’m not going to be afraid of no child.”
Tindell said he is unsure how long state troopers will remain in Goodman but will stay in contact with town officials until a departure date is determined.
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