Mississippi
MSU receives $8 million NSF grant to boost Mississippi science, technology capabilities
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi’s leading research university is receiving $8 million from the National Science Foundation to lead transformative science and technology capacity-building efforts across the state.
The four-year NSF award to Mississippi State, announced last week, establishes the Mississippi Research Alliance as a central hub for the state’s research ecosystem, leveraging existing strengths, expanding networks, and creating new opportunities to advance research and development. The funding is part of NSF’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research program—Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems Research Infrastructure Improvement Program, or E-CORE RII.
“Our state has some of the best research institutions and most talented researchers, but they have often been disconnected from one another. This grant will centralize the efforts of four Mississippi universities, resulting in a better statewide research ecosystem. I fought to increase the funding stream that made this grant possible, and I am glad Mississippi State University is leading the way on this effort,” Sen. Roger Wicker said.
In addition to MSU, collaborating institutions include Mississippi Valley State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi. The grant funds a new portal for shared research instrumentation and a statewide directory of researchers to assist with forming interdisciplinary team networks. Funding also supports faculty startup packages, instrumentation purchases and voucher grants, seed grants for collaborative activities, instrumentation voucher grants, and travel awards for networking and training.
Katie Echols, executive director for research initiatives and innovation in MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development, is the state of Mississippi’s EPSCoR director and the grant’s principal investigator. CO-PI’s include MSU’s Tonia Lane, director of the Institute for Imaging and Analytical Technologies; MVSU’s Victor Bii, bioinformatics assistant professor and program coordinator; UM’s Nathan Hammer, chemistry and biochemistry professor; and USM’s Alex Flynt, associate professor of biological, environmental and earth sciences.
“The Mississippi Research Alliance is going to have a transformative impact on our state by enhancing and connecting our entire research ecosystem,” said MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan. “By linking the exceptional talent and cutting-edge resources across the state, we are fostering networks of innovation that will lead to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements, touching the lives of all Mississippians. I thank our state’s congressional delegation for supporting this investment in Mississippi’s future.”
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said, “The NSF EPSCoR program is critical to ensure that we are creating opportunities and investing in innovation in every part of the United States. These new E-CORE and E-RISE awards will positively impact our nation by advancing the breadth of STEM research, research infrastructure and workforce development, while catalyzing opportunities for research and education in EPSCoR jurisdictions and beyond.”
The newly formed alliance will be guided by university representatives, industry leaders, government officials, K-16 educators, non-profit groups and other stakeholders. The NSF has the option to renew the award for an additional four years and $8 million following the initial award cycle.
For more on research at MSU, visit www.research.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.
Following the arguments, students questioned the judges about their careers and the responsibilities of serving on the appellate court.
Alfred Galtney, Alcorn State University compliance officer and a member of the academy’s planning committee, said the experience helped students understand the role law plays in everyday life.
“I hope they’ll get an understanding of how law impacts society and the important role lawyers play in our everyday lives,” Galtney said.
Several students said the event strengthened their interest in legal careers.
Layla Woods, an incoming junior at Franklin County High School, said the program encouraged her to continue pursuing her goals of attending law school. Izzy Turner, who will enter the 10th grade at Franklin County High, said watching the proceedings helped her better understand the seriousness and importance of the legal system. Turner plans to major in psychology before attending law school.
Kavion Curtis Jr., enrolled at Natchez Early College at Co-Lin, said his interest in law stems from a love of debate and courtroom advocacy.
“I’ve always loved courtroom shows and how professional lawyers are,” Curtis said. “I have a passion for debating, and I hope to become an attorney and eventually a judge.”
The Court on the Road program is designed to bring the appellate court process directly to communities across Mississippi while educating students about careers in law and public service.
The Miss-Lou Pre-Law Academy is organized by a committee made up of school counselors, judges and community leaders.
They are Maggie Allgood, Adams County Christian School Counselor; Tennecia Barber, Vidalia High School Counselor; Jennifer Beach, Cathedral High School Counselor; Walt Brown, Adams County Court Judge; Ikeecia Colenburg, Attorney; Penny Daggett, Delta Charter School Counselor; Christina Daugherty, Sixth District ADA; E. Vincent Davis, 17th District Chancery Court Judge; Carmen Drake, Sixth District Circuit Judge; Courtney Fleming, Jefferson County High School Counselor; Alfred Galtney, Alcorn State University Compliance Officer; Aimee Guido, Natchez Inc; Anthony Heidelberg, Attorney; Angela James, Natchez High School Career Coach and Nicole McLaughlin of the Mississippi Bar Association.
Private high schools in Mississippi are receiving an enrollment multiplier for their respective sports teams.
The MHSAA announced on June 2 that it will apply a 1.5 multiplier to private schools enrollment for grades 9-11. The multiplier will go into effect during the 2027-28 sports season, when the MHSAA implements its new reclassification.
The MHSAA board voted on the motion, which passed.
“There’s always been a question of why our state does not have a multiplier from private schools that are in our association,” MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves said in a statement. “So beginning with the next reclassification year, there will be a 1.5 multiplier added to all private schools that are currently in our organization. And to any of those that may be wanting to join our association.”
The change will affect private schools in all classes and will not affect schools for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Private schools around the state currently fluctuate through classes 1A-3A.
“We’re the only state in our section that does not have a multiplier of some kind,” Neaves said. “This was done because private schools, it is perceived, can control what classification they’re in by limiting the number of people that attend there. Also for the competitive and fair play advantage.”
Presbyterian Christian is the most recent private school to switch from MAIS to MHSAA, after making its MHSAA debut in 2025. The Bobcats recently won the MHSAA Class 3A baseball title.
In other sports during the 2025-26 year, Our Lady Academy won a Class 3A volleyball title and has the most MHSAA volleyball championships with 18. St. Stanislaus claimed a 3A boys basketball championship and St. Patrick won the Class I boys and girls soccer titles. Presbyterian Christian also won the 3A boys and girls tennis titles, while Sacred Heart won in Class I.
There are currently 10 private schools in the association.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X @MikeSChavez or Facebook at Michael Chavez.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from June 2 drawing
05-14-16-33-35
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 3-3-8, FB: 5
Evening: 6-9-5, FB: 7
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 6-0-4-9, FB: 5
Evening: 2-8-1-0, FB: 7
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 08
Evening: 03
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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