Mississippi
Opinion: Wildlife commission needs more sunshine as transparency concerns grow – SuperTalk Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is entrusted with the responsibility of conserving and managing our state’s diverse wildlife, fisheries, and parks. Their work impacts not only the environment but also the economy, tourism, and the overall well-being of our communities. It is vital that the decisions and accompanying discussions made by the five-member commission be transparent and open to public scrutiny. Fundamentally, the work of the commission is a sacred trust. When public institutions like our wildlife commission operate in secrecy – which it appears, as I will highlight, too much of the commission’s work these days is discussed in backroom meetings out of the public view and is influenced too often by politics and the rich and powerful – it erodes the trust citizens have in their government.
In Mississippi, a violation of open meetings laws by a public body occurs when the public body (commission) fails to comply with the requirements set forth in the Mississippi Open Meetings Act. Let me discuss briefly Mississippi’s sunshine laws.
A “meeting” is deemed to occur when a quorum or majority of the members of that public body are gathered and discuss anything under their authority or jurisdiction (in this case, all wildlife, fisheries, and parks – including hunting, fishing, and conservation). The wildlife commission must provide proper, advance notice of ALL meetings, including the date, time, location, and agenda. According to sources, the wildlife commission routinely holds “meetings” before their official monthly public meeting. This is widely known by those close (and not so close) to the commission and has gone on for years. And it has been confirmed by former commissioners. There is a culture of discussing and debating issues as a group and one-on-one outside the public eye and, at times, coming to a decision or consensus prior to the public meeting. This is illegal.
A closed meeting cannot be held without a valid legal reason such as discussing personnel matters, pending litigation, or certain economic development issues. While in executive session, discussions unrelated to the stated reason cannot legally occur, and a member of the staff from the attorney general’s office must be present during these sessions.
The commission can’t prohibit or restrict public attendance and participation in their public meeting without proper justification. I have heard, but don’t have definitive proof, that some in the public have been denied opportunities to speak. I was told this in a text from MDWFP executive director Lynn Posey: “You can call or email the office and we will put you on the agenda or anyone can sign up at the meeting and be added. They usually limit comments to five minutes.” In terms of the five-minute rule, I have seen some politically connected members of the public and their friends be given unlimited time.
The commission must keep accurate and detailed minutes of ALL meetings. They are supposed to be recorded, but they have never had a court reporter or other person taking dictation. Intentionally omitting information can be a violation of law. Here’s an important point: If the commission regularly discusses topics that are part of the public trust offline, there is no record. Of important note, they did start videoing and publicly live-streaming their monthly public meetings after much outcry from the public and thanks in large part to Commissioner Billy Mounger’s insistence. You can watch most past meetings on their YouTube channel.
The commission should conduct their discussions and make decisions during open meetings. Making decisions through private communications or informal gatherings without public knowledge and input is a violation of law. But here’s another important point: By saying the commission should conduct discussions in open meetings, the law is protecting the public trust. This doesn’t mean a quorum of commission members has to be present for there to be an issue. All discussions involving matters of the public trust and wildlife, fisheries, and parks should be held in open meetings even if those discussions are one-on-one between commissioners. This point has been successfully litigated in Mississippi.
While there are legal and ethical considerations that are significant, operating in secrecy erodes and undermines public trust. The legitimacy of commission decisions will be challenged and should lead to a public outcry and demands for accountability, resulting in the reputation of the institution being tarnished. Mississippi’s outdoors deserve much better.
I watch commission meetings. As a former newspaper publisher, my radar locks on when commission chairman Bill Cossar says during a commission meeting, “Weren’t you going to second that?” I have seen, and others have confirmed, that there are many instances of the commission referencing pre-determined actions on the record. A lawyer interested in commission proceedings told me, “It would be a cinch to prove it in court.”
By ensuring transparency within the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Commission, we can hold them accountable for their actions and decisions. Transparency allows the public to understand the reasoning behind policies, expenditures, and management practices, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the general public. Citizens can then know they have a voice. When the preservation and protection of the public trust is seen as a paramount responsibility, those in power must honor and protect it.
Transparent, accountable, and ethical leadership by the commission, combined with citizen engagement, are vital in maintaining this trust. It is our collective duty to cherish and safeguard it. By doing so, we can protect Mississippi’s wildlife legacy, and we, the public, can know it was built on integrity, fairness, good science, and the common good. I am humbled and accept fully the responsibility I have as the host of SuperTalk Outdoors to be a critical watchdog of this state’s conservation efforts, holding those in power accountable and shining a light on potential abuses or mismanagement. I have a deep understanding of this role. And while they may not like it and have taken extraordinary steps in the recent past to silence my voice, I intend to play a crucial role in reporting and discussing the actions of our wildlife commission. I intend to uncover any discrepancies, conflicts of interest, or unethical or illegal practices that may undermine public trust. And I will celebrate their actions when they do good work.
But let’s be clear here, continued violations of Mississippi’s open meetings laws will almost certainly lead to formal complaints, litigation, and further degradation of the public trust. Let’s put the public trust back on the front burner. Our kids and our kid’s kids are counting on us.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of SuperTalk Mississippi Media.
Mississippi
Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for April 27, 2026
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 April 27, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from April 27 drawing
11-15-26-29-33
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from April 27 drawing
Midday: 5-5-3, FB: 8
Evening: 0-1-6, FB: 7
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from April 27 drawing
Midday: 7-1-2-0, FB: 8
Evening: 5-6-7-1, FB: 7
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 27 drawing
Midday: 06
Evening: 06
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.
Mississippi
Recap: LSU baseball gets swept by Mississippi State
LSU baseball fell to Mississippi State 13-8 on Sunday afternoon, suffering its third straight sweep and its ninth straight SEC loss.
In a similar fashion to Friday and Saturday, LSU scored three runs in the first inning, this time off a three-run homer by Cade Arrambide. That lead was short-lived, however, as the Bulldogs tied it in the second with a three-run shot from Ace Reese.
Steven Milam hit his seventh home run of the season after the Bulldogs made a pitching change ahead in the third, giving the Tigers a 5-3 lead.
Things were quiet in the fourth inning, but the Bulldogs tied it up in the fifth against Santiago Garcia and Dax Dathe, respectively.
In the top of the sixth, it looked like LSU might go on a run after a triple to right center by Mason Braun sent a runner home, immediately followed by a two-run shot from the red-hot Omar Serna Jr.
Dathe was replaced by Deven Sheerin in the sixth, and Sheerin immediately allowed three runs to tie the game. Jaden Noot replaced Sheerin, then Zion Theophilus replaced Noot after Noot allowed runners to reach second and third. Mississippi State left the sixth inning with a one-run lead, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish for the rest of the contest.
The Tigers tried to bring in a couple more bullpen arms to stifle the Bulldogs’ offense enough for LSU to get back in front, but to no avail. Theophilus, Mavrick Rizy and Reagan Ricken allowed four more runs combined, putting the game out of reach.
FINAL: LSU 8, Mississippi State 13
LSU loses its ninth-straight SEC game and its third series in a row.
END 8: LSU 8, Mississippi State 13
Now a five-run ballgame, the Tigers will need a miracle to have any chance of taking this one. Maddox Webb will replace Davis in the top of the ninth.
Seventh bullpen arm comes on for LSU
Reagan Ricken will replace Rizy after the latter allowed a second run to score in the bottom of the eighth. The Tigers have had eight pitchers make an appearance in this one.
MSU adds another
A solo shot from Mississippi State’s Aidan Teel makes this a four-run ballgame.
MID 8: LSU 8, Mississippi State 11
Another three-up, three-down inning from Ben Davis leaves the Tigers in a precarious spot if they want any shot at avoiding a sweep. Rizy will return to the mound to face Aidan Teel in the bottom of the eighth.
END 7: LSU 8, Mississippi State 11
Unfortunately, Rizy taking the mound didn’t make much of a difference for the Tigers, as he allowed another run. The Bulldogs now lead by three, with Ben Davis coming on to face William Patrick.
Mavrick Rizy comes on for LSU
Theophilus’ day is done after allowing another run, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to two. Mavrick Rizy will face Blake Bevis with a runner on second and two outs.
MID 7: LSU 8, Mississippi State 9
After a three-up, three-down inning from Davis, Theophilus will retake the mound, set to face the Bulldogs’ ninth, first and second hitters in the lineup.
END 6: LSU 8, Mississippi State 9
A four-run inning from MSU gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the day. LSU burned through three pitchers from their bullpen and will likely have to be more careful with any further changes for the rest of this one. Ben Davis will take the mound for the Bulldogs, facing Milam first.
Another pitching change for LSU
Noot allowed a pair of hits that put runners on second and third. Zion Theophilus will take the mound for the Tigers, hoping to get out of the inning without allowing MSU to tack on another run.
Sheerin’s day is done
Jaden Noot is coming on to replace Sheerin after a disastrous inning. LSU is running dangerously short on arms and needs a strong performance from Noot. The Bulldogs have a runner on second with no outs.
Bulldogs tie it up
Sheerin allowed a single to the first Bulldog batter he faced, then struggled to field a ground ball hit his way against the next batter and made a poor throw to first, allowing the two MSU runners to score. Next, with a runner on second, Ace Reese doubled to right-center, sending another Bulldog runner home. The Tigers are tied with MSU at eight runs apiece.
LSU makes a pitching change
Dathe’s day is done after continuing to struggle to find the zone. Deven Sheerin will take the mound with a runner on first and a 2-0 count.
MID 6: LSU 8, Mississippi State 5
The Tigers managed to get to MSU pitcher Dane Burns in the top of the sixth, scoring three runs. Dax Dathe will come back on to try to keep the Tigers’ lead in place in the bottom of the sixth.
Bulldogs make a pitching change
Dane Burns’ day is done after less than an inning of work. Burns allowed two hits and two runs, both earned. The Bulldogs are bringing in Junior RHP Peyton Fowler to try to end the inning without any further damage.
LSU back in front
A triple to right center by Mason Braun sent Ruckert home, giving the Tigers a 6-5 lead. This was immediately followed by a two-run home run by Omar Serna, who has been on fire in this series. The Tigers lead 8-5.
Bulldogs make a pitching change
That will be all for MSU pitcher Jack Gleason, who kept LSU’s offense in check in the fourth and fifth innings. He is being replaced by Sophomore LHP Dane Burns, who will take the mound with a Tiger runner on first and one out.
END 5: LSU 5, Mississippi State 5
Dathe was unable to keep the Bulldogs’ base runner from scoring, but he got LSU out of the inning without any extra damage.
Mississippi State ties it up
A pair of groundouts moved the Bulldogs’ base runner from second to third, then third to home, tying the game. Dathe will now face Drew Wyers with no runners on and two outs.
LSU makes a pitching change
Senior RHP Dax Dathe is coming on to replace Garcia, marking his first appearance in conference play this season. MSU has a runner on second with no outs.
MSU pulls within one
Garcia walked the leadoff batter, then Noah Sullivan doubled down the third base line, sending one Bulldog batter across home plate.
MID 5: LSU 5, Mississippi State 3
Gleason retired all three Tiger batters in quick succession. Garcia will take the mound with little break in the bottom of the fifth.
END 4: LSU 5, Mississippi State 3
It was an up-and-down first inning of work for Garcia, but he ended the inning without giving up any ground to the Bulldogs. Arrambide will lead off for the Tigers in the top of the fifth.
Tigers make a pitching change
Santiago Garcia is replacing Marcos Paz in the bottom of the fourth. Paz allowed two hits, three earned runs, three walks, and struck out two batters through three innings of work.
MID 4: LSU 5, Mississippi State 3
The Bulldogs’ new pitcher started the inning with a leadoff walk, but quickly turned things around, striking out the top of the Tigers’ lineup in succession.
END 3: LSU 5, Mississippi State 3
LSU lost a challenge in the bottom of the third, but Paz managed to extend his start a bit longer and kept the Tigers’ two-run lead in place. The Bulldogs are making another pitching change, bringing on freshman RHP Jack Gleason, who will face Reaves to open the fourth.
MID 3: LSU 5, Mississippi State 3
The Bulldogs’ pitching change didn’t work in their favor in the top of the third, as Milam’s two-run shot gave the Tigers the lead back. Paz is coming back on to face MSU’s Blake Bevis.
Tigers retake the lead
Billingsley walked Arrambide to open the inning, and Milam took advantage, homering down the right-field line. Friday and Saturday’s contests were both shootouts, and this is shaping up to be the same.
END 2: LSU 3, Mississippi State 3
The Bulldogs tied the game on a three-run home run by Ace Reese, his third of the series. Mississippi State is bringing in a new pitcher to open the third, sophomore RHP Chris Billingsley Jr.
Bulldogs tie it up
A three-run homer from Ace Reese ties the game.
MSU in scoring position
A leadoff walk and a single send the Bulldogs back to the top of their lineup with runners on first and second and only one out.
MID 2: LSU 3, Mississippi State 0
It looked like it would be a quick turnaround for Paz after the Tigers’ first two batters flew out and struck out on just five pitches. Braun and Serna managed to give the Tigers’ starter a longer breather, but LSU was unable to add another run.
END 1: LSU 3, Mississippi State 0
LSU was able to overcome a concerning start to the game by Paz, getting out of a bases-loaded situation without allowing a run. Tanner Reaves will take the plate for LSU to open the second.
Paz struggling early
LSU pitcher Marcos Paz is having some control issues in the bottom of the first, issuing two walks, hitting a batter, and moving runners on a wild pitch through five batters. The bases are loaded with two outs.
MID 1: LSU 3, Mississippi State 0
A three-run homer from Cade Arrambide puts the Tigers in a great spot to open the game. LSU had early leads on Friday and Saturday as well, however, so no one should be feeling comfortable just yet.
LSU strikes first
Cade Arrambide snuck a home run inside the right-field foul pole, sending Serna, Braun and himself across home plate. LSU is up three early.
Promising start for the Tigers
Mason Braun opened the game with a leadoff single to center field, and MSU pitcher Charlie Foster hit Omar Serna with the first pitch of the following at-bat. Foster has struggled over the past few weeks, so this is a great chance for the Tigers to take an early lead.
The game is underway
Mason Braun takes a ball on the first pitch, and Sunday’s contest is underway.
LSU baseball vs Mississippi State: Tigers lineup
Here’s a look at LSU baseball’s starting lineup today. Mason Braun leads off and starts at 1B while Omar Serna hits No. 2 and mans the DH spot. Jack Rucker’s, Tanner Reaves, and William Patrick all get starts. Marcos Paz will be LSU’s starting pitcher.
What channel is LSU baseball at Mississippi State on today?
- TV Channel: Streaming only
- Livestream: SEC Network+ via ESPN+
LSU baseball at Mississippi State will be streaming only on SEC Network+, which is available through the ESPN app and ESPN+. Fans will need a subscription to watch the game.
LSU baseball game at Mississippi State time today
- Date: Sunday, April 26
- First pitch: 1:00 p.m. CT
The LSU baseball at Mississippi State game has a first pitch at 1:00 p.m. CT from Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville, Miss.
Stream LSU baseball at Mississippi State
LSU baseball at Mississippi State Prediction
LSU Baseball 4, Mississippi State 9: LSU put so much into games one and two and came up short, but I just don’t think LSU has the arms to get it done today. I think Mississippi State gets a comfortable win and sweeps LSU.
LSU Baseball Schedule
Mississippi
Fickle River: 150 years ago this weekend, the Mississippi River change…
Several more attempts were made to blow a hole in the peninsula, but only succeeded in causing a few divots and angering local residents because of the late-night noise and disruptions.
In an April 1909 interview with The Vicksburg Post, former Herald reporter Andy Conklin said landowners south of the city wanted to create the cut-off to increase their property values. Conklin was also a deputy sheriff in 1876.
“Time and again I have heard that powder was being used on the peninsula to blow up the earth and aid the water in tearing through the shorter way,” Conklin said. “Many times pieces of cane, filled with powder, found along the route which the water eventually tore through, were brought to me.”
Whether the explosives sped up the process is debatable, but either way the river continued to eat away at the peninsula. By mid-April the Herald reported that low-draft boats could make it through without trouble.
“Another large slice of the peninsula opposite this city dropped into the river last night,” the Herald reported on April 12. “As the auctioneer says, it is going, going.”
On April 21, The Herald reported that the sound of rushing water had become so loud it was “like the noise of a cataract, and can be distinctly heard in any part of the city during the stillness of night.”
The inevitable finally happened on Wednesday, April 26. In the late morning hours, the river started to move through DeSoto Point. Just after 2 p.m., it cut through the last bit of dry land with a rush and swallowed more than 150 feet of ground. After months of gradual erosion, the final stage of the process took only a few hours.
“In the morning the river was about stationary, and would probably have remained so, but 10 minutes past two o’clock, the last link that held the peninsula, opposite the city, gave way, and the water came rushing through in a torrent,” the Herald reported. “The little cross levee, about 50 yards long, dropped into the river all at once, and opened up a passage for the water through the peninsula, and left an island on the upper side.”
The change happened so suddenly and efficiently that, by the next day, the new channel was calm and could be safely navigated. The coal tug John Bigley was the first to make it through, and pilot Mike Maguire blew the ship’s whistle in triumph before returning the way he came.
According to The Herald a half-dozen riverboats made their way through on April 27, with one reporting a depth in the new channel of at least 28 feet. By the end of the week every captain coming up and down the river was taking the new route.
“The boats don’t pretend to go any other way now except through the cut-off,” The Herald wrote on April 29. “It will soon be as great a novelty to see a steamboat go around the bend as it was a few days ago to see one go across the point.”
After a decade of debate about the creation of the cut-off and its effects on Vicksburg, the Herald reported that the event itself was largely greeted by residents with some curiosity and a sigh of relief that it was done.
“We heard a good deal of speculation concerning the effect of the cut-off on the business of this city, but the subject having been worn thread bare already, there was a silent expression of pleasure that the end had finally come,” The Herald wrote.
In fact, the end was only the beginning of the next chapter in Vicksburg’s history. For the next 27 years the River City was without a river. The old river bed remained navigable for a few months but was soon filled with silt and sediment that prevented boats from reaching the downtown waterfront.
A private landing at Kleinston, on the city’s southern edge at the foot of Mattingly Street, was only usable during high water periods, and it was apparent that the city’s future depended on coming up with a radical solution.
That came in the form of the Yazoo Diversion Canal, which took nearly three decades and an act of Congress to complete. The 9.2-mile canal follows the lower part of the old Mississippi River channel, past downtown Vicksburg, and connects to the Yazoo River. The northern part of the old channel became known as Centennial Lake.
The Yazoo Diversion Canal opened on Jan. 28, 1903, which was a day of celebration in Vicksburg. A dedication ceremony was held at the Walnut Street Theatre, followed by a steamboat parade up and down the newly christened waterway. The festivities were wrapped up by an hour-long fireworks show that night as the River City reclaimed its name.
“Today marks another epoch,” Vicksburg judge Pat Henry said during a speech at the dedication ceremony. “That of having our harbor restored and once more announcing to the world that we have a river at our front.”
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