Mississippi

Restoration of ballot initiative process back before Mississippi lawmakers

Published

5 days ago

February 5, 2026

Restoration of ballot initiative process back before Mississippi lawmakers

Sen. Jeremy England, R-Vancleave, presents legislation in the Senate Chamber at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. Lawmakers in both chambers are considering bills that survived their committee deadline. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Mississippi has been without a ballot initiative process since the 2021 state Supreme Court decision on Medical Marijuana Initiative 65 invalidated the process outlined in the state constitution.

A measure to restore Mississippi’s ballot initiative process was moved out of the Senate Elections Committee this week to restart the negotiation process between the two chambers.

Mississippi has been without a ballot initiative process since the 2021 state Supreme Court decision on Medical Marijuana Initiative 65 invalidated the process on the basis that the signature threshold in the state constitution could not be met. The former initiative process required signatures to come from five congressional districts when Mississippi now only has four districts.

Negotiations between the House and Senate have stalled in previous sessions. Concerns from members have ranged from the number of signatures required for an initiative to be put before voters to what topics should or should not be allowed on an initiative. There has also been concern expressed over out-of-state monies flowing into the state to push initiatives sponsored by special interest groups.

Senate Elections Chairman State Senator Jeremy England (R) believes now is the time to bring the issue back before lawmakers.

“I’ve heard from both sides on this issue, and I think I agree, somewhat, with both sides on this issue about we’re a constitutional republic, we are elected here to come represent the will of the people,” England said. “I also understand the other side that this is something the people have had and as we know, Mississippians when have something and get it taken away from us, we want it back. This is an effort to help that along.”

Under England’s proposed measure, SCR 518, those seeking to place a ballot initiative before Mississippi voters would be required to gather signatures from 10% of registered voters in the state, meaning upwards of 170,000 signatures.

“This is, of course, an increase from the previous ballot measure that was stricken by the Supreme Court which was around 107,000 the last time it happened but it was based on elections and election results from the previous gubernatorial election,” England said. “This ties directly to active registered voters.”

No more than one-third of signatures would be allowed to come from one congressional district.

“It’s not really a pro-rata system, but if we ever do drop down to three [congressional districts]… this will still be a system that will work,” the Coast senator said.

Senate Elections Committee, February 3, 2026

Should a ballot initiative be proposed that would “cause a substantial cost to the state or require the substantial expenditure of state funds,” a 60% vote of approval from the public would be required to pass. Otherwise, an initiative would need to receive a majority of the votes cast and not less than 40% of the total votes to be approved.

The Legislature would also maintain the right to propose an alternative initiative on the same ballot. If conflicting initiatives or legislative alternatives are approved at the same election, the initiative or legislative alternative receiving the highest number of affirmative votes would prevail.

England proposes that ballot initiatives could not be used to deprive any human being of the right to life, meaning initiatives could not seek to reverse the state’s position against abortion. Initiatives would also not be allowed that change or amend the state constitution, local laws, or the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

As written, the Legislature would be limited from making changes to enacted ballot initiative statutes for two years once voters approve the measure.

Voters would be asked to adopt the new ballot initiative process if the bill makes its way through the Capitol, as it would amend the state constitution and reinstate the process as outlined therein.

The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Should it pass, the measure’s fate is uncertain in the House.

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Mississippi

Why Northwest Rankin is in top 10 Mississippi girls high school basketball Super 25 rankings

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Press Room

Why Northwest Rankin is in top 10 Mississippi girls high school basketball Super 25 rankings

The 2025-26 Mississippi girls’ high school basketball season has reached the playoffs.

The Clarion Ledger’s Mississippi high school girls basketball Super 25 rankings see Starkville remain as the No. 1 team. East Rankin Academy returns to the Super 25 from MAIS 4A.

Mississippi high school girls basketball Super 25 rankings

1. Starkville (25-3)

MHSAA Class 7A. Previous ranking: 1. Next game: Clinton or Germantown, Feb. 12

2. Biloxi (26-1)

MHSAA Class 7A. Previous ranking: 2. Next game: St. Martin or Gulfport, Feb. 11

3. Laurel (25-2)

MHSAA Class 5A. Previous ranking: 3. Next game: Sumrall or South Jones, Feb. 12

4. Tishomingo County (21-2)

MHSAA Class 4A. Previous ranking: 4. Next game: New Albany or North Pontotoc, Feb. 11

5. Canton (24-3)

MHSAA Class 6A. Previous ranking: 5. Next game: Ridgeland or Warren Central, Feb. 12

6. Madison Central (22-5)

MHSAA Class 7A. Previous ranking: 6. Next game: Oxford or Murrah, Feb. 12

7. Neshoba Central (21-6)

MHSAA Class 6A. Previous ranking: 7. Next game: Callaway or Greenville, Feb. 12

8. Choctaw Central (20-5)

MHSAA Class 4A. Previous ranking: 9. Next game: West Lauderdale or Leake Central, Feb. 12

9. Harrison Central (22-4)

MHSAA Class 7A. Previous ranking: 10. Next game: West Harrison or Ocean Springs or D’Iberville, Feb. 11

10. Northwest Rankin (21-7)

MHSAA Class 7A. Previous ranking: 17. Next game: Pearl or Petal, Feb. 12

11. West Harrison (22-3)

MHSAA Class 7A. Previous ranking: 11. Next game: Ocean Springs or D’Iberville, Feb. 10

12. Olive Branch (17-7)

MHSAA Class 6A. Previous ranking: 14. Next game: Grenada or Saltillo, Feb. 12

13. Leake Academy (30-4)

MAIS Class 3A. Previous ranking: 21. Next game: vs. Columbia Academy, Feb. 12

14. Brandon (21-6)

MHSAA Class 7A. Previous ranking: 12. Next game: Meridian or Oak Grove, Feb. 12

15. Booneville (18-4)

MHSAA Class 3A. Previous ranking: 13. Next game: Alcorn Central or Mantachie, Feb. 11

16. Florence (23-4)

MHSAA Class 5A. Previous ranking: 15. Next game: Cleveland Central or Provine, Feb. 12

17. Madison-Ridgeland Academy (30-5)

MAIS Class 4A. Previous ranking: 8. Next game: Madison-St. Joseph Catholic, Feb. 11

18. Morton (22-2)

MHSAA Class 4A. Previous ranking: 18. Next game: Richland or Mendenhall, Feb. 12

19. Ingomar (27-2)

MHSAA Class 1A. Previous ranking: 19. Next game: Smithville or Tremont, Feb. 12

20. Callaway (19-7)

MHSAA Class 6A. Previous ranking: 20. Next game: TBD

21. West Jones (21-4)

MHSAA Class 6A. Previous ranking: 23. Next game: Hattiesburg or Jim Hill, Feb. 11

22. Belmont (19-5)

MHSAA Class 3A. Previous ranking: 24. Next game: vs. Kossuth, Feb. 11

23. Brookhaven (21-4)

MHSAA Class 5A. Previous ranking: 25. Next game: North Pike or Natchez, Feb. 12

24. East Rankin Academy (28-5)

MAIS Class 4A. Previous ranking: Not ranked. Next game: vs. Parklane Academy, Feb. 11

25. East Union (23-2)

MHSAA Class 2A. Previous ranking: 22. Next game: TBD

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, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.

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Mississippi

PCS wins second title? Our 2026 Mississippi high school baseball predictions, top players

Published

20 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Press Room

PCS wins second title? Our 2026 Mississippi high school baseball predictions, top players

The 2026 Mississippi high school baseball season has arrived.

As MHSAA and MAIS hits the ground running for their first week of games, the Clarion Ledger has made three predictions and has looked at some top players around the state heading into the year.

Here are the Clarion Ledger’s predictions and top players to watch for the upcoming 2026 season.

Three predictions for MHSAA, MAIS baseball season

Presbyterian Christian wins MHSAA 3A title after move from MAIS

Presbyterian Christian won the MAIS 6A title last season against Hartfield Academy for the program’s first championship. The Bobcats have a chance at repeating, but in a whole new association, as they have moved to MHSAA 3A. Behind stars Bankston Walters, Jet Henderson and Tyner Flynt, PCS is one of the top teams in 3A.

Magnolia Heights starts … finishes 2026 season No. 1

It seems the dynasty isn’t stopping soon. After Magnolia Heights’ MAIS 5A title in 2025 and seven consecutive titles, the talent hasn’t slowed. The Chiefs have returners Cole Prosek, Christian Doty, Cayden Prestage and Devin Miller, all Division I commits. The clear preseason No. 1 team has the chance to remain in that top spot throughout the season and hunt for an eighth straight title.

Petal wins first title since 2011 in MHSAA 7A

The Panthers won consecutive MHSAA 6A titles in 2010-11, but have not reached a championship game since. Heading into the 2026 season, Petal could snap that streak. With returners Easton Gigr, Fisher Howell and transfer Tray Barnes will line up for the Panthers in the tough 7A class with Brandon, Lewsiburg, and Clinton.

30 top players to watch entering 2026 MHSAA, MAIS baseball season

Henry Abt, Hartfield Academy, Sr.: Abt, the Southern Miss signee, had a team-high .400 batting average with 44 hits and 14 stolen bases last season.

Trey Adcox, Brandon, Jr.: The New Orleans commit hit for .365 with 29 RBIs and 35 hits.

Crews Albritton, Tri-County Academy: Albritton hit for .367 with 33 hits, 32 RBIs and six home runs, helping Tri-County Academy to a MAIS 4A title.

Hayden Amis, Newton County, Sr.: The Pearl River College commit had a .422 batting average with 38 hits, 36 RBIs and four home runs.

Trey Barnes, Petal, Sr.: The Southern Miss signee transferred from Taylorsville and had a .421 batting average with 40 hits, 17 stolen bases and 29 RBIs.

Eric Booth Jr., Oak Grove, Sr.: The Vanderbilt signee hit for .467 with 53 runs, 42 hits, 25 RBIs, six home runs and 27 stolen bases.

Trent Buckley, Columbia Academy, Jr.: The Ole Miss commit had a .477 batting average with 51 RBIs and 15 home runs.

Logan Buckley, Columbia Academy, Sr.: The Southern Miss signee recorded a 1.34 ERA with an 8-3 record and 119 strikeouts.

Jax Coker, Tupelo Christian Prep, Sr.: Coker hit for .449 with four home runs, 27 RBIs and scored 34 runs. While on the mound had a 1.67 ERA.

Drew Davis, Sumrall, Jr.: The Alabama commit had a .410 batting average with 30 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits.

Ethan Dodson, Clinton, Sr.: The Memphis signee led Clinton with a .520 batting average, 51 hits and 42 RBIs.

Christian Doty, Magnolia Heights, Sr.: The Ole Miss signee helped Magnolia Heights to a 39-5 record and an MAIS 5A title.

Reed Duncan, Columbia Academy, Sr.: The Louisiana Tech signee had 15 RBIs with a 3.32 ERA.

Brayden Edmiston, New Hope, Sr.: The Northeast College signee was a preseason MaxPreps all-state team.

Tyner Flynt, Presbyterian Christian, Sr.: The Troy signee produced a 2.08 ERA with 93 strikeouts.

Reid Garrett, Caledonia, Sr.: The Liberty signee posted a 0.91 ERA with 102 strikeouts.

Deuce Jenkins, Jackson Academy, Jr.: The Mississippi State commit had 31 hits with 26 RBIs and five home runs.

Tanner Harris, Lafayette, Sr.: The East Central College signee had a .291 batting average with an .885 OPS, 30 hits and 29 RBIs, helping Lafayette win the MHSAA 5A state title.

Fischer Howell, Petal, Jr.: The Mississippi State commit had a .427 batting average with 31 hits and 16 extra-base hits.

Alex Lambert, Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Sr.: The Jones College signee had a .343 batting average with 18 RBIs and 37 hits.

Taylor Latham, Hartfield Academy, Sr.: The Southern Miss signee had a 2.32 ERA with 75 strikeouts and 21 RBIs.

John Lindsey III, Petal, Sr.: The UAB signee hit for .368 with 17 RBIs.

Jackson Meeham, Northwst Rankin, Sr.: The Southern Miss signee recorded 66 strikeouts with a 3.04 ERA.

Jon Grey Morrisson, West Union, Sr.: The MHSAA 1A Mr. Baseball winner and Itawamba College signee, had a 1.95 ERA and 30 RBIs to lead West Union to a MHSAA 1A title.

Caden Nelson, Lewisburg, Sr.: Nelson, the Jones College signee, had a .479 batting average with 22 RBIs and 35 hits.

Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights, Sr.: The Ole Miss signee had a .462 batting average with 54 hits, 16 home runs and 37 RBIs, helping Magnolia Heights win the MAIS 5A title.

Sullivan Reed, Lamar School, Jr.: The Mississippi State commit had a .616 batting average with 61 hits, 54 RBIs and nine home runs, and a 5-2 record on the mound.

Kevin Roberts Jr., Jackson Prep, Sr.: The Florida signee hit for .406 with a 1.066 OPS and 39 hits, 30 runs, 17 RBIs, 15 stolen bases and three home runs.

Justin San Miguel, Ocean Springs, Sr.: The Troy signee recorded 27 RBIs and a .304 batting average.

Hayden Wilson, Madison Central, Sr.: The Hinds College signee helped Madison Central to an MHSAA 7A title.

Bankston Walters, Presbyterian Christian, Sr.: The Southern Miss signee produced an 11-1 record with a 1.64 ERA and hit for .351 with 38 RBIs, while helping PCS win the MAIS 6A title.

Justin Word, Jackson Academy, Sr.: The Southern Miss signee hit for .349 with 25 RBIs and 31 stolen bases.

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, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.

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Mississippi

Mississippi man charged with kidnapping, sex assault on Hawaii island | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

1 day ago

February 8, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi man charged with kidnapping, sex assault on Hawaii island | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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COURTESY PHOTO

Jaiden Becerra.

A 25-year-old Biloxi, Miss., man was indicted Wednesday by a Hilo grand jury for a series of domestic incidents that allegedly occurred between Jan. 22 and 29 at a Mountain View residence.

The 12-count indictment charges Jaiden Becerra with kidnapping, three counts of second-degree sex assault, six counts of felony domestic abuse, plus single counts of misdemeanor abuse of a minor and petty misdemeanor abuse.

Becerra pleaded not guilty Friday in Hilo Circuit Court.

Judge Peter Kubota scheduled trial for June 22 and ordered Becerra held without bail.

The most serious offense, kidnapping, is a Class A felony offense punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, upon conviction. The second-degree sex assault charges are Class B felonies punishable by up to 10 years behind bars. Becerra is in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.

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