Mississippi

Senate kills Mississippi ballot initiative without a vote – The Vicksburg Post

Published

1 year ago

March 23, 2023

Press Room

Senate kills Mississippi ballot initiative without a vote – The Vicksburg Post

Senate kills Mississippi poll initiative and not using a vote

Printed 4:27 pm Thursday, March 23, 2023

By Geoff Pender | Mississippi As we speak

The Senate on Thursday let a measure that might restore voters’ proper to sidestep the Legislature and put measures on a statewide poll die with out taking a vote.

“After yesterday, I spoke to my colleagues and the colleagues I spoke to didn’t present sufficient assist to do that this yr,” stated Senate Accountability Effectivity and Transparency Chairman John Polk, R-Hattiesburg. “… We’ve a consultant type of authorities that has labored for a very long time, and I do know of no senator who won’t settle for constituents’ calls, emails or visits if they’ve a problem we have to take care of. I imagine in our consultant type of authorities, and voters each 4 years have the chance to alter who represents them.”

Polk stated there have been too many variations between variations of the measure the Senate and Home had handed to be ironed out within the remaining days of this yr’s legislative session. Thursday was a deadline day for senators to take up the measure, and inaction killed the laws.

Polk stated that regardless of current polling that reveals sturdy voter assist for reinstating the initiative course of, he doesn’t imagine the correct to poll initiative is high of thoughts for many Mississippians. He stated he seen this final week when he talked with constituents at a veterinarian’s workplace again house. They gave him a litany of points they noticed as essential, Polk stated.

“You recognize what was not on that checklist?” Polk stated. “Poll initiative.”

An analogous measure died within the Legislature and not using a remaining vote final yr, after the state Supreme Court docket in 2021 shot down the poll initiative proper Mississippi voters had for 3 many years.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, who oversees the Senate, initially declined remark after the Senate adjourned Thursday, indicating he was busy and “not proper now.” Polk, talking to media, stated that Hosemann had been “very vocal in wanting a poll initiative” however lets his chairman make their very own selections.

Hosemann later despatched out a written assertion: “I’ve constantly stated I’m in favor of an initiative course of in Mississippi. I belief the voters of the state, each in who they elect to workplace and on coverage issues. Quite a lot of Republicans within the Senate have a unique opinion on the initiative situation. That is the legislative course of and we are going to proceed that course of.”

However many political observers and supporters of restoring the initiative had questioned Hosemann’s assist for it, given he assigned the measure to Polk’s committee once more this yr after Polk had publicly voiced misgivings about reinstating poll initiative.

Many Mississippians had been indignant when the state’s excessive courtroom stripped voters of this proper in 2021. This was in a ruling on a medical marijuana initiative voters had overwhelmingly handed, taking issues in hand after lawmakers had dallied for years on the difficulty. Legislative leaders had been fast on the time with vows they might restore this proper to voters, repair the authorized glitches that prompted the Supreme Court docket to rule it invalid. Many lawmakers stated they assist the correct.

Rep. Zakiya Summers, D-Jackson, stated she was surprised to listen to the Senate let the measure die Thursday with out inviting extra debate with the Home on a compromise model. She disagrees with Polk about it not being an enormous situation with voters.

“My constituents suppose it’s crucial,” Summers stated. “… Folks have points they imagine we aren’t addressing or listening to them on, like early voting, Medicaid enlargement. These are points Mississippians are involved about and once we don’t convey them to the forefront due to politics, they should have this proper to handle them. Now we’ve to attend one other yr to do that.”

The Home and Senate variations of the measure, which might have required ratification by voters in November, differed. However each would have tremendously restricted voters’ proper to poll initiative in comparison with the method that had been in place since 1992. Many supporters of restoring the correct have been angered about legislative leaders’ proposals thus far. Within the Home, most Democrats regardless of supporting restoration of the correct voted “current” on the Home model they discovered it so restrictive.

The Senate place on the initiative would require the signatures of at the very least 240,000 registered voters to put a problem on a statewide poll. The Home model would require about 106,000, nearer the earlier threshold required for the final 30 years.

Underneath each proposals, the Legislature by a easy majority vote may change or repeal an initiative permitted by the voters. In contrast to the earlier course of voters had for many years, voters may solely cross or change state legal guidelines, not the state structure.

Polk stated he “couldn’t get near” agreeing on the decrease variety of signatures within the Home proposal, and doubted the Home would conform to his increased threshold. He stated the Home additionally had made a change he discovered untenable that he simply seen in current days: It eliminated a prohibition on utilizing a poll initiative to alter Mississippi’s place as a “proper to work” state, which typically retains labor unions weak in such states.

“That was disturbing to me,” Polk stated.

A current Mississippi As we speak/Siena Faculty ballot reveals Mississippi voters throughout the spectrum need their proper to place points immediately on a statewide poll restored.

The ballot confirmed 72% favor reinstating poll initiative, with 12% opposed and 16% both don’t know or haven’t any opinion. Restoring the correct garnered a big majority amongst Democrats, Republicans, independents and throughout all demographic, geographic and revenue traces.

The demise of the invoice on Thursday drew bipartisan criticism, together with from Hosemann’s challenger within the Republican lieutenant governor major, state Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville.

“Delbert Hosemann selected but once more to silence the voices of Mississippians and defend his personal energy by obstructing our poll initiative course of,” McDaniel stated in a press release. “Delbert’s actions are each disgraceful and unconstitutional.”

However it’s additionally prone to be a partisan situation this election yr. Rep. Robert Johnson III and Sen. Derrick Simmons, Home and Senate minority leaders, issued a press release blasting the GOP for demise of the invoice.

“It confirmed, but once more, simply how out of step Republicans are with one another and with the overwhelming majority of Mississippians — together with their very own voters,” the assertion stated. “… Fortunately for all of us, it’s an election yr, and we’re joyful to take our report on the marketing campaign path. We’re not so positive our colleagues can say the identical.”

This text first appeared on Mississippi As we speak and is republished right here beneath a Artistic Commons license.

Source link

Mississippi

Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials

Published

1 hour ago

September 6, 2024

Press Room

Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials

RANKIN Co., Miss. (WLBT) – The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department reports that they have been called to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility for an alleged overdose.

The Rankin County Coronor, David Ruth, confirmed to WLBT staff that he was called to the scene to recover a body. He said he was unable to comment on the cause or manner of death until he performs an autopsy.

The Department of Health also says they have been called by the facility for a hazmat situation.

More law enforcement vehicles were seen by WLBT crews entering the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility as authorities continue to investigate a death at the prison.

Details are currently limited. WLBT has reached out to the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a statement on the situation but have yet to hear back.

WLBT 3 on your side will update with information as it is made available.

Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.

Source link

Mississippi

Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for ASU: Kelly Akharaiyi Status Uncertain

Published

8 hours ago

September 5, 2024

Press Room

Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for ASU: Kelly Akharaiyi Status Uncertain

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State debuted 41 new players against Eastern Kentucky, including 23 transfers. But one of the biggest transfer portal additions wasn’t on the field and may not be again this week.

Senior receiver Kelly Akharaiyi was left off Mississippi State’s depth chart that was released and coach Jeff Lebby didn’t provide much clarity on the situation either.

“He’s getting closer and closer,” Lebby said at Tuesday morning press conference. “We need to be patient with him. We hope he has a good week and can create some confidence for himself more than anything. But I’m not ready to say he’s going to be available.”

Akharaiyi was one of the transfers most were looking forward to seeing in Lebby’s fast-paced, passing offense. But he was held out of season-opener for what was thought to be a minor injury. However, his uncertain status might be a sign of a more serious injury?

Or is Lebby playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham? We’ll found out soon enough.

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen looks to pass against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

QB1 – 2 Blake Shapen, 6-1, 210 lbs., Sr.
QB2 – 16 Chris Parson, 6-1, 215 lbs., Rs Fr.
or – 0 Michael Van Buren Jr., 6-1, 200 lbs., Fr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (21) runs the ball against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

RB1 – 24 Keyvone Lee, 6-0, 225 lbs., Sr.
-or- 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
RB2 – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Jordan Mosley runs the ball while defended by Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive back Sam Robertson during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

SLWR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
SLWR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
SLWR 3 – 80 Kade Kolka, 5-11, 190 lbs., Sr.

WR1 – 6 Jordan Mosley, 6-0, 195 lbs., Jr.
WR2 – 5 Stonka Burnside, 6-0, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR3 – 13 Sanfrisco Magee, 6-2, 200 lbs., Fr.

WR1 – 14 Trent Hudson 6-3 180 Jr.
WR2 – 7 Mario Craver 5-10 170 Fr.
WR3 – 11 Jaden Walley 6-0 190 Sr.

TE1 – 18 Seydou Traore, 6-4, 235 lbs., R-Jr.
– or – 84 Justin Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., Sr.
TE2 – 86 Nick Lauderdale, 6-3, 225 lbs., Sr.
or – 10 Cameron Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., So.

LT1 – 66 Makylan Pounders, 6-5, 310 lbs., Jr.
LT2 – 51 Luke Work, 6-6, 305 lbs., Fr.
– or – 74 Jimothy Lewis Jr., 6-6, 310 lbs., Fr.

LG1 – 75 Jacoby Jackson, 6-6, 320 lbs., Jr.
LG2 – 53 Malik Ellis, 6-5, 285 lbs., So.

C1 – 67 Ethan Miner, 6-2, 305 lbs., Sr.
C2 – 72 Canon Boone, 6-4, 315 lbs., Jr.

RG1 – 77 Marlon Martinez, 6-5, 320 lbs., Sr.
RG2 – 52 Grant Jackson, 6-6, 325 lbs., Sr.

RT1 – 76 Albert Reese IV, 6-7, 330 lbs., Jr.
RT2 – 55 Leon Bell, 6-8, 325 lbs., R-Jr.
RT3 – 78 Amari Smith, 6-7, 325 lbs., R-Fr.

DT1 – 22 Kedrick Bingley-Jones, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 23 Trevion Williams, 6-4, 295 lbs., R-Fr.
DT2 – 98 Ashun Shepphard, 6-3, 280 lbs., Jr.

DT1 – 35 Kalvin Dinkins, 6-2, 315 lbs., So.
– or – 8 Sulaiman Kpaka, 6-3, 300 lbs., Sr.
DT2 – 92 Eric Taylor, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 90 Kai McClendon, 6-2, 305 lbs., Fr.

DE1 – 9 De’Monte Russell, 6-4, 285 lbs., Sr.
DE2 – 91 Deonte Anderson, 6-3, 270 lbs., Jr.
– or – 46 Joseph Head Jr., 6-4, 240 lbs., R-Fr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones (22) reacts after a play against Eastern Kentucky.

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones (22) reacts after a play against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

JLB1 – 11 Ty Cooper, 6-4, 245 lbs., Jr.
– or – 44 Branden Jennings, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
JLB2 – 36 Donterry Russell, 6-4, 225 lbs., So.

MLB1 – 7 Stone Blanton, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
MLB2 – 26 JP Purvis, 6-1, 245 lbs., Sr.

DLB1 – 40 Nic Mitchell, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
– or – 5 John Lewis, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
DLB2 – 16 Zakari Tillman, 6-2, 225 lbs., So.

FS1 – 2 Isaac Smith, 6-0, 205 lbs., So.
FS2 – 12 Tyler Woodard, 6-2, 200 lbs., Jr.

SS1 – 21 Hunter Washington, 5-11, 190 lbs., Jr.
SS2 – 27 Chris Keys Jr., 6-0, 190 lbs., Jr.
– or – 17 Jordan Morant, 6-0, 210 lbs., Sr.

CB1 – 1 Kelley Jones, 6-4, 195 lbs., R-Fr.
– or – 6 Traveon Wright, 6-0, 180 lbs., R-Fr.
CB2 – 13 Raydarious Jones, 6-2, 180 lbs., Sr.
– or – 18 Khamauri Rogers, 6-0, 180 lbs., So.

CB1 – 14 Brice Pollock, 6-1, 190 lbs., So.
CB2 – 4 DeAgo Brumfield, 6-0, 190 lbs., Sr.

Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Kevin Coleman (3) runs the ball against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

K1 – 80 Kyle Ferrie, 6-1, 205 lbs., So.
K2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
K3 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.

P1 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
P2 – 83 Zach Haynes, 6-1, 195 lbs., Sr.
P3 – 88 Ethan Pulliam, 6-1, 190 lbs., R-Fr.

KO1 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
KO2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.

PR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
PR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.

KR1 – 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
– or – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
– or – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.

Mississippi State at Arizona State: How to Watch Bulldogs Football vs the Sun Devils

Mississippi State vs Ole Miss: 2025 Recruiting Battle Heats Up

Mississippi State vs. Arizona State: Top 5 Sun Devils to Watch

Source link

Mississippi

Arizona State eyes first win against an SEC opponent vs. Mississippi State

Published

15 hours ago

September 5, 2024

Press Room

Arizona State eyes first win against an SEC opponent vs. Mississippi State

Mississippi State at Arizona State, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Arizona State by 6 1/2.

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Arizona State and Mississippi State both had dominant wins in the season-opening weekend and now have a tougher challenge when they face each other on Saturday night. The Sun Devils are trying to build off an impressive 48-7 win over Wyoming and prove they might be a factor in the Big 12 race. Arizona State has never beaten an SEC opponent. Mississippi State plays its second game under new coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs beat Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in their season opener..

KEY MATCHUP

Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen vs. the Arizona State defense. The Sun Devils scored a touchdown on the second play of their opener when Zyrus Fiaseu picked off a pass and returned it to the end zone. It was one of two interceptions on the day for Arizona State. Shapen had a great debut against Eastern Kentucky but will face a much tougher defense on Saturday.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mississippi State: Shapen had a terrific first game with the Bulldogs, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns while also running for 44 yards and a TD against Eastern Kentucky. The 6-foot-1 senior played the previous three college seasons at Baylor with mixed success. Shapen has thrown a TD pass in 12 consecutive games dating to this time at Baylor in 2022.

Arizona State: RB Cam Skattebo led a balanced rushing attack against Wyoming, gaining 49 yards and scoring a touchdown. Skattebo was a do-it-all player for Arizona State last year, spending time at quarterback, running back and receiver. The Sun Devils might not need him to be as versatile this season, but he’s still a threat from just about anywhere on the field.

FACTS & FIGURES

Mississippi State had six different players score touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky. … The Bulldogs’ 93.7 passing grade in the opener was the second-best mark in all of the FBS, trailing only Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus. … Mississippi State’s Kevin Coleman Jr. returned five punts for 117 yards last week. … Arizona State was credited with just two missed tackles on defense in the opener, tied for the third-lowest tally among FBS schools. … Skattebo is 270 rushing yards away from reaching 3,000 in his career. He is 342 all-purpose yards away from reaching 4,000 and 202 receiving yards away from reaching 1,000.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Source link