Mississippi
Vertebra found from giant predator that ruled Earth when Mississippi was under an ocean
The scene near Starkville, Mississippi, was calm, yet something surprising was hidden below the surface. A small team of researchers was exploring local creek beds and stumbled upon a giant vertebra so large it broke their expectations.
They eventually identified it as the vertebra of a creature from millions of years ago. The bone came from a mosasaur, a powerful marine reptile that roamed the planet during the late Cretaceous period.
James Starnes, from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Geology, played a key role in determining the fossil’s identity.
Discovery of giant vertebra
Researchers spotted the muddy outline of the fossil during routine mapping of ancient rock layers. They retrieved the object and quickly realized it belonged to a massive predator that had once dominated the waters covering much of what is now Mississippi.
“This is a true, true sea monster,” exclaimed Starnes. The discovery measured more than seven inches (18 centimeters) across, leading team members to conclude that it was one of the largest mosasaur vertebrae ever found in the state.
Predator with staggering proportions
These creatures were known to be apex predators that thrived in warm, shallow seas. They could reach lengths of more than 30 feet (9 meters) and sometimes exceeded weights that were rarely seen in land-based dinosaurs.
Their jaws were lined with rows of sharp, curved teeth suited for grasping prey. “The maximum (weight) is about 20,000 pounds (9,000 kilograms) that this animal could have gotten. This is bigger than most dinosaurs walking around on land,” exclaimed Starnes.
State museum studies giant vertebra
Team members passed the vertebra to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science for further study. George Phillips, the museum’s paleontology curator, examined its shape and size to confirm it belonged to the species Mosasaurus hoffmannii.
“It’s the largest one from the back, or the neck for that matter, that I’ve seen,” said Phillips. Experts compared it with other specimens, noting that this single vertebra hinted at a creature that was easily 30 feet (9 meters) in length.
Why the giant vertebra fossil matters
Mosasaurs prowled the ancient seas, sharing the waters with fish, sharks, and even relatives of modern octopus-like animals called ammonites. With powerful tails and paddles for limbs, they moved rapidly in pursuit of prey.
Finds such as the giant vertebra captivate the public because they offer a look at life just before an asteroid impact contributed to the extinction of these reptiles, around 66 million years ago.
With each discovery, paleontologists gather data that helps fill in gaps about what the region’s ecology once looked like.
Reactions from the field
“It might be the biggest one ever collected in Mississippi. That was the find of the day,” remarked Jonathan Leard, another researcher who was working with Starnes.
Beyond its sheer size, the bone’s excellent state of preservation impressed scientists. Museum specialists plan to protect and catalog it, adding crucial data to ongoing studies of Cretaceous-era species in Mississippi.
Ancient seas in modern landscapes
Coastal waters of the late Cretaceous covered much of North America’s southern region. Vast inland seas teemed with predators that now inspire awe for their ferocity and scale.
The land around Starkville, which is dotted with creeks, was once submerged beneath waves that were home to mosasaurs.
By mapping these deposits, geologists piece together how shorelines shifted over time and how different species adapted.
Glimpse into powerful hunters
Mosasaurs, including Mosasaurus hoffmannii, blended lizard-like bodies with aquatic adaptations. They used flippers instead of legs and had long tails that propelled them with surprising speed.
These reptiles were not shy about eating fish, smaller marine reptiles, or even members of their own kind.
Their place in the food web allowed them to dominate waters until the abrupt changes that were triggered by the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.
The broader impact of each fossil
Every large fossil expands our knowledge of ancient biodiversity. Even a single vertebra reveals new details about feeding habits, possible migration routes, and interactions with other marine predators.
Researchers frequently compare bones from different deposits to understand variations in size among mosasaurs. They also examine growth rings, bite marks, and other clues that may unravel behavior in these massive reptiles.
Ongoing efforts in Mississippi
Local museums aim to conserve each piece of the state’s fossil record. Curators study everything from shells to entire skeletons, building a clearer timeline of ancient life.
Collaborations between government agencies and academic experts improve the understanding of life in prehistoric Mississippi.
This recent giant vertebra find has deepened excitement for future surveys in the region, which might unveil more evidence of formidable sea creatures.
Information for this article came from a Mississippi State University press release.
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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.
Mississippi governor signs Jackson MS water authority bill into law
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed the bill into law on April 8, 2026.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn claimed victory in the city’s legal fight against Mississippi’s new Metro Jackson Water Authority, arguing a federal judge’s latest ruling validates Jackson’s concerns about state lawmakers trying to influence the future of the city’s water system.
During a press conference at City Hall Tuesday, June 2, Horhn pointed to U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate’s decision to block the authority from naming a president, entering lease agreements or taking other substantive actions while Jackson’s water and sewer systems remain under federal oversight.
“What we’re thankful of is that the judge seems to agree with us,” Horhn said. “House Bill 1677 appeared to try to subvert the authority of the federal court.”
The comments come one day after Wingate issued a split ruling on the controversial law. While the judge declined to block House Bill 1677 outright, he also barred the Metro Jackson Water Authority from taking operational action beyond seating board members while the federal court continues overseeing Jackson’s water and sewer systems.
But Wingate’s ruling did not strike down House Bill 1677. It was more of a split ruling.
The judge agreed with arguments made by the state, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and JXN Water that the law itself does not automatically transfer control of Jackson’s water and sewer systems because any future takeover remains subject to federal court approval.
That leaves open a question: If the law remains on the books, could the Metro Jackson Water Authority simply remain in place until federal oversight ends and then assume control of the systems?
Horhn was asked that question directly Tuesday.
In response, Horhn focused on portions of the ruling that prevent the authority from naming a president who would serve as a deputy to JXN Water leader and Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin. Horhn also pointed to Wingate blocking movement on any lease agreements until the court decides how the eventual transition away from federal oversight should occur.
“Two major points of the judge’s ruling are that he enjoined the state and the authority if it does start taking action from being able to name a president who would become the second in command of JXN Water,” Horhn said. “The other thing is that he enjoined any action on a lease being entered into until such time as he has had a chance to deliberate and decide what the future path ought to be.”
Horhn’s answer suggested he believes the ruling leaves room for other options besides simply allowing House Bill 1677 to take effect once federal oversight ends.
“What the judge has said to us for a number of months is that he wants to see a transition plan,” Horhn said.
The mayor said city officials have already begun discussions with JXN Water about what that transition plan could look like.
“We have begun discussions with JXN Water to have meaningful conversations with them about putting such a transition plan forward,” Horhn said. “At this point, the actions of the city are focused on working with Jackson Water to try to come up with a transition plan that might be approved by the judge.”
Under existing court orders, JXN Water is expected to develop a formal transition plan that must ultimately be approved by Wingate.
When asked whether the city could pursue its own water authority rather than the state-created Metro Jackson Water Authority, Horhn pointed to existing Mississippi law allowing municipalities to create utility districts.
“For a number of years, there has been state statutory authority for municipalities to establish municipal utility districts,” Horhn said. “We have made that presentation before the judge, and as I understand it, he’s taking it under advisory.”
Horhn did not elaborate on whether the city is actively pursuing that option, but the comments suggest Jackson may continue advocating for alternatives to House Bill 1677 as discussions about a post-receivership transition continue.
Additionally, Horhn reiterated his long-standing position that Jackson should maintain majority control over any future governing body overseeing the city’s water and wastewater systems.
“We don’t mind participation and involvement by the state of Mississippi,” Horhn said. “But any future governance of the City of Jackson’s water and wastewater system must have the City of Jackson having the majority of control.”
Horhn said Jackson’s position has never been that the state should be excluded entirely.
“What I have said is that we don’t mind participation and involvement by the state of Mississippi,” Horhn said. “But any future governance of the City of Jackson’s water and wastewater system must have the City of Jackson having the majority of control on any future boards or authorities that would be created.”
Horhn said Jackson opposed House Bill 1677 because it would have allowed state and suburban appointees to outnumber city representatives on the authority’s governing board.
“We don’t mind if you want to have some involvement, but not control,” Horhn said.
The mayor also argued the legislation ignored concerns repeatedly raised by Jackson officials during the legislative process.
“House Bill 1677 was a classic example of the state not listening to the local interests of the City of Jackson,” Horhn said.
Overall, Wingate’s 22-page order on Monday, June 1, was something of a split decision. Jackson persuaded Wingate to freeze many of the authority’s powers, but the state successfully defended the law itself from being blocked outright. The larger question of who will ultimately control Jackson’s water system remains unresolved. For now, Wingate remains in the driver’s seat.
“The parties should all accept that this state statute cannot force this court’s hand, nor dictate the calendar of this litigation,” Wingate wrote.
Charlie Drape, the Jackson beat reporter, has covered the Jackson water crisis from its collapse in 2022 through the system’s ongoing recovery, including independent testing and other accountability reporting. You can contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.
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