Latest news with #Mississippians
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippi ranks 7th for income inequality: report
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – While it may not be surprising to know that income inequality exists in America, a new report reveals that it disproportionally affects Mississippians. Census data showed that 18% of the state's population lives in poverty. That is second only to Louisiana and 44% higher than the national average. State data revealed that the median wage is $37,500. GOBankingRates data revealed that the bottom 20% of earners pulled in $11,083 annually; the top 20% of earners made $197,470. This contributed to the website ranking Mississippi with the 7th highest economic inequality nationally. What are Mississippi's highest and lowest paying jobs? Further discrepancies help to explain the state's ranking. The average income of Mississippi's top 5% of earners is $346,882. The top 5% own 22.5% of the state's wealth; the top 20% own 51.3%. In contrast, the bottom 10% own 2.9% of Mississippi's overall wealth. These numbers provide context as to why Mississippi has the third-highest rate of income inequality among Southern states. A separate report found that 15.8% of adults live in households where there was sometimes or often not enough to eat in the past week, the highest figure in the United States. Additionally, 45.1% of Mississippians experience difficulty paying their household bills. Pay disparities also exist between men and women. According to the National Women's Law Center, a woman working full-time in Mississippi makes 78 cents for every dollar a man makes. Among Asian women, that same pay gap is 69 cents. Among Black and Latina women, it is 58 and 54 cents, respectively. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Three Mississippi-based HBCUs look to expand AI Education
The post Three Mississippi-based HBCUs look to expand AI Education appeared first on ClutchPoints. A $9.1 million higher education grant awarded to the state of Mississippi will help three HBCUs to increase entrepreneurship, job training, and artificial intelligence (AI) education. Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, and Alcorn State University will benefit from the multi-million-dollar grant. Governor Tate Reeves announced the funds through the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program (MAI-TAP) on June 12, 2025, with the goal of bolstering the state's workforce and economic future, according to WJTV 12 News. To increase its influence, each institution will look for private financing and resources in addition to public assistance. 'This is another bold step forward for Mississippi,' Reeves said. 'We're not just preparing for the future—we're building it. This investment will help to ensure that Mississippians are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.' The Executive On Roster (XOR) program, which will spearhead a statewide effort to introduce students, educators, and entrepreneurs to emerging technology through experiential learning, was granted $1.3 million to Jackson State University, administered by AccelerateMS. Consulting teams of Jackson State students will also strive to provide small firms AI-powered assistance. 'We are grateful for this investment in Jackson State University's mission to expand access to emerging fields,' JSU Interim President Denise Gregory, Ph.D., said in a news release. 'This grant affirms the quality of our faculty and programs and allows us to give students the knowledge and experience to navigate and contribute to the world they are entering. It's another step forward in our work to serve students and communities through innovation and opportunity.' According to WJTV, Tougaloo College received $1.08 million to create a fund to provide students in all disciplines with access to AI-related ideas and employ new faculty members in the fields of AI and machine learning. $1.15 million was awarded to Alcorn State University to train people in southwestern Mississippi in digital literacy and artificial intelligence and to use its School of Nursing to implement telehealth tools to increase access to healthcare in underprivileged rural areas. The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and Mississippi College were among the other state universities that received awards. The funding comes in the wake of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on April 23 that 'established' a White House Initiative to support HBCUs' excellence and innovation.' Expanding access to federal and state grants, supporting institutional and workforce development in sectors like technology, health care, manufacturing, and finance, and establishing an annual White House HBCU Summit to establish partnerships and set goals are all part of the initiative's mission to improve educational quality through private-sector partnerships. 'HBCUs are essential to fostering opportunity, economic mobility, and national competitiveness, serving as engines of success for American students,' a White House press release stated. 'HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to the general welfare and prosperity of the United States while producing many leaders in business, government, academia, and the military. Nearly 300,000 individuals annually pursue their dreams at HBCUs throughout the United States. These institutions generate $16.5 billion in annual economic impact and support over 136,000 jobs, strengthening communities and the nation.' Related: 'Love Island' winner nabs role in HBCU series on Keke Palmer network Related: Marva Johnson officially named 13th president of Florida AM
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippians spend most out of paycheck on fast food: report
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A recent report reveals that fast food takes out a significant amount of money from Mississippians' wallets. The cost of food has risen greatly in recent years. At the grocery store, the bill is 25% higher compared to 2019. Over the past decade, fast food costs have risen by roughly 47%. Though some reports indicate that Mississippians may be buying less takeout, data from WalletHub reveals that fast food prices impact Mississippians the most. WalletHub classifies a fast food order as the typical cost of a burger, an 11 to 12-inch pizza and a fried chicken sandwich. That will cost the average Mississippian just under $22. Collectively, that is one of the lowest costs in the country. Due to Mississippi's lowest median income nationally, however, the financial impact hurts the state's residents more than any other. One meal is 0.47% of the median household income, according to WalletHub. If a family of three eats out once a week, that is over 5.6% of their monthly income spent on fast food, or nearly $250. The same purchases would be less than 3.5% of the median monthly household income of a Massachusetts family. Most Mississippians have fast food fatigue: report With costs anticipated to rise more in the future, the cost of food or eating out is likely not going back to pre-pandemic levels. However, WalletHub recommends that families implement the following to save money. Use coupons The easiest way to get coupons is by installing the fast food chain's app, but you may also be able to find other coupons online or in the mail. Budget wisely If treating yourself to fast food is something that you value, it is essential to know how to budget well. Avoid delivery Getting food delivered will make your food cost far more than it would if you picked it up yourself due to delivery costs, convenience fees and tips. Eat out less often Cooking for yourself may be a little more time-consuming, but it will probably be a lot cheaper. Join rewards programs Some fast food chains have rewards programs that will give you free food when you have spent a certain amount of money or made a certain number of orders. Employ moderation when ordering Since fast food meals are usually high-calorie to begin with, avoiding too many extras is also good for your health. The state has among the highest mortality rates nationally for heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, strokes and other health problems. To help fight the financial and health costs associated with these ailments, eating healthier food options from takeout or at home is worth considering. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Mississippi among states with highest gun sales: report
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A recent report revealed that Mississippi is a major home for firearm purchases. America is often synonymous with weapons. More than two in five households own at least one gun. data found that a similar dynamic exists in Mississippi; the website found that the state has the 10th highest rate of gun purchases. Last year, Mississippi sold 217,458 guns. Though that is a 4.3% decrease compared to 2023, sales for 2025 will likely be very similar. Between January through April, the state sold 70,344 guns. Many of those weapons are purchased for recreation. The state's national forests provide over a million acres of land available to the public for hunting. Common game includes white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon and waterfowl. However, other uses of firearms present dangers for many Mississippians. Jackson groups advocate for gun violence victims Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that Mississippi led the country in firearm deaths. June commemorates National Gun Violence Awareness Month. In 2023, the gun violence death rate in the state continued to exceed the national death rate, a trend observed for decades. Firearms are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Recognizing this, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) recommended that people implement the SMART method. Secure all guns at home and in vehicles Model responsible behavior around guns Ask about unsecured guns in other homes Recognize the role of guns in suicide Tell others about SMART For those new to or considering firearm ownership, the state offers handgun training courses at three sites throughout the state, including one location in Canton. For those interested, visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks (MDWFP) website. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
UMMC expands health care access with UMMC Madison
CANTON, Miss. (WJTV) – The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) acquired Merit Health Madison, which now operates as UMMC Madison. With 67 licensed beds, officials said the Canton-based hospital will expand UMMC's mission to deliver high-quality, accessible care to more Mississippians while providing additional training opportunities for future health care providers. Lyme-disease isn't the only tick-borne threat. Doctors warn these other diseases are spreading 'As Mississippi's only academic medical center, we must continue to be focused on our three-part mission to educate the next generation of health care providers, conduct impactful research and deliver accessible high-quality health care,' said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor of health affairs. 'Every decision we make is rooted in our mission.' The acquisition was finalized May 1. As the full owner, UMMC will integrate the facility more closely into its academic and health care system. UMMC Madison will continue to provide a wide range of community hospital services, including emergency services, medical-surgical care, ICU, pulmonology, pathology, cardiology, radiology, neurology, nephrology, general surgery and GI services. The hospital will operate as a community hospital. UMMC Madison will also become a training site for medical students, residents and fellows, who will have the opportunity to learn at a community hospital. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
