Latest news with #Mississippians'
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pinkins leaving MS Democratic Party, running as independent. What to know
Ty Pinkins, a Democrat who in recent years has run several political campaigns for both federal and statewide offices, has announced he is leaving his party and is now running as an independent for U.S. Senate in 2026. Pinkins told the Clarion Ledger on Monday his decision stemmed from disagreements with campaign finance raising between the Democratic Party and himself. "I refuse to operate in a system that prioritizes money over people," Pinkins said. "I was asked more about fundraising than about any values or anything about my vision as United States senator coming from Mississippi than anything else. It was all about money. I don't think that's leadership, it's gatekeeping, and that's why I'm running as an independent now, to stay accountable to the people and not the party." Pinkins also made note of being pushed to drop out of the race for another candidate, which he refused to do. "When I first entered this race, party officials didn't ask me about healthcare, veterans or education," he said. "They asked how much money I had. And when I refused to step aside for their handpicked, millionaire-backed candidate, they tried to buy me off — and then they threatened me." Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Cheikh Taylor did not respond to requests for comment by press time. Pinkins said he did not give the Democratic Party a prior warning to the announcement. In May, the Clarion Ledger reported Lowndes County District Attorney Scott Colom would likely run for U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde Smith. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, according to previous Clarion Ledger reporting, thinks Colom is the right man for the job. If Colom follows through, Pinkins would now avoid a primary with a well-respected candidate in the Democratic Party. Pinkins said that fact was not part of his decision to run as an independent in the Senate race. "I think that there's a problem with money in our politics, and I think both parties are compromised with the amount of money that's in politics, and the only way that we can get out of it is for independent candidates to step forward and tell them, 'I don't accept big corporate PAC money,'" Pinkins said. "'I don't accept money for billionaires,' so that voters can see that they have a candidate that's not lost in the big money machine." The 2026 senate race will be Pinkins' third campaign in under three years. In 2023, Pinkins had begun his first Senate campaign against incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, but at the Democratic Party's request, he changed gears and ran for Mississippi Secretary of State. He lost to incumbent and current office holder Michael Watson. In 2024, Pinkins picked back up the Senate campaign against Wicker but was unsuccessful in the November election. Because Pinkins is now an independent candidate, he will need 1,000 Mississippians' signatures to qualify for the race and also $1,000. Both will be needed to put his name on the state's ballot in 2026. Pinkins is also now the second high-ranking Democrat to leave the Mississippi Democratic Party. Shuwaski Young, a politician and former candidate for secretary of state from Philadelphia (Mississippi) left the party in October 2024. Pinkins would at this time be the only independent running for Mississippi's U.S. Senate seat in 2026, which also would leave Colom without a Democratic opponent in the 2026 primary. Hyde-Smith, who was first appointed to the U.S. Senate by former Gov. Phil Bryant, does at this time have one challenger in her party, Sarah Adlakha, a resident of Ocean Springs. Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature and state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@ or 972-571-2335. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ty Pinkins leaving Mississippi Democratic Party
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
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mississippians spend highest share of income on car loans: report
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Paying for a car is a huge financial burden for most, but a recent report reveals that Mississippians are most vulnerable to high car payments. Inflation has affected most Mississippians' lives, including the car market. According to credit bureau Experian, the average cost of a new car is $47,962, and the average price for used cars is $25,180. WalletHub indicates that the median auto loan debt in Mississippi is $20,816. On average, it makes up 44% of the average Mississippian's overall income. That is the highest total nationally. Since Mississippians have the lowest median income nationally, costs often have a larger impact on their wallets. For instance, residents have the second-highest automotive taxes on cars nationally. Mississippians, on average, also have the lowest credit score, the second-highest share of debt in proportion to median earnings and the fourth-highest credit card usage rate. Mississippi has second highest car tax in US: report For those in the market for a new car, WalletHub recommends these strategies to save money. Buy a used car Since used cars are less expensive than new cars, you will not need to take out as large a loan, and your down payment will go further. However, interest rates on used cars can be higher than those on new cars, so ensure that you will end up paying less in the long run before signing a loan. Make a larger down payment The more money you can put toward the car upfront, the less you will have to borrow, which means you will also pay less interest over the life of the loan. In addition, the larger your down payment is, the lower your interest rate will likely be. Get a shorter loan Paying your car loan off in two years will require much higher monthly payments than paying it off in five. However, you will also accrue far less interest, potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars. Practice good budgeting skills In preparation for buying a new car, strive to set aside money in your budget each month toward a down payment or future installment payments. It is also a good idea to build an emergency fund you can dip into if you suddenly need a new car or car repairs. Shop around Different car dealerships can have vastly different prices for cars. You should also consider a variety of different car models if you are not loyal to a particular brand. 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
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What are Mississippi's highest and lowest paying jobs?
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – For those looking for a job now or in the future, the potential salary is likely one of the most important factors. Mississippians have the second-highest portion of their money going to pay bills. The large financial impact on Mississippians' wallets is partially related to how much they are paid. The state's median household income is also the country's lowest. For many, efforts to make more money often start with looking at the job outlook and pay for different career paths. The median wage among the state's 1,149,950 workers is $37,500. Below is the list of the most common industries Mississippians are part of, according to data from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES). Occupations Total workers Median wage Office and Administrative Support 139,950 $35,580 Transportation and Material Moving 126,760 $36,260 Production 109,810 $38,410 Sales and Related 108,920 $28,250 Food Preparation and Serving Related 107,490 $22,370 Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 84,280 $62,470 Educational Instruction and Library 68,330 $48,090 Management 57,060 $80,930 Installation, Maintenance and Repair 56,780 $46,400 Business and Financial Operations 44,670 $60,530 Pay may also be influenced by the location you work, not just your job. The median annual salary for a Mississippi attorney is $80,540. This is the lowest median pay nationally. However, the annual median pay for Mississippi attorneys in the Memphis metro area was over $32,000 more than lawyers in Jackson. How to avoid job scams Though many of the positions above surpass the state's median household income, the state's top-paying positions usually pay six figures annually. Rank Occupation Median wage 1 Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $208,000 or more 2 Nurse Anesthetists $208,000 or more 3 Dentists, All Other Specialists $208,000 or more 4 Psychiatrists $200,100 5 Captains, Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels $160,550 6 Podiatrists $153,690 7 Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $140,870 8 Architectural and Engineering Managers $132,460 9 Pharmacists $130,390 10 Chief Executives $122,740 The above wages are not even close to what the typical Mississippian makes. The state's residents, on average, have the lowest credit score, the second-highest share of debt in proportion to median earnings and the fourth-highest credit card usage rate nationally. Though the state's lowest-paying jobs pay higher than minimum wage, this amount is still well below the state's median wage of $37,500. Below are the ten lowest-paying professions, according to MDES. Rank Occupation Median wage 1 Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $18,410 2 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $19,350 3 Waiters and Waitresses $20,330 4 Sewers, Hand $20,560 5 Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $21,170 6 Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge and Coffee Shop $21,370 7 Childcare Workers $21,400 8 Bartenders $21,500 9 Taxi Drivers $21,510 10 Fast Food and Counter Workers $21,610 The state's unemployment rate rose from 2.8% to 3.9% from March 2024 to March 2025. During the same period, the state's labor force participation rate increased from 54.7% to 56.1%. Whether you are employed or unemployed, state resources exist to help support Mississippians. For more information, click here. 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
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hurricane Katrina exhibit will open at Two Mississippi Museums
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A new exhibit – Hurricane Katrina: Mississippi Remembers, Photographs by Melody Golding – will open at the Two Mississippi Museums on March 8. According to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH), the exhibit opening is the first in a slate of programming marking the 20th anniversary of the storm. Brandon holds groundbreaking for new grocery store The exhibit tells the story of Mississippians' resilience in the aftermath of the catastrophic storm through photographs by Golding, a photographer, author, and artist from Vicksburg. The exhibit also features Hurricane Katrina-related artifacts from the MDAH collection. The free exhibit will be on display March 8 through November 7. 'At least 238 Mississippians died as Hurricane Katrina made its way through Mississippi 20 years ago, and it caused more than $125 billion in damage to the state,' said Michael Morris, director of the Two Mississippi Museums. 'This exhibit explores Hurricane Katrina through the lens of Mississippians. It allows us to reflect on the immediate and long-term effects of the storm, which is the most devastating natural disaster in Mississippi history.' HORNE, a Ridgeland-based professional services firm, is the title sponsor of the exhibit. 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.
