Latest news with #WJTV
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippi offers tax break on clothes, school supplies this weekend
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi shoppers can look forward to saving some money this weekend thanks to the state's Sales Tax Holiday. The Tax Free Weekend will take place July 11-13, 2025. According to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, sales tax will not be due on eligible clothing, footwear or school supplies if the sales price of a single item is less than $100. Tax Free Weekend: Mississippi's 2025 Sales Tax Holiday details 'This is a this is really good. And it was really needed, especially because moms and kids are trying to get school supplies and everything and getting ready for the school year. They need bookbags, school supplies, all kind of stuff,' said Madison Anderson, a shopper. If an eligible item was purchased during the Sales Tax Holiday and returned after the holiday for credit on the purchase of a different item, sales tax is applied to the sale of the newly purchased item. Click here for the list of eligible and non-eligible items. 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
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
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippi's state budget: The five largest items
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Following a contentious budget reconciliation process in the 2025 legislative session, a clearer picture emerged of what Mississippi financially prioritized. After the state finalized its annual budget in late May, Mississippi's Legislative Budget Office provided a financial breakdown in late June. It revealled a nearly 20% reduction in appropriations compared to the previous fiscal year. Those cuts made by the Mississippi Legislature surpassed $1.8 billion. Still, several elements of Mississippi's $7.8 billion budget make up large shares of overall spending. Below is the overview for the upcoming 2026 fiscal year, which began on Tuesday. Federal appropriations: $1.3 billion The state spends the most on K-12 education statewide; over 99.5% of allotted funding goes directly to those public schools. The rest goes to the state's educational television authority and the library commission. The former received a 20% cut in funding for this fiscal year. Federal appropriations: $6.4 billion The department managed by the governor's office has over 900 employees located throughout one central office, 30 regional offices and over 80 outstations statewide. Each state runs its own Medicaid program under federal guidelines and using both state and federal dollars. Federal appropriations: $99.5 million Over half of the Money that goes to IHL universities is for general support. Over 23% of those dollars for the upcoming school year will go to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Compared to the previous fiscal year, however, the state is investing over $95 million less into the state's universities. However, most of the revenue from IHL institutions comes from tuition. Mississippi 5th cheapest state to start a business: report Federal appropriations: $1.3 million According to Mississippi's budget office, medical services are the largest singular cost for MDOC over the new fiscal year. Those services will account for over $122 million worth of the department's funding. Roughly 16%, or $69 million, of MDOC's budget goes to private prisons that house the state's inmates. Federal appropriations: $0 Most of this agency's budget relates to paying outstanding bonds and interests on them. Among other things, the state treasury helps pay the state's bills on time and provides specialized financial support to Mississippi families. There are several programs that the federal government invests more in compared to the state. The federal government for fiscal year 2026 will invest $6.29 for every dollar Mississippi does in public health programs. For Medicaid, that figure is over $7.08. For all appropriations, the federal government will invest over $1.53 for every dollar the state legislature pours into its agencies. 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.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gospel legend 'Mama' Mosie Burks dies at 92 – Who was she?
Lead vocalist of Mississippi Mass Choir and gospel singing legend Mama Mosie Burks passed away at the age of 92. Reports said that Burks, one of the greatest voices of the gospel, passed away on July 7. She was loved and revered all over the world, specially but not only by regular visitors of the church. Who was Mama Mosie Burks? Mosie Burks was a beloved gospel singer and lead vocalist of the Mississippi Mass Choir. Fans and gospel lovers knew her affectionately as "Mama Mosie." She became famous for her powerful, joyful voice and deep faith in God, as per reports. Her role in the Mississippi Mass Choir She was the heart and soul of the Mississippi Mass Choir. Famous songs that feature her voice include: 'This Morning When I Rose', 'They Got the Word', 'I'm Not Tired Yet'. She was known for her electrifying performances and soul-stirring presence on and off stage, as per the report by WJTV. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo ALSO READ: Elon Musk says Trump 'Used Me' for poll boosts — feud heats up with explosive claim amid new America Party Worldwide influence Mama Mosie sang with the choir across the United States, South Africa, Japan, and Europe. One of her greatest honors was singing for Pope John Paul II at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, as stated by Hindustan Times. Live Events What people are saying Fans on social media called her a 'gospel pioneer' and said, 'If you didn't know Jesus after she finished singing, something was wrong with you.' Another fan reaction said, 'Her legacy will forever live on.''Rest in Power Mama Mosie Burks', as a fan on X. Early life and family struggles Born in Forest, Mississippi, to migrant-field worker parents. She was the third of 13 siblings. Her mother died when she was 21, and her father left the family. ALSO READ: Russia's elites in panic as Putin seizes empire of gold mogul Konstantin Strukov - private jet and passport seized She raised five younger siblings by herself. Worked as a maid and later at the telephone company to support her family, according to the reports. Personal life and children Had three children with her first husband, who died in 1984. Later married Willie Burks, and became a stepmother to seven children from her second and third husbands, as per Hindustan Times report. Mama Mosie Burks legacy and death She often sang about heaven and eternal life. The choir said, 'She sang about having a 'standing invitation' to Heaven… and early Monday morning, God called and she boarded her Heavenly flight', as stated by WJTV report. Her death is a big loss to gospel music, but her legacy will inspire generations. Funeral arrangements are not yet final. The Burks family and Mississippi Mass Choir ask for prayers during this time of reflection and remembrance, as per the reports. FAQs Q1. How did Mama Mosie Burks die? Her cause of death has not been publicly shared, but she passed away peacefully at age 92 on July 7, 2025. Q2. Who was Mama Mosie Burks in the Mississippi Mass Choir? She was the lead singer known for powerful gospel songs like 'When I Rose This Morning' and helped shape the choir's sound.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Mississippi State partners with Keesler to expand military education access
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi State University (MSU) signed an Educational Partnership Agreement with Keesler Air Force Base, paving the way for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Weather and Environment. Official said the partnership will provide Keesler Air Force members a streamlined pathway to complete a four-year degree. Approved by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning in May, the proposed BAS degree program will enable airmen to transfer technical training in weather-related fields directly for college credit, accelerating their progress toward a bachelor's degree. Mississippi State, Rome's Pontifical University Antonianum sign MOU 'This partnership reflects MSU's longstanding commitment to supporting our nation's military and enhancing educational access for service members,' said John Rodgers, geosciences professor and department head. 'By aligning the strengths of Keesler's training programs with MSU's academic resources, we are creating a meaningful opportunity for airmen to advance both their military and civilian careers.' Located in Biloxi, Keesler Air Force Base is home to the 81st Training Wing and serves as a key site for technical training in the U.S. Air Force, particularly in the meteorology, communications and electronics fields. 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.
