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Jackson, Mississippi, Receives $64 Million DOJ Grant to Modernize Police Operations and Combat Crime

Jackson, Mississippi, Receives $64 Million DOJ Grant to Modernize Police Operations and Combat Crime

Jackson, Mississippi, has been awarded nearly $64 million through a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiative grant, backed by President Trump, aimed at reducing crime. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on November 9 that $63,986,271 from the Model Cities Initiative Grant will be allocated to the City of Jackson and its Police Department over the next three years. These funds are designated to modernize public safety infrastructure, including building out the city's forensic laboratory, hiring more police officers, and expanding surveillance of violent crime, potentially utilizing artificial intelligence to track criminals. This grant is part of a broader DOJ competition launched in June 2026, which invited cities nationwide to submit comprehensive plans for improving public safety. The initiative adopts a 'whole-of-government' approach, integrating law enforcement, local government, and community partners to address specific public safety challenges.

Senator Roger Wicker Announces $100 Million Grant for Jackson Public Safety Initiatives

Senator Roger Wicker Announces $100 Million Grant for Jackson Public Safety Initiatives

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) has announced that the City of Jackson, Mississippi, will receive a $100 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Model Cities Initiative. This funding aims to enhance public safety and reduce crime in the capital city. Jackson was selected as one of only four American cities to participate in this initiative, largely due to its existing efforts in public safety, which saw a 16 percent reduction in total offenses and the lowest homicide rate in years during the previous year. The grant will support various initiatives, including hiring and retaining law enforcement officers, funding training programs, and implementing a holistic approach to public safety. This approach includes substance abuse and mental health treatment, interventions for at-risk youth, efforts to reduce repeat offending, and victim support services such as legal counsel and emergency housing. The entire Mississippi federal delegation supported Jackson's bid for this grant.

At a Jackson store, high prices show why Mississippi US Senate race is so close

At a Jackson store, high prices show why Mississippi US Senate race is so close

By Ed Ou JACKSON, Mississippi, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Maria Lopez sees the customers at the Mississippi grocery store she manages struggle to afford the basics. It's not much easier for her: she keeps the heater off in her car to save gas and even buying milk at her own store can be hard.

'Hit the ground running.' Democrats plan numerous investigations of Trump

'Hit the ground running.' Democrats plan numerous investigations of Trump

Democrats plan widespread congressional investigations of Trump on subjects including the Iran war, tariffs, immigration and pet construction projects

NAACP Urges Vigilance in Mississippi Senate Race Ballot Count Amid Intimidation Concerns

NAACP Urges Vigilance in Mississippi Senate Race Ballot Count Amid Intimidation Concerns

The NAACP, led by President and CEO Derrick Johnson and Mississippi NAACP Executive Director Charles Taylor, has called for election officials in Mississippi to complete the counting of every legally cast ballot in the U.S. Senate race between Scott Colom and Cindy Hyde-Smith without intimidation or interference. Despite Mississippi having some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country, the state experienced one of its highest voter turnouts. The NAACP is monitoring the process in all 82 counties to ensure the integrity of the count and to protect election workers. They have also sent a public letter to every County Election Commission, urging adherence to state law, public observation of counting and canvassing, and transparent reporting of affidavit and absentee ballot totals. The organization emphasizes that every vote, including valid affidavit ballots, must be counted.

Energy Transfer to Construct $1.6 Billion Natural Gas Pipeline in Southern U.S.

Energy Transfer to Construct $1.6 Billion Natural Gas Pipeline in Southern U.S.

Energy Transfer to Construct $1.6 Billion Natural Gas Pipeline in Southern U.S.

Entergy Corporation Seeks Manager for Customer Service Support in Jackson, Mississippi

Entergy Corporation Seeks Manager for Customer Service Support in Jackson, Mississippi

Entergy Corporation Seeks Manager for Customer Service Support in Jackson, Mississippi

Scott Colom and Black Mississippians stand on the cusp of Senate history as vote count stretches on

Scott Colom and Black Mississippians stand on the cusp of Senate history as vote count stretches on

Democrat Scott Colom hasn't won Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race, but the local prosecutor was welcomed as a historic figure as he strolled through the Jackson business district where civil rights leaders once organized

Former Hinds County District Attorney Sentenced to Over Three Years for Bribery Scheme

Former Hinds County District Attorney Sentenced to Over Three Years for Bribery Scheme

Jody Owens, the former District Attorney for Hinds County, Mississippi, has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for his involvement in a bribery scheme. U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan stated that Owens solicited $250,000 in bribes to manipulate city contract bids. Owens expressed shame in court, acknowledging that he betrayed his family, friends, colleagues, and himself through his actions. In addition to the prison sentence, Owens was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. This sentencing is part of a broader investigation that has also implicated other city officials. Former Jackson City Council President Aaron Banks received a nearly four-year prison sentence for his role, and former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba previously pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge related to the scheme, with his sentencing pending. Angelique Lee, former vice president of the Jackson City Council, and Sherik Marve Smith, a relative of Owens, also pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges in 2024.

Federal Railroad Administration Allocates $431.5 Million for Passenger Rail Crossing Safety Projects

Federal Railroad Administration Allocates $431.5 Million for Passenger Rail Crossing Safety Projects

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected 91 projects under the Railroad Crossing Elimination/Crossing Safety Program, with 23 of these projects, totaling $431.5 million, specifically designated to support passenger rail corridors. These funds are allocated for initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety of roads, sidewalks, and trails that intersect with railroad tracks. The investment is expected to bolster existing passenger rail services and facilitate crucial safety improvements and expansion efforts. One notable project is a $56.2 million grant awarded to the Rankin County Board of Supervisors and Waggoner Engineering. This grant will address the at-grade crossing at Highway 18 and the CPKC Meridian Speedway rail line, significantly improving safety near Mississippi's capital.

Senator Roger Wicker Announces $22 Million in Federal Grants for Mississippi Infrastructure and Safety Projects

Senator Roger Wicker Announces $22 Million in Federal Grants for Mississippi Infrastructure and Safety Projects

Senator Roger Wicker has announced that Mississippi will receive $22 million in federal grants from the Department of Transportation. These funds are allocated to several key projects across the state. George County Board of Supervisors will receive over $1 million to conduct a study on the potential grade separation or elimination of two railroad crossings, aiming to enhance safety and traffic flow. Additionally, the City of Biloxi has been awarded $600,000 to construct continuous sidewalks and implement pedestrian safety improvements along the south side of Pass Road. This work in Biloxi will span from McDonnell Avenue to an area west of Tara Lane, addressing critical pedestrian infrastructure needs. These grants are part of a broader federal initiative to improve transportation infrastructure and safety in communities nationwide, with Mississippi being a significant beneficiary in this round of funding.