Local journalism helps communities solve problems, but Heartland newsrooms are disappearing

Jackson bribery case defendants can plead at any time, despite judge’s deadline, law professor says

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and former Jackson City Council Member Aaron Banks declined to plead guilty by a federal judge’s Friday deadline on charges they face in an FBI operation that roiled Jackson officials in 2024. But a law professor says they are allowed to change their plea at any time.

US Supreme Court must answer key questions after its Callais redistricting decision

Is it OK to gerrymander to eliminate majority-Black districts after the Supreme Court's Callais redistricting decision?

Inside the fight against ‘zombie deer disease,’ scientists confront changing politics

A lab in Louisiana is a hub for chronic wasting disease research detection in deer. Outside, scientists face skepticism and backlash.

Louisiana Legislature approves redistricting plan to give Republicans another US House seat

Louisiana lawmakers have passed a new congressional map to pick up a Republican seat while leaving the state with one of its two majority-Black U.S. House districts.

Mississippi is raising the bar for student performance, and that’s  good for kids, national consultant says

Consultant: Mississippi has a law requiring student performance expectations to be raised once 75% reach proficiency or 65% of schools earn a “B” or higher.